Crates for KALLAX are the first thing you look for as soon as the cube shelf is in place and all sorts of bits and bobs start piling up in its compartments. Open shelves only look tidy for a while – then come cables, chargers, toys, hats and paperwork, all crying out to be stored away. The right insert transforms the shelf into a neat chest of drawers, and the whole room instantly feels calmer.
In this guide, you’ll find out the exact dimensions of an IKEA KALLAX compartment and which box will fit, how cardboard, fabric, plastic, wicker and wooden inserts differ, and when a wooden crate is really worthwhile – and when a cheaper fabric box will do the job perfectly well. You’ll also find tried-and-tested arrangements, ideas for every room, and answers to the most common questions.
We’ve been making crates from pine wood since 2016 in our family workshop and ship them with DHL to all of Germany. Boxes for cube shelves are among the products you ask us about most often – especially in September when school starts, and in January when everyone has a big tidy-up after the holidays.
What are the dimensions of a KALLAX compartment and which box fits?
Each compartment of the IKEA KALLAX measures approximately 33×33 cm (internal), with a depth of around 38–39 cm. This measurement is the same whether you have the four, eight or sixteen-compartment version – the individual cube is what matters. When looking for a KALLAX box, focus first on the width and height of the front, and only then on the depth.
The box should be slightly smaller than the opening so it can slide in and out smoothly without sticking. A few millimetres of clearance on each side is just right. If the insert is too tight, it will catch on the edge every time you pull it out, and after a few weeks you’ll see scuff marks.
How to measure the compartment before buying
Even if you know which shelf you have, take two minutes to measure. The panels can vary slightly, and in older shelves the bottoms sometimes sag a little.
- Measure the clear width of the compartment, from the inside edge of one panel to the other – ideally at the front and back.
- Measure the height, also in two places. If the shelf has been standing for years and is heavily loaded, the middle of the bottom may be slightly lower.
- Measure the depth from the front edge to the back panel or to the wall behind (if there’s no back panel).
- Subtract a few millimetres from the smallest measurement for clearance – and compare the boxes to this size.
Depth – can the box stick out or be shallower?
A box that is shallower than the compartment is not a problem – there will be a bit of space at the back, and at the front it sits flush with the shelf edge when you push it in and pull it back slightly. It’s less ideal if the insert is deeper than the compartment: then it sticks out, spoils the straight line of the fronts, and you’re likely to bump it with your foot. Our crates for the KALLAX shelf measure 33×33×38 cm and are made to match the typical cube depth.
Types of KALLAX inserts – a comparison
KALLAX inserts can be divided into five groups. Each has its place, and none is best for everything. Below we briefly describe each and summarise everything in a table at the end.
Cardboard boxes
The cheapest and lightest solution. They’re suitable for documents, photos and things you rarely touch. They don’t cope well with moisture, frequent pulling out or children’s hands – the corners quickly bend, and punched-out cardboard handles tear with heavier contents.
Fabric boxes
The most popular choice – soft, foldable fabric boxes with a firmer frame, often available to match the shelf. They’re light, quiet and inexpensive, and have a handle or hand hole at the front. Their weak point: over time they lose their shape – the sides bulge, the bottom sags under heavier items, and the fabric collects dust and pet hair.
Plastic containers
Practical where washability is important – in the utility room, garage, or sometimes in a toddler’s room. They’re often transparent so you can see the contents. In the living room or bedroom, however, they look very “storage room” and don’t suit every interior.
Baskets made of wicker and seagrass
Woven shelf baskets bring warmth and natural texture to a room. They look lovely, but have uneven edges and rarely fit the compartment perfectly. The weave can catch on jumpers and delicate fabrics, and small items slip through the gaps.
Wooden crates
Rigid, sturdy and the most durable solution of all. They don’t deform, withstand frequent pulling out, can be carried with their contents, and still look neat after years. They’re heavier and more expensive than fabric boxes – but that’s a fair price for not having to replace them every couple of years.
| Type of insert | Durability | Appearance | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of insertCardboard box | Durabilitylow – bends, doesn’t like moisture | Appearanceplain, office-suitable | Approximate pricelowest | Best forDocuments, photos, archive |
| Type of insertFabric box | Durabilitymedium – loses shape over time | Appearancesoft, many colours | Approximate pricelow | Best forLight clothing, scarves, children’s bedding |
| Type of insertPlastic container | Durabilitygood, washable | Appearancetechnical, “storage look” | Approximate pricelow to medium | Best forUtility room, garage, building blocks |
| Type of insertWicker basket | Durabilitymedium – the weave wears down | Appearancewarm, natural | Approximate pricemedium | Best forBlankets, towels, boho-style living rooms |
| Type of insertWooden crate | Durabilityhighest – rigid, keeps its shape | Appearancenatural or rustic, timeless | Approximate pricefrom €32.90 | Best forToys, shoes, books, tools, daily use |
If you’re thinking more generally about how to store things throughout your home, take a look at our guide to storage containers – there we compare more sizes and materials, not just for cube shelves.
