If you’re searching for the best Ikea Kallax hacks and creative ideas, you’re in the right place!
The Ikea Kallax series has been a go-to for years thanks to its adaptability and straightforward design. Previously known as the Expedit, its core concept remains the same: a blank slate perfect for customization. Whether you currently own a Kallax or have had one in the past, these inventive hacks will inspire you to transform it into something truly eye-catching.
We’ve updated this article for 2026 with some of the most exciting new ideas, and the creativity just keeps getting better!
The beauty of the Kallax is how easily it can be repurposed into all sorts of furniture with minimal effort. Think entryway benches, bedroom dressers, or even cozy window seats—the possibilities are endless!
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Curated Ikea Kallax Hack Ideas:
Many of these hacks come with step-by-step guides from the amazing creators, plus we’ve included plenty of tips, tricks, and recommendations for sourcing materials so you can recreate these looks with ease.
Sleek Black Storage Island With Wine Display
Transforming a simple Ikea Kallax into a kitchen island with an open wine display adds instant charm and function. This clever build by @kerstinredning pairs a classic black Kallax base with a clean white countertop, standing out beautifully against the light wood floor.
The hack uses the Kallax’s cubbies not just for storage but as a mini bar, showcasing bottles, baskets, and glassware with ease. The sturdy white trim and countertop top it off, creating a balanced contrast that feels modern yet cozy in a white kitchen space.
It’s a stylish, practical upgrade that invites you to personalize storage with your favorite kitchen essentials.
Creative Archway Cutouts Transform Kallax Storage
This cool Kallax makeover by @guippdecor turns plain cubes into charming arched nooks. The curves soften the boxy look and add a playful, architectural vibe that’s hard to ignore.
Each cubby is cut with smooth arches, revealing darker backing that contrasts beautifully with the clean white frame. This trick highlights each shelf’s contents, from artful figurines to tidy stacks of books, making each compartment feel like a mini gallery.
The hack’s subtle color play and rounded shapes make this Kallax piece more than just storage, it becomes a statement of style and personality.
Bold Floral Makeover For Kallax Storage Units
This rich floral pattern completely transforms the humble Kallax into a statement piece that holds your TV and more. The deep navy base is a surprising backdrop for the whimsical flowers, making the whole thing pop beautifully thanks to @athomewiththechants.
What’s clever here is the mix of texture and color; the doors are painted a solid navy, while the top and sides flaunt the bold print. The addition of new knobs adds a touch of charm and personality, showing how simple tweaks can elevate standard shelving into something unique and artsy.
This idea works especially well in cozy living rooms where a pop of floral flair makes a big impact.
Mid Century Modern Kallax With Woven Basket Charm
This clever twist on the usual shelving unit brings a fresh vibe to any room, highlighting the mix of practical storage and style. @shiftabrick nails it with the deep teal paint paired with natural rattan baskets for an inviting feel.
The fun part is the raised wooden legs that give it a mid century lift, making the whole look lighter and less boxy. These baskets add warmth and texture while keeping clutter neatly tucked away, showing how simple materials can transform the usual beige box.
You can easily swap colors or basket styles to suit your space while keeping that cool vintage-modern mix.
Rolling White Kallax Kitchen Island Hack
This rolling kitchen island hack by @_craftydust uses the classic white Ikea Kallax as its base. The addition of a warm wood countertop instantly transforms the clean white cubes into a functional and stylish prep station.
Equipped with wheels, this hack moves easily for flexible kitchen layouts, making it delightfully practical. The open shelving is perfect for storing baskets, bowls, and everyday kitchen essentials, showing off a neat yet lived-in vibe.
Natural light floods this setup, enhancing the cozy, minimalist charm created with simple materials and clever design.
Elegant Textured Drawer Fronts For Kallax Storage
What stands out about this clever storage solution from @kate.at.number8 is the way she transformed simple Kallax drawers with sleek, ribbed white fronts. These panels add a modern, tactile vibe that’s anything but ordinary.
The brass handles bring a subtle warmth, contrasting beautifully with the crisp white texture. Plus, the mix of open and closed compartments lets you show off books and decor while hiding everyday clutter. This setup is flexible, so you can swap drawer fronts or handles to make it your own.
This elegant twist on Kallax shelving proves storage can be as stylish as it is practical.
Cozy Seating With Smart Storage For Playrooms
This delightful corner setup from @playroominspo shows how to turn simple shelving into a comfy bench with clever storage. The white shelves get a fresh twist by adding a soft gray cushion and colorful pillows in playful shapes like stars and rainbows.
