Reaching New Heights with IKEA Hacks

I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon that image of Jenny Wolf’s dreamy custom closet. The rich blue cabinetry, the elegant moldings, the minimalist charm – it was love at first sight. I was determined to recreate that high-end look in my own space, but on a decidedly non-custom budget.

Embracing the IKEA Challenge

Initially, my husband Cory and I thought we’d have to build everything from scratch. But reality soon set in – we had zero cabinet-making experience, and that kind of project would take forever. So I went on a mission to find a closet system we could customize and paint to match our vision. And there it was, staring me in the face: the trusty IKEA Pax.

I’ll admit, we’d never actually hacked an IKEA product before. But after some research, I discovered that people have been transforming the Pax and Billy systems into stunning built-in looks for years. The only problem was, I couldn’t find any examples of the specific upgrades I had in mind – things like recessed lighting and custom drawer fronts for that seamless, high-end cabinetry vibe.

As Erin Kestenbaum’s blog post explains, the key was getting the drawer fronts just right. The standard Pax drawers had that unmistakable IKEA look, which stuck out like a sore thumb in our 1940s home. Most hacks simply hid the drawers behind doors, but that wasn’t an option for us. We needed a solution that would truly make the Pax vanish into the background.

Dreaming Up the Perfect Plan

Armed with inspiration and a clear vision, Cory and I set out to transform our closet from this:

To this:

The process took a lot of careful planning, but we were determined to get every detail just right. We started by cataloging our clothing storage needs – high, medium, and low, by category – to ensure we maximized every inch of the Pax units. Then it was time to get down to the nitty-gritty.

Laying the Foundation

Since our ceilings were a standard 8 feet, we had to assemble the Pax units directly in the room. No raised platforms for us! But that didn’t stop us from getting a seamless built-in look.

First, we leveled the units, using shims to ensure everything was perfectly aligned. Then we ran baseboards across the front, blending the units into the room. To bring the base up flush with the baseboards, we added scrap shelves from the Pax Komplement line.

Framing the Transformation

Next up was the real magic – transforming those basic Pax units into something truly custom. Using 1/2-inch thick Poplar boards, we added vertical strips to cover the gaps between the units and the walls. Horizontal strips aligned with the bottom of the crown molding, creating a beautifully integrated look.

But we weren’t done there. We also added wood strips to the exterior sides of the units, giving them a fully finished appearance. And those pesky gaps between the shelves and the unit sides? We tackled those with some stain-grade pine.

Lighting the Way

One of my must-have upgrades was recessed puck lighting in each unit. To achieve that seamless, built-in look, we routed holes in the front of the top shelves and wired the lights to an electrical box. Now we could flip a switch and bathe the whole closet in soft, cozy illumination.

Crown Jewel Moldings

With the foundation and framing complete, it was time to add the finishing touches. We installed crown molding along the top of the units, hiding any gaps and capping off the built-in look. And of course, we caulked and painted everything to perfection.

Drawer Fronts for the Win

The real showstopper, though, was the custom drawer fronts. Taking inspiration from the vanity in our adjacent bathroom, we opted for a sleek, flat-front design – easier than a shaker style, but still uber-chic. Using more of that versatile Poplar, we cut the drawer fronts to size and attached them to the existing Pax drawers.

To ensure a flush fit, we used washers between the drawer fronts and the Pax frames. A little tricky, but the end result was worth it. And with that gorgeous unlacquered brass hardware from Emtek, the drawers took on an elevated, custom look that blended seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.

Hiding the Seams

One final touch that made a big difference? Covering up the unsightly seams on the back of the Pax units. I tracked down some paintable faux grasscloth wallpaper and installed it, creating a seamless backdrop that completely erased any trace of IKEA.

Plugging the Holes

Speaking of IKEA tells, those ubiquitous shelf pin holes were another giveaway. But with a little help from IKEA’s own Variera cover caps, we plugged them all, creating a flawless surface for painting.

Priming and Painting Perfection

When it came time to paint, we knew the shiny IKEA laminate would be a challenge. But with a trusty shellac-based primer and a lot of patience, we achieved a flawless finish. Two coats of that rich Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue in a modern eggshell sheen, and our custom closet was really starting to shine.

For the wood trim, we opted for Benjamin Moore’s Advance paint – a go-to for cabinetry that’s known for its durability. And since we’re spray painting fanatics, we tackled the whole thing with our trusty Wagner sprayer, masking and prepping to perfection.

The Final Flourishes

The last step was adding those custom wood hanging rods. We gave them a light sanding and a stain using leftover Rubio Monocoat from our floor refinishing project, then swapped out the original IKEA hardware. Instant elevated elegance.

With the drawers installed, the hardware in place, and every last detail attended to, our once-basic Pax closet had become a true showstopper. It was a labor of love, for sure, but the end result was worth every second.

The Sofa Spectacular Connection

Of course, this custom closet transformation didn’t happen in a vacuum. As avid DIYers and home decor enthusiasts, Cory and I are always on the hunt for ways to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary. And that’s exactly the kind of mindset that aligns with Sofa Spectacular’s approach to custom furniture.

By harnessing the power of IKEA hacks and our own creativity, we were able to turn a basic storage solution into a stunning, personalized space. And that’s the kind of magic that can happen when you’re willing to think outside the box and put in the hard work.

So if you’re dreaming of a custom closet (or any other custom built-ins) that will truly wow, don’t be afraid to get a little IKEA-creative. With the right plan and a healthy dose of DIY determination, the sky’s the limit for your storage solutions. Just ask our closet – it’s reaching new heights every day.