35 Ingenious IKEA Ivar Hacks to Transform Your Home on a Budget
The IKEA Ivar system stands out as one of the most versatile and hackable pieces in the Swedish retailer’s lineup.
These unassuming pine shelving units offer endless possibilities for customization at a fraction of the cost of built-in solutions.
With just a few supplies and some creativity, you can transform these simple wooden components into stunning, personalized furniture that looks anything but mass-produced.
The untreated pine surface provides the perfect blank canvas for your vision.
Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or upgrading your forever home, these 35 Ivar hacks will inspire you to see new potential in this IKEA classic.
Let’s explore how to elevate this humble storage system into statement pieces that perfectly suit your space and style.
1: Modern Fluted TV Console
Transform your Ivar cabinets into a high-end looking TV console by adding vertical wooden dowels to the cabinet fronts for a fluted effect.
This architectural detail instantly elevates the simple pine.
Paint the entire unit in a sophisticated color like sage green or matte black for a custom built-in look. Add brass hardware to complete the upscale transformation.
Mount the console to your wall for a floating effect that maximizes floor space and creates a more contemporary silhouette.
2: Arched Kitchen Pantry
Convert Ivar components into a stylish pantry by adding arched trim to the top of the cabinets.
This architectural element adds character while maintaining the unit’s practical storage capacity.
Paint the entire unit in the same color as your kitchen cabinets for a built-in look. Install additional shelving inside to maximize vertical storage space.
Add glass knobs or leather pulls for a custom touch that elevates the simple pine construction to something that looks far more expensive than its humble origins.
3: Built-In Home Office Desk
Create a custom workspace by mounting Ivar shelves at desk height between two Ivar cabinets. This configuration provides both workspace and storage in one cohesive unit.
Paint or stain the components in coordinating colors for a professional look. Add a pegboard back panel for additional organization.
Install hidden outlets and cable management solutions for a clean, uncluttered workspace that handles all your technology needs while maintaining a streamlined appearance.
4: Cane Cabinet Doors
Replace the solid pine doors on your Ivar cabinets with frames fitted with trendy cane webbing.
This allows for a semi-transparent effect that showcases styled items while hiding clutter.
The natural texture of the cane complements the pine beautifully, creating a bohemian yet sophisticated look. Add wood trim around the edges for a finished appearance.
This airy modification works particularly well in smaller spaces where visual lightness helps rooms feel larger and more open.
5: Nursery Wardrobe System
Transform Ivar components into a complete nursery storage solution with hanging space, drawers, and shelving for baby essentials.
The customizable height works perfectly for growing kids.
Paint the unit in child-friendly, non-toxic paint in playful colors or soothing neutrals. Add child-safe hardware that little fingers can manage as they grow.
Install a tension rod between shelves for tiny clothes hangers, and use lower shelves for bins of toys and supplies that will be accessible to your child when they begin to explore.
6: Vertical Garden Wall
Convert an Ivar shelving unit into a stunning indoor garden display by spacing the shelves to accommodate plants of various heights.
The untreated pine works beautifully with the organic elements.
Add grow lights underneath several shelves to ensure all plants receive adequate light. Install a drip tray system to prevent water damage to your floors.
Paint the frame in a matte black or dark green to make the plants’ foliage pop, creating a dramatic living wall that improves your home’s air quality while adding natural beauty.
7: Kitchen Island With Seating
Combine Ivar cabinets and shelving to create a functional kitchen island with storage and an extended countertop for barstool seating.
This instantly adds valuable prep space and casual dining options.
Attach heavy-duty casters to the bottom for mobility when needed.
Add a butcher block or stone countertop that extends beyond the cabinet base to create an overhang for seating.
Finish the sides with beadboard paneling or shiplap for a farmhouse touch that elevates the basic pine construction to custom furniture quality.
8: Fluted Entry Console
Create a striking entryway piece by adding vertical wooden fluting to the front of Ivar cabinets.
This architectural detail transforms the simple pine into a high-end looking console.
Paint the entire unit in a bold color that complements your home’s palette. Add statement hardware in brass or leather for a custom touch.
