I still remember the first time I saw the IKEA Kallax shelf system.
I was visiting my friend’s apartment and she had used the iconic square shelving units to divide her open concept living room and dining room.
I was blown away by how chic and modern her space looked!
The clean lines and neutral wood tone made her home feel airy and bright.
What I thought was just a simple shelving unit turned out to be the most versatile piece of furniture I’ve ever seen.
Not only did it help her divide the space, but it also gave her extra storage and added a touch of style to her home.
If you’re struggling with open spaces or just want to create some separation without putting up walls, the Kallax is the answer you didn’t know you needed:
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Living Room-Dining Room Divider
One great way to use Kallax as a room divider is between an open concept living room and dining room.
Position a few cube shelf units side-by-side to create a long divider between the two spaces.
Make sure to leave a walkway opening so you can easily pass from one room to the next.
You can customize the shelf cubes with cabinet doors, drawers or open displays.
Use doors and drawers for concealed dining storage like linens, serveware and clutter.
Display accent pieces, plants, books or artwork in the open cubbies.
Paint or wallpaper the back of the Kallax divider in a dramatic color to define the spaces.
Add picture ledges, sconces or trim along the edges for decorative detail.
Incorporating the Kallax as a room divider between the living and dining rooms keeps the rooms connected but also distinct.
The neutral wood material blends in with both spaces beautifully.
You can even roll the Kallax on casters to open or close the floorplan when entertaining.
This is one of my favorite ways to creatively define living and dining zones without totally separating them.
Kallax as a Bedroom Divider
Using a Kallax unit as a bedroom divider is a fantastic way to create a sense of privacy, especially in studio apartments.
Place the Kallax between your sleeping area and the rest of the room.
It’s tall enough to give you that separation but still open enough to let light flow through, so your space doesn’t feel dark or boxed in.
For added functionality, use the cubes to store items like books, alarm clocks, or even soft baskets for your extra sheets and blankets.
Here’s a tip: You can decorate the side of the Kallax facing the “living room” differently from the side facing your bed.
For the living room side, display pretty décor like plants, picture frames, or even a few coffee table books.
On the bedroom side, keep it simpler with functional items or calming elements like a small lamp or a diffuser.
To make it feel more personal, try adding fabric bins in the cubes that complement your bedroom’s color scheme.
Another thing you could do is use some of the cubes as open shelves while covering others with inserts or bins to keep clutter hidden.
This way, you combine privacy, storage, and aesthetics all in one.
If you’re handy, you might even consider attaching a curtain rod to the top of the Kallax and hanging a drape on the side facing your bed.
This would give you even more privacy while keeping the divider airy and adaptable.
The Kallax is truly a lifesaver if you’re looking to make your sleeping space feel cozy and separate without closing it off entirely.
Used as Plant Paradise Partition
Turn your Kallax into a lush vertical garden that serves as a room divider!
This idea is perfect for plant lovers looking to add a green, vibrant touch to their home.
Use the cubbies to house a variety of indoor plants in decorative pots.
Mixing leaf sizes and pot styles makes this setup visually interesting and lively.
If you’re worried about watering, place trays under the pots to catch any drips.
This setup not only divides your space but also purifies the air – it’s literally a breath of fresh air!
Kallax as a Shared Closet Divider
Turn Kallax into his and hers closet dividers in a shared master bedroom.
Place two units back to back in the center of your walk-in closet space.
Now each person has their own defined dressing area for optimal organization.
Maximize the shelves and cubbies for all your clothing, shoes, bags and accessories.
Baskets, bins and drawers keep everything neatly contained but still visible.
Install a closet rod across the top for hanging items or attach hooks along the edges.
Paint or wallpaper the back of each unit for a cool focal point.
LED lighting strips will ensure you can see every item clearly.
This keeps clothing separate and orderly even in one shared closet.
The Kallax room divider creates privacy and personalized spaces.
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Entryway Mudroom
The square cubbies of Kallax make perfect mudroom storage organizers.
Position one or two units near your home’s entranceway.
Use the shelves to stash items as soon as you enter like bags, hats, gloves, umbrellas and shoes.
Baskets can corral smaller objects like socks, scarves and sunglasses.
Install hooks along the top edge for jackets, coats and backpack storage.
