KALLAX Crates Buying Guide: Sizes, Finishes and Room Ideas
Updated: Nov 6
Kallax Crates Buying Guide
If you have got an IKEA Kallax unit, you have probably discovered two things.
First, it is incredibly useful.
Second, it can quickly become messy.
That is why many people start looking for Kallax crates.
A good crate turns an open cube into practical storage. Toys disappear. Clutter is hidden. Everything looks more organised.
We have been selling wooden Kallax crates for years, and we have learned that not all crates are created equal.
This guide explains what actually fits, what works best and what to avoid.
What Are Kallax Crates?
Kallax crates are storage boxes designed specifically to fit inside IKEA Kallax shelving units. A standard Kallax cube measures approximately: 33cm wide x 33cm high x 39cm deep internally. This means any crate designed for Kallax needs to fit comfortably within those dimensions.
At Woodenify, our Kallax crates are typically made at: 33cm x 33cm x 37cm. This allows them to slide smoothly into the unit while maximising storage space.
Why Customers Buy Kallax Crates
Most people buy a Kallax unit because it is affordable and flexible.
The problem comes later. Open storage often becomes visible clutter.
We regularly hear customers say:
"The shelves looked tidy in the showroom but not in real life."
Kallax crates solve this by creating contained storage areas.
They are particularly useful for:
Children's toys
Craft supplies
Vinyl records
Gaming accessories
Books
Cables and chargers
Home office storage
Are Wooden Kallax Crates Better Than Fabric Boxes?
This depends on how you use them.
Fabric boxes are lightweight and inexpensive.
Wooden crates tend to last longer and hold their shape better.
Fabric Boxes
Pros:
Lightweight
Cheap
Available everywhere
Cons:
Can sag over time
Harder to clean
Usually need replacing sooner
Wooden Kallax Crates
Pros:
Stronger construction
Better for heavier items
Can be stacked outside Kallax units
Can be repurposed elsewhere in the home
Cons:
Heavier
Cost more initially
For many customers, wooden crates become a long-term solution rather than something that gets replaced every few years.
What Can You Store in Kallax Crates?
This is where they really earn their place.
Toy Storage
This is probably the most common use.
Instead of seeing dozens of toys across open shelves, everything can be grouped into crates.
Many customers use one crate per category:
Building blocks
Dolls
Cars
Arts and crafts
This makes tidying much easier.
Vinyl Record Storage
Kallax units have become popular with vinyl collectors.
Wooden Kallax crates provide an easy way to separate collections.
For example:
Rock
Jazz
Classical
New arrivals
Explore Vinyl Storage Collection
Home Office Organisation
Many UK homes now have makeshift offices.
A Kallax unit with crates works well for:
Paperwork
Files
Stationery
Computer accessories
This is particularly useful in spare bedrooms and box rooms.
Bedroom Storage
Customers often use Kallax crates for:
Folded clothes
Accessories
Children's clothing
Spare bedding
Wooden crates make it easier to organise toys, books and everyday household items.
The crates help keep everything separated and easier to find.
Should You Choose Kallax Crates with Lids?
It depends what you are storing.
Best for:
Books
Toys used daily
Vinyl records
Frequently accessed items
Best for:
Seasonal decorations
Keepsakes
Spare cables
Rarely used items
Many customers choose a mixture of both.
The Honest Downsides
No storage solution is perfect.
A few things worth considering:
They Reduce Visible Shelf Space
If you are displaying ornaments or books, crates may hide some of the visual appeal of open shelving.
Weight Matters
A wooden crate full of books can become heavy.
If children will be pulling them out regularly, avoid overloading them.
Measure Older Units
Most Kallax units are consistent.
However, older shelving systems may differ slightly.
It is always worth measuring before ordering.
What Size Kallax Crate Do You Need?
For standard IKEA Kallax units:
Single Cube Crate
Approx: 33cm x 37cm x 33cm
Suitable for most standard cubes.
Crates With Lids
Usually require slightly more clearance.
Always check the product dimensions before ordering.
Real Examples From Customers
One customer used eight matching crates in a living room Kallax unit.
Each crate stored different family items:
Board games
Charging cables
Children's toys
Blankets
Instead of seeing everything on display, the room looked much calmer.
Another customer used two crates in a hallway Kallax bench.
The crates held:
School shoes
Dog accessories
Hats and gloves
Everything stayed organised without needing additional furniture.
What to Avoid
Avoid buying crates based purely on appearance.
Always check:
Width
Height
Depth
Internal storage space
We have seen customers order attractive storage boxes only to discover they are too large to fit the cube. Five minutes with a tape measure can save a lot of frustration.
Are Kallax Crates Worth Buying?
For most Kallax owners, yes.
They help:
Reduce visual clutter
Improve organisation
Create flexible storage
Make better use of each cube
The biggest advantage is simplicity.
You can change how the unit works without replacing the furniture.
Room-by-room KALLAX storage ideas
In a living room, use crates for remote controls, games, throws and everyday clutter. Mix a few crate-filled cubes with open shelves for books and favourite objects, rather than hiding every compartment. Keep heavier contents low and avoid making a crate too heavy to remove comfortably.
In a hallway, give shoes, hats, scarves and dog leads separate spaces. Check that the unit and a pulled-out crate leave a clear route through the room, and avoid a layout that blocks doors or skirting.
For bedrooms and playrooms, group contents by how often they are used. Open crates suit frequently used toys or books; a lidded version can keep spare cables, seasonal items or keepsakes out of sight. Check the chosen lid arrangement and clearance before ordering.
Choose a finish for your room
The KALLAX range includes natural wood and finishes such as Medium Oak, Dark Pine, Washed Grey, Tudor Oak and Burnt Effect, depending on the listing. Natural and lighter tones can keep a small room feeling open; darker finishes add contrast to pale shelving. Check the current product options, as the available finishes vary.
Real wood varies in grain, knots and colour. Digital pictures are a guide, and the finish can look different in your own lighting.
Ordering crates for a business
Crates can also be used for shop displays, market stalls and other business storage. For larger quantities, contact Woodenify with the number, sizes, finish and intended use so availability and a wholesale quote can be checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate fits IKEA Kallax?
Most Kallax-compatible crates are designed around a 33cm cube opening. Always check dimensions before ordering.
Are wooden Kallax crates strong?
Yes. Solid wood crates are commonly used for books, toys and vinyl records.
Can Kallax crates have lids?
Yes. Both lidded and open versions are available depending on your storage needs.
Are Kallax crates suitable for toy storage?
Absolutely. Toy storage is one of the most popular uses for Kallax storage systems.
Explore Woodenify Kallax Crates
Our wooden Kallax crates are made from solid wood for compatible cube storage.
Available options include:
Kallax crates
Kallax crates with lids
Painted Kallax crates
Natural Wood Kallax crates
Toy storage crates
Vinyl storage crates
Designed specifically to fit IKEA Kallax shelving while providing practical storage for real homes.
Looking for Kallax Crates?
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Or send us a photo of your Kallax unit and we will help you choose the right option.
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