31 Brilliant Ikea Ivar Hacks That Will Transform Your Space

The humble Ikea Ivar system offers endless possibilities for customization at an affordable price point.

These solid pine units serve as blank canvases for your creativity.

You don’t need advanced DIY skills to transform these simple pieces into stunning storage solutions for any room.

From minimal modifications to complete makeovers, these hacks will inspire you to see Ivar’s potential.

Ready to unleash your inner designer? Let’s explore 31 ingenious ways to hack your Ivar into something uniquely yours.

1: Paint Color Block Effect

Create a modern, color-blocked Ivar cabinet by painting different sections in contrasting colors. Choose a bold bottom half with a neutral top, or go for geometric patterns.

This simple paint job instantly elevates the basic pine and adds personality to your space. No special tools required—just painter’s tape and your favorite colors.

2: Add Rattan Door Fronts

Transform your Ivar cabinet with trendy rattan door fronts. Cut rattan webbing to size and attach it to simple frame doors you build or purchase.

This hack adds texture and boho charm while maintaining functionality. The semi-transparent nature of rattan also lets you partially display items inside.

3: Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Add LED strip lights beneath your upper Ivar cabinets to create task lighting for workspaces or ambient lighting for display areas.

Battery-operated options make this a rental-friendly hack without wiring. The warm glow highlights your cabinet’s contents and adds dimension to your room.

4: Create a Rolling Bar Cart

Convert an Ivar cabinet into a mobile bar by adding quality casters to the bottom.

Install a towel bar on one side for hanging tools, and add wine glass holders underneath a shelf.

This versatile piece moves where the party is and stores all your mixology essentials. Finish with a coat of sophisticated paint for extra style points.

5: Build a Kitchen Island

Combine two or three Ivar cabinets side by side and top with a solid butcher block surface to create a functional kitchen island with ample storage.

Add hooks on the sides for utensils and towels, and consider leaving the back open for cookbook storage.

The height is perfect for food prep and casual dining.

6: Install Custom Hardware

Swap out basic wooden knobs for statement handles or sleek metal pulls. This quick change dramatically affects the cabinet’s overall look.

Choose leather pulls for a rustic vibe, brass for elegance, or matte black for modern appeal.

The hardware alone can transform Ivar from budget to boutique.

7: Create a Living Room Media Console

Lay multiple Ivar cabinets horizontally to create a long, low media console. Cut holes in the back panel for cables and add doors to hide electronics.

Paint the entire unit in a dark color for a sophisticated entertainment center. The customizable shelving works perfectly for components of different sizes.

8: Turn It Into a Plant Stand

Convert an Ivar shelf unit into the ultimate plant display. Add casters for mobility and install hooks underneath shelves for hanging plants.

Treat the wood with a water-resistant sealer to protect against moisture.

The varying shelf heights accommodate plants of different sizes for a lush indoor garden.

9: Design a Nursery Changing Station

Transform an Ivar cabinet into a changing table by adding a changing pad on top and baskets for diapers and supplies on the shelves.

Paint with non-toxic, child-safe paint in nursery-friendly colors.

This hack grows with your child—simply remove the changing pad later for continued storage.

10: Build a Mud Room Organizer

Create a complete entryway system with Ivar components. Install hooks for coats, add baskets for small items, and create shoe storage on bottom shelves.

A bench seat on top of a short cabinet provides a place to sit while putting on shoes.

This organized entryway solution keeps everything tidy and accessible.

11: Make a Fold-Down Desk

Attach a hinged panel to the front of an Ivar cabinet to create a fold-down workspace that disappears when not in use—perfect for small apartments.

Install a pegboard inside the fold-down panel for office supplies and add task lighting.

This space-saving solution gives you a dedicated work area without permanent commitment.

12: Create a Play Kitchen

Transform a small Ivar cabinet into a child’s play kitchen by adding a “stovetop” painted on the top surface and fabric curtains instead of doors.

Install hooks inside for play cookware and add painted knobs on the front.

This imaginative toy encourages creative play without breaking the budget.

13: Install Glass Doors

Replace solid pine doors with custom glass-paneled versions to display decorative items while keeping dust away.

Choose clear glass for a modern look or frosted for subtle concealment.

This elevated modification gives Ivar a high-end appearance while maintaining the cabinet’s practicality.

Perfect for showing off collections or beautiful dishware.

14: Transform Into a Pantry System

Maximize kitchen storage by turning Ivar cabinets into a custom pantry.

Install additional shelves at varying heights to accommodate different food containers.

Add door-mounted spice racks and label holders for organization.

The solid pine construction holds heavy items like appliances and bulk goods with ease.

15: Create a Room Divider

Position several Ivar shelf units side by side to form a functional room divider that provides storage from both sides. Stagger the heights for visual interest.

Leave some sections empty to allow light to pass through. This clever solution defines separate areas in open floor plans while adding valuable storage space.