The shallow depth of the Ivar cabinets makes them perfect for narrow hallways and entryways where space is at a premium but storage is essential.
9: Hidden Home Bar
Transform an Ivar cabinet into a sophisticated home bar that closes up when not in use. Install a drop-down front panel that becomes a serving surface when opened.
Add mirror backing and glass shelves inside for a luxurious look that reflects light and showcases your collection. Install LED lighting to highlight your spirits and glassware.
Paint the exterior in a color that blends with your room’s decor for a discreet appearance when closed, creating a surprising reveal when entertaining guests.
10: Rattan-Fronted Media Console
Replace the solid cabinet fronts of your Ivar unit with rattan webbing for a breezy, textural media console.
This allows remote signals to pass through while hiding components.
The natural material adds warmth and organic texture to your living space. Paint the frame in a contrasting color to make the rattan detail stand out.
Add wooden legs to elevate the unit off the floor, creating a mid-century modern silhouette that transforms the basic Ivar into a designer-looking piece.
11: Kids’ Art Station
Customize an Ivar shelving unit into an organized creative zone for children with adjustable shelves that can evolve as their artistic interests grow.
The durable pine stands up to creative messes.
Install a roll of kraft paper with a dowel rod for endless drawing surfaces. Add labeled bins and cups to organize supplies by type and color.
Paint the frame in washable, bright colors to inspire creativity. The vertical design maximizes floor space while keeping all art supplies within easy reach but controlled.
12: Bathroom Vanity
Transform Ivar cabinets into a custom bathroom vanity by adding a vessel sink and plumbing cutouts.
The solid pine construction handles bathroom humidity well when properly sealed.
Apply several coats of waterproof sealer to protect the wood from splashes. Add furniture legs to elevate the unit to standard vanity height.
Install a stone or composite countertop with a slight overhang for a high-end appearance. The result looks like custom cabinetry for a fraction of the cost.
13: Plant Propagation Station
Convert an Ivar shelving unit into a dedicated plant propagation area with specialized shelves for cuttings at various stages.
The adjustable shelves accommodate plants as they grow.
Install grow lights on the underside of upper shelves to provide consistent light.
Add a waterproof backing and line shelves with plastic trays to protect the wood.
Paint the unit in a light-reflecting white or pale green to maximize light for your plants and create a garden-inspired focal point in your home.
14: Board & Batten Accent Wall
Use multiple Ivar side panels to create a stunning board and batten accent wall with built-in shelving.
This architectural feature adds dimension and storage to any room.
Paint the entire installation in one color for a seamless, built-in look. Space the vertical boards at regular intervals for a traditional wainscoting effect.
Add hooks or small shelves between sections for functional storage that maintains the clean, architectural appearance of this statement wall.
15: Floating Credenza
Mount Ivar cabinets to the wall without legs for a floating credenza that makes your space feel larger and more open.
This contemporary approach transforms the rustic pine into something more modern.
Paint the unit in a color that either blends with your wall for a minimalist look or makes a bold statement. Add sleek, minimal hardware to enhance the floating effect.
The wall-mounted installation creates usable floor space beneath while providing valuable storage, perfect for small spaces where every square inch matters.
16: Play Kitchen
Transform Ivar components into a charming play kitchen that will provide years of imaginative play.
The solid construction stands up to enthusiastic little chefs.
Add a wooden “cooktop,” sink cutout, and faucet made from inexpensive plumbing parts. Install a small shelf as a backsplash for play food and cooking tools.
Paint the unit in bright, child-friendly colors or match your actual kitchen for a realistic touch.
The height works perfectly for toddlers while offering storage inside for all their play food.
17: Record Collection Display
Customize Ivar shelving specifically for vinyl record storage and display with perfectly spaced dividers that allow for easy browsing.
The adjustable shelves accommodate your growing collection.
Add angled display shelves on top to showcase album covers of what’s currently in rotation. Install LED lighting to highlight your featured albums.
