Clever IKEA Kallax Hack: A Budget-Friendly Family DIY That Transformed Their Living Room
When this creative family brought home three IKEA Kallax shelves, they didn’t expect a 3 cm miscalculation to spark such a genius design idea. What started as a simple storage solution quickly became a functional and stylish DIY transformation, proving that sometimes the best ideas come from small problems.
A Slight Misfit Sparks Creative Thinking
You probably know the IKEA Kallax shelf—previously called Expedit—a favorite among DIY enthusiasts thanks to its affordability and modular design. The family in this story planned to fit three Kallax units into a corner of their living room. They took measurements, made a plan, and went shopping.
But once everything was assembled and positioned, it became clear: the shelving unit was about 3 cm too wide, extending awkwardly past the door frame.
Returning or replacing the shelves wasn’t an option, so they had to think fast.
A Brilliant Adjustment
Their solution? Rotate the third shelf unit. With this simple twist, everything fit neatly into place. Yes, it left a small gap behind, but it wasn’t noticeable or problematic. In fact, the new layout created additional usable space that inspired even more ideas.
Adding a Kid-Friendly Doodle Wall
The children asked for a doodle wall—and they got it! The family taped off a section of the shelf, used an old CD to shape rounded corners, and painted it with chalkboard paint.
After applying two coats and allowing it to dry, they had a smooth, durable, and kid-safe surface for drawing.
The entire chalkboard setup cost less than $10 and added a personalized, playful element to the space.
Organized, Decorative, and Functional
With everything in place, the new corner featured organized shelves for albums, documents, small storage bins, and decorative touches.
The highlight, of course, was the built-in chalkboard, which the kids wasted no time filling with drawings.
This clever Kallax hack not only solved a spacing issue but also unlocked new design possibilities for the whole family. It’s a perfect example of how smart thinking and a touch of creativity can turn a basic furniture piece into a custom feature.
