discussion Ikea storage units

[Jim R]

As some may know I share my work room with the missus who is into all things sewing and knitting. Its a big room with an "L" shaped bench along two sides. For storage we have a right hotch-potch of old cupboards and bookcases all along the opposite wall. It works well but looks a mess and is quite wasteful of space. I have seen that Ikea do a storage system called Kallax. You can customise it with drawers, cupboards, shelves etc.

Has anyone seen or used this Kallax stuff? It looks good but I would value any first hand experiences.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Steven000]

Hi, we have some of those Kallax in the house, we customized some of them with drawers (set comes with 2 drawers) and also doors (set comes with a door, hinges and a thin-wall-box that seals the back)

If well built at home it's quite sturdy, but offcours it remains Ikea, I would not take it appart 10 times.

Cheers, steven

 

[Tim Marlow]

I too have a couple of Kallax units. I use them for storage of vinyl records, for which they are unsurpassed. I have a four by four, a two by four, and a one by four. They are sturdy and easy to make. Two of them have been through a house move with no ill effects. However, for hobby storage I think there are better alternatives in the IKEA range. They are a foot deep, so take quite a lot of room real estate.
In my hobby room I have a couple of the Billy range shelf units. I think they are more suited to our needs. They can be fitted with clear doors for model storage, shelves for book storage and full doors for cupboard use. They are not as deep, but are higher so use more vertical space. The shelf spacing is variable rather than fixed, and extra shelving, both wooden and glass, is easily available. Again they are pretty robust, several of mine have been moved without problems.

 

[Airborne01]

As some may know I share my work room with the missus who is into all things sewing and knitting. Its a big room with an "L" shaped bench along two sides. For storage we have a right hotch-potch of old cupboards and bookcases all along the opposite wall. It works well but looks a mess and is quite wasteful of space. I have seen that Ikea do a storage system called Kallax. You can customise it with drawers, cupboards, shelves etc.

Has anyone seen or used this Kallax stuff? It looks good but I would value any first hand experiences.

Thanks
Jim

My 'cave' is almost completely furnished with those - as Tim says they are deep but that works for me as I put books to the rear with models to the front, Billy is a good system also! My wife's knitting den is similarly fitted with Kallax which have the fitted storage boxes for organising her stash - she swears by them (I swore 'at' them when I had to build them! (Steve Warren BEng (Ikea) Hons))

 

[Jim R]

Thanks guys. Very helpful. I'll have a proper look at both the Kallax and the Billy systems and decide.
Thanks again.
Jim

 

[adt70hk]

Never used Billy for model storage but used them for week over a decade and moved house twice in that period. No complaints over their ruggedness.

 

[Jim R]

Well after a couple of days of measuring and contemplating I have ordered a load of IKEA Kallax stuff. It will hopefully fill the long wall opposite the bench and take my modelling stuff and the wife's sewing odds and sods. The earliest delivery date is 27th December so I'll have to be patient. I'll post up piccies when it's all in place.
Jim

 

[Jim R]

Hi all
Well the Ikea Kallax stuff came just after Christmas. It was quite straightforward to put together. Took a couple of full days with the wife's help to shift the old furniture which we weren't keeping and put up the Ikea stuff. It may not be as good as proper builders like John and Ron would have got it but it's not bad :tongue-out3: It fits along one long wall. My wife, Nita, is into sewing, knitting etc and shares the room. Luckily it's a big room. We both then spent a whole day 'organizing stuff'.
My end ....




Nita's end ....




Jim

 

[scottie3158]

That looks very nice indeed.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Fantastic room Jim, soooo jealous

And so tidy!!

 

[Tim Marlow]

Excellent stuff Jim. Fits a treat as well.

 

[adt70hk]

Turned out very nicely! Wish I had a dedicated room.....

 

[wotan]

Jim

A very tidy job and a fine finish to your room. BTW I am very impressed with your figure painting skills in the second last photo but I am a little worried by the preponderance of little girls.

John

 

[minitnkr]

Great natural light. Much window envy.

 

[Guest]

You've done a great job Jim. like those units very much.
However here at the UNTIDY Bench Club head quarters we are worried that other member's may defect seeing those excellent units.

 

[Wookie2486]

Jim nice set up I have the same unit but with the added desk.

Marty

 

[adt70hk]

You've done a great job Jim. like those units very much.
However here at the UNTIDY Bench Club head quarters we are worried that other member's may defect seeing those excellent units.

It's ok John, I try to keep the kitchen table tidy but it doesn't last long!!

 

[Allen Dewire]

Wow, Nice setup Jimbo. They definitely look good with lots of storage space. I see you also raided Lidl and bought some of the storage drawer units too. They're great aren't they..............

Prost
Allen (Retired)