16: Build a Window Seat

Place low Ivar cabinets beneath a window and top with cushions to create a cozy reading nook with hidden storage underneath.

Paint to match your trim for a built-in look.

Add hinged tops for easy access to items stored inside. This dual-purpose hack maximizes seating and storage in underutilized window spaces.

17: Design a Home Office System

Create a complete office setup using Ivar components. Combine cabinets and shelves to accommodate your computer, files, and office supplies.

Add a custom desktop surface spanning multiple units for an expansive workspace. The modular nature lets you configure exactly to your workflow needs.

18: Install a Murphy Bed Mechanism

Convert a large Ivar cabinet into the base for a space-saving Murphy bed. The cabinet provides support while offering storage when the bed is folded up.

This advanced hack requires specific hardware but transforms a simple cabinet into a multifunctional sleeping solution for guest rooms or studios.

19: Create a Jewelry Organizer

Transform a narrow Ivar cabinet into a jewelry storage station with added hooks, small rods, and custom dividers for different types of accessories.

Add a mirror to the inside of the door for a complete getting-ready station. This organized solution keeps delicate items protected and prevents tangling.

20: Build a Lego Storage System

Customize an Ivar cabinet with pull-out trays and divided compartments specifically sized for organizing Lego collections by color, size, or set.

Add a building surface on top for active play. Parents will appreciate this solution that contains the chaos of building blocks while keeping them accessible.

21: Install Wine Rack Inserts

Convert your Ivar cabinet into a wine storage unit by installing X-shaped dividers or dedicated wine rack inserts between shelves.

Angle the bottles properly for cork moisture.

Add a serving surface on top for opening and pouring. This specialized storage keeps your collection organized and properly positioned in an attractive display.

22: Create a Pet Feeding Station

Transform a low Ivar cabinet into an elevated pet feeding area with cut-outs in the top for food and water bowls. Store pet supplies in the cabinet below.

Add hooks for leashes and a pull-out drawer for food. This practical hack keeps pet areas tidy while blending seamlessly with your home decor.

23: Turn It Into a Record Collection Display

Modify Ivar shelving with dividers sized perfectly for vinyl records.

Add angled display shelves on top to showcase album covers of what’s currently in rotation.

Install LED lighting to highlight your collection. Music enthusiasts will appreciate this functional storage that turns records into decorative elements.

24: Create a Craft Supply Organization System

Customize an Ivar cabinet with specific storage solutions for different craft supplies—spools of thread, paper, fabric, and tools all get dedicated spaces.

Add a fold-down work surface for projects. Creative types will love having everything organized yet visible for inspiration and easy access.

25: Build a Coffee Station

Convert an Ivar cabinet into a dedicated coffee bar with space for your machine, beans, and mugs. Install a pull-out shelf for easy access to your grinder.

Add hooks for hanging mugs and a drawer for accessories. This morning essential keeps everything for your coffee ritual in one convenient location.

26: Create a Hidden Hamper System

Install tilt-out hamper bins inside an Ivar cabinet for discreet laundry storage in bedrooms or bathrooms. Add dividers for sorting lights and darks.

Ventilation holes in the doors prevent odors. This clever solution hides necessary laundry storage while maintaining a clean aesthetic in your space.

27: Make a Customized Cat House

Transform an Ivar cabinet into a luxury cat habitat with cut-out entrances, shelves for perching, and hiding spots. Add sisal panels for scratching.

Create a flat top for lounging and install washable cushions inside. Your feline friends will appreciate this custom furniture that serves their needs while matching your decor.

28: Design a Shoe Display Cabinet

Convert an Ivar unit into the ultimate shoe storage solution with angled shelves that display your collection while keeping pairs organized and accessible.

Add glass doors to protect special pairs from dust. Shoe enthusiasts will appreciate this functional storage that turns footwear into a decorative display.

29: Create a Homework Station

Build a dedicated study area with an Ivar cabinet as the base. Install proper task lighting and add cubbies for school supplies and textbooks.

Add a corkboard to the side for reminders and achievements.

This focused workspace helps kids concentrate on assignments without household distractions.

30: Install A Fold-Out Ironing Board

Mount a fold-away ironing board to the inside of an Ivar cabinet door for a laundry station that disappears when not in use. Store iron and supplies inside.

This space-saving solution keeps necessary laundry tools accessible but hidden.

Perfect for small living situations without dedicated laundry rooms.

31: Create a Greenhouse Cabinet

Transform an Ivar cabinet with glass doors into a mini indoor greenhouse for starting seedlings or growing light-sensitive plants.

Add grow lights to the underside of each shelf.

Install humidity trays and thermometers for monitoring conditions.

Plant enthusiasts will appreciate this controlled environment for nurturing special specimens.

Conclusion

Your Ivar’s potential extends far beyond basic storage.

With these creative hacks, you can customize this versatile system to perfectly suit your space and lifestyle needs while expressing your unique style.