IKEA KALLAX shelf insert: Easily divide the cube with these hacks

kallax shelf divider

A foolproof method to add a shelf insert and door to the KALLAX storage cube.

Here at IKEAhackers, we love the IKEA KALLAX storage unit for its unmatched hackability. And even when it was in its former incarnation — the EXPEDIT — it was an all-time fave. 

The only peeve is there aren’t more options to section the cubes.

Storage bins occupying entire cubes are good for larger items. But when it comes to more organized storage, they fail miserably. 

Of course, there are genius IKEA hacks to address this — such as these fantastic half shelves for the EXPEDIT. Unfortunately, the 2-cube insert needed to make it is no longer available. 

IKEA KALLAX shelf insert hacks and ideas

KALLAX shelf insert in two versions - half shelf and 4 shelves
Photo: IKEA.com

Nevertheless, IKEA heard us and has, over the years, offered a variety of IKEA cube inserts for the 13″x13″ (33cmx33cm) cube. You can now add on doors, drawers, inserts for bottles, and even a fancy X-insert.

These cube dividers (pictured above), which can be inserted horizontally or vertically, are most useful in our books.

But that leads to another issue: The construction does not allow for a door insert AND a shelf divider insert within the same cube. So, if you want closed storage (i.e. doors) and divider shelves within the cube, you cannot do so with the IKEA KALLAX inserts.

This IKEA hack will easily solve this problem.

1. KALLAX Shelf Divider Insert and Door Hack

Zlatko stumbled upon this smart and affordable solution to add a shelf within the KALLAX door insert. It’s a simple KALLAX hack and such a fantastic idea.

The 3-step instructions:

You’ll need:

  • KALLAX shelving unit
  • KALLAX door insert (as many as needed)
  • VARIERA shelf inserts (as many as needed)

Step 1. Slot in the side panels

Slot the 3-sided panel into the cube. Do not install the door yet.

Or, if you have already installed the door inserts on your KALLAX, remove the door only and leave the side panels in the cube.

Step 2. Place shelf inside

IKEA VARIERA as cube divider

Place the VARIERA shelf insert in the cube. At 12 5/8 inches wide, the VARIERA shelf insert has just enough clearance for the side panels of the KALLAX door insert.

Two small (5 1/8″ deep) or one large (11″ deep) VARIERA inserts fit the depth of the KALLAX unit. 

Step 3. Install door

IKEA VARIERA as cube shelf

Once the shelf divider is in place, install the door to the insert. And you’re done. You have a KALLAX shelf divider and a door.

Tip: If you’re using the VARIERA shelf insert without the KALLAX door, spray paint the VARIERA to match your IKEA KALLAX shelf unit.

2. DIY your own KALLAX shelf insert

ikea kallax shelf insert hack
Top Shelf DIY | Leap of Faith Crafting

Erin of TopShelfDIY has a tutorial on making divider slots that fit the IKEA KALLAX cubes. These are perfect for keeping paper samples in the craft room or files for your home office. You’ll need 1/4″ plywood and some scrap wood for the slots. This hack is similar to the shelf insert with 4 shelves, but with this IKEA hack, you can adjust the number of dividers and width of the slots according to your needs.

Amy of Leap of Faith Crafting made it even simpler with shelf pins and a few holes on the sides of the KALLAX (pictured above, right). You’ll need to place a few plywood boards on top of the pins, and you’re done! (Get the shelves cut to size at your local hardware store.) As the KALLAX frame is hollow in some parts, be careful with the dowel hole placement. I, however, would not recommend it for heavier materials due to the KALLAX’s hollow structure.

shelves for Kallax cube
Anika’s DIY Life

Anika has a hack similar to Erin’s, but you can choose to orientate the dividers horizontally or vertically. The construction is sturdy. You’ll want to DIY this if you have some heavy files and books to store and organize in the KALLAX. Close up the KALLAX back panel to avoid smaller items falling through.

3. Get readymade KALLAX shelf inserts

Kallax readymade shelf inserts at etsy
SmugNStuff

There are a variety of readymade KALLAX shelf inserts and KALLAX dividers available from Etsy sellers. These adjustable shelf inserts from SmugNStuff caught my eye because they are quite brilliant in their construction. You don’t need any tools to build them — not even a Hex key! The shelf clicks into the slots on the vertical brackets and is kept sturdy when inserted into the KALLAX cube. There are options for up to 5 shelves and also an acrylic version for “invisible” shelves.

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FAQ on IKEA KALLAX inserts

What size are KALLAX storage cube inserts?

The KALLAX cube size is 13″ x 13″ or 33 cm x 33 cm.

ikea kallax inserts for cube storage
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

What types of inserts are available for the IKEA KALLAX?

IKEA has a variety of inserts for the IKEA KALLAX.
• Insert with one shelf
• Insert with 4 shelves
• Insert with door
• Insert with lockable door
• Insert with pegboard door
• Insert with mirror door
• Insert with 2 drawers
• Insert with glass shelf and glass door
• Insert for cat house
• X-shaped insert
• Insert for 9-bottles
• Insert with cut-out door

boxes bins and baskets to fit KALLAX shelving unit
Photo: IKEA.com

Besides shelf inserts, how can I organize the KALLAX unit?

1. Boxes: Cube boxes like the DRÖNA and TJENA are made to fit the KALLAX cube perfectly. Use them to organize larger items like plush toys, files, or craft materials. IKEA offers a range of boxes made from fabric and paper to sturdy plastic and metal to cater to different storage needs. 
2. Baskets: IKEA baskets for the KALLAX are available in a variety of natural materials, such as rattan and jute, to suit different home decor styles. The SMARRA bamboo box with lid is a popular choice for cable management.
2. Clip-on Baskets: Maximize your KALLAX cube storage with a hanging wire basket that creates two sections. This basket works well for documents and home office storage.