Underneath, natural wicker baskets slide neatly into cubbies, making cleanup feel less like a chore and more like a game. The light blue wall paint and minimal wall art add a soothing vibe, proving that function and style can hang out happily together. This hack features a blend of practical organization and kid-friendly charm.
It’s a great way to keep toys accessible without sacrificing a cozy spot to sit.
Cozy Storage Bench With Natural Woven Baskets
This bedroom setup showcases a simple yet clever way to turn Ikea Kallax shelves into a comfy storage bench. The hack by @counterproductivehome pairs the white frame with natural woven baskets that add warm texture and keep clutter out of sight.
The fluffy white faux fur draped on top softens the look and makes it inviting to sit on, blending function with cozy style. This approach lets you customize with different basket patterns or cushions to match any room vibe or color scheme.
It’s a relaxed, tactile way to upgrade storage without losing that fresh, minimalist feel.
Cozy Pom Pom Touches On Ikea Kallax Storage
This Ikea Kallax makeover by @laur.ove brings a warm, playful vibe with its fluffy pom pom handles. It’s amazing how something so simple adds charm and personality to a standard white Kallax unit.
The mix of natural wicker baskets and clean white drawers keeps things fresh and organized in any kid’s room or cozy nook. The pom poms come in soft neutrals, cream, rust, and brown, perfect for a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the space. @laur.ove nailed the balance between function and whimsy.
This hack is easy to personalize, letting you swap colors or textures to fit your style.
Curved Cutouts Add Unique Flair To Storage
Instead of the usual square cubbies, this clever rework by @insight.bohogarden transforms ordinary shelving with soft, rounded cutouts that make this piece feel warm and inviting. The off-white finish keeps it neutral while spotlighting each compartment’s function.
Some sections serve as cozy tunnels for wine bottles, while others accommodate wooden drawers adding texture and extra storage. The angled legs lift it off the floor, creating a light, airy visual that’s anything but typical for this style. Ambient lighting tucked in the niches enhances the welcoming vibe.
This design proves you can personalize simple units into charming, functional art.
Creative Loft Bed With Smart Storage Below
This clever design by @playfulrooms transforms Ikea shelving into a charming loft bed. The hack uses Kallax units as the base, painted in soft teal and dusty rose for a cozy vibe.
The addition of scalloped trim and a wooden railing adds a whimsical touch that feels both playful and practical. The custom stairs with carpet treads provide safe access while doubling as hidden storage, proving style and function can happily coexist.
This project highlights how simple tweaks can elevate basic furniture into a unique centerpiece for any child’s room.
Chic Kitchen Island Storage With Woven Basket Inserts
This kitchen island makeover puts a fresh spin on ikea kallax hacks by swapping standard shelves with woven baskets for a textured, rustic vibe. The clean white frame perfectly balances the natural tones of the baskets, giving it a cozy yet modern feel thanks to @ourlittleneutralnest.
Adding a sturdy white countertop turns this into a functional island, perfect for quick meals or extra prep space. The baskets slide out for easy access, making this hack both stylish and practical. @ourlittleneutralnest shows how mixing textures and neutral colors gives this ikea kallax hack a lovely, lived-in charm.
This setup invites you to customize with different basket sizes or colors to suit your kitchen’s personality.
Elegant Slatted Doors Transform Kallax Storage
Who said a simple Kallax can’t be a style statement? This stunning upgrade by @familyrenov8 swaps out open shelves for chic slatted doors in a soft blush tone, adding just the right amount of texture and warmth.
The hack also includes wooden legs that lift the unit, giving it a mid-century modern vibe. The slats create an appealing shadow effect and cleverly hide clutter while still keeping a light, airy feel to the piece.
This design invites you to experiment with color and finish variations to fit any room vibe perfectly.
Bold Floral Doors Bring Kallax To Life
The cabinet in this space is a real eye-catcher thanks to its bright, bold floral design. Created by @hilaryscolourfulhome, this idea turns a simple Kallax unit into a colorful centerpiece.
The vibrant flower print is painted right onto the doors, giving the piece a custom, artsy feel. The deep blue frame contrasts perfectly with the pinks and reds, showing how a few clever tweaks can completely transform an Ikea staple.
This playful approach invites you to experiment with patterns and colors on your own Kallax storage.
Bold Curved Arch Accents Transform Kallax Shelves
There’s something striking about the curved arch cutouts framing these Kallax shelves, a clever twist that really breathes life into the classic grid design. This deep dark teal finish sets a rich, moody tone that feels both modern and timeless, brought to life by @myrevampreveal.
