13 Genius IKEA Kallax Hacks for Lots of Storage
Storage and organization ideas are commonly searched on Pinterest. We’re all looking for new, clever, and most of all, budget-friendly, options to organize everything from our kitchen to office to laundry room. IKEA is known for their simple, affordable furniture, but have you met the IKEA Kallax cube shelf? In my opinion, it’s the most versatile piece they sell.
The Kallax series comes in a variety of configuration options and sizes, with the smallest being a 2 x 2 cube size for $39.99 up to a huge 5×5 cube for $179. They can be mounted on the wall, stacked horizontally, stand vertically, and yes, they are even strong enough to sit on. The options are endless!
My first hack was the IKEA Billy bookcase hack we turned into built-ins for our TV using two IKEA shelves and two stock cabinets from Home Depot. We created the whole thing ourselves for around $300 and it was actually one of our favorite projects we did that made a huge impact in our living room! Never underestimate the power of IKEA 🙂
IKEA is great, but no one wants the plain, white boring shelf. Which is why I’ve rounded up 13 genius IKEA Kallax hacks for storage that are sure to keep you organized and give your home a dash of personality. With these Kallax hacks, your cube shelf will look anything but boring.
Best of all, they are totally customizable and fairly simple to make so you can create your own look that fits you and your style and home.
13 Genius IKEA Kallax Hacks for Lots of Storage
Reading Nook with Built-in Storage
This cute and cozy reading corner will soon become your kids’ favorite seat in the house! Plus the hidden storage is perfect for toys or unworn clothing. Another IKEA bonus – the book shelves on the wall pictured above the bench are actually IKEA spice racks!
Reading Nook with Built-In Storage Tutorial
Media Center Table
This thing holds a TON and you can use whatever wicker baskets or metal baskets you love for a different look. It would be great for storing electronics, gaming systems, games, chargers, batteries and other odds and ends that never had a spot in your home before.
Mid-Century Modern Table
I love this simple mid-century modern table with peg legs for an elevated yet easy look. Its smaller size is great for apartments or small entryways that don’t have room for a large bench or shelving.
Mid-Century Modern Table Tutorial
Wall-Mounted Shelves
We always think of the Kallax shelves as sitting on the floor, but they can be mounted on the wall too. This clever garage storage solution provides a great solution for tool organization, but you could also do a similar hack for laundry room wall shelves above a washer. They recommend using 265 lb toggle bolts to secure both units to the wall.
Ikea Garage Storage Solution Tutorial
Rustic Nightstand
A simple hack but enough to give it some personality. Wrap the Kallax with wood boards and you suddenly have a rustic nightstand DIY for under $20. Just nail 1×3 pine boards around the outside of your Kallax, stain them with with the same Minwax stain called Early American which is the perfect color that’s not too light, not too dark. Easy peasy!
Chic Console Table
I almost can’t believe this is an IKEA hack! It looks way more custom and expensive than it really is. All you need is the Kallax shelf, these door inserts, hardware, and door overlays. It looks so chic you would never guess toys are hiding behind the doors.
Ikea Kallax Chic Console Table Tutorial
Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are expensive, but not this one! I’m amazed at the creativity to turn a Kallax shelf into a functional island countertop. Top the shelf with some butcher block counters, add castor wheels to the bottom, and you have yourself a nice island.
Ikea Kallax Kitchen Island Tutorial
Craft Room Workbench
This is such a simple, affordable option for a customizable workstation under $160. Get the LINNMON table top and adjustable height legs, attach it to the Kallax shelf, and you’re set!
Ikea Hack: Craft Room Work Table Tutorial
Modern Credenza
Add some inexpensive table legs and add a couple drawers inserts and you have yourself a nice credenza tale that’s perfect for an entryway, dining room, or living room. It’s such an easy way to update the Kallax so it looks custom without spending a ton of money.
Wood Stained Side Table with Doors
This side table has a mid-century modern flair with stained doors made from pine wood doors that add a touch of warmth. Use whatever stain color you like on the doors for a different look. The creators actually hung a clothing rod in the shelf to hang garments and store shoes. Genius!
Side Table with Doors Tutorial
Wood Veneer TV Unit
This TV unit makes quite the impact! It uses 3 different sizes of the Kallax shelf and two 2’x8’ sheets of PSA backed walnut veneer to stick to the front of each drawer insert for a unique look.
DIY Dresser
I love the combination of drawer and door inserts from IKEA for a super functional dresser. Painting the legs white instead of staining them like we’ve seen in other tutorials gives the whole dresser a cute and feminine vibe.
Mirrored Glam Console Table
All of the shelves so far have been white, so a coat of black paint gives this a moody dramatic look! It ues long Estelle 480’ legs and mirrored overlays to add some drama. The overlays are made specifically for IKEA Kallax inserts so you peel off the backing and stick them on. No measuring required! You would never know this was an IKEA shelf before.
Mirrored Glam Console Tutorial
There you have it! A list of 13 clever IKEA Kallax hacks to dress up just about any room in your room. I hope you found some good ideas and maybe were inspired to create your own hack.
Just a quick tip, sometimes IKEA puts Kallax shelves on sale, so keep an eye out to save even more money!
