IKEA KALLAX: Complete Lego Display Guide (2026)
How do you display LEGO on KALLAX?
The KALLAX shelf unit is perfect for LEGO displays with its 33x33cm (13x13") cube compartments that fit modular buildings on baseplates perfectly. Choose your configuration size, decide on horizontal or vertical orientation, and use the cube system to create organized themed displays. Add insert options like doors and drawers to mix open display with closed storage.
Why KALLAX is Perfect for LEGO Collectors
If you collect LEGO modular buildings, KALLAX isn't just a good option—it's basically made for you. Those square cubes are 33x33cm internally, and a standard LEGO baseplate is 32x32 studs (about 25x25cm). It's almost too perfect to be a coincidence.
The cube format naturally organizes your collection. One cube for Star Wars, one for Harry Potter, one for City builds. Each cube becomes its own display zone, and the grid layout keeps everything looking structured.
You can flip it horizontally for a TV stand with LEGO above, stand it vertically for a bookshelf vibe, add doors to hide storage, or mix drawers and open cubes. And like BILLY, it grows with your collection—start with a 2x2 and expand when you need more space.
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1. Choosing the Right KALLAX Configuration
Source: Ikea.com
Size Options
- 2x2 (4 cubes) - Starter option, €40
- 2x4 (8 cubes) - Popular middle ground, horizontal or vertical, €70-90
- 4x4 (16 cubes) - Sweet spot for serious collectors, €120-140
- 5x5 (25 cubes) - Maximum KALLAX, statement piece, €140-160
- 1x4 - Long and low, perfect under windows, €50-70
Most collectors start with a 2x4 or jump straight to the 4x4.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Orientation
Most KALLAX units can be flipped either way. A 2x4 can be two cubes tall and four wide, or four tall and two wide.
Horizontal (wider than tall): Lower profile, works as TV stand, easier access, better for low ceilings.
Vertical (taller than wide): Maximizes vertical space, more dramatic, better for narrow walls, top cubes harder to access.
Combining Multiple Units
Want more than 25 cubes? Place multiple units side by side. Two 4x4 units create an 8-wide by 4-tall grid. Just make sure they're perfectly level with each other—nothing looks worse than wonky horizontal lines.
All KALLAX units are 39cm (15.4") deep—perfect for LEGO.
2. What Actually Fits in KALLAX
Source: Ikea.com
The Modular Building Sweet Spot
Each KALLAX cube is 33x33cm internally. A 32x32 stud baseplate (what modulars use) is about 25x25cm—giving you 7-8cm of breathing room. Perfect.
Modular buildings are typically 30-32cm tall, so they fit the cube height too. If you're building a LEGO city, arrange buildings like actual streets—main street across one row, side streets in another. Rearrange as your city grows.
What Works and What Doesn't
| Set Type | Fits? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modular Buildings | ✅ Perfect | 25x25cm base, made for KALLAX |
| Creator 3-in-1 | ✅ Great | Most fit well, one per cube |
| Star Wars (standard) | ✅ Great | Medium ships work perfectly |
| Ideas Sets | ✅ Most | Check dimensions first |
| Compact Sets | ✅ Perfect | Globe, Ship in Bottle, Bonsai |
| Speed Champions | ✅ Great | 4-6 cars per cube |
| Minecraft | ✅ Great | Cube-shaped by design |
| Minifigure Displays | ✅ Perfect | Use risers for height variation |
| UCS Falcon | ❌ Too big | 84cm diameter |
| UCS Star Destroyer | ❌ Too big | 110cm long |
| Daily Bugle | ❌ Too tall | 80cm+ tall |
| Eiffel Tower | ❌ Too tall | 108cm tall |
| Large Technic | ⚠️ Check | Many are too long/deep |
Size Guidelines
Sets 20-30cm - Your bread and butter. Most Creator, Star Wars, Ideas, and City builds. One per cube or two smaller complementary sets.
Compact, cube-shaped sets - Anything square-proportioned looks intentional in square cubes.
Small sets under 20cm - Group multiple per cube or use risers to make them prominent.
Sets over 35cm - Check carefully. Tall sets won't fit cube height, wide sets won't fit the opening.
3. Insert Options and Customization
Source: Ikea.com
Door Inserts
IKEA makes door inserts in different styles and colors. Use them for cubes storing extra bricks, instructions, boxes, or less photogenic sets.
The real benefit? Creating visual variety. An entire wall of open cubes feels overwhelming. Breaking it up with closed cubes gives your eye places to rest and makes displayed sets stand out more.
Drawer Inserts
Turn a cube into pull-out storage. Perfect for sorted loose bricks by color, instruction manuals, minifigure collections, or sealed sets you haven't built yet.
Put drawers on lower cubes for heavy items, upper cubes for lightweight stuff you rarely access.
Balancing Display and Storage
A typical 4x4 might have: 8-10 open display cubes, 3-4 door cubes hiding storage, 2-3 drawer cubes with bricks/instructions, 1 basket cube with manuals.
For premium sets in open cubes, acrylic display cases add protection while maintaining KALLAX's accessible feel.
Quick FAQ
KALLAX vs BILLY?
KALLAX for modular buildings, themed cubes, mixing display with storage. BILLY for varying heights needing adjustable shelves. Most collectors use both.
What size for modulars?
Each modular needs one cube. 8 modulars = 2x4 minimum. The 4x4 (16 cubes) gives room for modulars plus other sets.
Anchor to wall?
Yes, especially 3x3+ units loaded with LEGO. Safety requirement.
Add legs?
Yes, IKEA sells legs that screw into the bottom. Makes bottom cubes higher up.
Cleaning?
Monthly dusting with soft brush. Acrylic cases reduce cleaning needs.
Final Thoughts
KALLAX is a display system that works with LEGO's modular nature. The 33x33cm cubes fit modular buildings perfectly, the grid creates natural organization, and insert options balance display with storage.
Start with one unit (4x4 is the sweet spot) and expand as needed.
Protect your collection: Browse our complete range of acrylic display cases designed for LEGO collectors—perfect for KALLAX cubes while keeping sets dust-free.
Your modular buildings deserve their own city block. Give them the organized display they deserve.