27 Genius IKEA IVAR Room Divider Hacks That Will Transform Your Space

Looking for a stylish way to divide your space without committing to permanent walls?

The IKEA IVAR system offers the perfect solution with its versatile, solid pine components that you can customize endlessly.

This affordable favorite provides a blank canvas for creating beautiful room dividers that match your specific style needs.

From boho-chic to industrial modern, you can transform these simple pine units into stunning statement pieces.

Ready to get inspired? Here are 27 clever ways to hack your IKEA IVAR into the perfect room divider for any space in your home.

1: Macramé Masterpiece

Transform your IVAR into a bohemian dream by adding macramé panels between the shelving units.

Attach dowel rods across the back and hang custom or store-bought macramé pieces for a textured look.

This airy divider creates separation while maintaining light flow through your space.

The natural fibers complement the pine perfectly, enhancing the organic feel while adding visual interest.

2: Japanese-Inspired Shoji Screen

Convert your IVAR into an elegant Japanese-style screen by replacing the solid backs with rice paper panels.

Frame thin wooden strips in a grid pattern across the paper to mimic traditional shoji doors.

This hack diffuses light beautifully throughout your space.

The clean lines create a sense of calm while providing privacy, making it perfect for meditation areas or peaceful bedroom dividers.

3: Living Plant Wall

Turn your IVAR into a thriving vertical garden by installing planter boxes between shelves.

Choose shallow plants like ferns, pothos, or air plants that don’t require deep soil beds.

This green divider improves air quality while adding natural beauty.

You’ll create a microclimate that adds humidity and life to your space, effectively bringing the outdoors inside.

4: Art Gallery Display

Create a rotating exhibition space by installing picture ledges across your IVAR divider.

Paint the entire unit white for a gallery-like backdrop that makes your artwork pop.

This functional divider showcases your personal collection while separating spaces.

You can easily refresh your display whenever you want, keeping your space feeling new and inspiring.

5: Woven Rattan Panels

Replace solid IVAR components with custom-cut rattan webbing for a tropical-inspired divider.

Stretch the webbing across wooden frames and secure to the IVAR structure with small brackets.

This textural element adds warmth while allowing light and air to flow.

The open weave creates semi-privacy without completely blocking views, perfect for defining spaces without isolation.

6: Industrial Pipe Accents

Add industrial flair by incorporating black metal pipes as clothing rods or towel bars between IVAR sections.

Stain the pine a dark walnut for a cohesive masculine aesthetic.

This rugged hack adds functionality while dividing your space.

The contrast between warm wood and cool metal creates visual interest and provides practical storage options.

7: Sliding Barn Door Addition

Install a small barn door track system to the top of your IVAR unit and add a custom wooden door.

This allows you to slide the door open or closed as needed for varying levels of privacy.

This dynamic element adds architectural interest to your divider.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility of adjustable privacy while adding a farmhouse touch to your space.

8: Fabric Panel Inserts

Create soft division by stretching fabric panels within IVAR frames.

Choose patterns that complement your decor or opt for ombre fabrics that create a gentle color transition across the divider.

This textile addition softens the look of solid pine.

You can easily swap out fabrics seasonally or when you’re ready for a change, making this a highly versatile option.

9: Pegboard Organization Wall

Replace IVAR backs with painted pegboard for an infinitely customizable organization station.

Add hooks, small shelves, and containers that can be rearranged as your needs change.

This functional divider serves multiple purposes in one.

You’ll separate your space while adding valuable storage that works from both sides, maximizing every inch of your divider.

10: Geometric Cutout Design

Create architectural interest by cutting geometric patterns into plywood panels that replace standard IVAR components.

Paint the panels in contrasting colors to the frame for extra pop.

This modern upgrade transforms basic pine into a designer piece.

The cutouts allow light to filter through while creating fascinating shadow play throughout the day.

11: Built-In Desk Workspace

Incorporate a drop-down desk section into your IVAR room divider.

Install a hinged panel that can fold down when you need a workspace and up when you want to maximize floor space.

This multi-functional approach makes the most of your divider.

You’ll create a dedicated work area without sacrificing additional floor space in your multi-use room.

12: Wine Rack Integration

Convert several IVAR shelves into a stylish wine storage system.

Install X-shaped dividers or circular cutouts that securely hold bottles at the proper angle.

This entertaining-friendly divider serves as a conversation piece.

The visible wine collection adds color and interest while keeping your favorite bottles properly stored and displayed.

13: Slatted Wood Screen

Replace solid panels with evenly spaced wooden slats for a mid-century modern feel.

Stain the slats slightly darker than the frame for subtle dimension and depth.