When is a wooden crate worthwhile and when is a fabric box enough?
We sell wooden crates, but we don’t want to pretend they’re the best choice in every situation. There are compartments where wood is wasted, and others where a fabric box won’t even last a year.
Choose wood if …
- You pull the insert out daily – for example in the hallway, children’s room or office. Rigid sides don’t give way when you grab them.
- You store heavier items – books, building blocks, shoes, tools, folders. The bottom of a fabric box will quickly sag under these.
- The shelf is on display – in the living room, the crates look like furniture fronts. Wood gives the impression of a chest of drawers rather than “boxes on a shelf”.
- You want to carry the contents around – the crate of building blocks can be carried to the rug, the crate of hats can be taken to the door when packing.
- Durability is important to you – a pine crate doesn’t bulge, fray or wear out, and after years can be moved to the cellar, garage or balcony.
Fabric is enough if …
- You store light items in the compartment: scarves, underwear, bedding, towels.
- You only open the box every few weeks – for example for Christmas decorations or keepsakes.
- The shelf is somewhere appearance doesn’t matter, e.g. in a walk-in wardrobe behind the door.
- You’re on a tight budget and have many compartments to fill – then it makes sense to use wood only where it’s most needed.
In practice, many people use both: wooden crates in the bottom row and in the most-used spots, fabric boxes higher up for lighter things. A good compromise between price and comfort.
Crates to fit a cube shelf compartment
Crates with or without handles
This is a question we hear very often about KALLAX boxes. The difference seems small, but in everyday life it’s very noticeable.
Crate without handles
The 33×33×38 cm model without handles has smooth sides and a simple, calm look. It’s suitable if you rarely pull the insert out or want the shelf to look minimalist. You grip the crate by the top edge – for light contents, that’s perfectly adequate.
Crate with cut-out handles
KALLAX crates with handles have cut-out openings for your fingers. You can pull them out in one movement like a drawer, and a full crate can be carried comfortably with both hands. The best choice for children’s rooms, the hallway and anywhere the insert is used several times a day. The handles also provide some ventilation – handy for shoes and sports kit.
And what about crates with lids?
We also have crates with handles and lids, 33×33×39 cm, in natural as well as in burnt finish. With a depth of approx. 39 cm, they’re best used as separate containers next to or on top of the shelf – for example, on the top panel, where the lid protects the contents from dust. If you want to slide them into the compartment, be sure to measure first: every centimetre counts, and the lid needs space to lift.
Crates with lids are a good solution for seasonal items: winter hats in summer, Christmas decorations for the rest of the year, spare blankets. If you’re looking for something larger for bedding and duvets, read our guide on how to choose a wooden bedding chest.
Natural or burnt – how to match the crate colour to your shelf
Our crates come in two finishes. Natural is light, sanded pine. Burnt crates are darker, with the grain clearly highlighted, giving a rustic, slightly industrial look. Both look good in a cube shelf – it just depends on the effect you want to achieve.
| Shelf colour | Natural pine | Burnt pine | Our tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf colourWhite | Natural pinelight, Scandinavian, calm | Burnt pinestrong contrast, loft look | Our tipnatural for bright rooms and children’s rooms, burnt for a striking accent |
| Shelf colourBlack / Black-brown | Natural pineclear, light accent on a dark background | Burnt pinetone-on-tone, elegant and harmonious | Our tipburnt if you want the shelf to “blend” with the wall; natural if you want it to stand out |
| Shelf colourOak effect (light) | Natural pinevery harmonious, wood with wood | Burnt pinewarm, cosy contrast | Our tipboth work; natural for a uniform look |
| Shelf colourColoured front or wall | Natural pineneutral base that doesn’t clash with the colour | Burnt pineheavier, but exciting with dark tones | Our tipnatural is the safe choice, burnt for bottle green or navy blue |
Combining finishes
There’s nothing to stop you combining light and dark crates in one shelf. The best effect is in a chequerboard pattern or in rows: for example, burnt at the bottom, natural higher up. Avoid random distribution – otherwise the shelf quickly looks messy.
Remember, too, that pine is a natural material. Every crate has a slightly different grain and knots, and untreated crates will darken slightly over time in sunlight. That’s not a flaw, but the charm of real wood.
