Your board game collection has grown from “a few favorites” to “we need a second shelf.” Sound familiar? Whether you’re dealing with a tiny apartment, a family game closet that’s bursting at the seams, or a dedicated game room that needs better organization, finding the right storage solution matters more than most people realize.
The Quick Answer: The IKEA Kallax shelving system is the most popular choice among serious collectors because it’s deep enough for oversized game boxes (unlike standard bookshelves) and affordable. For smaller spaces, consider vertical storage with games on their sides, under-furniture storage, or consolidating games into uniform containers. The key is matching your solution to your space and collection size.
After spending years organizing my own growing collection—and making plenty of mistakes along the way—here’s everything I’ve learned about board game storage that actually works.
Why Standard Bookshelves Don’t Work
Before diving into solutions, let’s address the most common mistake: buying a regular bookshelf and expecting it to work for board games.
Here’s the problem: most bookshelves are only 10-12 inches deep. Board games, especially modern ones, often measure 12-15 inches or more. Ticket to Ride’s box is 11.5 inches deep. Catan is 11.8 inches. Many euro games exceed 12 inches.
The result? Games either stick out awkwardly (and can fall), or you’re forced to stack them at weird angles. This leads to crushed boxes, components sliding around inside, and a perpetually messy-looking shelf.
The board gaming community on Reddit and BoardGameGeek has settled on a near-universal recommendation: if you’re buying new furniture, go 15+ inches deep.
The Best Shelving Options by Budget
Budget Pick: IKEA Kallax (Around $75-200)
The Kallax has become the de facto standard in board game storage for good reason:
- 15+ inch depth fits virtually all game boxes
- Cube compartments work perfectly for stacking games
- Multiple size options (2×2, 2×4, 4×4, etc.)
- Optional inserts, doors, and drawers for customization
- Clean, modern look that doesn’t scream “hobby storage”
The main downside: assembly required, and the particle board won’t last forever if you move frequently. But for the price, nothing else comes close.
Pro tip: The 4×4 Kallax holds roughly 80-100 standard-sized games depending on how you organize them.
Mid-Range: IKEA Billy Bookcase with Extra-Deep Shelves ($100-150)
While standard Billy shelves are only 11 inches deep, the “Oxberg” doors add depth, and you can also find deeper Billy variants. The advantage over Kallax is adjustable shelf heights—useful if you have many games of varying sizes.
Premium Pick: Custom Built-Ins or Solid Wood Shelving ($500+)
If you’re in your “forever home” and have the budget, custom shelving offers:
- Exact dimensions for your space and collection
- Variable shelf heights for different game sizes
- Integration with room design
- Durability that lasts decades
Consider hiring a carpenter or purchasing solid wood bookcases from furniture stores. Request at least 15-inch depth.
Small Space Solutions
Not everyone has room for dedicated shelving. Here are creative alternatives:
Under-Bed Storage
Flat plastic containers that slide under beds can hold 10-20 games depending on size. This works especially well for games you don’t play frequently. Label containers so you know what’s inside without pulling everything out.
Ottoman Storage
Storage ottomans or coffee tables with lift-up tops serve double duty as furniture and game storage. A large ottoman can hold 8-15 games while providing seating for game nights.
Closet Organization
Dedicate a closet (or part of one) to games. Install adjustable wire shelving or add a small Kallax inside. Closets protect games from light damage while keeping your living space uncluttered.
Vertical Stacking
Games stored on their sides (spine out, like books) often fit better on standard shelves. The catch: components shift during storage, so you’ll need to reorganize pieces before playing. For games you play less frequently, this trade-off is often worth it.
Wall-Mounted Solutions
Floating shelves mounted at 15+ inch depth can create attractive display storage. This keeps games off the floor and out of the way while showcasing your collection.
Should You Ditch the Boxes?
A popular space-saving approach involves transferring games from their original boxes into uniform containers. Here’s an honest assessment:
Pros of Box-Free Storage
- Saves enormous amounts of space (sometimes 50-70%)
- Uniform containers stack more efficiently
- Easier to transport games
- Protects components better than cardboard
Cons of Box-Free Storage
- Time-consuming to set up initially
- Loses the visual appeal of box art
- Reduces resale value significantly
- Requires labeling system
- Some games (especially those with fitted inserts) don’t transfer well
My recommendation: Keep boxes for games you love or might sell. Transfer rarely-played games or “shelf fillers” to uniform containers if you need the space badly.
Popular container options include:
- Board Game Bags: Zippered fabric bags in various sizes
- Really Useful Boxes: Stackable plastic containers in many dimensions
- Large Ziploc bags: Budget option for smaller games
Organizing Within Your Storage
Once you have shelving, how you arrange games matters for both aesthetics and usability.
By Play Frequency
Put frequently-played games at eye level and easy reach. Rarely-played games go up high or down low. This seems obvious but makes a huge difference in daily convenience.
