Hackers Help: KALLAX bedframe – need kingsize ideas

I found a lot of ideas for the KALLAX bedframe I would like to try. But for more storage, I would like to use the bigger KALLAX (ie. 8 instead of 4 sections). I haven’t found many hacks for that — would you say it is possible to build this free-standing with some support or is the double-KALLAX too unstable for a Kingsize bed?

I was going to use 2 KALLAX (2 x 4 sections) and 2 KALLAX (2 x 2 sections) with some empty space for access to the storage underneath. Ideally just with some support beams rather than secured to the wall — is this possible?

Also, to be able to move it better, would it be best to have a platform underneath the shelves (as in, on the floor), or would this be worse on the carpet?

Thank you so much for any hints and tips,

~ by scotlandjenny

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Hi Jenny

You’re in luck. A double KALLAX bedframe has been done before. See the details here.

Kallax bed
kallax bedframe

It was a Queen bed though, so I would suggest having some kind of support structure running down the middle of your Kingsize bed. Better be safe than crash down in the middle of the night, I’d say.

Make a support beam, taking a leaf from this hack.

Kallax queen size bedframe

Anchoring it to the wall is the safest best but a freestanding bed is possible. Given the width and height of a kingsized KALLAX bedframe, you would need to reinforce the structure as much as you can. Wooden braces at the head and foot are a good idea. If I’m following the hack above, I would add a beam along the bottom too, to reduce the chances of the KALLAX legs doing a split. 

kallax bedframe

Plywood instead of slats will work too.

Best of luck with your hack. Let us know how it goes.

Happy hacking,

Jules

Related Hackers Help questions on bedframe hacks

And as usual, IKEAhackers readers are a wealth of information. Take a look at similar questions asked regarding KALLAX bed hacks. Check out the comments for tips and tricks.

Can I use the KALLAX 4×4 to make a bunk bed?

Has anyone ever tried creating a “bunk bed” using two 4×4 Kallax shelves? Do you think that two units, one at the head of the bed and one at the foot of the bed, with an Ikea Fjellse single bed frame on top would work? Of course, the Kallax shelves would need to be diagonally braced with  Observator cross-braces, and all three units connected together with brackets or something. With this setup, you would almost have a mini-room underneath.

Can I use the KALLAX instead of the EXPEDIT for a bed?

Now that Ikea has discontinued Expedit for Kallax I’m wondering if the Kallax will work (aside from the obvious changes since Expedit came in 5×1 and Kallax only comes in 4×1.  What other changes have been made?  Is Kallax as sturdy?  Read readers’ comments on the KALLAX for a bed.