6 easy ways to make an IKEA KALLAX look more expensive

Ikea Kallax hack sideboard with logs and wood burning fire

(Image credit: @our_bears_home)

published 26 January 2023

If you're ever in need of a quick-fix piece of furniture, IKEA has you covered. From floor-to-ceiling bookcases to built-in storage solutions, their flat-pack equipment has limitless possibilities, one iconic item being the KALLAX shelving unit.

The modular system is loved for its irrefutable versatility, but its standard design is - well - a bit bland. While plain and simple is what the Swedish powerhouse brand does best, not all of us want a pared-back minimalist home. That said, the unadorned design does open up infinite possibilities for personal customization, or what we like to call an IKEA hack.

Here's the thing: IKEA furniture is first and foremost budget friendly - that's why we love it. While it can certainly look high-end, it takes a bit of know-how to elevate a piece of flat-pack furniture, but that's what we're on hand to help with. Here, we share the crucial steps involved in making the KALLAX look more expensive so you can have statement storage that suits your space.

Lilith Hudson

Lilith is an expert at following news and trends across the world of interior design. A personal fan of the Scandi-inspired interior, her job entails keeping up with everything there is to know about the Swedish powerhouse IKEA. Here she looks at how you can use an IKEA hack to make the iconic KALLAX look more expensive

1. Add doors for a more put together look

Look at any IKEA KALLAX hack and you'll notice one thing - the most expensive-looking designs typically have doors. Screw in some hinges and attach stylish fronts and you instantly wave goodbye to the KALLAX's recognizable cube shape while also hiding your clutter too.

An example that I haven't stopped thinking about since I first saw it is this beautiful KALLAX TV stand by home renovator, Jenny (@familyrenov8). The DIY-minded among you will probably be aware that IKEA offer their own door inserts specifically designed for the KALLAX to make this one step easier, and that's exactly what Jenny did with her project.

'We purchased the IKEA KALLAX, IKEA KALLAX insert door, and IKEA Rodeny wood panels,' she explains. 'We cut the Rodeny wood panels to fit each door insert's face and once applied with glue, we let it dry. The entire project was all achieved under $150!'

You can also buy KALLAX door dupes with the specific measurements online too. Once fitted, all you need to do is add your own twist to jazz them up.

2. Introduce custom panel overlays

IKEA kallax hack white sideboard with patterned doors

Sometimes a lick of paint is all that's needed, but if you want to rock the boat your might want to experiment with molding detail on your KALLAX. Be it a simple trim around the edges or all-over fluting, you can buy your own materials, measure the wood and design the look yourself.

That said, for an even easier way to elevate your flat-pack furniture, you could try panel overlays. That's exactly what interiors blogger Ellie (@fenloninteriors) did for her IKEA KALLAX which she uses for hallway storage.

'I knew the door fronts needed a glow-up, and a simple yet effective way I found was ordering these fab panels from Lux Hax who offer stylish panels for literally any IKEA item that give a luxurious feel,' she explains. 'It was an easy stick-on design that goes straight onto the doors.'

To add a pop of color to your KALLAX, you could even paint your panels before applying them to your doors.

3. For a tool-free uplift, use baskets instead of doors

If you're the sort of person who avoids using tools at all costs, then try using baskets instead of doors. The KALLAX's iconic cube shape makes it super simple to fit a pull-out basket inside to help keep your shelving tidy and immediately make it look more expensive, too.

IKEA offers a whole range of baskets to fit the KALLAX, from the colored canvas DRÖNA box to the rustic rattan BRANÄS basket. The choice is up to you. You could always use a round seagrass basket if you're a fan of modern rustic decor. The best part of using baskets is, even if you decide to flip your KALLAX on its side (which is totally safe to do, by the way) you can still adapt your baskets by simply turning them 90 degrees. No need to go hunting for pesky screwdrivers.

4. Lift your furniture with some legs

We take the idea of elevating furniture seriously, so why not literally lift your KALLAX with some custom legs? A simple yet elegant mid-century modern style is a popular choice for the KALLAX when used as a sideboard, but the power is entirely in your hands.

The natural wood tones of the legs on this dresser have been expertly chosen to echo other elements of this neutral bedroom. 'I purchased some mid-century furniture replacement legs on Amazon, which easily and cheaply turned an ordinary cube unit into a beautiful and functional pseudo-dresser,' explains Aubrey, of @aubreyhearty. The decision to lift the shelving off the ground instantly makes it more nuanced and expensive (and convenient, too).

5. Add drawer inserts for extra storage

IKEA KALLAX home bar with statue and art books

Improve visual appeal while also improving the practicality of your KALLAX by adding drawer inserts as well doors. We love this 1920s-inspired design by Jennifer Osias that transforms the KALLAX into a sophisticated home bar idea.

'I like the functionality of the KALLAX but wanted to give it a more elevated and modern look,' she says. She used the KALLAX double drawer inserts from IKEA, pairing style and functionality with her bespoke fluted design.

What really makes Jennifer's KALLAX look expensive however is her eye for styling. 'I added a stem hanger to hold my glasses and I created the large textured art piece to mimic the fluted detail on the Kallax and paired it with a black torso sculpture to help anchor the entire area,' she explains. 'I then used my plant and the bowl of fruit to add a pop of color to the otherwise neutral look.'

6. Finally, add custom hardware to complete the look

No IKEA hack would be complete without some custom hardware. When it comes to making furniture look more expensive, the power of a brass knob or a matt black handle really shouldn't be underestimated. We love the simple half-moon-shaped handles on this mid-century modern-style sideboard shown here.

The KALLAX door inserts from IKEA come with a simple round metal knob, but you can easily add some character and charm to your storage system with pulls or handles that gel with your personal style. From intricately patterned ceramic knobs to slim and simple black handles, there is a myriad of options out there on the internet. Never has the phrase 'something for everyone' rang more true.

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Lilith Hudson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Livingetc. She holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has written for various titles including Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Advnture, the Saturday Times Magazine, Evening Standard, DJ Mag, Metro, and The Simple Things Magazine.

Prior to going freelance, Lilith was the News and Trends Editor at Livingetc. It was a role that helped her develop a keen eye for spotting all the latest micro-trends, interior hacks, and viral decor must-haves you need in your home. With a constant ear to the ground on the design scene, she's ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest color that's sweeping interiors or the hot new style to decorate our homes.