The addition of subtle lighting inside the niches creates a cozy glow that highlights treasured items like vintage books and potted plants. The layout balances open display with practical storage via woven baskets, making it a versatile centerpiece for any living space. @myrevampreveal also plays with texture and shape to keep the eye moving across the shelves.
It’s an inspiring reminder that a few thoughtful tweaks can elevate everyday furniture into something uniquely stylish.
Creative Storage Bed Using Kallax Cubes
Turning a classic Ikea Kallax into a multifunctional bed frame is a genius way to maximize small spaces, and @amymarieathome nails it with this setup. The white cubes not only provide sturdy support but also double as storage compartments perfect for games, books, and gadgets.
Adding a playful touch with the gaming-themed bedding and plush toys creates a cozy vibe that fits a gamer’s haven. This hack cleverly uses existing Kallax shelves with no heavy modifications, making it adaptable to any bedroom style. You could swap out the bedding or toys for an easy refresh down the line.
The combination of smart storage and personal flair makes this Kallax bed combo a standout design.
Chic Green Built In Seating With Vintage Vibes
This clever built in seating idea turns a simple storage unit into a cozy nook, perfect for any sunny corner. The soft sage green paint and ribbed glass doors add a charming vintage touch, courtesy of @its.melissa.ritchie.
The hack mixes classic and modern with brass cabinet knobs that catch the light. It’s a smart way to use space while creating a serene spot surrounded by plants and quirky crochet cushions. @its.melissa.ritchie shows how a fresh coat of paint and some clever tweaks can make all the difference.
Try this look by customizing the colors or glass style for your own unique corner sanctuary.
Chic Black Lattice Doors Transform Ikea Kallax
This Ikea Kallax has been styled with sleek black lattice doors, turning a basic unit into an elegant storage piece. The design by @_thejosephcompany adds a striking graphic element while keeping it functional.
The upper doors feature a crisscross lattice pattern, contrasted by solid black storage bins below for a bold look. Using monochrome black on white creates a modern yet cozy feel, customizable with different door textures or colors.
This style perfectly blends decorative flair with everyday practicality for an inviting space makeover.
Charming Hidden Storage With Checkered Curtain Flair
There’s something wonderfully cozy about this storage nook, crafted from an old shelving unit turned pantry space by @fallowgrey. The deep olive green framing contrasts beautifully with the rich plum backdrop, making the jars and books pop in a way that feels both rustic and refined.
The clever use of a red and white gingham curtain hides clutter while adding a hint of farmhouse charm, an unexpected but delightful twist in this design. This hack features painted wood paneling and brass accents that add a touch of vintage elegance, all perfect for anyone wanting to inject personality into their kitchen or pantry area.
The mix of colors and textures here inspires you to rethink storage as a stylish, inviting corner rather than just a utility space.
Chic Textured Doors Transform Kallax Storage
The way this Kallax gets a glow-up is seriously clever. @casa.la.foret took the usual shelves and added airy woven doors that instantly soften the look. It’s like your classic Kallax but with a breezy, handcrafted vibe.
The natural wood top is a perfect match, adding warmth and an organic touch to the crisp white frame. The mix of golden sequin bins and minimalist white boxes inside keeps things fun but balanced. @casa.la.foret nailed the combo of texture and shine here.
This setup works beautifully in cozy corners, lending both style and clever storage solutions.
Chevron Patterned Doors for a Bold Statement
This vibrant Kallax hack from WallvyDecal on Etsy turns a standard unit into an artistic centerpiece. The colorful chevron-patterned door decals instantly add personality and a playful touch, while the wood textures keep it grounded and warm.
The symmetrical design is both eye-catching and balanced, making it a great fit for a living room, bedroom, or even a hallway. The mix of natural tones and bold pops of color ensures it can work with a variety of decor styles, from boho to modern.
This hack is a perfect example of how simple additions like decals can completely transform a piece of furniture. It’s stylish, easy to achieve, and a great way to add some color to your decor.
Chic Cane Detail for a Kallax
This Kallax hack from I Do It Myself adds serious style with a cane webbing door, giving the piece a custom, boho-inspired vibe. The curved cutout is a soft and unexpected twist that transforms the straightforward lines of the original unit.
Placing it in a bathroom is a clever choice, blending practical storage with an elevated, spa-like feel. The neutral tones of the cabinet harmonize perfectly with the greenery and natural wood accents nearby.
