Hackers, Assist! How do I hack an IKEA KALLAX built-In?

Angela particularly requested how she may add a high beam to make her wall of IKEA KALLAX cabinets seem like one built-in unit. Since there’s an area above the TV, she desires so as to add one thing alongside the highest that spans the unit to create a extra customized look.

This is a shot of her present KALLAX setup.

Let’s assist her out, hackers!

Angela talked about that she thought of buying some additional models for the highest area, however solely assembling the body. However, her hesitation stemmed from solely having the aspect of the KALLAX to screw a high beam into. She additionally doesn’t need to take away any of the prevailing KALLAX cabinets as a result of they’re anchored into the wall.

Okay, let’s dive in!

Creating a Custom KALLAX Built-In

Here are some ideas because you talked about buying extra models. Why not go massive and actually make this entire unit seem like one cohesive wall of built-ins, from high to backside?

If you bought three 2 x 4 cubby models (roughly $65 every), they might turn into your high cabinets. But, in fact, you want some assist.

Add a Plywood Base

Get a thick piece of plywood reduce to measurement to run throughout the highest of your complete unit, wall to wall. Screw it into the tops of the prevailing KALLAX models from beneath. For additional stability, you possibly can use braces beneath the part above the TV.

Attach the New Units

Next, assemble your new cabinets, however what about utilizing items of timber on the edges going through the ceiling?

Essentially, simply create a body up high, then screw your crown molding into it. (There are additionally heavy-duty development adhesives you possibly can use to connect trim items to the wooden and models, however don’t use them in your partitions.)

You may additionally absolutely assemble the models and construct a singular timber body for the highest, however I wasn’t certain how a lot clearance you’ll have, so that you’d have to measure first to determine which choice is finest for you.

Position your three new models throughout the highest, screwing them into the plywood base and one another. Also, safe them to the wall utilizing acceptable anchors.

Trim It All Out

To end issues off, now it’s all in regards to the trim. Add some crown alongside the highest to match the remainder of your room, and a few skinny molding alongside the edges and backside to finish the look.

You may even go a step additional and fasten trim over all of the seams the place one unit meets one other, together with your current items. This HEMNES shelf hack exhibits off what a distinction trim makes!

Paint

Caulk the seams and fill any nail holes, prime, and paint to actually improve the customized look.

A Few Notes

It seems that you’ve a few lights or audio system above the unit. You may reduce the backing out of the cubbies that line up with these parts. (Alternatively, you possibly can depart the backing off utterly for those who plan to color all the things the identical shade because the wall.)

Close up the entrance of the cubby with clean plywood, and primarily pull the lights ahead and mount them to the entrance. Alternatively, there are some nice battery-operated wall sconces you possibly can get for the entrance for those who don’t need to take care of wires, and many others. This BILLY built-in hack is an effective instance of add lighting on the entrance of your built-in.

Option Two: Simpler and Shorter

If you’re not prepared or desirous to tackle fairly such a big venture, you possibly can as an alternative use timber to create a high body for the entire piece. It would span your complete space, wall to wall. You can see how one hacker creates a timber base and sides for his or her KALLAX built-in. Basically, apply this similar idea to your high.

Then trim all the things out, and you’ll have a extra built-in look. The unit can be its present top. However, it could be steady alongside the highest, primarily providing you with one lengthy shelf that you possibly can use to show taller ornamental items, crops, and many others. (I see some fairly sweet-looking LEGO creations up there at the moment. Nice!)

This choice can be considerably cheaper and take a lot much less time, so it’s all about deciding what you in the end need the general look to be.

Make certain to take a look at a number of the different IKEA KALLAX hacks to search out much more concepts and inspiration. There are so some ways you can also make this precisely the way you need it.

Share Your Ideas

These should not the one two choices to hack a KALLAX built-in. So, all you intelligent hackers on the market, share your inspiration and concepts with Angela!

Tell her within the feedback what you’ll do, or maybe what you’ve already accomplished, to show these KALLAX cabinets right into a extra cohesive unit.

And, Angela, when you end your venture, ensure that to share it with us here at IKEAHackers! Happy hacking!