IKEA is known for its affordable Scandinavian styles you can’t usually discover at your regional furniture shop. The readymade home furnishings do not always come with a custom-made appearance. Nevertheless, DIYers are altering that narrative by utilizing IKEA bookshelves, drawers, and cabinets as an economical beginning point for a customizable, floor-to-ceiling built-in appearance.
While there are numerous mixes possible, there are a couple of pieces that have actually shown to be the most popular. When placed together and revealed a little DIY love, a few stand-alone furniture pieces can end up being integrated storage in the kind of ornamental bookcases, wardrobes, desks, and home entertainment centers.
Somewhat lengthy, this change is well worth the work. Bespoke integrated materials and setups can cost thousands of dollars, but this technique for DIY built-ins cuts costs considerably depending on the style and size of pieces you select.
IKEA Furniture Pieces to Consider for Built-Ins
BILLY Bookcase
The most popular product utilized for shelving is the BILLY bookcase. It comes in 3 colors: Birch veneer, black-brown, and white. The color you choose will depend upon the color you intend on painting your built-in; a dark paint color works best with black-brown and a light paint color with white. There are also endless styles and sizes of the signature BILLY bookcase. You can choose from glass or panel doors, ones with large or narrow racks, and vertical or horizontal styles.
The best height and width for your bookcase will depend upon the size of your space and the other pieces you plan on utilizing to develop your final product. There are also height extensions available. Measure your area and compare it with the product’s measurements to puzzle together your perfect, custom-made mix.
HEMNES Bookcase
A BILLY option is the HEMNES bookcase, which has deeper shelving and is made with sustainably-sourced strong pine instead of particle board. Because it won’t have the ultra-shiny gloss finish, it’s much easier to prime and paint than the BILLY. However, it likewise comes at a greater in cost. Another benefit is that you do not need to trim off the legs of this bookcase so that the bottom can fit comfortably into the space you’re positioning it.
HAVSTA Cabinets
Home DIYer LeeAnne Mullins (@lifewithleeanne on Instagram) produced her own semi-custom workplace combining 2 types of IKEA furniture– BILLY bookcases and HAVSTA cabinets, which are made of strong pine. Mullins notes that the integrated appearance started with the pieces she picked; due to the fact that the BILLY bookcases are more shallow than the base of the HAVSTA cabinets, they appeared inset and currently like a custom-made build when placed on the cabinet base.
” Aside from patience, and the upfront style actions, the job itself is one of the simpler DIY projects I’ve finished in my house,” says Mullins. “IKEA furnishings gives individuals a great running start that way.”
RAST Dresser or PAX Storage
As soon as you know what you desire your final product to look like, start scrolling through IKEA’s storage and organization, where you’re sure to find an item for any storage objective you have. For example, if you wish to consist of drawers in your built-ins with shelving above on each side of a desk, 2 of the RAST pine cabinets combined with 2 BILLY bookcases would suit your needs perfectly.
If you’re trying to find hallway storage or a new closet, attempt utilizing IKEA’s PAX system. Even better, their PAX organizer can help you envision your selected combination for all your storage requires. PAX products can also rise and tailored at home for a built-in look.
How to Paint the Final Product
As soon as you have your pieces assembled and all additional touches complete for a custom-built look, it’s time to finish your DIY storage system with paint.
No matter the type of IKEA furnishings you have, sanding prior to primer is constantly a good idea. If you have a BILLY bookcase, for example, it most likely has a high-gloss surface, making it hard for the paint to effectively adhere.
Pick Your Paint
Water-based latex paint works well for DIY built-ins; think about utilizing a matte surface to conceal any flaws. While a brush can work, a paint sprayer will save you time and prevent noticeable brushstrokes. While not always perfect, it is advised to paint your storage unit the same color as the room to make it appear built-in.
Rebecca Rajs (@rebs_home) picked Sea Haze by Benjamin Moore for her entire wardrobe and bed room. She included thin trim pieces in an unique box shape and crown molding to the IKEA PAX series pieces.
” It can be a really affordable way to add something completely custom and unique to your house,” she says. “I fidgeted to tackle this project, however I’m so pleased I went all out! The ending up information make all the difference, so do not be afraid to attempt a strong paint color or include any fun detail you desire.”
Sand, Paint, Dry– Repeat.
After the very first round of sanding and guide, utilize a finer grit, like 800-1000, as a polisher to give the paint some traction. Paint and sand with great grit for four extra coats, offering each coat at least 24 hours to dry in between each.
Embellish Your IKEA Built-Ins.
Complete your integrated lookalike with hardware of your option and style as desired. Try placement books, vases, and cherished knickknacks on the different shelves. With all of your newly found storage, seek to some brand-new organization ideas to keep whatever neat.
