IKEA is known for its DIY furniture and amusing product names. Here are the top 10 storage products that we thought would be the most useful for every household.
1. Kallax Shelving Unit
2. Skubb Boxes
3. Billy Bookcase
4. Ekby Shelves
5. Hyfs Boxes
6. Stuva Storage System
7. Kuggis Box and Insert
8. Ivar Cabinets
9. Algot Storage System
10. Besta Storage System
Storage problems are common in any space, from disorganised shelves to overstuffed closets or drawers. Ikea, however, has solutions to these problems.
Ikea is known for its modernist, affordable and (relatively) easy-to-assemble furniture for homes and offices. The Swedish company, with nearly 500 stores around the world, also offers storage products that are functional and well-designed. About 10 Ikea Australia stores have been in operation in the country since 1975.
Here are 10 of the best Ikea storage products that can keep your things organised.
1. Kallax Shelving Unit
The Kallax shelving unit has square spaces layered on top of each other. You can build the number of squares you need, from a single column with two to five rows of storage to a five-panel unit with 25 spaces.
The units can also be built with doors, inserts (bins and baskets), or casters (wheels). Because they come in many sizes and heights, they can work in any room, including those with tight spaces where most storage solutions cannot fit. You can store clothes, toys, books and other knick knacks in the Kallax. Aside from being a storage unit, it can also serve as a nightstand or a room divider.
The Kallax model is a successor to Expedit, the most popular Ikea cube storage device. The company, however, discontinued the Expedit model in 2014, and the Kallax looks the same except with scratch-resistant surfaces.
2. Skubb Boxes
Skubb boxes come in different sizes, colours, and prints. You can set them up to keep your stuff neat, tidy and organised. You can create sections of storage with Skubb boxes, so that there is space for specific items. They are perfect for socks, underwear, accessories and baby clothes. Whilst these boxes can be folded, the fabric remains sturdy and durable. They can be used alongside other Ikea storage products such as the Kallax or the Stuva storage system.
3. Billy Bookcase
A Billy bookcase is produced every three seconds in Sweden. Launched as one of the main products of Ikea in 1979, the company has sold over 41 million Billy units since 2009.
The Billy comes in several colours and with optional doors. Whilst originally designed for books, some also use the Billy to store shoes, collectibles, memorabilia, and documents. It can also serve as a shelving unit similar to the Kallax.
4. Ekby Shelves
The Ekby is only 12 inches deep, but this product shows the ingenuity of Ikea as minimalist whilst still providing efficient home storage space. This shelving unit can be mounted on the wall or used as drawers. One of its best functions is as a slide-out storage space under the bed, which is usually an idle space.
Even if you have a bed without any risers, the Ekby can still fit under it because of its sleek and thin frame. You can add casters or legs to the Ekby to add to its versatility so that it can become anything from a side table, console to a vanity table or a rolling coffee table.
5. Hyfs Boxes
The Hyfs boxes have clear lids that open on the front side, so that they are easier to spot when you need them, without having to open so many drawers. These unique Ikea storage boxes have been designed for shoes. They are also wide and deep enough for boots.
The Hyfs can be fitted inside other Ikea storage solutions like the Pax wardrobe frame and Komplement shelves.
6. Stuva Storage System
This storage system has many designs, colours, and sizes. Its standard height is perfect for children to use. The Stuva can be used as a chest where you can put toys and other knick knacks that kids can easily reach.
You can secure this storage box to the wall so that it can also serve as a mudroom bench or as an additional seating space. It is made of materials that are resistant to humidity so if you’re living with tropical weather at the moment, you won’t have to worry about the material disintegrating in any way.
7. Kuggis Box and Insert
The idea behind the Kuggis is compartmentalisation. It allows you to store items in different sections, but you can also put everything together into one big box.
The dividers or inserts hold smaller items like cords, kitchen tools, gadgets, or office supplies. These can be stacked together in the Kuggis box. The whole box, meanwhile, can also fit on something like the Besta shelf from Ikea. It is made of PET plastic materials and can be easily wiped and cleaned with water and soap.
8. Ivar Cabinets
The Ivar cabinet system is one of the best storage solutions for small spaces. As a freestanding case, each unit has a depth of 30 cm and a height of 83 cm. You can put five, ten or fifteen Ivar units together and have a set of functional custom cabinets ready for whatever you want to store.
With its depth, the Ivar cabinets can be set at a hallway or entryway without taking up too much space. The Ivar may also be painted with different colours or equipped with door handles.
9. Algot Storage System
The Algot storage system can work in a lot of places. Because it is modular and customisable, you can install it under the stairs and entryways or hang it as freestanding shelves atop the bed, kitchen pantry or laundry room.
The Algot has brackets that allow it to be mounted on the wall. With these, you can add Ikea shelves in varying heights and distances. You can create a bookshelf or a work table with plenty of storage space. You can also customise this as a hanging rack for clothes or towels.
As a basic storage configuration, the Algot’s price is under $100 but you can also go for the largest wall system at $220.
10. Besta Storage System
The Besta is similar to the Ivar cabinets, because it can be freestanding or stacked together. The main difference between the two is that the Besta storage system has a lot more depth. Being square in shape, it can be flipped, tweaked and, set up however you like.
You can use the Besta as the base for a customised bench with storage space. Set it low on the floor and it will go well as shelves for the children’s playroom. Set it high on the garage to keep cleaning solutions and other hardware items. The Besta is Ikea’s most versatile creation.
Do you need another form of storage solution? Spacer offers more options for bigger storage for rent. Find a Spacer host within your own neighbourhood with little effort so that you’ll have a space to store your things, from furniture to vehicles.