Paint or stain the unit to complement your listening area’s aesthetic. The result is both functional storage and a display that treats your vinyl collection as the art that it is.
18: Modern Room Divider
Use Ivar shelving as a stylish room divider that provides storage while defining separate areas in an open-concept space.
The open shelving allows light to flow through while creating distinction.
Arrange the shelves at varying heights to create visual interest. Use the shelves facing different areas for zone-specific storage needs.
Add casters to the bottom for flexibility to reconfigure your space as needed. This multifunctional piece solves storage needs while addressing layout challenges.
19: Window Seat With Storage
Position Ivar cabinets under a window and top with cushions to create a cozy reading nook with hidden storage.
This transforms an underutilized space into a functional retreat.
Paint the cabinets to match your trim for a built-in appearance. Add a hinged top for easy access to items stored inside.
Top with a cushion in performance fabric and add pillows to complete your reading retreat. The result looks like expensive custom carpentry for a fraction of the cost.
20: Home Beverage Station
Create a dedicated coffee, tea, or smoothie station using Ivar components.
The adjustable shelves perfectly accommodate machines, cups, and supplies of varying heights.
Install hooks underneath shelves for hanging mugs. Add a pullout shelf that can function as additional work surface when preparing your beverages.
Paint in a color that energizes your morning routine. This designated zone keeps frequently used items conveniently accessible while freeing up valuable kitchen counter space.
21: Fluted Nightstands
Transform small Ivar cabinets into sophisticated bedside tables by adding wooden dowel fluting to the fronts.
This architectural detail elevates the simple pine to designer quality.
Paint in a color that complements your bedroom palette. Add statement hardware that matches other metal finishes in your room.
Raise the cabinets on furniture legs to reach the perfect height alongside your bed. These custom nightstands provide both style and storage for bedside essentials.
22: Homework Station
Convert an Ivar shelving unit into a dedicated homework zone with adjustable components that grow with your child. The vertical orientation maximizes floor space in kids’ rooms.
Install a fold-down desk surface that can be tucked away when not in use. Add bulletin boards or magnetic panels to the sides for displaying schoolwork.
Incorporate good task lighting and labeled storage bins for supplies. This organized approach helps children develop good study habits with all materials readily accessible.
23: Apothecary Cabinet
Transform Ivar components into a stunning apothecary-style cabinet with multiple small drawers for collecting and organizing small items. This works beautifully for crafting supplies, jewelry, or collections.
Use thin plywood to divide cabinet spaces into smaller compartments. Add small wooden drawer pulls for an authentic apothecary look.
Stain the wood dark and add aged brass hardware for a vintage feel, or paint in a contemporary color for a modern interpretation of this classic storage solution.
24: Scandinavian-Inspired Buffet
Convert Ivar cabinets into an elegant dining room buffet with a Scandinavian aesthetic that honors the furniture’s Swedish origins.
The simple lines work perfectly with this design approach.
Apply a whitewash finish to the pine to maintain the wood grain while brightening the piece. Add minimalist wooden drawer pulls for a cohesive natural look.
Raise the unit on tapered legs for a light, airy appearance that characterizes Scandinavian design.
The result is a serene, functional piece that looks like it came from a design showroom.
25: Built-In Banquette Seating
Use Ivar cabinets as the base for a dining banquette that provides both seating and storage. This space-saving solution works perfectly in breakfast nooks and small dining areas.
Top with high-density foam and upholster in durable fabric for comfortable seating. The cabinet fronts provide access to hidden storage for items used less frequently.
Paint the visible wood in a color that coordinates with your dining area for a cohesive, built-in appearance that maximizes your square footage.
26: Wall-To-Wall Wardrobe
Combine multiple Ivar components to create a comprehensive wardrobe system that looks like expensive built-ins.
The adjustable nature allows for customization to your specific storage needs.
Add clothing rods between shelves for hanging storage. Install hooks on the sides for accessories and frequently worn items.
Paint all components the same color as your walls for a seamless built-in effect. This solution provides maximum storage while minimizing visual clutter.
