KALLAX desk ideas: Three ways to set up a workstation

Three great ideas for a KALLAX desk.

#1 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop

I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required.

IKEA item used:

KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm)

KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com

All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all.

If you want to strengthen the structure you would need to drill a couple of holes in order to use the long middle shelf of the KALLAX unit as a back reinforcer.

Easy and it works.

~ by Fabio Tudela

#2 KALLAX standing desk

I choose to stand at work because it makes me feel infinitely more productive. Our department recently moved into a new building and we had the opportunity to design our own spaces.

KALLAX desk ideas - standing computer desk

Items Used:

VIKA AMON / TORNLIDEN table top x 2 (discontinued, replaced by LINNMON)
KALLAX 4 cube x 2
KALLAX drawer unit x 2
8 – 3″ locking casters / wheels
1 – 6′ zinc brace

I had a few VIKA AMON tables laying around (literally) and liked the style of the KALLAX bookshelves.

This was almost perfect, but the I still needed more height.

Unfortunately, our “local” IKEA store (175 miles away) was out of the KALLAX casters, so I got some from the local home improvements store.

Turns out a standard 3″ caster was perfect to raise the table height to a level that felt comfortable enough to hold all of my non-workstation items (phone, loose papers, coffee mug, etc).

To complete the build, I braced two VIKA AMON table tops together using an 11 x 24″ piece of steel that I got from a local welder. Then I secured the tops to the KALLAX shelves using 2 1/2″ particle board screws AND a 2″ fender washer.

The washer was a very necessary piece, otherwise, the screw would just keep drilling right through and out the top of the desk surface.

The casters were attached with 1 1/2″ particle board screws and no washers.

Last, I braced the final product to the studs in the back wall with a 6″ zinc plate (~$18 at Lowe’s)

Overall the desk measures 117″ wide x 34″ tall x 31″ deep.

Thanks again to all who inspired this build! if you’d like me to submit additional photos of the build or instructions on how to recreate it, let me know – I’d be happy to do it!

~ by Scott Kilmer

#3 KALLAX workstation

First of all I wouldn’t call this a “hack”. The only thing I modified was removing a shelf and also using the KALLAX as a base for the desk.

Materials:

Since I remodel a lot at home I came up with ideas for a KALLAX desk that I could modify later, whenever it catches my fancy.

All I did was removed one shelf in the KALLAX (2×4). This is now underneath my desk and this space is where I put my legs.

Picture below shows another possibility — with the KALLAX 2 x 4 at the end instead of under the table tops. This is probably not as secure for holding the table tops up. But better use of vertical space.