IKEA's beloved Ivar line is one of the most hackable, perhaps because it's one of the most basic. The most popular Ivar item, for instance, is a simple pine cabinet. No hardware. No embellishments. That means it's basically a blank canvas upon which your design dreams can be painted. At $70 each, you can stock up on a bunch to create a full-on storage unit that people will truly think is designer. Check out these amazing hacks:
1. Turn the Ivar into a cane beauty.
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Follow along with our very own DIY to turn the Ivar into a cane-fronted storage winner.
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2. Try different wood stains to create a chevron motif.
We love how much personality this particular Ivar design adds to the space.
3. Try attaching dowels to the fronts for a very design-forward look.
With this look, you've got yourselves some hidden cabinets that look chic AF.
4. A coat of periwinkle paint is simple, but can make the Ivar seem like a high-end piece.
With a simple coat of camp, you can make Ivar look like it's from a fancy shop.
5. Add midcentury-inspired peg legs and cabana stripes for a surprising twist.
We love how the stripes and peg legs create such a unique shape.
6. If you have the Ivar cabinet configuration, you can still use cane, but try oval overlays to make the design a bit more dynamic.
It's cane, but with a geometric twist!
7. Try floating the Ivar and creating a hatch motif for the cabinet doors.
This would look especially fun in a kid's room or nursery.
8. For an easy nursery DIY, try painting just half of a configuration of Ivar cabinets.
It also helps the cabinet fit in with the room's standout color palette.
9. Fool all your friends by floating the Ivar, adding textured paneling and a contrasting top — looks totally custom!
A fresh coat of paint can truly make Ivar look like an entirely different unit.
10. Another take on cane paneling — this time with half-moon cutouts.
We're loving this vintage-inspired design.
11. A dark stain on a more complex Ivar shelving unit feels totally farmhouse chic.
Between the wood stain and the above shelving, this looks like a custom kitchen piece.
12. Add a roof-like top to the Ivar for a whimsical playroom storage piece.
With a bit more elbow grease, you could even attempt to turn Ivar into a dollhouse.
13. Make your home look professionally designed by painting your Ivar unit in a trendy color and then matching the color to the wall.
It's as sleek and clean as can be.
14. For something more artsy, try painting abstract shapes on the Ivar — it will look like you hired an illustrator to do a custom job!
If you love the colorful mural trend, but can't paint on your walls, this is the next best thing.
15. Use geometric shapes and bright colors for a maximalist take on the Ivar.
Those paint lines truly make the cabinet shine.
16. Or, if you prefer minimalism, turn the Ivar into a beautifully simple piece with black paint and an asymmetrical fluted design.
Going outside of the box with an asymmetrical design was a genius move.