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The Complete Guide to Board Game Shelf Options That Actually Work
Contents
Board game storage solutions can make or break your gaming experience, and I’ve learned this the hard way after watching my favorite games tumble off inadequate shelves one too many times.
You know that sinking feeling when you open a game box and half the pieces scatter across the floor? That frustration when you can’t find the game you want because everything’s stacked in precarious towers? Or when your beautiful collection looks like a chaotic mess instead of the organized paradise you dreamed of?
I’ve been there. After years of trial and error (and more than a few gaming disasters), I’ve discovered what actually works for storing board games.
Why Your Current Storage System Is Probably Wrong
Most people treat board games like books. Big mistake.
Games are heavier, come in weird box sizes, and have loose pieces that love to escape when boxes tip over. That’s why your regular bookshelf isn’t cutting it.
Here’s what I’ve learned about proper game storage:
- Horizontal is king – Games should lie flat like they were shipped
- Depth matters – Standard bookshelves are too shallow for most modern games
- Weight capacity is crucial – Games are surprisingly heavy when you stack them
- Adjustability saves the day – Game boxes come in bizarre dimensions
Specialized Board Game Shelving Systems That Change Everything
BoxThrone and BoxKing: The Gold Standard
I’ll be honest – when I first heard about BoxThrone gaming shelves, I thought they were overpriced. Boy, was I wrong.
These systems are built specifically for our obsession. They store games horizontally (hallelujah!), which means no more avalanches when you pull out that bottom box.
What makes them special:
- Modular design grows with your addiction… I mean, collection
- Handles up to 120 games without breaking a sweat
- Metal components that won’t sag under weight
- Custom accessories like playmat holders
- Adjustable shelves for those oddly-sized boxes we all love
The price tag stings initially, but when I calculated the cost per game stored and factored in the peace of mind? Worth every penny.
Game Theory Tables: The Wooden Wonder
Game Theory Tables modular shelves bring that solid wood aesthetic to your game room. These aren’t your flimsy particle board specials.
I visited a friend who had these installed, and the difference in quality was immediately obvious. The premium hardware doesn’t just look good – it performs when you’re constantly pulling games in and out.
IKEA Solutions That Don’t Suck (And One That Does)
Let me save you some time and money by breaking down what actually works from IKEA.
Billy: The Reliable Workhorse
The IKEA Billy bookshelf is the Honda Civic of game storage. Not sexy, but it gets the job done.
Why Billy works:
- Around $70 – doesn’t break the bank
- Highly adjustable shelves accommodate weird box sizes
- Sturdy enough for heavy games
- Perfect for small to medium collections
I started with Billy shelves in my apartment, and they handled my growing collection for three solid years.
Hemnes: The Heavy Lifter
This is where things get serious. The Hemnes can store over 90 games with its six shelves (four adjustable).
That 11½” depth is the sweet spot for most modern board games. I remember measuring my copy of Gloomhaven and doing a little happy dance when it fit perfectly.
Tonstad: The New Kid
The newer Tonstad shelving unit has those beautiful 13¾” deep shelves. Perfect for those chunky deluxe editions we can’t resist.
The catch? Limited adjustability – only about 2 inches of height variation. So if you have a mix of small and large games, this might frustrate you.
Kallax: The Disappointing Square
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Kallax is overrated for game storage. Those perfect Instagram squares are deceiving.
Reality check:
- Only 4-5 standard games per cube
- Zero adjustability for different box heights
- Wastes vertical space like crazy
- Games slide around in those big squares
Save your money unless you’re going for a specific aesthetic.
Alternative Storage Methods That Actually Work
Sometimes thinking outside the box (pun intended) leads to better solutions.
Vertical Storage Revolution
This changed my game. Literally.
Store games vertically like books, but rubber band each box shut first. Label the spines clearly. Suddenly, finding specific games becomes effortless.
I can browse my collection like a library now instead of playing Jenga every time I want something from the bottom of a stack.
The Ziplock Bag Method
Controversial, but hear me out.
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