The overall result feels light, airy, and on-trend, proving that the Kallax can fit into even the most design-forward spaces. I love Céline’s site, she makes some beautiful pieces!
Modern Pastel Ikea Kallax Hack
This beautiful Ikea Kallax Hack from Haus Matter is so simple, but so effective. We love how it has been wonderfully integrated with the colour scheme of the room so as not to stand out too much.
The addition of the semi-circular handles really makes this hack work so well, mostly through their simplicity!
And those tiny, but appreciated rosette details on the corners.. did you see them?
Find more ideas that show why the Kallax is an ideal piece for toy storage.
Stunning Elegant Kallax Update
Yep, there’s a Kallax in there somewhere! This is an incredible makeover from Kristy at Designing Parkside.
They have chosen a fantastic colour to contrast the pink in the background and then embellished it with lots of brass fittings and decorations. I love the elegant brass corner legs that raise the sideboard off the floor with minimal effort!
The sunrise pattern on the door fronts are utterly sensational on this piece. She has cleverly spray painted some thin wooden dowels before gluing into position!
Dark Fluted Kallax Sideboard
We love the dark style of this hack from Rebecca Shepherd on Real Homes. This modern Kallax hack takes on a high-end vibe with its matte black finish, ribbed paneling, and chic gold accents. The slim, tapered legs lift the piece off the floor, giving it a light and sophisticated presence.
The fluting on the door adds depth and texture, while the minimal brass hardware keeps it looking streamlined. It’s perfectly styled as a TV stand or sideboard, blending practicality and elegance effortlessly.
Ideal for contemporary or Scandinavian interiors, this hack shows how bold color and subtle detailing can elevate an Ikea classic into a statement piece.
Perfect Slatted Wooden Boxes For Kallax
These lovely wooden boxes are the perfect accompaniment to the Kallax unit. If you can’t find the Kallax boxes you want at Ikea, you can always find alternatives in other places.
They completely change the look of the Kallax unit, along with the use of little wooden legs to raise it up.
Rustic Farmhouse Storage with Sliding Door
This Kallax hack from @do.it.yourself.mum is all about rustic charm with its earthy green finish, mini barn door hardware, and woven basket drawers. The sliding door not only adds visual interest but also cleverly hides clutter, keeping everything organized yet out of sight.
The baskets offer texture and warmth, while the styling with greenery and colorful artwork above injects personality into the space. This look bridges farmhouse vibes with modern practicality.
It’s perfect for anyone wanting functional storage with a cozy, lived-in feel. Bonus points for how seamlessly it fits into the decor of the room!
Colourful Kids Room Storage
For something a bit more colourful, this cute paint job to a Kallax unit by Anika’s DIY Life turns the plain Kallax into something visually exciting!
We also love how they have added shelves and dividers in a really neat and repeatable way.
For loads of great Kallax craft room ideas, have a look here.
Gorgeous Glamorous Sideboard Hack
Lux Hax offer a huge range of creative panels that you can add to almost any piece of Ikea furniture. This great Kallax hack uses a gold mirrored effect panel from the Lux Hax range added to the Kallax insert doors to create an impressive, ornate console table. They have also added long, tapered, capped legs to enhance the look.
The addition of some oriental blue and white china seems the perfect fit!
Be honest, you wouldn’t believe this started out as an Ikea Kallax if you saw this is a hallway would you?
Rustic Storage Box Hack
We adore this rustic storage hack from Handy Harry on Welke.nl. He has used reclaimed timber boards to create storage crates for each of the Kallax compartments. The wood gives a lovely natural feel to the otherwise white room and it’s great the way two Kallax units have been used to give a really long sideboard.
The mix of wood and white furniture is a classic look that always works well in any situation.
Ikea Kallax Window Seat
This is an absolutely stunning Ikea KALLAX window seat hack from The Heart and Haven. The upholstered bench cushion is gorgeously simple and is made by Tonic Living. We couldn’t find the leather baskets they have used in the compartments, but a great resource for alternative KALLAX baskets is our post on Ikea Kallax inserts. You can also find a few on Etsy.
This hack goes to show how much of a transformation is possible with the Ikea KALLAX. It fits in beautifully with the high-end finish to the rest of the room and accessories.
Minimalist Sideboard with Ribbed Doors
This sleek Kallax hack from @diybydeebs gives major designer energy with its wood slat panel door fronts, neutral beige tone, and matte black hardware. The slim legs lift the unit off the ground, giving it a light, airy feel that works well in modern or Scandi-inspired spaces.
The styling on top is minimal but effective, with plants and books adding just enough warmth without overcomplicating the design. This piece would work beautifully in a dining room, entryway, or even as a media console.
