38 IKEA Kallax Hacks and Ideas
In this article, we’re not just going to talk about how to assemble a Kallax shelf—no, we’re diving into 38 creative IKEA Kallax hacks that will completely transform how you use these shelves.
From simple DIY additions to mind-blowing modifications, this is the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your Kallax.
1. Turn It Into a Bar Cart
Picture this: a modern, chic home bar, but you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a designer cart. The Kallax can be easily converted into a functional and stylish bar station.
You can add a glass top for a polished look, or install a sleek, dark wood veneer to add sophistication. Stack it with your favorite liquors, glassware, and cocktail accessories. Throw in a few stylish stools, and you’ve got the perfect setup for an intimate happy hour.
This DIY hack doesn’t just save you money; it transforms your living space into something you’ll love showing off to guests.
2. Create a Custom Media Console
If you’re looking to streamline your living room setup, the Kallax is perfect for turning into a media console. Remove the bottom shelf and replace it with a sliding door or fabric panels for a more polished aesthetic. Customize the storage bins or baskets for your DVDs, game consoles, and remotes. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a functional and stylish entertainment hub that keeps everything neatly organized and hidden away.
3. Add Some Industrial Vibes
For those who love the raw, unfinished look of industrial design, this one’s for you. Add metal brackets and wooden shelves to the Kallax to give it that authentic industrial feel. You can even add a distressed metal finish to the sides of the shelf to make it look like an old factory piece. Whether you put it in your living room or home office, it will add a rugged, yet contemporary touch to the room.
4. Build a Playful Kid’s Toy Storage Unit
Do you have a toddler or young kids at home? If so, you know how chaotic toy storage can be. Turn the Kallax into a playful and functional toy storage unit. Paint the cubbies in different bright colors or use patterned fabric for bins. You can even make it more engaging by attaching soft foam pads on the corners for safety. With this storage solution, your kids can easily organize and access their toys, and the room will look a lot more organized and colorful.
5. Create a Simple Home Office Desk
Transform your Kallax into a stylish and compact home office desk. By adding a large work surface on top of the shelf and installing a few drawer units beneath, you can create a minimalistic yet practical workspace. The Kallax’s clean lines and open shelving allow you to display books, office supplies, and plants, keeping everything within easy reach while maintaining an organized aesthetic.
6. Add Open-Top Storage for the Entryway
The entryway is one of the busiest spots in the house, and organizing shoes, bags, and keys can be a nightmare. The Kallax is ideal for this because it provides both open shelving and closed storage options. Add hooks for keys or hats on top and a few bins below for shoes. A quick coat of paint or some wall decals can help tie it into the rest of your entryway décor.
7. Turn It Into a Pet Bed Nook
If you’re a pet parent, you know how hard it can be to find stylish yet functional pet furniture. The Kallax can easily be turned into a pet bed nook for your dog or cat. Simply add a soft cushion in the bottom cubby, and use the remaining space for pet toys or treats. It’s a great way to keep your furry friend cozy while maintaining the sleek look of your space.
8. Use It as a Vertical Garden
For plant lovers, the Kallax can serve as the perfect base for a vertical garden. By installing a few shelves within the cubbies, you can create your own indoor garden with small potted plants. This is especially great for people with limited space, as the vertical design allows you to grow herbs, succulents, or decorative plants without taking up valuable floor space.
9. Add Wheels for Easy Mobility
If you’re someone who enjoys frequent rearranging or needs to move furniture around a lot, consider adding wheels to your Kallax. It’s a simple hack that lets you move the shelf around with ease, whether it’s to clean or to reorganize your space. It’s a small change, but it makes a huge difference in terms of functionality and flexibility.
10. Build a Bedside Table
Forget about expensive bedside tables—build one yourself with Kallax. A simple addition of a tabletop and a drawer or two can give you a functional bedside unit for a fraction of the cost. You can even add LED lights to give it a contemporary glow. Organize books, nighttime essentials, or extra throws in the cubbies for a clutter-free nightstand.
11. Turn It Into a Room Divider
Kallax shelves can double as a room divider in a studio apartment or large open space. The open shelves create a natural separation between areas, while still allowing light and airflow to pass through. You can place the divider strategically to separate a living area from a dining space, or even use it to create a private workspace in a shared room.
12. Add a Cushion for a Reading Nook
Do you love reading but need a cozy spot to do so? The Kallax can easily be converted into a comfy reading nook. Add a thick cushion on top, some soft blankets, and a couple of pillows, and you’ve got the perfect space to curl up with a good book. With the open shelves, you can also store your book collection within easy reach.
13. Create a Stylish Bathroom Storage Unit
Bathrooms often need extra storage, but you don’t want anything too bulky or unsightly. The Kallax works wonders in the bathroom. Add woven baskets or decorative bins to store toiletries, towels, and extra bathroom essentials. If you have a larger bathroom, you can even use it as a vanity by adding a countertop and organizing your bathroom accessories.