By Player Count
Group games by ideal player count: 2-player games together, party games together, etc. When friends come over, you can immediately point them to the right section.
By Weight/Complexity
Keep gateway games accessible for new players. Store heavier strategy games where you won’t accidentally suggest them to casual visitors who just want something light.
By Mechanic or Theme
Some collectors organize by game type: all worker placement games together, all deck builders together. This works well if you often think “I want to play something cooperative” rather than naming specific titles.
Alphabetically
Simple and effective. You can always find any game instantly. The downside: rearranging when you add new games.
Practical Tips From Experience
Store Games Flat, Not Upright (Usually)
Most games are designed to be stored horizontally. Storing them spine-out like books causes components to shift to one side, potentially damaging cardboard inserts. Exception: games with built-in component trays designed for vertical storage.
Keep Heavy Games on Bottom Shelves
Gloomhaven, Twilight Imperium, and other heavy boxes can warp or crush lighter games stacked beneath them. Put heavy games at the bottom of stacks or on bottom shelves.
Don’t Stack Too High
Stacks of more than 4-5 games become unstable and hard to access. You end up removing the top games every time you want something from the bottom. Better to have multiple shorter stacks.
Leave Some Empty Space
Your collection will grow. Leave 10-20% of your storage space empty for future acquisitions. Nothing’s worse than buying perfect shelving that’s immediately full.
Consider Climate and Light
Board games deteriorate in direct sunlight (faded box art), humidity (warped components), and extreme temperatures. Avoid storage in garages, attics, or rooms with large south-facing windows unless climate-controlled.
Organizing Small Components
Beyond the games themselves, most collections accumulate accessories, card sleeves, extra dice, and other small items. Options for these:
- Small parts organizers: Hardware store tackle box-style containers work perfectly for dice, tokens, and sleeves
- Drawer inserts: If using Kallax, add drawer inserts for accessories
- Dedicated box: Keep one game box worth of space for accessories and spare components
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Stacking Different-Sized Boxes
Tetris-style stacking with various box sizes looks clever but makes accessing specific games frustrating. Keep uniform sizes together when possible.
Putting Games in Difficult Spots
Games stored behind furniture, in hard-to-reach cabinets, or requiring a stepladder don’t get played. Accessibility matters.
Ignoring Box Condition
Damaged boxes continue deteriorating. Reinforce worn corners with clear tape before they get worse. Consider sleeve protectors for valuable or frequently-moved games.
Over-Organizing
An elaborate color-coded system only works if you maintain it. Choose an organization method simple enough that you’ll actually use it consistently.
Solutions for Growing Collections
What happens when you run out of space? Before buying more furniture:
- Cull your collection: Be honest about games you’ll never play again. Sell, trade, or donate them.
- Apply the “one in, one out” rule: Each new game means removing an old one.
- Evaluate storage efficiency: Are you using vertical space? Could containers condense things?
- Consider a “library” system: Store overflow games elsewhere and rotate them in seasonally.
Planning your next board game night? Having an organized collection makes it easy to find the perfect game for any group size or occasion.
DIY Storage Solutions
For the crafty among us, here are some DIY approaches:
Built-In Bench Seating
Window seats or built-in benches with lift-up tops can store dozens of games while providing seating for game nights.
Converted IKEA Hacks
The community has documented countless ways to modify IKEA furniture for game storage. Search “Kallax board game storage” for inspiration including LED lighting additions, custom drawer faces, and built-in charging stations.
Repurposed Furniture
Old dressers, filing cabinets, and entertainment centers can all become game storage with minor modifications. The key is ensuring adequate depth.
When to Invest in Premium Storage
Upgrade your storage solution when:
- Your collection exceeds 50-75 games
- You’ve been in your current home 3+ years (likely staying)
- Games are visibly damaged from current storage
- You spend more than 2 minutes finding games regularly
- Guests comment negatively on game storage aesthetics
Quality storage isn’t just organization—it protects investments. Many board games appreciate in value, and proper storage maintains both playability and resale value.
A Note on Travel and Portable Gaming
If you frequently take games to friends’ houses or events, consider dedicated travel storage:
- Board game bags with shoulder straps for 2-4 games
- Rolling crates for larger quantities
- Dedicated travel games that come in small, durable packaging
For travel-friendly options, check out the best portable board games designed specifically for gaming on the go.
Final Thoughts
The “best” board game storage isn’t the most expensive or elaborate—it’s the solution that fits your space, budget, and collection size while keeping games accessible and protected.
Start with what you have. Make incremental improvements. And remember: the goal isn’t Instagram-perfect shelving, it’s being able to find and play your games easily.
Your collection should bring joy, not stress. Get the storage sorted, and you’ll enjoy game night that much more.
New to the hobby and building your first collection? Check out our guide to the best family board games to find the perfect games to fill your new shelves.