How many crates to buy – tried-and-tested arrangements
The most common mistake with inserts for cube shelves? Filling all the compartments at once. A shelf completely filled with boxes looks heavy and loses what makes it special – the chance to display books, plants or keepsakes. These arrangements have proved most popular.
Bottom row
Crates only in the lowest row, open compartments above. The most practical arrangement: you store heavier and less decorative things below, and display what you like at eye level. Works brilliantly in the living room, children’s room (children can reach the crates themselves) and hallway.
Every other compartment
Crates alternating with open compartments in each row. The shelf looks light and rhythmic, and you still have plenty of hidden storage. A good choice for larger shelves, where a full row of crates would look monotonous.
Chequerboard
The “every other compartment” version, offset in each row. This looks decorative, especially if you combine natural and burnt crates or crates with open compartments full of books. Best suited to 4×4 and 2×4 shelves.
One column or the whole shelf
All compartments in one column (e.g. next to the desk for paperwork) or a complete set in a small shelf. Filling every compartment makes sense in a walk-in wardrobe, utility room or children’s room, where it’s more important to hide everything than to display anything.
| Shelf size | Bottom row | Every other / chequerboard | Fully filled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf size1×4 (narrow, upright) | Bottom row1 crate | Every other / chequerboard2 crates | Fully filled4 crates |
| Shelf size2×2 | Bottom row2 crates | Every other / chequerboard2 crates | Fully filled4 crates |
| Shelf size2×4 | Bottom row2 (upright) or 4 (sideways) | Every other / chequerboard4 crates | Fully filled8 crates |
| Shelf size4×4 | Bottom row4 crates | Every other / chequerboard8 crates | Fully filled16 crates |
Ideas for KALLAX boxes in every room
The same cube shelf can serve very different purposes depending on the room. Here are some ideas that have worked well for our customers and in our own homes.
Living room
In the living room, the crates hide all the things that would otherwise pile up on the coffee table: remote controls, chargers, board games, playing cards, magazines, blankets for film nights. The bottom row with crates conceals, and above, open compartments with books, plants and photos – a classic that never gets boring. If you have a shelf lying sideways under the TV, crates with handles can replace a TV unit.
Children’s room – KALLAX boxes for kids
This is where wooden crates really shine. Building blocks, cars, dolls, cuddly toys and art supplies all have their own place, and children can pull the crate out themselves, tip the toys onto the rug and – at least in theory – tidy up again. The rigid sides don’t give way when little ones lean on them, and the crate doesn’t bend if someone stands on it.
- Choose the model with handles – little hands find a cut-out opening easier to grip than the top edge.
- Put the crates in the bottom row, within the child’s reach. The upper compartments are for things only adults need to access.
- Attach a picture of the contents to each crate (e.g. building blocks, cars, books) – younger children learn to tidy up more quickly this way.
- Make sure the crates aren’t overloaded – a lighter crate is easier and safer to pull out.
- Secure the shelf to the wall as per the manufacturer’s instructions – this is important for any furniture in a child’s room.
For smaller treasures – crayons, modelling clay, figures – our small crates 30×20×15 cm are ideal. On the desk or on top of the shelf, they keep order with things that would get lost in a large crate.
Hallway – hats, scarves, gloves and shoes
A cube shelf in the hallway is a great alternative to a chest of drawers. Each family member can have their own crate for hats, scarves and gloves, and the bottom row is perfect for everyday shoes. In Germany, where winter accessories pile up in the hallway from autumn to spring, this really makes a difference.
Crates with handles are better than closed boxes here – the openings allow some air circulation, so wet gloves or sports shoes aren’t trapped in a stuffy space. Still, always let wet things dry before storing them. If you specifically need space for shoes, also take a look at our shoe racks made from crates.
Office and study
Folders, envelopes, invoices, instruction manuals, spare printer paper – all heavier than you think, and quickly sag the bottom of fabric boxes. A wooden crate handles it with ease. Arrange the crates as a column next to your desk, label them (e.g. “Invoices”, “Car”, “Warranties”), and you’ll find every document in seconds.
On the desk, a smaller crate is handy for work materials – crates 35×25×19 cm hold pens, notepads, cables and headphones. Many people also keep a crate 39×29×24 cm next to the shelf for current paperwork not yet filed away.
Dressing room and bedroom
In the dressing room, the cube shelf replaces drawers: in the crates you can store T-shirts, jumpers, underwear, belts and handbags. Here, lined crates are ideal – simply place a cotton bag, a piece of linen or a fabric insert inside so delicate fabrics don’t touch the wood. This way you combine the sturdiness of the crate with the softness of fabric.