Include a bench or stools so you can sit comfortably while removing shoes.
Use larger horizontal units above for broom, mop and cleaning gear storage.
Paint or wallpaper the backs for a clean, polished look in your mudroom.
This keeps your entry organized and free of clutter.
The Kallax mudroom divider designates a functional drop zone.
Use as a Media Console
Arranging Kallax cubes horizontally makes a fabulous media console.
Use two or three cubed shelves to create the base of your entertainment unit.
Make sure to leave openings in the back for wiring the media components.
This is the perfect size and height for housing AV equipment like gaming consoles, cable boxes, DVD players and speakers.
Use the shelves and cubes for storing movies, games, remotes and media accessories.
Finish the back and sides of the Kallax unit in a dark color for a polished, built-in look.
Add legs or casters so the media console sits slightly off the floor.
Place in your living room or entertainment space to organize media clutter in style.
Room Dividing Bookcase
Bookworms will adore using Kallax as a room dividing bookshelf.
Arrange units creatively on a wall to act as floating divided shelves.
Style the cubbies with vertical books, bookends, plants and home decor.
Mix in some open cubes, some with doors, some with drawers for variety.
The compartments neatly contain book collections while displaying their colorful spines.
Paint the wall background in a bold, contrasting color to highlight the shelves.
Under cabinet lighting illuminates the books for easy browsing.
Let your book collection take center stage by creatively repurposing Kallax as shelves.
Craft Storage Organizer
For crafty households, Kallax is perfect for organizing art supplies.
Fill the cubbies with baskets of markers, paints, brushes, glues and more.
Use the shelves for stacks of construction paper, canvases, sketchpads and other crafty materials.
Install a paper roll above the unit to store extra butcher paper within reach.
Attach a drying rack nearby for freshly painted masterpieces.
Customize the backs with tile, chalkboard and cork to extend work surfaces.
This keeps every type of art supply neatly contained and easily accessible.
The Kallax organizer can divide a room into creative workspace zones.
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Room Dividing Kitchen Pantry
Take advantage of Kallax’s storage prowess in the kitchen as a pantry room divider.
Position a taller unit perpendicular to cabinets to divide the kitchen from dining or living areas.
Use the shelves and baskets to organize dry goods, canned items and baking supplies.
The cubbies keep everything visible at a glance for easy access while cooking.
Label the outside of baskets for each food category or ingredient type.
Add doors to some cubes for concealed small appliance or clutter storage.
The neutral wood finish blends in beautifully with existing cabinets and counters.
Use as a Kids Room Toy Organizer
In kids’ rooms, use Kallax cubes creatively to corral toys.
Arrange shorter shelves perpendicular to walls to create divided play areas.
Fill cubbies with baskets of building toys, action figures, dolls, stuffed animals and more.
Use larger play sets and bins for bigger toys like blocks, balls and puzzles.
When playtime is over, simply stash everything back in its assigned Kallax cubby.
This keeps toys organized, contained and out of walkways.
The storage units can even divide messy play zones from clean sleeping areas.
Office Supply Organizer
For home offices, Kallax offers smart storage for desktop supplies.
Position a unit beside your work area to act as a vertical organizer.
Use shelves, drawers and baskets for paper, files, pens, sticky notes and other desk items.
Store reference manuals and notepads in the deeper cubbies.
Keep electronics like external drives and wireless mice in the shallower shelves.
Add a Kallax unit in your office to neatly divide workspace from sitting areas.
The storage capacity keeps all your supplies handy but tucked away.
Room Dividing Headboard
Why not get creative and use Kallax as a headboard room divider?
Arrange cubes in an asymmetrical pattern and securely anchor to the wall behind your bed.
Style the cubbies with books, lighting and framed photos for ambiance.
Shoes and slippers can live in the bottom cubes for easy access.
The eclectic geometric headboard defines your personal sleeping space.
Paint or wallpaper the back an accent color to really make it pop.
Add hair ties, charging cables and remotes in concealed pouches on the sides.
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Use as a Coffee Bar
Position two Kallax storage cubes perpendicular to a wall or in a corner to create a dedicated coffee bar zone.
Use the shelves and cubbies to neatly organize all your coffee, tea and breakfast beverage accessories.