The ribbed texture on the doors is a standout feature, proving that texture can make a simple piece feel luxurious and bespoke.
Wine Lovers Ideal Wine Rack Hack
Any piece of furniture dedicated to wine is always going to go down well in our household! This great wine rack from New Swedish Design on Etsy is a great Kallax hack that uses their own wine rack inserts specially made for the Kallax. They are available in white or black.
You could fill a whole 4 x 4 Kallax unit with these and have enough room for 144 bottles of wine. Now there’s a challenge!
Alternatively, you could alternate between wine rack and open shelf for some beautiful accessories or cocktail shakers and glasses.
Ikea Kallax Handbag Display
If you are a handbag-a-holic like Catrin then you’re probably going to love this Ikea Kallax display cabinet hack that uses wardrobe lights, such as these (UK and for my US friends) to highlight your prized possessions.
For a masculine version, perhaps the same hack could be used for displaying power tools!?
Ikea Kallax Mid Century Vinyl Storage Hack
It turns out vinyl records fit perfectly in a Kallax unit…could this be the reason it was designed perhaps?!!? This stylish mid-century modern hack from lehippo_ on Instagram makes great use of this fact to house vinyl, speakers and a turntable on top. There’s still room for an era-appropriate bowl too!
The look is completed by six tapered mid-century style legs.
Rustic Console with Sliding Barn Door
This stunning Kallax hack by @do.it.yourself.mum transforms a basic unit into a rustic console packed with farmhouse charm. The deep green paint paired with the stained wooden top creates a rich, inviting aesthetic that adds warmth and character to any space.
The sliding barn door hardware is the star of the show, offering both style and practicality. It conceals part of the shelving while leaving room for open storage, perfect for showcasing books, decor, or everyday items. The addition of drawers makes it even more functional, blending storage and design seamlessly.
This beautifully styled piece would work in an entryway, living room, or home office, bringing a cozy, handcrafted feel wherever it goes. It’s a perfect example of how the Kallax can be elevated into a designer-worthy focal point.
Toy Storage Hack
It’s always hard to keep control of the ‘toy situation’ in any house, but this clever Ikea Kallax hack from Ikeahackers gives a great solution for somewhere to tidy them away before settling down for a story. The top has been covered in upholstery foam and a sheepskin rug to create a comfy seating area. They have even used Ikea spice racks to create bookshelves!
The cushions are rather lovely too, check these even cuter alternatives on Etsy.
Check out our huge post on Ikea kids hacks for lots more ideas for children’s furniture, storage and accessories.
Double Height Shelving Hack
This amazing Kallax hack from Apartment Therapy takes the Kallax to new heights, literally! The units have been painted a deep blue along with the drawer and door inserts, but the main attraction is the fact they are stacked on top of each other to give an imposing shelving system upon which stunning pieces of artwork, accessories and photos can be displayed.
Of course, you do need the height to be able to accommodate this, but if you do this would be a stunning statement piece. I don’t think anything other than the huge banana plant next to it would do it justice!
Kallax Rustic Cabinet
Homemade Lovely has come up with a gorgeous Kallax hack with this rustic cabinet. The compartments have distressed wooden doors fitted on standard butt hinges, which give them a more authentic look. We love the distressing, done by utilising an assortment of tools to just bash away at the doors.
The way they have carefully thought through the creation of this piece of furniture makes it sit well as a rustic industrial style within what is essentially a french country style room. Very clever!
Modern Side Tables with a Hint of Glam
Who knew Kallax could make such elegant bedside or living room tables? Once again, @do.it.yourself.mum did!
These painted units feature sleek teal tones, petite wooden legs, and glam gold hardware that elevate them into sophisticated pieces.
The simple addition of feet completely changes the proportions, making the tables look more high-end. The clean, minimalist styling on top keeps them versatile for any setting.
These compact yet chic tables are proof that even small adjustments can transform IKEA staples into design-forward furniture.
Kallax Room Divider Hack
Another great way to use the Ikea Kallax. This room divider hack from Ikeahackers combines two different sizes of Kallax units with custom built frames underneath and between them. It’s always a good piece of design to combine room dividers with storage and the use of the Kallax for this purpose is perfect.
I don’t think there are many better looks in interior design than a white shelf with an assortment of books on it… maybe that’s just me!?
