30 IKEA KALLAX Hack Ideas
I rounded up a bunch of IKEA Kallax Hack Ideas for you because I love IKEA’s Kallax units and how flexible they are! Their clean lines and smooth surfaces are great for many different design styles.
Kallax units are cube shelving – like bookshelf units with square “cubbies.” You can set these up vertically or horizontally…they’re totally flexible.
They come in different sizes – 2×2 squares, 2×4, 3×4, etc. so you can customize to your needs.
IKEA says, “KALLAX units are stylish, simple cube storage shelving that does a lot. Place it on the floor, mount it on a wall or turn it into a desk to transform your living area. KALLAX shelves are available in different sizes and colours and are easy to personalise with a selection of doors, baskets, dividers and more.”
There are so many options for the cubes – leave them open, add drawer inserts, add baskets, add doors – you’ll find lots of options on IKEA’s website if you search “Kallax inserts.” 
The Kallax units were formerly called Expedit. Expedit units were a couple centimeters larger than Kallax, but nothing substantial. They just subbed in a new product with a new name.
By the way, if you’re headed to IKEA to get a Kallax unit, you may be interested in picking up the cheap items listed in this post that I used to make a tie rack (this could easily be a scarf rack or a variety of other things if you add the S-hooks). I was so glad to put that little bit of empty space in our closet to good use!
IKEA is sometimes sold out of their Kallax units because they are SO popular. If they are, and if you’re in a rush and want to try another brand, I found some similar shelving units that would work! ⬇️
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And here’s one more pretty cheap option — if you’re doing one of the projects that involves strengthening your Kallax unit, this one would do.
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You can use these Kallax units for such a wide variety of furniture pieces if you think outside the box. In this list of 30 IKEA Kallax Hack Ideas, we’ve got everything from nightstands to desks to kitchen islands. Get inspired by these hacks, put your creativity to work, and I’m sure you’ll come up with something amazing! Happy browsing!
Speaking of IKEA hacks, this is one of the *cutest* ones I’ve seen! Carmen, from Living Letter Home, shares her tutorial for turning IKEA’s Bekvam stool into a trendy farmhouse piece! I love the look of this!
:: PIN FOR LATER ::
Take a peek at our new post on IKEA Trones hacks + makeovers, too!
30 IKEA Kallax Hack Ideas
Black + Butcher Block Side Console
Kallax units come in different colors, and I love the look of this black one with the natural wood top! So classy and welcoming!
Under-the-stairs IKEA Kallax Organizer
This is such a unique way to use that under-the-stairs space! Add IKEA's drawer inserts or doors to any of the squares for a more closed look.
Kallax + Trofast Toy Organizer
A 3x3 Kallax unit on its side with IKEA's Trofast organizers makes an awesome toy storage shelf! You could even do the Trofast on all 3 cubbies for plenty of organizing tray space.
Record Player + Vinyls Station
What a charming little music corner this makes! Adding those legs to it really accentuates the retro feel!
IKEA Kallax with Pole Wrap Fronts
Adding pole wrap to these door fronts really takes this console up a notch. It looks so trendy!
The Perfect Kallax Sideboard
Burlap is in right now, and making these door frames with burlap looks so good on the 2x4 Kallax!
How to Turn a Kallax into Lockers
It's amazing how much money you can save by making these DIY lockers versus buying ready-made! It's pretty easy and the results look superb!
Ikea Kallax Kitchen Island Hack
A single 2x2 Kallax unit makes a great small kitchen island cart! The island top and the towel bar were also purchased at IKEA, so it's a one-stop deal to get what you need!
A Gorgeous Ikea Kallax Hack With Doors & Overlays
Adding overlays to the doors on a Kallax unit makes this look so elegant! THIS SITE has lots of pre-made overlays that fit IKEA Kallax doors perfectly. Or if you're crafty, you can easily make your own! Don't forget some elegant drawer knobs to complete the look. 🙂
Kallax Nightstand
Have you ever thought of using a 2x2 IKEA Kallax unit for a nightstand? It totally works! Add baskets and decorative pieces that fit your style.
