Simple mods to create your one-of-a-kind KALLAX TV stand
The KALLAX is one of the most versatile ranges in IKEA. And IKEA designers are constantly adding to the range; with new colors, door inserts, shelving and drawers introduced almost every year.
This makes the KALLAX the perfect candidate for customisation.
As IKEA puts it, “The KALLAX series is eager to please and will adapt to your taste, space, budget and needs.”
Making it go a little further is not hard. Here are 5 easy hacks that can turn the KALLAX into a modern, trendy TV stand.
#1 Give your KALLAX TV stand new skins

This is a basic white KALLAX unit. I added 2 cupboards and 4 sets of drawers.
And to give it a little something extra, I covered the doors using walnut vinyl stickers. (I used Panyl.)
(Update: IKEA now does sells door inserts with oak effects. So you may not even need to stick on the decals.)
The last step was to add 4 tapered legs, which I purchased on ebay. Suddenly, it looks so much better.
#2 Include mood lighting

So, I wanted to convert my 1 x 4 KALLAX into a retro games console unit. I love the simplicity of the KALLAX and it was the perfect size for my needs.
But I wanted to try and make it look like a media unit though, not just a KALLAX lying down! So, this is what I did.
#3 Add unique legs

I made a modern TV stand combining the KALLAX shelving unit with legs from the FROSTA stool. Read more.
#4 Create accent storage

We removed the 2 middle shelves and flipped the EXPEDIT on his side. (Since the EXPEDIT is discontinued, you can use the KALLAX.)
Using pallet wood we made 2 boxes to fit in the spaces of the outer cubbies. And threaded a piece of rope through the box as handles.

The wood boxes make such a huge difference in warming up the whole piece.
Lastly, added 4 metal furniture legs. You can use the CAPITA or similar. With legs, your media unit won’t look so squat.
~ by Laura
#5 Choose special doors
I got inspired by different hackers and designed my own KALLAX TV stand! It’s very easy and not much hacking involved. Everything is stock IKEA. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.
You will need:
- 1 White KALLAX shelf unit (4×1)
- 1 Stainless steel CAPITA legs (1 package contains of 4 long legs)
- 2 KALLAX insert with door
There are so many options, as shown below.


In the end, I wanted to keep it simple so I used the black door. But you can definitely try the other doors with wood effect, pegboard, glass, etc, to make your KALLAX unique.

A drill will make it easier, but you don’t have to use one 🙂
~ by mdjileh
Post was originally published on December 23, 2014. Updated on Aug 27 to include current and relevant information
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