14. Use It as a Craft Station
For the creative types out there, the Kallax can easily become your craft station. Organize all your supplies in the cubbies and drawers, and create a dedicated workspace on top. Whether you’re into scrapbooking, painting, knitting, or other DIY crafts, the Kallax will help keep everything tidy while still being an inspiring place to create.
15. Store Books in Style
Bookshelves are a staple in every home, but they can often look cluttered. The Kallax, on the other hand, helps you store your book collection in an organized and visually pleasing way. You can arrange books vertically, horizontally, or mix it up with art pieces and décor. For extra style, paint the inside of the cubbies a bold color to add a pop of contrast.
16. Add Glass Doors for Elegance
For a more sophisticated look, add glass doors to the Kallax. This gives it a more refined and polished appearance, perfect for living rooms or dining areas. It’s a simple modification that can elevate the Kallax to look like a high-end storage unit, without breaking the bank.
17. Build a Laundry Hamper
One area that’s often ignored when it comes to home organization is the laundry room. Turn a Kallax into a laundry hamper station by adding fabric or wicker baskets into the cubbies. It keeps your dirty laundry hidden away in style. If you want to get really clever, use a lid or top shelf to store detergent, dryer sheets, and other laundry supplies.
18. Create a Toy Chest for the Living Room
You love your kids, but toys scattered around the house? Not so much. The Kallax can serve as a toy chest in the living room, giving your kids an easy place to store their toys. Choose bins that blend seamlessly with the room’s décor, so it doesn’t feel like a dedicated toy storage unit. Plus, you can always hide things in the bins when guests come over!
19. Use It as a Kitchen Island
Need some extra storage in the kitchen but don’t have room for a full island? Use the Kallax as a mini kitchen island. Add some casters for mobility, and install a butcher block or marble countertop for added functionality. You can store your kitchen essentials below while using the top for food prep or as a small breakfast bar.
20. Create a Jewelry Display
For those who love their accessories, turn the Kallax into a jewelry display. Instead of a messy drawer, use the cubbies to store your jewelry collection in an organized yet stylish manner. Add small trays or boxes for rings, necklaces, and earrings. For a fun touch, add a mirror above the unit to create a dedicated jewelry station.
21. Make It a Display Shelf
Want to showcase your prized collection of action figures, art, or vintage finds? The Kallax is perfect for that. Arrange your items in the cubbies in a visually pleasing way, and voilà—your collection has a home. The clean, minimalistic design of the Kallax lets your items shine, making it the perfect display piece for your treasures.
22. Build a Closet Organizer
Struggling with a disorganized closet? Turn a Kallax into a closet organizer for shoes, clothes, or accessories. Add a few bins or baskets to store scarves, hats, or purses, and even add hooks to the sides for belts or necklaces. It’s a simple and stylish solution that keeps everything within easy reach.
23. Use It in the Garage
The garage can easily become a dumping ground for all sorts of things, from tools to sports equipment. A Kallax unit can help you keep the chaos in check. Store tools, gardening supplies, or even seasonal décor in the cubbies, keeping everything organized and accessible.
24. Turn It Into a Bench
A Kallax can easily double as a functional bench. Add a comfy cushion on top, and you’ve got the perfect spot to sit and tie your shoes or put on your coat. For a more sophisticated look, upholster the top in a fabric that complements your existing décor.
25. Create a Shoe Rack
Tired of shoes cluttering up your closet? The Kallax can easily be turned into a stylish shoe rack.
Add a few short, open cubbies and use them to store shoes by type, color, or season. It’s a simple and affordable way to keep your shoe collection neatly organized and accessible.
26. Make It a Drawer Unit
If you’re looking for extra storage but don’t want to give up open shelving, turn your Kallax into a drawer unit.
Simply replace some of the open cubbies with drawers to create a more closed-off storage space. This is ideal for storing items you don’t want on display but still need to access easily.
27. Use It as a Display for Plants
Are you a plant parent? Show off your beloved greenery by turning your Kallax into a plant display shelf. Use the cubbies to display small pots, or hang plants from the sides. You can also add string lights for a bit of whimsy. It’s the perfect way to bring a fresh, natural vibe into your home.
28. Add Hidden Storage for the Bathroom
Need extra storage in the bathroom but want to keep it sleek and hidden? The Kallax is a great option. Install secret compartments behind the doors or on the side to keep cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, and even bath towels tucked away but still easily accessible.
The beauty of the IKEA Kallax lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a little imagination and some DIY effort, you can transform this simple shelving unit into nearly anything you need in your home.
So, whether you’re looking to add function, style, or a little bit of both, these 28 hacks will ensure your Kallax becomes an integral part of your living space for years to come. Happy hacking!
