Although an IKEA IVAR cabinet can bring storage to any room, I particularly love them for workspace storage. The shelves are about 12″ deep inside and can hold items like:
- Magazine file boxes
- Small laptops
- Cameras
- Pencil, Marker and paintbrush cups
- and all those little storage bins full of workspace necessities
No matter what kind of work you are doing, those cabinets close over the organized chaos — leaving you with a simple stylish front.
I have grown so attached to my own IVAR cabinet hack, that I’ve pulled together a list of leg ideas and design combinations that transform this simple pine piece for several different design styles.
Hack Your IKEA IVAR Cabinet
This $70 pine cabinet has become a favorite for IKEA hackers because it is such an easy (and affordable) blank slate. All you need to do is add legs (See My Instructions), finish, and style according to your own taste and budget.
1. Artsy Minimal
If you like to create beautiful things, and hide away the mess, try styling your cabinet using the Waddell Ash end table legs. The sleek lines and chrome foot are so chic! I used these legs for my own cabinets. I always get complimented on how useful and tidy they look.
2. Country Style
These traditional turned legs turn the plain pine cabinet into a traditional storage item when you use a weathered, gray stain. Choose accessories that celebrate rustic style (like this cowbell) and tones that complement your farmhouse aesthetic.
3. Funky Chic
I love the idea of keeping the pine finish on these cabinets and putting a pop of terrazzo wallpaper inside. It’s like a secret party whenever you put your things away. To counterbalance the plain square bun foot and the simple light wood, try adding mercury glass accessories.
4. Happy Junker
If you can’t pass by a dusty vintage shop or a fabulous estate stale, and steal most of your decor from your well-travelled great-aunt’s attic, then you should coat your cabinet in a bright cherry red stain. This solid sofa bun foot props the cabinet just enough to give it prescense and visual weight. Playful, clashing colors can tie together your quirky and vintage-inspired accessories.
5. Boho Mod
A simple Parsons style leg creates a great foundation for a playful pink coral cabinet. You can style it with bright colors and wild-child accessories for a modern bohemian look.
6. Playful Retro
I love these little bun feet for storage in a children’s space. Opt for reinvented retro tones, like this great Aqua wood stain. Unexpected accessories, like an oversized pencil sharpener pencil cup, wink and nod.
7. Sleek Industrial
If you love a hairpin leg, try adding it to an IVAR that you have stained a glossy black. Teal, aqua and stainless steel accessories will pop against the dark design. So cool with a masculine edge.
8. Solid Statement
For a statement piece, that’s not too strange, try staining your cabinet a brilliant blue shade. Once you add the 20 inch live-edge metal legs, the cabinet raises to an eye-catching, eye-level height.
Show Me Your Workspace Style
If you have a favorite storage cabinet, I’d love to see it. Let me know if you added legs to an IKEA IVAR cabinet or found another cool storage piece. You can send me a note in the comments below or tag me on Instagram.
I’d love to feature your cool workspace!
