DIY IKEA storage hacks to maximize function in the office, playroom, kitchen, closets, and throughout your home for less.
It’s been a while since we shared a good DIY IKEA storage hack, and today we’re tackling a home office project at our pastor’s house using one of our favorite IKEA built-in shelving approaches. We’ll be adapting simple, affordable shelving to create a polished, highly functional workspace. I can’t wait to get started on that room!
This project got me thinking about all the IKEA storage solutions we’ve created over the years using basic shelving units. Many of these builds are straightforward, budget-friendly, and deliver big storage gains. If you need organized storage in an office, playroom, kitchen, closet, or anywhere else in the house, these hacks have worked for us—and several are still in heavy use in our home years later.
DIY IKEA Storage Hacks We’ve Done Ourselves and Loved
1. IKEA Office Cabinet Using Liatorp
One of our go-to pieces for vertical storage has been the Liatorp cabinet. We painted ours Benjamin Moore Hale Navy to coordinate with the rest of the office and use it to store decor, vases, candle holders, printer paper, office supplies, and more. The glass-front doors keep the cabinet feeling light while making it easy to spot what’s inside. Adding paint, hardware, and a few organizational baskets transformed a standard shelving unit into a stylish, built-in-looking storage solution that made a major difference in our office makeover.
Tip: Paint glass panels carefully and use removable liners or baskets inside to keep small items tidy and accessible.
2. IKEA Pantry Cabinets Using Hemnes
When kitchen storage is limited, creative pantry solutions can be lifesavers. We used cabinets from the Hemnes line, painted them Sherwin Williams Billiard Green to blend with existing cabinetry, and applied antique mirror film on the glass to obscure baskets and canned goods while keeping the space looking coherent. These units helped free up crowded upper cabinets and created a dedicated, attractive pantry area.
Tip: Apply mirror or privacy film to glass doors if you want to conceal contents without closing off the visual flow of the room.
3. IKEA Custom Closets Using Billy Bookcases
For our master closets we needed smart storage without the high price of custom systems. Billy bookcases were the perfect base for DIY closet builds. Because they come in different widths and heights, they’re easy to configure into a custom layout that fits awkward spaces. We combined bookcases with drawers, baskets, and hanging rods to create organized his-and-hers closets. Two years later we’re still very happy with the results—they look clean, function well, and were budget-friendly.
Tip: Mix open shelving for folded items with drawers and bins for accessories to keep a closet both attractive and clutter-free.
4. IKEA Built-In Bookcase Bonus Room Shelving
Built-ins can transform a long, empty wall, and you don’t have to hire a carpenter to get the look. We used a mix of Billy bookcases of varying sizes to create a custom-built appearance in our bonus room. Securing units together, adding trim, and painting them as one continuous installation gives the same cohesive feel as custom cabinetry but at a fraction of the cost. This approach is ideal for living rooms, media walls, and family rooms where storage and display space are both needed.
Tip: Use crown molding and base trim to make separate units read as one built-in feature.
5. IKEA Storage Cabinets in the Playroom
In the playroom we wanted built-in storage that kept toys accessible but out of sight when not in use. We built smaller-scale built-ins using Billy bookcases and added Oxberg doors to hide clutter while keeping everything within reach for the kids. This solution keeps the room tidy and makes cleanup easy for children and adults alike.
Tip: Combine open shelving for frequently used toys with closed doors for bulkier items and seasonal gear.
Have you tried any standout IKEA hacks? We still encounter occasional stock shortages, which can make planning tricky, but the savings and flexibility of these builds are well worth the wait.
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