Kallax Dollhouse
Make a dollhouse from an IKEA Kallax 2x3 cube unit! That's 6 beautiful little rooms you can set up - how cute it is!
Kallax Banquette Seat
In case you're wondering, the maker of this cute banquette seat says it holds 3 adults no problem. I would have never thought to make a seat like this from a Kallax unit!
Kallax Craft Room Table
I'm all about craft tables and organizing my supplies, so this one looks like a winner to me! It's got an added IKEA top and IKEA legs to complete the project.
Mid-Century Modern Kallax
This is a beautiful little table that would work in any type of room! The knobs make all the difference!
Kallax Computer Desk
This DIY desk has lots of storage space since both ends are Kallax units! You could add IKEA's drawer inserts if you want more of a desk look. Such a budget-friendly desk idea!
Kallax inserts dresser transformation
The transformation that this IKEA Kallax went through is amazing -- from a simple cube storage shelf to a gorgeous dresser! The gold knobs look really good on this one!
A Glam IKEA KALLAX Hack
Plywood doors with overlays made from wood molding look totally glammed up once they're painted! The base of this console is a 2x4 IKEA Kallax shelf unit!
A Modern Library Card Catalog Using Kallax Shelves
If you're obsessed with filing things (think office supplies or craft supplies), you'll love all the closed storage in this Kallax hack!
Elegant IKEA Kallax Sideboard
Door overlays on this IKEA Kallax unit create such a custom, elegant sideboard! This would look beautiful in a living room or dining room!
IKEA KALLAX HACK: How to turn shelving units into a Stylish Bench
3 single Kallax units are joined together to make a cute little bench for a breakfast/dining nook! Such a great way to reuse Kallax units that served a former purpose!
How to add sliding doors to any Kallax
This IKEA Kallax unit gets a totally new look when sliding doors (yes, you read that right) SLIDING doors are added to this one!
Kallax Stylish Bar Cart
Simply adding wheels and handles will upgrade a typical 2x2 Kallax unit into a drink cart. We don't drink alcohol at all, but we love making fun coffee bars/stations when we have friends over! This would be perfect for adding mugs, syrups, cream, etc.!
Ikea Kallax Hack: Craft Room Storage
THREE 2x2 Kallax units are combined to make this amazing craft center! The top hangs over one end so you can put a stool or chair at that end. This is such a great idea!
Kallax Entertainment Center
If you have one of the huge Kallax units, you can actually remove some of the dividers (according to this tutorial), make the top section more secure with extra screws, then have room for a TV!
Kallax Fluted Dining Room Sideboard
Dowels and spray paint on these doors on an IKEA Kallax shelf unit really spruce it up! I love the look that the tapered wood legs give it!
Kallax Seating and Storage Bench
Add Kallax inserts to this 1x4 unit.....then make a foam bench topper to fit, and you've got a great seating area!
IKEA Kallax Hack TV Stand
The combination of white with wood makes this Kallax TV stand look classy! The cubes are the perfect spot for holding speakers and other entertainment center accessories.
Kallax Mini Closet
If you're looking for the perfect little wardrobe, add doors and a rod. So cute!
Kallax Rustic Cube Shelves
Such a creative project that gives such a unique look! Great idea for boys rooms!
KALLAX Coffee Bar
Who doesn't love a permanent place to keep their coffee supplies? Repurposing this 2x2 Kallax unit works well for a coffee bar in the corner!
Check out these IKEA Trones hacks + makeovers!
From storage solutions to home decor accents, there’s inspiration here for every corner of the home. Thank you for curating such a diverse and inspiring collection – it’s sure to spark the imagination of anyone looking to add a personal touch to their living space!
Like how these KALLAX hacks breathe new life into storage solutions!
The creativity showcased here is inspiring. I’m already picturing my twist on a few of these ideas. Thanks for the ingenious share!