27 Ingenious IKEA IVAR Shelves Hacks That Will Transform Your Space

IKEA’s IVAR shelving system offers incredible versatility with its solid pine construction and modular design.

This unfinished canvas invites creative customization to match any decorating style or functional need.

The simple, sturdy construction makes these shelves perfect for DIY transformations that require minimal tools and expertise.

You’ll find these hacks range from simple afternoon projects to more involved weekend endeavors.

Ready to elevate your basic IVAR shelves into something spectacular? These 27 ingenious hacks will inspire you to see this affordable staple in entirely new ways.

1: Colorful Kitchen Pantry

Transform standard IVAR shelves into a vibrant kitchen pantry with strategic painting and organization.

Paint the frame in your favorite bold color while keeping shelves natural or white for contrast.

Add S-hooks to the sides for hanging kitchen tools, potholders, or small baskets of cooking essentials.

Install the unit with casters on the bottom for mobility, making it a flexible pantry solution you can roll wherever needed.

2: Modern Nursery Changing Station

Convert an IVAR cabinet combination into a stylish and functional changing station for your nursery.

Paint the entire unit in a child-friendly, non-toxic paint that complements your nursery décor.

Add a changing pad to the top of the cabinet and secure it properly for safety. Use the shelves below to store diapers, wipes, and baby clothes.

Install small baskets or fabric bins on shelves to organize baby essentials while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

3: Home Bar Cabinet

Transform your IVAR into an impressive home bar that conceals all your cocktail necessities.

Paint or stain the exterior in a sophisticated dark hue like navy blue or rich walnut.

Install stemware racks underneath one shelf to hang wine glasses. Add small LED puck lights to illuminate your collection.

Customize the interior shelves to accommodate bottles of various heights. Add a fold-down panel to create an instant serving surface.

4: Plant Lover’s Paradise

Create a stunning indoor plant showcase with your IVAR shelves to bring nature into your home.

Apply several coats of waterproof sealant to protect the wood from moisture and occasional spills.

Install grow lights underneath shelves for plants that need extra brightness. Adjust shelf heights to accommodate plants of varying sizes.

Add castors to the bottom for easy movement to catch optimal sunlight throughout the changing seasons.

5: Bespoke Kitchen Island

Construct a functional kitchen island using two IVAR cabinets as the base for additional counter space.

Position cabinets side by side and secure a butcher block or laminate countertop to create a durable work surface.

Add towel bars or hooks to the sides for hanging kitchen linens. Install shelves inside for cookbooks or kitchen appliances.

Consider adding casters with locks for mobility when needed and stability when in use.

6: Mid-Century Inspired Media Console

Transform your IVAR shelves into a sleek media console with mid-century modern appeal.

Add tapered wooden legs to raise the unit off the floor for that distinctive mid-century silhouette.

Apply wood stain in a warm tone like teak or walnut to achieve the classic look. Create cable management holes in strategic locations for electronics.

Add sliding doors to some sections by mounting door tracks to hide less attractive items like gaming equipment or DVDs.

7: Crafting Station Command Center

Convert IVAR components into the ultimate crafting organization system tailored to your hobbies.

Install pegboard panels on the back to hang tools, scissors, and frequently used supplies.

Add pull-out drawers or bins to specific shelves for sorting smaller items like beads, buttons, or yarn.

Mount a fold-down table surface that can be raised when you need workspace and tucked away when not in use.

8: Elegant Room Divider

Transform IVAR shelves into a stylish room divider that defines spaces while providing storage.

Paint or wallpaper the back panel in a design that complements both rooms it separates.

Position decorative items strategically so they look attractive from both sides. Add plants or books to create visual weight.

Install the unit on casters for flexibility to reconfigure your space as needed throughout different seasons or occasions.

9: Rustic Industrial Bookcase

Create an industrial-style bookcase by combining IVAR shelves with metal accents.