Rolling Media Unit Hack
To prove my point, here is another white shelf with books! This one sits perfectly in the highly styled room by mercedes.dozci on Instagram. This hack consists of attaching castors to the base of two different sizes of Kallax. That’s it! But it looks stunning in the setting because the accessories around it become the star. You don’t necessarily need an expensive piece of furniture when you can style a room like this!
They have the ubiquitous fiddle leaf fig taking pride of place as well as a rather eclectic collection of pictures, artwork and cacti. Also a lovely Friesian cowhide rug!
Ikea Kallax Rabbit Hutch Hack
Going a bit more left-field with this rabbit hutch KALLAX hack from Ikeahackers. It really is a genius use of the KALLAX and the separate compartments give the bunnies a lot of areas to explore. It certainly makes for a better looking hutch than the standard brown, treated plywood hutches you usually see!
It’s important to line the inside of the hutch with a thin ply so that if the rabbits chew on it then it is much safer than the laminate of the Kallax unit.
Kallax Mid Century Sideboard Hack
Another mid-century modern vinyl record storage hack, this one from toujourspaloma on Instagram. This time the creator has used doors on the middle two compartments to give more of a standard sideboard look, or perhaps they didn’t have enough records?
It is amazing how the addition of tapered legs, as with the previous example, can make such a difference to what is quite a basic piece of furniture in the Kallax. They have really made a vinyl shrine of this area with the display shelves above the sideboard. I really like this one!
Moody Bookshelf with Arched Details
This Kallax hack from @handmadehome_durham embraces drama with a dark blue finish and elegant arches, creating a library-like vibe. The built-in lighting and curated shelves add a cozy ambiance, perfect for displaying books, plants, and collectibles.
The symmetry of the design paired with the intentional styling, like stacked books and vintage touches, gives it a designer look. Even the warm glow from the candles enhances the overall cozy, inviting atmosphere.
It’s an ideal way to turn simple shelving into a true statement wall that adds sophistication and depth to a room.
Sideboard with Wood Surround
Some of these Ika Kallax hacks are fairly simple in concept, but completely transform the unit into something special. This example from Young House Love is no exception, with a wooden surround all the way around the Kallax unit giving it a completely different vibe.
This look was achieved by edge-jointing pine boards and staining them a dark walnut colour before attaching to the unit. It’s the age-old trick of adding in a bit of wood to create a bit of added interest to the piece and it really worked here.
For that gorgeous wooden cactus baby toy, look no further than amazon!
Mid Century Side Table Hack
Once again, just the addition of some wood, this time in the form of handmade legs, gives a stunning transformation. This side table hack from Hawthorne and Main has simply been given some stylish legs and some awesome accessories to make a statement in any room.
The legs have been made (albeit with a good quality Dewalt mitre saw!) from simple pine timber cut at angles to create the mid-century style base legs you can see above.
The styling with plants, accessories and rug are the added bonus that really make the look work well, but the simplicity of both the Kallax and the hack allow the accessories to shine.
Kallax Long Sideboard Hack
The colour combinations in this Ikea Kallax hack from Honeybear Lane are excellent and bang on trend. The grey/blue colour used to paint the Kallax units works perfectly with the browns of the rattan basket inserts, the wood worktop surface and the cardboard boxes. What is clever is they have only used the horizontal elements of the two Kallax units on either side of the main central one, which gives them wider shelves and a bit of variation in shadow space.
Adding the wood work surface on top and the baseboards at the bottom brings the whole piece together as one unit. It is a really long unit which gives it a lot of presence in the room. It also adds so much storge, but done in such a stylish way. I really like this hack for it’s well-thought-out design.
Ikea Kallax Lighting Hack
The creators of this Ikea Kallax hack at Ikeahackers have really put a lot of effort into making a dramatic visual piece of furniture. They have used cabinet lights, like these, across the top of each compartment to highlight them. The clever part s that they have painted the outside of the unit a darker colour to make the lighted white interior stand out even more!
This would be a great hack to use if you have some amazing pieces of artwork to display, or even an amazing sneaker collection to display. What would you put in in this display unit!?
Stunning Leather Cubby Bookcase Hack
Another Kallax hack with the grey/brown combination that works so well, this one from The Decorista. Here the Kallax unit has been painted the same colour as the surrounding decor to help it blend in a bit. This is a good trick for smaller spaces to help prevent a big piece of furniture like this to not stand out too much.
The ‘Dompen’ dried coconut palm leaf boxes don’t seem to be available anymore, but check out our post on Ikea Kallax Inserts for other ideas.