This architectural element provides rhythmic visual interest.

The spaces between slats maintain connection between divided areas while still creating distinct zones.

14: Integrated Pet Nook

Carve out a special space for your furry friend by converting a section of your IVAR divider into a pet bed or cat climbing structure.

Add soft cushions and scratch-friendly surfaces.

This pet-friendly modification keeps animal supplies contained.

Your pets will appreciate their dedicated zone while you’ll enjoy having their items neatly integrated into your design.

15: Hidden Storage Compartments

Create secret storage by installing hinged doors or sliding panels in unexpected places on your IVAR divider.

Use these spaces to hide valuables or items you don’t want on display.

This clever addition provides discreet organization solutions.

The hidden compartments maintain the clean lines of your divider while maximizing its functionality.

16: Antiqued Mirror Panels

Add glamour by replacing some IVAR sections with antiqued mirror panels.

The distressed finish provides privacy while bouncing light around your space and creating the illusion of more room.

This luxe upgrade elevates the humble pine to statement status.

The mirrors reflect light and views, making even small spaces feel larger and more dynamic.

17: Rotating Bookshelf Section

Install a central rotating section in your IVAR divider to create a revolving bookshelf that provides access from either side of the room.

Mount it on a lazy Susan mechanism for smooth turning.

This interactive element adds playfulness to your space divider. The rotating function maximizes access while creating an unexpected focal point in your room arrangement.

18: Chalk or Whiteboard Communication Center

Convert one section of your IVAR divider into a family command center with chalkboard or whiteboard paint.

Create designated areas for calendars, shopping lists, and messages.

This practical addition helps household communication.

You’ll make your divider work harder while keeping everyone organized and informed with centrally located information.

19: Succulent Display Shelving

Create a living artwork display by installing narrow shelves at varying heights for showcasing a collection of small succulents and air plants.

Paint the background a dark color to make the plants stand out.

This botanical feature adds life to your room separator.

The small plants require minimal care while providing maximum visual impact in your divided space.

20: Slide-Out Pantry Storage

Transform your IVAR divider into pull-out pantry storage if you’re using it near a kitchen area.

Install drawer slides and build custom shelving units that glide out for easy access.

This functional modification maximizes storage efficiency. You’ll create valuable kitchen organization while establishing distinct zones in open-concept living spaces.

21: Copper Pipe Clothing Rail

Add a touch of warmth by installing copper pipe clothing rails between IVAR shelving units. Polish the pipes to a shine or let them develop a natural patina over time.

This practical addition works perfectly in bedroom or dressing areas. The metallic element adds sophistication to the simple pine while creating valuable clothing storage.

22: Backlit Display Niches

Create drama by installing LED strip lights inside display cubbies within your IVAR divider. Showcase special objects or collections with perfect lighting that highlights their beauty.

This lighting upgrade adds ambiance and functionality. The illuminated sections draw the eye and create cozy evening lighting while maintaining the divider’s practical purpose.

23: Basket Weave Pattern

Weave thin strips of wood or actual basket material through a modified IVAR frame to create a textural barrier.

This adds depth and visual interest while allowing air circulation.

This artisanal touch brings craftsmanship to your divider.

The woven sections filter views without blocking them completely, creating a sense of separation with connection.

24: Murphy Bed Integration

For studio apartments, transform an IVAR divider into the support structure for a murphy bed.

When folded up, it looks like a standard room divider; when down, it becomes your sleeping space.

This space-saving solution revolutionizes small-space living. You’ll gain a defined bedroom area without sacrificing valuable floor space during waking hours.

25: Hanging Plant Curtain

Install a series of hooks along the top of your IVAR unit and hang plants at varying heights to create a living curtain effect.

Choose trailing varieties like pothos or string of pearls.

This green screen creates privacy through foliage. The cascading plants soften the hard edges of the wood while improving air quality and adding natural beauty.

26: Record Collection Display

Turn your music collection into art by creating album display shelving within your IVAR divider. Install thin ledges that allow record covers to face forward like gallery pieces.

This personalized feature showcases your musical taste. The colorful album covers create ever-changing displays that reflect your personality while dividing your living areas.

27: Modular Moving Sections

Mount certain sections of your IVAR divider on locking casters so you can reconfigure your space as needed.

Use these mobile sections to expand or contract your divided areas.

This flexible solution adapts to changing needs.

When entertaining, you can open up the space; when you need privacy, you can close it off—all without permanently committing to one layout.

Conclusion

Ready to transform your space with these IVAR hacks?

Start with one idea that suits your immediate needs, then customize further as inspiration strikes.

Your perfect room divider awaits!