Add metal corner braces to each shelf junction for an industrial aesthetic and additional stability.

Replace wooden shelves with metal mesh or perforated metal sheets for a factory-inspired look. Stain the frame in a dark finish for contrast.

Install vintage-style library lights at the top to illuminate your book collection with ambient lighting.

10: Customized Home Office Desk

Construct a spacious home office workspace by combining IVAR shelves with a desktop surface.

Position two narrow IVAR units at desk-height distance apart, then secure a solid wood plank across them as your desktop.

Add shelves above at varying heights for office supplies, reference materials, and decorative items. Install a pegboard back panel for hanging frequently used tools.

Create a cable management system by drilling strategic holes and adding cord clips to keep your workspace tidy.

11: Hidden Murphy Bed Frame

Use IVAR components as the foundation for a space-saving murphy bed installation.

Mount IVAR side units permanently to the wall as the outer frame for your murphy bed mechanism.

Customize shelving around the bed frame to create a built-in look with storage. Add lighting fixtures for bedtime reading.

Paint the entire unit in the same color as your wall for a seamless, built-in appearance when the bed is stowed away.

12: Children’s Reading Nook

Transform an IVAR corner unit into a cozy reading retreat for kids. Add cushions to a lower shelf section to create a comfortable seating area that invites reading.

Install LED strip lighting under upper shelves to provide gentle illumination for reading. Paint the unit in playful colors or patterns.

Display books with covers facing forward on some shelves to encourage children to select reading material based on visual appeal.

13: Statement Entryway Organization

Convert IVAR shelves into a practical yet stylish entryway solution for your home. Add hooks along the sides or front edges for hanging coats, bags, and scarves.

Install a mirror to one side or the back panel for last-minute appearance checks. Create a designated shelf for mail and keys.

Add baskets to lower shelves for storing shoes, gloves, and other small items that might otherwise clutter your entryway.

14: Bohemian Display Cabinet

Transform basic IVAR into a boho-chic display cabinet for your treasured items. Replace the solid back panel with woven cane webbing for texture and visual interest.

Paint the frame in a bright color like turquoise or coral for bohemian vibrance. Add small battery-operated puck lights to highlight special objects.

Install glass or acrylic shelf inserts for a more refined look that puts focus on your displayed items.

15: Professional-Grade Recording Studio Rack

Customize IVAR shelving into audio equipment racks for home recording studios.

Measure your equipment precisely and adjust shelf spacing to accommodate various audio components.

Add cable management solutions like clips and dedicated pathways to keep cords organized. Install ventilation holes in strategic locations to prevent overheating.

Mount heavy-duty casters for easy access to the back of your equipment when adjustments or new connections are needed.

16: Laundry Room Command Center

Convert IVAR shelves into the ultimate laundry room organization system. Install a hanging rod underneath one shelf for air-drying delicate garments.

Add labeled bins for sorting whites, colors, and delicates before washing. Create a fold-down ironing board that tucks away when not in use.

Mount small containers on the sides for storing detergent pods, dryer sheets, and other laundry essentials within easy reach.

17: Artist’s Supply Storage

Transform IVAR into the perfect studio storage system for creative materials.

Install narrow shelves at the top for paint storage, positioning them at a slight angle to view color labels easily.

Add vertical dividers to store canvases, drawing pads, and other flat materials. Mount paper towel holders to the sides for quick cleanup access.

Create specialized sections for brushes with holes drilled into wooden strips that allow brushes to stand upright for proper drying.

18: Floating Entertainment Center

Mount IVAR shelves directly to your wall studs to create a floating entertainment unit.

Remove the legs and use sturdy wall brackets to secure the shelves at your desired height.

Hide cables by drilling small holes in strategic locations for cords to pass through. Add LED strip lighting behind the unit for ambient lighting effects.

Paint or stain the shelves in a color that either contrasts with or matches your wall for your desired visual impact.

