The Kallax White and the Kallax High Gloss White from IKEA share the same structure but differ in finish, price, and overall aesthetic. The standard Kallax White has a flat, matte finish that offers a versatile and understated look, while the High Gloss White has a shiny, reflective surface that feels more modern and costs more. Choosing between them comes down to a preference for a subtle, practical finish versus a polished, statement-making one.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which Kallax finish is the right choice for your space and style.
IKEA Kallax White (Matte Finish)
The standard white Kallax is a workhorse of modern storage, beloved for its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. Its smooth, non-reflective matte finish blends easily into virtually any decor style, from Scandinavian to minimalist to eclectic. It's the go-to choice for those who need functional, no-frills storage that serves as a neutral backdrop for books, baskets, and decorative items.
- What it is: A popular cube storage unit made from particleboard and fiberboard with a standard matte white foil finish.
- Key features: Modular cube design, matte surface that doesn't reflect light, available in numerous sizes and configurations.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $59 to $149, depending on the unit's size.
- Style: Neutral and understated. It works perfectly in Scandinavian, minimalist, and contemporary family-friendly spaces.
- Materials/Construction: The core is particleboard and fiberboard, finished with a printed and embossed acrylic paint and a matte foil surface.
- Pros: Highly affordable and an excellent value. The matte finish is great at hiding fingerprints, dust, and minor surface scuffs. Its neutral look is incredibly versatile and blends with many other furniture styles. Widely available and often in stock.
- Cons: Lacks a premium or "high-end" look. The surface can be more susceptible to stains or tough-to-clean marks compared to a gloss surface. It can sometimes look very basic without careful styling.
This is the ideal option for anyone prioritizing budget, practicality, and stylistic flexibility, especially in high-traffic areas like family rooms or kids' rooms.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelf-unit-white-00275869/
IKEA Kallax High Gloss White
The High Gloss White Kallax takes the classic cube design and gives it a sophisticated, modern twist. The shiny, reflective finish immediately elevates the piece, making it feel more expensive and intentional. This finish is perfect for contemporary, minimalist, or even glamorous interiors where a sleek, polished look is wanted.
- What it is: The same popular cube storage unit but with a shiny, reflective high-gloss white finish.
- Key features: Reflective, lacquered-look surface, modular cube design, provides a high-end aesthetic.
- Price: More of a premium option, with prices generally ranging from $150 to $200.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and contemporary. It makes a statement and can serve as a focal point in a well-curated room.
- Materials/Construction: Core structure of particleboard and fiberboard, but finished with a high-gloss foil plastic edging that creates its signature shine.
- Pros: Offers a polished, premium look that can make a room feel brighter by reflecting light. It's easy to wipe clean of spills and grime. The sleek surface adds a feeling of modern luxury.
- Cons: It's more expensive than its matte counterpart. The shiny surface shows fingerprints, smudges, and fine scratches very easily. It might feel out of place in more traditional, rustic, or laid-back interior styles.
The High Gloss Kallax is excellent for creating a modern, chic design statement in a living room or office where appearance is a priority over low maintenance.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelf-unit-high-gloss-white-70312345/
Kallax White vs. High Gloss White Comparison
Finish & Aesthetic
The most significant difference is the visual and textural finish. The standard Kallax White has a flat, non-reflective surface that feels soft and understated. It blends into the background, allowing your decor and storage bins to stand out. Its aesthetic is casual, approachable, and highly versatile.
The High Gloss White Kallax, by contrast, commands attention. Its reflective surface bounces light around the room, which can help a small space feel brighter and a bit larger. The look is unapologetically modern, clean, and polished, mimicking the feel of expensive lacquered furniture.
Durability & Maintenance
Both units share the same particleboard and fiberboard core construction, making their structural integrity identical. The difference lies in the day-to-day upkeep. The matte Kallax is more forgiving - it's excellent at camouflaging dust, fingerprints, and minor scuffs. While it can stain if spills aren't cleaned promptly, it doesn't require constant wiping to look good.
The high gloss finish is easy to wipe clean with a soft cloth, but it's a magnet for fingerprints, smudges, and dust which are immediately visible on its reflective surface. While resistant to moisture, it can also show fine, hairline scratches more prominently than the matte version, especially in direct light. Regular, careful cleaning is necessary to maintain its pristine, shiny appearance.
Price & Value
There's a clear price difference between the two. The standard white Kallax offers outstanding value and is one of IKEA's most budget-friendly storage systems. You get a huge amount of functional, versatile storage for a very low price.
The high gloss version comes at a premium. The higher price is entirely for the specialized finish and the elevated aesthetic it provides. Its value is less about pure function and more about achieving a specific, high-end contemporary look for less than custom or designer brands.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both finishes offer the great functionality the Kallax is known for, but they cater to different aesthetic goals, lifestyles, and budgets.
Choose the Kallax White (Matte) if:
- You're decorating on a tight budget and want the best value.
- The unit will be in a child's room, family room, or a high-traffic area.
- You prefer an understated, cozy, or Scandinavian-inspired style.
- You want a low-maintenance finish that hides dust and fingerprints well.
Choose the Kallax High Gloss White if:
- You're aiming for a sleek, modern, or polished aesthetic.
- The unit will be a style statement in your living room, home office, or bedroom.
- You want to brighten your space with a light-reflecting surface.
- You don't mind the added expense and are committed to regular wiping for a smudge-free look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Kallax white and high gloss white?
The key differences are the surface finish, price, and style. The standard Kallax has a flat, non-reflective matte finish and is more affordable, fitting a casual, versatile aesthetic. The High Gloss version has a shiny, reflective finish, costs more, and provides a sleek, modern look.
Does the high gloss Kallax scratch easily?
The surface is fairly durable for everyday use, but like any gloss finish, it can show micro-scratches more obviously than a matte surface. To prevent scratching, avoid sliding rough objects across the surface and clean it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth like microfiber.
Is the high gloss Kallax worth the extra money?
This depends entirely on your personal style and budget. If you are specifically looking for a modern, high-end look and want furniture that reflects light, the extra cost can be justified for the significant aesthetic impact it provides. If you just need functional, affordable storage, the standard matte version is the better value.
Do they come in the same sizes?
Yes, both the standard matte white and high gloss white finishes are typically available in the most popular Kallax configurations, like the 2x2, 2x4, and 4x4 cube units. The dimensions for a given configuration are identical regardless of the finish.
Which white Kallax is better for a kids' room or playroom?
The standard matte white Kallax is almost always the more practical choice for a kids' room. Its finish is better at concealing fingerprints, smudges, and the inevitable minor scuffs from active play, requiring far less continuous maintenance to look clean.
How do you clean a high gloss Kallax?
For routine dusting and fingerprint removal, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For stickier spots, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with a small amount of mild soap and water, then immediately wipe dry with another clean cloth to prevent streaks. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, polish, or abrasive scrubbers.
Can you mix matte and high gloss IKEA furniture in the same room?
Absolutely. Mixing finishes can create interesting visual texture. For example, you could pair a high gloss Kallax media unit with matte white floating shelves like the LACK series. The key is to be intentional, so it looks like a deliberate design choice rather than an accident.
Does the high gloss white finish turn yellow over time?
Modern furniture finishes are much more resistant to yellowing than older lacquers. IKEA's high-gloss foil is generally stable and should not yellow with age under normal indoor conditions. However, prolonged, direct exposure to strong sunlight can cause discoloration over many years on almost any finish, so it's always best to avoid placing stark white furniture in a spot that gets hours of direct sun each day.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
