35 Genius Ikea Ivar Hacks That Will Transform Your Home in 2025
The Ikea Ivar system stands out as one of the most versatile and hackable pieces in the Swedish retailer’s lineup.
Its solid pine construction provides the perfect blank canvas for customization.
With just a few tweaks, you can transform these humble shelving units into stunning, personalized furniture that looks anything but mass-produced.
Ready to unleash your creativity on this adaptable classic? These 35 Ivar hacks will inspire you to see new potential in these simple pine pieces.
1: Create a Stylish Bar Cabinet
Transform your Ivar cabinet into an elegant bar by adding wine glass holders underneath a shelf and installing diagonal compartments for bottles.
Paint the exterior in a rich color like navy or emerald and add brass hardware for a luxe look.
Line the back panel with mirror or metallic wallpaper to reflect light and make your glassware sparkle.
2: Design a Kitchen Island on Wheels
Combine two Ivar cabinets side by side and top with a butcher block countertop to create a functional kitchen island.
Add casters to the bottom for mobility and install hooks on the sides for hanging kitchen towels or utensils.
Paint or stain the wood to match your kitchen cabinets for a cohesive, custom look that costs a fraction of built-in options.
3: Build a Mid-Century Inspired Media Console
Mount your Ivar cabinet on hairpin or tapered wooden legs to create elevation and mid-century modern appeal.
Add sliding doors made from plywood with cut-out handles for a sleek, minimalist look.
Install a hole in the back panel for cable management and paint in a period-appropriate color like sage green or mustard yellow.
4: Craft a Dreamy Nursery Wardrobe
Transform an Ivar cabinet into a charming nursery wardrobe by adding a hanging rod and soft close hinges to protect tiny fingers.
Paint with non-toxic paint in a playful color or create a whimsical design with stencils or decals.
Add wooden knobs shaped like animals or stars for a magical finishing touch that grows with your child.
5: Design a Hardworking Home Office
Combine Ivar shelving with a cabinet and add a pull-out keyboard tray to create a compact but functional workspace.
Install task lighting underneath shelves and add cord management solutions through the back panels.
Create built-in file storage with hanging folder rails and label everything for a professional organization system.
6: Create a Plant Lover’s Paradise
Convert your Ivar shelving into the ultimate indoor garden by adding grow lights underneath each shelf.
Seal the wood with a waterproof finish to protect from moisture and spills during plant care.
Paint in a fresh white or soft green to complement your greenery and create a bright, airy display space.
7: Build a Modern Entryway Unit
Adapt Ivar components to create a streamlined entryway organizer with hooks for coats, shelves for shoes, and baskets for accessories.
Add a bench seat on top of a low cabinet for putting on and taking off shoes.
Install a mirror above to create the illusion of more space and for last-minute appearance checks before heading out.
8: Craft a Stunning Room Divider
Position several Ivar shelving units in a row to create a partial wall that divides space while maintaining openness.
Alternate open and closed sections by adding doors to some compartments for visual interest and hidden storage.
Paint or stain different sections in complementary colors for an artistic statement piece that defines your living areas.
9: Design a Boutique-Worthy Closet System
Combine multiple Ivar components to create a custom closet system with hanging space, shelving, and drawers.
Add rods at different heights for various clothing lengths and install pull-out trays for accessories.
Finish with good lighting and full-length mirrors attached to cabinet doors for a luxury dressing experience.
10: Build a Kids’ Art and Homework Station
Modify Ivar shelving to create zones for art supplies, books, and completed masterpieces all in one organized unit.
Install a fold-down desk that can be tucked away when not in use to save space.
Add labeled bins and color-coded storage solutions to help children independently organize their materials.
11: Create a Cocktail Mixing Station
Transform an Ivar cabinet into a dedicated cocktail station with specialized storage for bottles, glasses, and bar tools.
Add a pull-out surface for mixing drinks and install a small drawer for cocktail recipe cards.
Line shelves with cork to prevent glass bottles from slipping and add LED lighting to showcase your collection.
12: Design a Faux Built-In Bookcase
Join multiple Ivar shelving units and secure them to the wall, then add crown molding and baseboards for a custom built-in look.
Paint the entire unit the same color as your walls for a seamless, architectural appearance.
Adjust shelf heights to accommodate art objects and varying book sizes for a curated, designer look.
13: Build a Crafting Supply Command Center
Outfit your Ivar cabinet with specialized storage for different crafting materials – spools of thread, fabric, yarn, and tools.
Install a pegboard backing to hang frequently used tools and add clear containers to keep small items visible.
Label everything clearly and add a fold-out work surface that allows you to craft without fully unpacking supplies.
14: Create a Sustainable Kitchen Pantry
Transform Ivar shelving into an organized pantry system with dedicated spaces for bulk food storage and reusable containers.
Add chalkboard paint to cabinet doors for inventory lists and meal planning notes.
Install under-shelf jar holders and vertical dividers to maximize storage capacity in a small footprint.
15: Design a Record Player Console
Adapt an Ivar cabinet to house your vinyl collection with specialized dividers sized perfectly for album covers.
Create a designated surface for your turntable that’s isolated from vibration with rubber dampeners.
Add speaker shelves at ear height and include storage below for audio equipment and extra cables.
16: Build a Window Seat Reading Nook
Position a low Ivar cabinet under a window and top it with cushions and pillows to create a cozy reading retreat.
Add bookshelves on either side to keep your reading material within arm’s reach.
Install soft lighting above or beside the nook to create the perfect atmosphere for getting lost in a good book.
17: Create an Indoor Gardening Station
Modify Ivar shelving to include a potting surface, soil storage, and organized tool storage for indoor gardening.
