Comparing IKEA Bookshelves || Craft Room Organization || IKEA Hacks

Here's the thing, I have some strong opinions about bookshelves for craft room organization, and I have even stronger opinions about the book shelf options at IKEA. Today, let's take a closer look at three different IKEA storage systems: The Billy Bookcase, The Kallax Unit, and The Besta Units. I am going to walk you around IKEA to check out these options, plus a few more, and discuss the pros and cons of all three.
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[@lorrem2539]

We got the Kallax 5x5 system for my husband's record collection. Every one of them is filled with records from his youth, well maybe he has a couple that have tapes or CDs, LOL!!

[@ScrappyWife]

Oh wow, that is awesome!

[@lynetteplans7974]

I have a Kalax and love it. My 12x12 paper fits perfectly. I use 2 shelves with the storage cubes. They are organized by category. I have 2 other shelves (like ones used in the elementary classroom. Wish I had kept mine.) from Walmart that I use for sticker storage and other items. Loved the shelves you showed. 😊🌺

[@ScrappyWife]

Love that they are working for you!

[@judibradshaw1948]

Awesome tips, thank you! I’ve been considering Ikea for my studio and you have given me lots of insight!😊

[@ScrappyWife]

You are so welcome!

[@annsmith5625]

Pretty neat...so many choices! ⚾️

[@ScrappyWife]

There really are a lot to choose from - something for everyone.

[@dianalabaff635]

I have Kallex, with some inserts and bins. All my embroidery floss boxes and cross stitch frames fit between two bins and this system is neater than any other option I've come up with. I'm constantly checking to see if my IKEA has some inserts back in stock to add to my system. If you don't love the IKEA bins Target's Brightroom lidded containers fit perfectly in the Kallex cubes. I also have the Billy bookcases, and don't forget you can buy extra shelves for those if you need. I have two with spread out shelves and one with some narrow spacing just to prevent stacking. Additionally I have the Helmer drawers on casters for my folded up fabric so they don't get dusty and fade from uv exposure. They hold 8.5x11" reams of paper great too. They live under my Ingo table that I added casters from Amazon to make it a nudge higher and mobile if needed. Next project is to find something to store my yarn in that is prettier but is protected from dust.

[@ScrappyWife]

So awesome! Thanks for the tip on the Target bins!

[@audreymcgill3529]

There are pros and cons to each as you stated which is why I like variety. If I had to pick one, my choice is kallax because I know that it fits 12x12 paper and I have a lot of paper. However, Michael's has some pretty good storage as well. I have a lot from Michael's and I just started collecting from IKEA.

[@ScrappyWife]

Michaels does has some great storage options as well!

[@Pinkkermit17]

I have quit a few of the Billy’s and also some SKRUVBY ( one with glass doors one with regular doors for a coffee bar ) There is not an IKEA in my area but I found out they do have an an access point in my city so as long as you spend over $50 they deliver for free there which is really amazing. I love how everything is super easy to build and looks great.

[@ScrappyWife]

That is so great that they will deliver for free!

[@celebkiriedhel]

I will never say no to IVAR. Is gorgeous and versatile and can be built in so many different variations. Also is solid wood.

[@melissasault343]

I’d love to see a video on this system. I’m thinking of getting it for my new craft area. Not sure what bits and pieces would be good.

[@ScrappyWife]

A solid wood piece is always nice to have!

[@melaniehoskin.author]

Two additional options I've used - Mackapar shoe rack for my cricut and silhouette. And then gnesby (Cd tower) between two Billy ones as a tall pen and marker storage. Billy also does a deeper option as I've got one in my craft room. Also there's a new Billy with desk

[@ScrappyWife]

I haven't seen the deeper Billy Bookcases in a while, but glad to hear you grabbed one for your space!

[@bethjeans3780]

I have Expedit (precursor to Kallax) and Billy. Expedit is far more versatile due to the explosion of inserts by other companies and Ikea, and the depth. You never miss an opportunity to put down Kallax! 😅 Saying the big cube bothers you is like my saying my refrigerator bothers me because there’s just this big open rectangular space. Oh wait, I can add drawers and shelves? 😂 Shelves in the *wide* Billy bookcases warp with heavy items in the middle. Pax shelves do too. And lots of complaints about Besta recently - unaligned drawers that don’t close all the way. I wonder if they changed something since it used to be a great system.

[@ScrappyWife]

Unaligned drawers on the Besta are most likely user error when they are put together. I'm glad your Expedit is working really well for you 👍🏻

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you for helping all of us explore storage solutions. I am with you regarding the Callex, it works for some people, but definitely not for me, those bins would be big catchall bins and all the accessories would put it completely out of my reach financially. I found a good sized metal and wood shelving unit at the hardware store, decorated it and loaded it up with containers, it works for me but would drive some people bonkers.

[@ScrappyWife]

I think you hit the nail on the head - what works for one person would drive another person crazy 😂 All of our preferences are truly personal to our needs.

[@lynnstone6998]

❤

[@ScrappyWife]

Thanks for watching Lynn!

[@teriwalker3185]

100% kallax unit!!

[@ScrappyWife]

Awesome!