5 Colourful DIY Inspirations to Customise your IKEA IVAR Cabinet

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

While working on our latest IVAR cabinet makeover tutorial, we discovered some brilliant DIY transformations of this iconic IKEA piece. And of course, we couldn’t keep them to ourselves! It really seems that there are endless ways to turn this basic cabinet into a design piece, so we’ve listed five truly inspiring makeovers for you here (it was hard to choose!).

1. A Memphis-style upcycling

This playful Memphis-inspired IVAR transformation by Marcus Merta is an art piece in itself. If you’re willing to go beyond the cabinet’s basic shape and have a jigsaw (not the puzzle!), you can easily reshape it with bold, playful lines by adding geometric elements and vibrant colours.

How to do it:

• Start by painting the cabinet in a bright base color, like pink.

• Cut out geometric shapes from MDF or thick cardboard and paint them in contrasting hues.

• Attach the shapes to the cabinet doors using strong adhesive or screws.

• Consider adding round wooden legs to give it extra height and balance.

2. A wavy retro bookshelf for a colorful living room

These wavy designs are trending this season! If you love curvy furniture but like @wiltshirewonderland you find designer pieces too pricey, you can easily create the look yourself with a bit of imagination and a jigsaw. This makeover turns the IVAR into a vintage-inspired bookshelf with a wavy door detail. Perfect for adding a nostalgic touch to a space, this style blends playful curves with soft pastel tones.

How to do it:

• Remove the doors and trace the desired wavy shape onto each one, then cut it out with a jigsaw.

• Paint the cabinet and doors in a soft pastel hue.

• Attach a piece of plexiglass, glass, or woven rattan to the inside of the doors for added texture and style.

• Reattach the doors and add rounded knobs for a cohesive finish.

Style Tip: If you use transparent materials like glass or plexiglass, consider painting the inside of your cabinet or adding wallpaper for extra impact. This works beautifully in a kids' room, home office, or quirky reading nook.

3. The elegant and fluted look : a versatile and easy cabinet makeover

For those who prefer a more elegant and refined look but still want to add character to their IVAR, this fluted panel makeover by @keekshuis is a chic way to transform it. The vertical lines add a sense of height and sophistication, making it a perfect fit for modern interiors.

How to do it:

• Attach thin wooden slats or dowels to the cabinet doors to create a fluted texture.

• Paint the entire piece in a muted pastel or neutral tone.

• Add thin, minimalist legs to further lighten the furniture's heavy-duty appearance

Style Tip: This design is incredibly versatile! You can experiment with different styles by adjusting the spacing between the slats or using wood stain instead of paint for a natural mahogany effect.

4. The cocktail cabinet: a craft project for adults

(Credit: (Photography: Alan Jensen, Tim Roberts; styling Kate Walsh; project Karenza Jewell))

(Credit: (Photography: Alan Jensen, Tim Roberts; styling Kate Walsh; project Karenza Jewell))

We had to include this stunning transformation to our list as IVAR, turned into a fabulous mini-bar, really caught our eye!  Who would have thought this small, simple cabinet could look so sophisticated?

How to do it:

• Paint the cabinet in a deep, moody color or a rich jewel tone.

• Add decorative mouldings to the doors. These can be painted to match the cabinet for a seamless look or in a contrasting shade for extra flair. Here, gold details were chosen for a luxurious touch.

• Add a rectangle of wallpaper inside the mouldings to create a panelled effect.

• Install sleek brass handles for an elegant finish.

Styling Tip: For a fully cohesive look, paint the shelves or cover them with wallpaper. If you love the checkerboard pattern from the inspiration photo, our Chekerboard wallpaper makes it easy to recreate. Pair with a stylish bar cart and warm lighting, and you’ll have a mini speakeasy right at home. Shaken, not stirred!

5. The Pretty Pegs x Made of Sundays Ivar customisation: No paint, no mess

Of course, we couldn’t leave you without mentioning our latest IVAR IKEA hack! If you’re a weekend DIYer without a jigsaw or a dedicated painting space, this is the easiest way to customise your IVAR: just add Pretty Pegs knobs and legs along with our Bespoke wallpaper for IVAR closet.

How to do it:

• Choose decorative legs and knobs to match your preferred style. Pretty Pegs offers everything from modern to vintage designs.

• Apply wallpaper to the doors, inside the cabinet, or even on the shelves for an extra design touch.

Psssst! We've released the full step-by-step guide here last month.

IVAR cabinet : 1 cabinet, tons of DIY projects

The IKEA IVAR cabinet is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Whether you’re drawn to bold colours, organic textures, or a clean minimalist aesthetic, there’s an upgrade to suit each style. We’ve listed in this blog our favorite makeover ideas, but honestly, we could go on forever. This little closet is a real chameleon. 

Whether you follow these ideas exactly, mix and match them, or come up with your own design, if this blog has sparked some inspiration, feel free to share your own transformations with us.

Looking for more furniture makeover ideas? Stay tuned, there’s more to come!