19: Contemporary Cat Playground

Convert IVAR shelving into an attractive cat climbing system that doubles as home decor. Install carpeted platforms at various heights for cats to climb and perch upon.

Create enclosed areas by adding side panels to some sections where cats can hide. Attach sisal rope around selected poles for natural scratching posts.

Paint the entire unit in colors that complement your home decor so it serves both pets and your aesthetic preferences.

20: Vintage-Inspired China Cabinet

Transform IVAR shelving into an elegant display cabinet for your cherished dishware. Add crown molding to the top edge for a more traditional, finished appearance.

Install glass or acrylic panel doors to protect dishes from dust while keeping them visible. Add small LED puck lights to illuminate your collection.

Paint the unit in a classic shade like cream or sage green, then distress edges slightly for a timeworn, antique appearance.

21: Minimalist Clothing Rack

Convert IVAR components into a sleek, open wardrobe system for clothing display.

Remove several shelves to create hanging space, then install sturdy dowels or pipes as clothing rods.

Keep remaining shelves for folded items or shoe storage. Add hooks to the sides for bags, scarves, or jewelry.

Paint the entire unit white or black for a clean, modern aesthetic that allows your clothing to become the visual focus.

22: Greenhouse Propagation Station

Transform an IVAR unit into a functional indoor greenhouse for plant propagation. Apply multiple coats of waterproof sealant to all wood surfaces to protect from moisture.

Install clear plastic sheeting or plexiglass panels on the sides and back to create a humidity-controlled environment. Add a small grow light system to each shelf.

Place waterproof trays on each shelf to catch excess moisture and protect the wood from water damage during plant care.

23: Rolling Garage Workshop Storage

Convert IVAR shelves into mobile workshop storage for tools and supplies. Install heavy-duty lockable casters to the bottom for easy movement around your workspace.

Add pegboard to the back panel for hanging frequently used tools. Create custom slots and dividers for organizing power tools.

Label each section clearly for quick identification, using pictures and words for at-a-glance recognition when working on projects.

24: Modern Bathroom Vanity

Transform IVAR cabinets into a custom bathroom vanity with contemporary style. Apply several layers of marine-grade waterproof sealant to protect against bathroom moisture.

Cut an opening in the top to mount a vessel sink and install plumbing. Add soft-close hinges to cabinet doors for a luxurious feel.

Stain or paint in a waterproof finish that complements your bathroom decor, paying special attention to sealing edges and corners.

25: Play Kitchen For Children

Convert a small IVAR unit into a charming play kitchen for children. Cut circular “burners” into the top shelf and paint them black with red details for a realistic stovetop.

Attach actual cabinet handles and knobs to create interactive elements. Add a small curtain under the sink area for pretend storage.

Paint the entire unit in bright, child-friendly colors or stick with natural wood for a more Montessori-inspired approach to play furniture.

26: Coffee Bar Station

Transform your IVAR shelves into a dedicated coffee and tea preparation area. Install a pull-out shelf at counter height to serve as the preparation surface for brewing.

Mount mug hooks underneath an upper shelf to hang your favorite coffee cups. Create specialized storage for coffee pods, loose tea, or filter papers.

Add small baskets to organize sweeteners, stirrers, and other coffee accessories for a complete coffee shop experience at home.

27: Modular Headboard With Storage

Use IVAR components to create a functional headboard with integrated storage.

Mount the shelving unit securely to the wall behind your bed, ensuring it extends wider than your mattress.

Install small reading lights on the underside of a shelf positioned at perfect height for bedtime reading. Add fabric-lined baskets for storing bedtime essentials.

Paint or stain the unit to coordinate with your bedroom decor, creating a custom look that provides both style and functionality.

Conclusion

IVAR’s simple design makes it the perfect starting point for personalized projects.

With basic tools and a creative vision, you can transform this affordable shelving system into custom furniture that perfectly suits your needs.