Smaller crates for desk, worktop and small items
Smaller crates in the compartment – does it make sense?
Not every compartment needs a large box. Sometimes it’s better to divide it into smaller containers, especially if you’re storing small items: sewing kit, batteries, cosmetics, spices, pet accessories. The small crate 30×20×15 cm is low enough that, when slid in lengthways, there’s plenty of space above – in theory, you could stack two on top of each other.
To be honest: smaller crates aren’t made to fit the compartment exactly, so there’s space all around and the shelf front doesn’t look as uniform as with the made-to-measure 33×33 crates. Measure your compartment before ordering and compare it to the crate sizes. Usually, the smaller models work better on top of the shelf, on the desk or in a cupboard than in the cube itself.
If you’re unsure which size is right for what, our guide Which wooden crate should I choose will help – there we list all sizes with examples of use.
Caring for wooden crates
Pine crates don’t need much, but a few simple habits will keep them looking good for many years.
- Dust – wipe with a dry or slightly damp, well-wrung cloth. Don’t leave water standing on the surface.
- Stains – small marks on untreated pine can be removed gently with fine sandpaper, always along the grain.
- Moisture – don’t put wet shoes or gloves in the crates and don’t place the crates directly next to a radiator. Wood is happiest at a steady temperature.
- Light – untreated crates will darken slightly in the sun over time. If you want an even colour, swap them around occasionally.
- Delicate fabrics – for jumpers and silk, place a cotton bag or fabric insert inside.
- Surface – if you wish, you can treat an untreated crate yourself with wood oil or wax. Test the effect first on the underside of the crate.
How to order boxes for the KALLAX shelf
Ordering is simple and only takes a few minutes:
- Measure the compartment – check width, height and depth as described above.
- Choose a model – without handles, with handles or a crate with lid to stand next to the shelf.
- Select the finish – natural or burnt, and the quantity to match your chosen arrangement.
- Add to basket and choose your delivery method. We ship with DHL from our workshop to all of Germany. Delivery time is 2–3 working days. Details can be found under Shipping & Delivery.
- Receive your parcel – the crates arrive ready-made, no assembly required. Simply unpack and slide into the shelf.
If you have questions about sizes, combining finishes or an unusual shelf, write to us – we’re happy to advise. And if you’d like to give crates as a gift but don’t know which shelf or colour scheme the recipient has, an email gift card is a great solution.
KALLAX boxes and crates with lids
Frequently asked questions
A compartment of the IKEA KALLAX measures approx. 33×33 cm with a depth of approx. 38–39 cm, so the box should measure just under 33×33 cm at the front. Our crates for the KALLAX shelf measure 33×33×38 cm. It’s worth measuring your own compartment in two places before buying. For daily use and heavier items – yes, because they don’t lose their shape or sag. For light clothing and things you rarely take out, a fabric box is perfectly adequate and cheaper. With a depth of approx. 39 cm, they’re best used as separate containers next to or on top of the shelf. If you want to slide them into the compartment, measure it carefully – the lid also needs space to lift. The best are sturdy crates with cut-out handles in the bottom row. Children can pull them out easily, and the sides don’t give way under pressure. Always secure the shelf to the wall. In a white shelf, natural pine gives a light, Scandinavian look, burnt pine a bold contrast in loft style. Both finishes look good; the choice depends on whether you want the crates to blend in or stand out. No. The crates arrive ready-made, no assembly required – just unpack and slide into the shelf. Yes, the return policy can be found on the Returns and Complaints page. To avoid hassle, measure your compartment before ordering and compare it to the crate sizes.What are the dimensions of KALLAX boxes?
Are wooden crates better than fabric boxes?
Do the crates with lid 33×33×39 cm fit in the compartment?
Which KALLAX boxes are suitable for children?
Natural or burnt – what suits a white shelf?
Do the crates need to be assembled?
Can I return the crates if they don’t fit?
Conclusion – how to choose the right KALLAX boxes
Choosing inserts for a cube shelf comes down to three questions: what are your compartment’s dimensions, what do you want to store, and how often will you open it? For light, rarely used items, a fabric box is enough. Wherever the insert is used daily – in the children’s room, hallway, office or on display in the living room – a wooden crate will reward you with durability and a neat appearance for many years.
Start by measuring your compartment, and with a few crates in the bottom row. Choose natural pine for bright rooms or burnt pine for dark and high-contrast spaces. And if you’d like advice on which KALLAX crates will look best in your shelf – write to us, we’re happy to help.
For years, she has been furnishing homes with wooden crates – from small studio flats to houses with gardens. She writes about organisation, storage and decorating ideas that work without any renovation.
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