Ivar library and storage

Jules Yap·
Secondary StorageShelves
··18 Comments
Home
IKEA HACKS
Secondary Storage
Ivar library and storage

Materials: IVAR shelving units

Description: We wanted to build a library in the short part of our L-shaped living room. We decided to build storage space in the lower part (for which we used the IVAR units that are 50 cm deep) and build bookshelves on top that (30 cm deep).

Ivar library and storage
Ivar library and storage
Ivar library and storage
Ivar library and storage

The lower shelves were covered with sliding doors, for which a railing system was installed, and this part was covered with large MDF counter tops. On top we built the bookshelves which were attached to the wall. Because of the electric circuit board in the corner we built a cabinet there.

~ Geert, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Jules Yap
Latest posts by Jules Yap (see all)

18 Responses

  1. Hi, Which Ivar side unit did you use for the bottom 50cm deep cabinets? The shortest side unit I can find seems too tall (124cm high). Did you cut it down? This looks awesome and I’d really like to make one too! Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Looking through both the online catalogue and old paper catalogues, it appears that, since a couple of years back, the 73cm tall side units don’t exist any more. However, it has happened that I have found things in the stores which can’t be found in any catalogue (the space-saving 40cm deep wardrobe system being one).

      Reply

  6. It is admirable to see custom or DIY storage projects like this. It is true that not all storage needs can be purchased especially if the house already exists and the areas have set storing units like shelves or cabinets. Planning is an essential part of a successful project as well as choosing a design that will be suitable and doable for the area. Good job on your accomplished storage!

    Reply

  7. Good job!

    For future reference (and other readers) I’ve used a sanding sealer on my Ivar painting and staining projects to reduce paint and stain absorption. Produces evener results.

    Reply

  8. A very good idea, I needed to fix in my country house that corner in the library, I liked the idea and I do reform with the items you’ve suggested. congratulations.

    Reply

  9. WOW! This is truly beautiful and I would never guess made from Ivars. I would not be able to do this hack, probably most of us would not, but you did an amazing job on it. The Ivar units look so eh and this looks so grand and beautiful. Seriously, WOW!

    Reply

  10. THIS. IS. AMAZING! This is surely a contender for Hack of the year. I love the fact you have covered storage underneath. Have been thinking of something like this for years.

    What did you use for the sliding door compartment??

    Reply

    1. Thanks to everyone for their kind remarks! The sliding doors use a railing system that is hung underneath the counter top overhanging, and attached to the floor.
      The corner between the two halves hides the electronic circuit board and gas meter, that were in a closet in the living room (very inconvenient but to much of a hassle to move).
      Although it looks like a lot of work it really is not:
      – build a 50 cm deep ivar
      – put a flat wooden surface on top
      – build a 30 cm deep ivar on top (attach to wall!!)
      – attach wooden panels to the colums of the 30 cm part, and make cabinet doors or sliding doors in front of the 50 cm (lower) part
      – paint everything in the colour you like (or not)
      The last one is really the most work because this wood absorbs a lot of paint, so you might end up doing that 2 or 3 times.

      Reply

    2. Hi! This is exactly what I was looking for. You say you used a 50cm Ivar for the bottom, but the Ivar shelving units are very high. Did you have to cut them down? How high did you make them?

      Reply

    3. @Anonymous – IVAR comes in various heights. The lowest is 73cm. It’s not found in online catalogue, apparently, but I got plenty of them, both in 30cm and 50cm depth.

      OP: This is an excellent hack!

      Reply

  11. It’s so beautiful, I’d never guess that is built with Ivar Shelves (which are not nice looking at all). The only problem, is that you have to be very talented, and probably have lots of equipment to built it, I alone would not be able, and my dear husband simply hates hand-work.
    Well done

    Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

© COPYRIGHT 2022 IKEAHACKERS.NET | IKEA® is a registered trademark of Inter-IKEA Systems B.V.
IKEAhackers.net is a fan-run website and is NOT related to IKEA®, IKEA.com or the IKEA Group.
Any and all links to IKEA.com are presented for reader convenience only and
do not imply IKEA's approval of this website and/or the modification of its products.
IKEA® and IKEAhackers.net are not liable for any product failure, injury or damage
resulting from the application of hacks featured on this site.