Store coffee beans, grounds, and pods in labeled airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Designate shelves for regular and specialty mugs, coffee cups, and glassware.
Save space for syrups, sweeteners, milk and creamers within reach.
Use baskets or drawers to corral stir sticks, teaspoons, coffee scoops and other handy tools.
Consider adding a small drawer freezer to store backup ice cubes.
Install hooks on the sides of the units to hang aprons and dish towels.
Paint the back a deep, moody color like navy or emerald to define this functional beverage nook.
Pull up a couple of counter height stools for casual coffee sipping and conversation.
Use as a Backsplash
Take Kallax backsplashes beyond the kitchen by using as a chic wall divider.
Arrange a few units creatively on a blank accent wall in any room.
Fill the shelves decoratively with ceramics, framed photos, faux greenery and curios.
Paint the wall background a bold color to contrast the neutral wood cubbies.
Under cabinet lighting showcases the display.
The asymmetry and angles add modern geometric interest anywhere.
Use as a Nursery Storage Unit
Maximize nursery storage and organization with the help of Kallax.
Install two shorter units perpendicular to the walls to define areas.
Use baskets to stash toys, blankets, books, diapers and clothing.
The open storage keeps everything visible and accessible.
As your child grows, the versatile system adapts for larger toys and gear.
Paint or wallpaper the back a gender neutral pattern as your accent wall.
Add kid-friendly decorations and lighting inside the cubby shelves.
Use as a Bar Cart
Entertain in style with a Kallax bar cart room divider.
Arrange one or two cubes together and add caster wheels.
Stock the shelves neatly with spirits, glassware, bar tools and mixers.
Use as a mobile server when hosting happy hour or parties.
Place perpendicular to a wall to define a drink station in your dining or living area.
Personalize by painting the back with chalkboard paint for drink menus.
Accent with underlighting to illuminate your barware displays.
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Use as Nightstand Storage
Bedside tables are notorious for turning into cluttered catchalls.
Regain order with the help of Kallax cube storage beside your bed.
Position one narrow unit vertically against the wall on either side of your bed frame.
Use the shelves, cubes and drawers to neatly contain your bedtime essentials.
Store books, e-readers, tablets, and remotes to keep them handy before bed.
Use small baskets or trays for eyeglasses, lip balm, tissues and other necessities within reach.
Conceal power cords, headphones, and battery packs in drawers or behind doors.
Attach sconce lighting inside to illuminate your nightstand displays.
Use as a Vanity Organizer
Between makeup, skincare, hair care and more, vanities fill up fast.
Regain order by using Kallax as a vanity organizer for all your beauty supplies.
Arrange two or three cube units horizontally on or behind your countertop.
Use baskets, dividers and trays to neatly corral similar products.
Store everyday makeup tools in the top shelves for easy access when you sit down.
Use deeper cubbies for bulky hair dryers, straighteners and styling products.
Conceal skin care overflow or hair accessories behind cabinet doors.
Under-cabinet lighting illuminates your displays.
Attach a large mirror to the wall above your Kallax organizer.
Get ready in style with this storage solution for glam vanity organization.
Pet Area Partitions
Pets need their own dedicated zones within a home.
Use Kallax storage cubes to designate pet areas without fully isolating them.
Position shorter units perpendicularly along walls to create partitioned areas.
Use shelving to neatly store food, medicines, grooming tools, toys, bedding and other pet essentials.
The open cubbies keep everything visible at a glance for quick access when needed.
Assign litter and waste stations to bottom shelves for easy cleaning.
Consider attaching scratch pads or perches onto sides of units.
Arrange barrier cubes to separate feeding zones from high-traffic pathways.
Use as Window Display Shelving
Take advantage of beautiful natural lighting with Kallax window shelves.
Arrange cubed units asymmetrically on the wall around a window.
Style the cubbies and shelves with greenery, artwork, ceramics, colored glass and other treasures.
The staggered formation allows ample light to filter into the room’s interior.
Paint the back of the Kallax unit in an accent color to contrast the neutrals.
Under-cabinet lighting illuminates displayed collections.
Sheer curtains softly filter incoming sunlight.
The varied heights and shapes create an eye-catching vignette.
