I actually first got the idea of using an IKEA Kallax Bookshelf for a mudroom …from my yoga studio. They have 2 stacked beside each other for students to put their purses, keys, etc.. while in class.
I like them because their cubbies are larger than other units, plus you get a whopping 16 compartments in which to put stuff. You can store a lot of gear with one piece of furniture.
If you want your mudroom to look more neat and tidy, simply get matching, inexpensive pull-out drawers or baskets to stick all your things in. There is plenty of space for shoes, sweatshirts and even kids backpacks.
Note: This is also a great strategy if you want to create more privacy by using your IKEA Bookcase as a room divider.
The icing on the cake, though, is how easy the IKEA Cubes are to put together.
Some people are understandably concerned about how much work it will take to assembled IKEA furniture. However, the Kallax 16-cube shelf unit is not difficult to set up.
I’ve included a video below demonstrating how easy it is for one person to assemble it. (You will need 2 people to lift it up, however, since it weighs about 130 lbs).
This giant unit comes in black brown, birch or white. The darker colors are great for hiding dirt, and the white blends nicely into a white wall.
That said, this bookcase is designed to be low-maintenance. Simply wipe it down with a wet cloth when you clean it. It’s made of sturdy particleboard, fiberboard, acrylic paint, and ABS plastic.
Tip: If you get a lot of dust in your house, get a microfiber mitt. I love cleaning with these things because they attract dust like a magnet. They are actually designed for washing cars, but I find that they work miracles around the house too.
What’s Wrong with the IKEA Cube Bookshelf?
The downside to the Kallax Ikea Cube Bookshelf may be that it is big. If you don’t have space for it, well, you can’t use it.
Make sure that you have the wall space to accommodate an almost 5 foot x 5 foot shelving unit.
It can also make a small entryway look even smaller. In this case, I would opt for the white bookshelf “cube bins”. White and lighter colors tend to make small spaces look bigger.
Product dimensions:
Width: 57 7/8″
Depth: 15 3/8″
Height: 57 7/8″
Option #2: The Cube Bookcase
Another option is the Cube Bookcase by Bush Furniture. It is essentially the same size and design as the IKEA cubbies, but costs about $50 less.
Similarly, these wall cubbies can be used against a wall or in the center of a room. It looks attractive from all directions.
The main difference is that it has legs at the base, which makes it look more sophisticated. Its dimensions are also a little bigger:
60″ wide x 18″ deep x 60.2″ tall
In addition a mudroom, these wall cubes work great in kids’ rooms, a home gym, a garage, home office, etc..