It’s official – an Ikea design staple is being discontinued. The Expedit bookcase is being redesigned in favor of an “improved” product – the Kallax.
Even though it was originally designed as the perfect size to hold albums (YES, old school swag), designers love the Expedit series because it’s so versatile. You can use them as display units, sideboards, sofa tables, entry tables, entertainment units, and of course bookcases. There’s lots of shelving units on the market made like Expedit that can be found everywhere from Target and WalMart to Home Depot, but there’s nothing like the original.
We’ll just have to wait & see if the Kallax lives up to it’s predecessor, the Expedit.
Updated to add:
So I have to say I do love the Kallax as much as Expedit. I’ve use a small unit specifically for a music center with a record player on top & albums underneath. Perfect.
There is also a new finish (gray/wood effect) & accessories that I love.
What do you think? Loving the new Kallax?
Yes… I was very disappointed and then the Kallax showed up. I have not been out to Ikea to view it yet but I will be visiting soon to see if it measures up. I hope it does for all of us designers’ sakes!
I’ve seen the Kallax now and the only difference I can tell is in the size of the edges. It seems that the framed pieces (on the outsides) are now thinner. That just means it should take up a little less space (maybe?) but still have the same capacity.