The IKEA Expedit (discontinued) and its successor, the Kallax, are two of the most iconic shelving units around, but they differ in design, availability, and construction. The Expedit features a thicker, beefier outer frame giving it a more substantial look, while the Kallax has a slimmer, sleeker profile with slightly rounded edges to be more material-efficient. While they share the exact same internal cube dimensions, the Expedit is now only available secondhand while the Kallax is a current IKEA staple.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand the history and differences between these beloved shelving series.
IKEA Expedit Shelving Unit
The IKEA Expedit was a hugely popular modular shelving unit celebrated for its simple grid-like design and robust appearance. Its distinctive square compartments and thick frame made it a versatile favorite for everything from bookcases and vinyl record storage to room dividers. Although it was officially discontinued in 2014, the Expedit remains a sought-after item on the secondhand market for its iconic design and durability.
- What it is: A discontinued modular grid shelving unit known for its substantial outer frame and sharp, clean lines.
- Key features: Thick outer frame panels, sharp 90-degree corners, sturdy particleboard construction.
- Price: Originally sold for $50-$150. Now price varies widely on secondhand markets like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
- Style: Utilitarian, retro, and minimalist. Its bold structure gives it a significant visual presence.
- Materials/Construction: Built from particleboard and fiberboard with a laminate finish. The external panels are noticeably thicker than its successor.
- Pros: A classic and iconic piece of IKEA history. The thicker frame has a satisfyingly sturdy appearance. Highly sought after by vintage furniture fans. Perfectly sized cubes for 12" vinyl records.
- Cons: Discontinued, so it's only available used, often with signs of wear. Heavier and less material-efficient than the Kallax.
The Expedit is ideal for brand enthusiasts who specifically want the classic chunky look or for anyone who spots a well-maintained one for a great price on the used market.
Note: Since the Expedit is discontinued, it is primarily found on secondhand marketplaces. The link above is for historical reference.
IKEA Kallax Shelving Unit
The Kallax is the modern successor to the Expedit, introduced by IKEA in 2014 to serve the same function with a more eco-friendly and refined design. It retains the signature grid system and dimensions that made the Expedit famous but features a thinner external frame and softer edges. The Kallax offers a vast range of sizes, colors, and compatible inserts like doors and drawers, making it one of IKEA's most customizable storage solutions today.
- What it is: The current-production modular shelving unit that replaced the Expedit, featuring a slimmer profile.
- Key features: Slimmer outer frame, slightly rounded "softer" edges, and wide variety of optional inserts (drawers, doors, bins).
- Price: Ranges from about $50 to over $200, depending on size and configuration.
- Style: Contemporary, modern, and Scandinavian. Its streamlined look fits seamlessly into almost any decor style.
- Materials/Construction: Made with particleboard and fiberboard with a paper foil or laminate finish, using less raw material than the Expedit.
- Pros: Readily available new from IKEA. More color and size options to choose from. A vast ecosystem of official IKEA inserts allows for easy customization. More sustainable and uses fewer materials.
- Cons: The slimmer frame is sometimes perceived as being less sturdy than the Expedit's, although it meets IKEA’s stability standards for its intended use.
The Kallax is the perfect choice for anyone needing a new, versatile, and highly customizable storage unit with a clean, modern aesthetic.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelving-unit-white-80275809/
Expedit vs. Kallax Comparison
Design & Dimensions
The most significant difference between the Expedit and the Kallax is the thickness of the outer frame. The Expedit's frame is about half a centimeter thicker, giving it a chunkier, more substantial visual weight. The Kallax has a trimmed-down, sleeker profile with slightly rounded outer edges compared to the sharp, 90-degree corners of the Expedit.
Critically, the internal dimensions of the individual cubes are identical on both models. This means that storage boxes, bins, and even vinyl records that fit perfectly in an Expedit will fit just as well in a Kallax. This compatibility was a key part of IKEA's transition plan.
Materials & Construction
Both shelving units are constructed from particleboard and fiberboard with a finish, a standard practice for creating affordable furniture. The change from Expedit to Kallax was driven in part by sustainability. By reducing the thickness of the frame, IKEA was able to produce the Kallax using less wood material, making it lighter to transport and more resource-efficient without compromising its structural integrity for everyday use.
Availability & Price
This is a major point of difference. The Kallax is readily available to purchase new from any IKEA store or online, with predictable pricing and a product warranty. The Expedit, having been discontinued for over a decade, can only be found on secondhand markets. The condition and price can vary dramatically, and you'll have to arrange for pickup yourself.
Style & Versatility
The Expedit has a distinct retro and slightly utilitarian charm thanks to its bolder lines. It works exceptionally well in industrial or eclectic spaces. The Kallax, with its refined and lighter frame, has a more modern and versatile feel that blends easily into Scandinavian, minimalist, or contemporary interiors. Furthermore, IKEA's current lineup of Kallax inserts - including drawers, cabinets with doors, and various baskets - offers seamless customization that you won't get when buying an older Expedit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent grid shelving systems, but your choice depends heavily on your priorities for availability, style, and convenience.
Choose the Expedit if:
- You specifically prefer the retro, chunkier look of the thicker outer frame.
- You are an IKEA collector or a fan of finding vintage furniture pieces.
- You don't mind searching secondhand markets to find one in good condition.
- You've found a used Expedit for a price that makes sense for you.
Choose the Kallax if:
- You want to buy a brand-new shelf that is readily available online or in-store.
- You prefer a sleeker, more modern aesthetic that feels lighter in a room.
- You want to take full advantage of IKEA's wide range of official inserts and accessories.
- You care about the product's improved sustainability and more efficient use of materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Expedit and Kallax?
The main difference is the thickness of the outer frame panels. The Expedit has a thicker, more substantial frame, while the Kallax has a slimmer frame with slightly rounded edges. The internal cube dimensions are exactly the same.
Why did IKEA replace the Expedit with the Kallax?
IKEA transitioned to the Kallax primarily for sustainability reasons. The new design uses less raw material and is lighter to ship, reducing its environmental impact while preserving the core functionality and strength of the original design.
Are Expedit and Kallax inserts interchangeable?
Yes. Because the internal cube dimensions (width, height, and depth) were kept identical, inserts designed for one will fit perfectly in the other. This includes drawers, doors, and storage boxes like the DRÖNA bin.
Is Kallax as strong as Expedit?
While the Expedit's thicker frame gives it a "sturdier" look and feel, the Kallax is engineered by IKEA to meet the same standards for stability and weight load for its intended uses, such as holding books and records. For everyday use, the Kallax is more than adequately strong and stable.
Where can I buy an IKEA Expedit shelf now?
The only place to find an Expedit unit is on secondhand platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or local flea markets. Availability and condition will vary greatly by location.
Is the Expedit or Kallax better for vinyl records?
Both are equally fantastic for storing standard 12" LP vinyl records. The cube dimensions accommodate these records perfectly, which is one of the main reasons both the Expedit (past) and Kallax (present) are icons in the vinyl community.
How much weight can a Kallax cube hold?
According to IKEA's official specifications, each shelf in a Kallax unit can support up to 29 pounds (13 kg).
Can you use a Kallax shelving unit as a bench?
Yes, many people use the 1x4 or 2x4 Kallax units laid on their side as a TV console or a bench. For use as a bench, it's recommended to add a cushion on top and not overload the shelves to ensure safety and longevity.
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