Clever Kallax Kitchen Island Hack
This is an imaginative use of the Kallax from Jen Lou Meredith as a kitchen island. It is simply a Kallax unit with a wooden work surface added to the top and castors on the bottom but it adds really useful workspace if you are struggling in that department in your kitchen. As it is on wheels, it can be moved to the side when you don’t need it.
The compartments underneath give much-needed added storage (following the law of never enough kitchen storage!).
Ikea Kallax Industrial Shelf Hack
We love this fun Kallax hack that would look great in a boys room. Grillo Design have taken a Kallax 2×2 unit and added upholstery nails to create the rivet effect around the outside edge. They then simply painted the outside in a grey, the inside in orange and used a product called silver leaf wax that gives the metallic effect you can see in the finished hack.
It’s a great way to create something with a metallic look for a piece of furniture that could fit into an industrial decor scheme.
Wall of Shelving Ikea Kallax Hacks
We had the tall Kallax shelving unit with one stacked on top of another, then we had the room divider hack with a small Kallax unit stacked on top of a larger one, now feast your eyes on the bank of Kallax units! This offering from freundevonfreunden isn’t so much a hack as a large collection of Kallax units!
Of course, this only works in certain (large) spaces, but shows you the kind of dramatic effect you can create when you just oversize something. You could do this with 4×4 units and 2×4 units if you don’t have as much ceiling height. We think a sliding library style ladder would be a great addition to this shelving!
The use of so many units makes whatever you put in the compartments become integral elements in your decor scheme. Mundane items such as filing boxes become decorative at this scale, especially if you organise them with this in mind.
Mid Century Bar Hack
You might notice a few drink related Kallax hacks in this post, it’s not a reflection of our lifestyle…honestly! This mid-century bar sideboard from Dash of Jazz is a really cool modern take on an Ercol unit. They have used standard Ikea drawer and door inserts with a wood grain contact paper covering to create the same look as an Ercol piece.
The versatility of the Kallax unit allows you to create exactly the drinks cabinet you want in terms of drawers, cupboards, open compartments. You could even add the wine rack insert from earlier.
The pineapple ice bucket is essential by the way!
Ikea Kallax Elegant Bench Hack
This is a particularly pretty Ikea Kallax hack from Craft Box Girls with beautiful square turned legs (set on the diagonal to give an added bit of interest to the look) and floral patterns on the insert boxes and seat padding. This creation would be perfect for a hallway and even provides storage for shoes after you’ve sat down to take them off.
The upholstered seat is really quite simple to achieve with upholstery foam, fabric and a staple gun. The extra set of legs in the middle is actually necessary to take the extra weight of a person sitting on the bench.
Kallax Dresser Hack
This hack from Remodelaholic would also look great as a hallway dresser if you have room for it. It is a very simple Kallax hack, just adding a frame for the unit to be raised up slightly on and then a baseboard all the way around. That may be simple, but it completely transforms the Kallax into something much more sophisticated.
The addition of both drawer inserts and basket inserts gives the dresser and chic farmhouse style. The added bonus of carefully selected accessories on top as well as a stunning large round mirror adds to the stylish look. You can even get the Stockholm round mirror from Ikea, which is what we have in our hallway!
Mid Century Drinks Cabinet
Another drinks related Kallax hack! Why do these keep catching our attention!? This one from The Everygirl makes a very easy, small addition of short tapered legs with brass leg caps. You can buy the legs as they are, or find tapered legs and brass furniture leg tips to them.
Add in glasses for every occasion and some exceptional accessories on top (we love that picture of the ornate pink door!) and you’ve got a great statement piece for any living room.
Art Deco Dresser Hack
Once again, what is quite a simple hack has completely transformed this Kallax unit in this hack from The Pink Dream. They have used a greek style overlay to provide the shape which are simply glued to the doors and then have added ring pulls, all of which creates a lovely art deco design. You could also take it a step further by adding legs underneath.
The use of an ornate gold over-mantle mirror with some gorgeous flowers in front adds to the elegant look. You can get some excellent (and cheap) artificial flowers from Ikea!
Don’t worry, we noticed that pineapple table lamp too!
There are lots more dresser ideas in our post on Ikea Malm hacks.
Ikea Kallax Dolls House Hack
An Ikea Kallax hack for the kids! This wonderful dolls house hack from mikrokosmos on Facebook makes great use of the Kallax shape to provide rooms for the dolls house. A simple A-frame roof has been added to the top. The back walls of the rooms have all been treated with a different wallpaper design, presumably dolls house wallpaper for scale! You can also get different floor coverings. When you dive into the world of dolls houses it’s a rabbit hole!
