Left: Photography: @tils.abode via Instagram
Kmart’s wave shelf range made a highly anticipated return this week – only to sell out again within days. The budget storage solution, which first went viral thanks to bloggers like Krista of @tils.abode, continues to spark a frenzy whenever it’s restocked. Her original Instagram and TikTok posts were inundated with thousands of likes and comments, and the hype hasn’t died down since.
“I’m already calling it the Kmart find of the year,” says Krista, adding, “$49 really is just a great buy for so many!” Many followers were disappointed, however, to discover that the product – launched in three sizes – was no longer available to buy online.
The good news? Kmart isn’t the only retailer selling these stylish and functional shelves. We’ve rounded up a list of alternatives that are either affordable dupes or premium investment pieces made from high-quality materials by Aussie makers.
3 close alternatives to Kmart’s wave shelf
01
Theo kids’ bookshelf and toy drawer organiser in natural
usually $249.99 (now $174.99) Mocka
Best for: The closest dupe for style and price
Mocka’s cult-favourite ‘Theo’ bookshelf is the product most similar to Kmart’s version in both looks and price. Right now, it’s on sale for $174.99. It’s made from wood-look melamine and was designed exclusively for Mocka in Australia.
It may be more expensive than the Kmart unit, but it has over 150 positive reviews from shoppers who praise its design, appearance and ease of assembly.
“This bookshelf is my favourite piece of furniture in my house,” wrote one user. “I love the functionality, the storage space and overall the way it looks! My daughters’ room looks great with it in it.”
Size: 98cm (w), 88cm (h), 29cm (d)
Colour: Natural
Materials:
- Wood-look melamine
- Includes a wall strap to prevent injury
- Pull out drawers with castor wheels
02
Scallop front-facing bookshelf
$850, J&Furniture
Best for: Heirloom quality
If you’re looking for a shelving unit that will last for years and years to come, consider investing in a piece from J&Furniture. All shelves are handmade in Sydney using locally sourced timber. All pieces are made-to-order, so if you want to customise the size or the colour, you can!
Size: 70cm (w), 75cm (h), 30cm (d)
Colour: Available in a select range of Porter’s Paints shades. Colour samples are available. Customisation available.
Materials:
- Locally sourced timber
- Made to order in Sydney
- Australian-owned and operated business
03
Okiture 3-tier kids bookshelf
$109.90, Amazon
Best for: Compact spaces
This slimline tiered bookshelf available at Amazon features the same ‘wave’ shelf detailing and storage configuration. Tubs make toys easily accessible to kids, while the open shelving can be left as is or styled with additional fabric or woven storage boxes.
Size: 95.5 (w), 38.5 (h), 25.5 (d)
Colour: Natural and white
Materials:
- Comes with an anti-tipping kit
- Unit features smooth edges
Available at:
- Big W, $109.90
- Fantastic Furniture, $119
Even more similar dupes
Kids’ Deia bookcase with storage, from $109.99, Temple & Webster
Sadie scallop storage shelf in white, from $227.99, Adairs
Mini Maisie scalloped low bookcase in white, from $152.99, Mocka
Kids’ wavy bookcase in pink, from $149.99, Temple & Webster
When will Kmart’s wave shelf be restocked?
While Kmart has confirmed it will restock the wave shelf range, it hasn’t provided an exact date. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more. TikTok blogger @mollychapman told her followers that she found the shelves in stock at her local Kmart, despite the website showing ‘Out of Stock’.
Kmart wave shelf review: Krista @tils.abode
We spoke to Krista of @tils.abode, who managed to get her hands on one of the rare wave shelves before they sold out. Here, she shares her honest thoughts on the product.
BHG: Kmart’s wave shelf is $49. Do you think the product is good value for the price?
Krista: Absolutely. With the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, people are understandably looking for more budget-friendly options, but that doesn’t mean quality should be sacrificed. This shelf is genuinely one of the best Kmart finds I’ve come across for value for money. The quality exceeded my expectations for the price point.
BHG: Describe the process of putting the shelf together — how hard or easy was it?
K: I’ll be honest, I handed this one straight over to my husband. He mentioned the build was more intricate than other Kmart furniture, with quite a few components. That said, we both agree this complexity is likely what contributes to the shelf’s sturdier, more solid feel once assembled.
BHG: How is it holding up to daily use?
K: It’s been fantastic. We use it as our weekly toy rotation shelf, and if something can withstand daily use from a four-year-old, it can handle just about anything. It’s held up extremely well so far.