27: Pet Feeding Station
Create an elevated feeding area for your pets with food storage using Ivar components. This keeps pet supplies organized and feeding areas tidy.
Cut circular openings in a shelf to hold feeding bowls at a comfortable height for your pet. Add lower cabinets to store food, treats, and supplies.
Paint in a wipeable finish for easy cleaning of inevitable spills.
This dedicated pet zone contains messes while keeping everything your furry friends need in one convenient location.
28: Mudroom Organization System
Transform Ivar shelving into a comprehensive mudroom solution with designated spaces for each family member’s outdoor gear.
The sturdy pine construction handles the weight of coats and boots easily.
Install hooks beneath shelves for bags and coats. Add baskets labeled for each person to contain smaller items like gloves and hats.
Create a bench area for putting on and removing shoes. This system streamlines coming and going while containing the clutter that typically accumulates at entryways.
29: Kitchen Appliance Garage
Customize Ivar cabinets into an appliance garage that keeps countertop tools accessible but not visible. This creates a cleaner kitchen appearance while maintaining functionality.
Install a retractable or hinged door that can stay open during use. Add an interior power strip for appliances that need to stay plugged in.
Position at counter height for easy access to frequently used items. This solution reclaims valuable counter space while keeping essential tools within arm’s reach.
30: Home Gym Equipment Storage
Adapt Ivar shelving to organize home fitness equipment with adjustable components that accommodate various gear sizes.
The solid pine construction handles heavy weights and equipment.
Install hooks for resistance bands and jump ropes. Add designated shelves for yoga blocks, weights, and other accessories.
Position in your workout area for easy access during exercise sessions. This organization system keeps your fitness space functional and motivating rather than cluttered.
31: Book Collector’s Dream Shelving
Customize Ivar shelving specifically for an extensive book collection with adjustable shelves that accommodate various book sizes.
The solid pine construction supports the weight of books beautifully.
Add bookends or dividers to organize by genre or author. Install small LED lights to highlight special collections or reading areas.
Finish with a clear sealer to protect the wood while maintaining its natural beauty.
This system grows with your collection while displaying it in an organized, accessible way.
32: Modern Bathroom Storage Tower
Transform a narrow Ivar shelving unit into a space-saving bathroom storage solution that fits in underutilized corners or narrow spaces.
The vertical orientation maximizes storage in small bathrooms.
Apply several coats of moisture-resistant sealer to protect from humidity. Add small baskets or bins to contain toiletries and supplies.
Paint in a color that complements your bathroom decor for a cohesive look.
This targeted storage solution keeps essentials accessible while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.
33: Under-Stair Storage System
Customize Ivar components to fit the challenging triangular space under stairs, transforming this often wasted area into valuable storage.
The modular nature adapts perfectly to these unique dimensions.
Cut the side panels at angles to follow the stair line precisely. Install doors on sections to hide items stored in the deepest parts of the under-stair space.
Paint to match surrounding walls for a built-in look that disappears when not in use. This solution captures otherwise wasted space while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
34: Arts & Crafts Supply Organization
Design an Ivar system specifically for organizing craft supplies with adjustable components that accommodate tools and materials of all sizes.
The untreated pine resists stains from art supplies.
Install pegboard panels on the back for hanging tools. Add labeled bins and drawers for categorizing smaller items by type or project.
Position at standing height for comfortable creating. This comprehensive organization system keeps creative inspiration flowing by making all supplies visible and accessible.
35: Floating Headboard With Storage
Mount Ivar shelving to the wall behind your bed to create a floating headboard with integrated nightstand surfaces and storage.
This space-saving solution works beautifully in small bedrooms.
Install soft LED lighting underneath upper shelves for reading. Add small cabinets at nightstand height on both sides for hidden storage.
Paint in a calming bedroom-appropriate color that coordinates with your bedding.
This multifunctional piece saves floor space while providing both style and storage.
Conclusion
The beauty of IKEA’s Ivar system lies in its limitless potential for customization.
Whether you implement one idea or combine several, these hacks transform basic pine shelving into personalized furniture that perfectly suits your space and lifestyle.