Ikea do sell dolls house furniture of some of their own favourite pieces but you could also make your own (or buy them while lost in the aforementioned rabbit hole!). YouTube is a great resource for dolls house furniture crafts, just search for “DIY dolls house…..” plus the piece of furniture you are making.
The tree wall decal is also a stunning addition to the room!
Don’t forget to check out our Ikea kids hacks post for more great ideas!
Apothecary Cubby Hack
Who doesn’t like an apothecary cubby? Well, the creators at Petal & Ply were so keen they made this one by hacking a Kallax unit they were given for free. This tutorial involves a bit more work than a lot of the others, but the results are fantastic!
We love the vintage glassware and crockery they have filled the cubby with. I think coloured glassware is going to make a much-needed return to popularity and this is such a great way to display it!
Copper Pipe Clothes Hanging Rail
This a great opportunity to have a go at a bit of plumbing! This Ikea Kallax hack from Emily’s Little World uses copper pipe to create a hanging rail for this mobile wardrobe. You could either go for soldered joints (which would require a blow torch, flux and solder) or compression fittings, which would just require a couple of spanners. Alternatively, you could try glueing the solder joints, but this may not be strong enough in the long term.
The base has had castors added to allow the unit to be moved around.
Ikea Kallax Cat Bed Hack
Are we just adding this because the cat looks so cute? Probably, but it’s also such a great idea and the cat bed is specifically made for a Kallax. You can get them from Supercat in Sweden, or you can get them on amazon or have a go at making one yourself with stiffened felt.
Cats love to be cosy and have a view of what is going on around them, so this is such a good way of giving them their own space but in a stylish way!
Cactus-Themed Bookcase Hack
We are currently creating a cactus-themed nursery and so this Ikea Kallax hack stood right out to us. The mid-century tapered legs start the transformation off in good style but the addition of the cactus decals from StickersColoray on Etsy to the Kallax insert fronts really lifts the unit to new heights. Having plants in the open compartments really helps the continuity of the look.
Of course, you could choose from a whole range of decals specifically made for the Kallax , but cacti are big right now! We love how bright the overall finished hack is and will consider something like this in our nursery!
There is a great cactus-inspired hack in our post on Ikea Kura toddler bed hacks.
Striped Banquette Seating Hack
A banquette is a great way to provide both seating and storage in a dining room and can help add colour and texture to the room with the fabric used on the upholstery. This great Kallax hack from Melo-Drama goes with a striped theme (even down to the boxes used underneath!) but as you will see in the tutorial you could go for any design you can imagine!
The Kallax is the perfect height (with the addition of the foam padding) for a dining room seat which is just another example of how well-designed this piece of furniture from Ikea is. It really lends itself perfectly to a variety of hacking possibilities.
Stylish Media Unit Kallax Hack
One final offering that makes the most of the perfect vinyl-fitting size of the Kallax . This media unit hack from digsdigs is a collection of three different-sized Kallax shelves fixed together and raised up on short tapered wooden legs.
The difference to the other Kallax hacks that contain vinyl records is that this one uses a clever insert to separate the records into categories. We also love the use of non-matching inserts elsewhere to give an eclectic look to the unit. It’s one of those creations that gets more and more clever as you look at it for longer. Just to prove my point, as I was writing that I noticed that the middle Kallax unit has been fitted to the others without it’s side panels to make sure it has a continuous look without doubling up on the chunky side panels. Clever!
If you have to have all your media in one place, you could do a lot worse than this great Kallax system
I think the Kallax is one of our favourite Ikea creations due to its massive versatility and simplicity. We’ve certainly shown that there are so many ways you can use Ikea Kallax hacks to create something perfect for your space. In fact, I think you could probably think of any piece of furniture you need and find a way to make it by hacking the Kallax!
Have you found something here that you have been inspired to make, or even been spurred on the design something entirely original? We’d love to hear from you with your creations!
Good luck with your Kallax adventures, and if you want more Ikea hack and DIY ideas then follow us on Pinterest where we gather all the best Ikea hack ideas.
You can find many more great Ikea hack ideas on our Ikea hacks page, including hacks for the Malm (dresser) and Kura (kids bed).
Editors Note: This article was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated and revamped for comprehensiveness.
Thanks for including STYLKEA! xo
Our pleasure! We really love your products, they make Ikea hacking so accessible to everyone. Keep up the great work!
This is great! It has given me so many ideas of how to reuse my son’s Kallax unit. Thank you.
So creative !!! Thanks for sharing.
Please can I ask what screws you use to attach legs to the kallax units thanks