Add a utility sink if plumbing allows, or include a basin and water container for plant maintenance.
Install grow lights on adjustable arms to nurture seedlings and support plants through winter months.
18: Design a Modern Linen Closet
Transform an Ivar cabinet into a beautifully organized linen closet with adjusted shelving for different sized items.
Add pull-out baskets for smaller items like washcloths and install hooks inside for hanging delicate items.
Label shelves and use consistent folding techniques to create a tidily organized system worthy of a luxury hotel.
19: Build a Home Beverage Station
Convert an Ivar cabinet into a dedicated coffee and tea station with storage for mugs, beans, and equipment.
Install a pull-out surface at the perfect height for operating your coffee maker or preparing tea.
Add specialized holders for various supplies and leave room for seasonal rotations of different coffee flavors.
20: Create a Stunning Display Cabinet
Transform your Ivar unit by adding glass doors to showcase collections while protecting them from dust.
Install subtle LED lighting to highlight display items and create a warm ambient glow.
Paint the interior a contrasting color to make displayed items pop and add visual depth to the cabinet.
21: Design a Functional Mudroom Organizer
Adapt Ivar components to create individual cubbies for each family member with hooks, shelves, and baskets.
Add a bench with shoe storage underneath to simplify the coming-and-going routine.
Install a bulletin board or magnetic panel for important notices, school paperwork, and family schedules.
22: Build a Hidden Home Office
Transform an Ivar cabinet into a compact workspace that closes up completely when not in use.
Install a fold-down desk surface inside the cabinet and add task lighting that activates when opened.
Create organized storage for office supplies and add a power strip for charging devices while hidden away.
23: Create a Modern Bathroom Vanity
Adapt an Ivar cabinet to support a vessel sink and waterproof the wood thoroughly for bathroom use.
Add soft-close drawers for toiletries and install towel bars on the sides for convenient access.
Seal all wood surfaces with multiple coats of water-resistant finish to protect against humidity and splashes.
24: Design a Professional Art Studio Storage
Customize Ivar shelving to store canvases, paints, and brushes in an organized system that inspires creativity.
Create vertical dividers for storing canvases and completed works and add specialized racks for drying paintings.
Install good lighting and a pull-out work surface that can be positioned at standing or sitting height.
25: Build a Sustainable Recycling Center
Modify an Ivar cabinet to create separate compartments for different recyclable materials.
Add pull-out bins that make sorting easy and can be removed for emptying.
Install a chalkboard area for tracking pickup schedules and family sustainability goals.
26: Create a Pet Care Station
Transform your Ivar unit into a dedicated pet supply center with storage for food, toys, and grooming tools.
Add hooks for leashes and collars and install a pull-out feeding station at the perfect height for your pet.
Include a grooming surface with a non-slip mat and nearby storage for all maintenance supplies.
27: Design a Stylish Room Divider Bookcase
Position Ivar shelving as a perpendicular divider between living areas while providing storage from both sides.
Alternate the placement of shelves to create visual interest and allow light to pass through certain sections.
Style with books, plants, and decorative objects arranged thoughtfully to look good from all viewing angles.
28: Build a Kitchen Appliance Garage
Adapt an Ivar cabinet to store small kitchen appliances with pull-out shelves for easy access.
Install power outlets inside to allow for using appliances without moving them to the counter.
Add specialized storage for accessories and instruction manuals to keep everything together in one place.
29: Create a Modern China Cabinet
Transform your Ivar unit into an elegant display case for your finest dishware and serving pieces.
Add glass doors to protect contents from dust while keeping them visible for enjoyment.
Install plate racks and specialized holders to display items safely and prevent chips or cracks.
30: Design a Functional Laundry Station
Customize Ivar shelving to create the ultimate laundry organization system with sorting bins and folding surfaces.
Add a pull-out ironing board and specialized storage for detergents and cleaning supplies.
Install a hanging rod for air-drying delicate items and hooks for storing ironing tools.
31: Build a Seasonal Decoration Storage
Adapt Ivar cabinets to store holiday and seasonal decorations in clearly organized, accessible compartments.
Create custom dividers sized perfectly for ornaments, lights, and other delicate items.
Label everything clearly and add an inventory system to track what you have and what needs replacing.
32: Create a Music Practice Station
Transform an Ivar cabinet into a dedicated music nook with instrument storage and sheet music organization.
Add acoustic panels to cabinet doors to improve sound quality and reduce noise transmission.
Install a pull-out shelf at the perfect height for holding sheet music and include storage for metronomes and other tools.
33: Design a Home Gym Equipment Organizer
Customize Ivar shelving to store different workout equipment with heavy-duty reinforcement for weights.
Add hooks and specialized holders for resistance bands, yoga mats, and other accessories.
Install a fold-out surface that can double as a workout platform for certain exercises.
34: Build a Cookbook and Kitchen Reference Library
Transform an Ivar unit into the ultimate cookbook library with adjustable shelves for different sized books.
Add a pull-out surface for consulting recipes while cooking and install protective covers to prevent food splatters.
Create a system for organizing recipe cards, family favorites, and cooking magazines in one accessible location.
35: Create a Technology Charging Station
Adapt an Ivar cabinet to manage all your family’s devices with dedicated charging areas and cord management.
Install surge protectors and drill holes for cable routing to eliminate cord clutter.
Add individual compartments labeled for each family member and house rules about technology use and charging times.
Conclusion
With these Ivar hacks, you can create custom furniture that perfectly fits your needs and style while maintaining the sustainability and budget-friendly appeal that makes Ikea so beloved.
