If your closet is always messy and you’re running out of space, you’re not alone. Most modern homes struggle with storage issues, which is precisely why closet islands are becoming a popular trend in wardrobe design. They don’t just help you organise better, they instantly make your space look more luxurious. The only problem? Custom closet systems can be expensive. That’s where IKEA steps in. Known for its affordable and versatile furniture, IKEA makes it easy to build a high-end-looking closet island without spending a ton. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to turn simple IKEA pieces into a custom, stylish closet island that fits your needs and budget, with no design skills required!
What Is a Closet Island and Why Do You Need One
A closet island is a small cabinet or dresser placed in the centre of a walk-in closet. It’s like a kitchen island but for your clothes and accessories. And yes, it can completely change the way your closet works.
If your closet feels messy, with things scattered everywhere and no space to fold clothes or place accessories, you’re not alone. Many closets have a lot of wasted space in the middle. A closet island fills that gap perfectly.
It gives you:
- Extra storage for jewellery, belts, bags, and folded clothes
- Better organisation, so everything has a place
- A luxury feel without a luxury price
It solves the problem of clutter and helps your space look more put-together, neat, and stylish.
Why Custom Islands Are Expensive
Custom closet islands look amazing, but they come with a big price tag. On average, a custom-built closet island can cost $1,500 or more, depending on the size and design. For many people, that’s just not realistic.
If you have ever dreamed of a beautiful, organised closet but felt held back by the high cost, you are not alone. The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands to get that clean, designer look.
With a clever IKEA hack, you can build your stylish closet island for just $200 to $400, sometimes even less! IKEA’s affordable and flexible pieces make it easy to create a high-end look without blowing your budget. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who wants style and savings.
Best IKEA Pieces to Use for Closet Island DIY
Creating your closet island is easier than you think, especially with the right IKEA pieces. Here are some of the best options that work perfectly for a DIY closet island:
1. Kallax
- Why it’s great: Offers open cubbies for easy access to storage.
- Pros: Great for storing shoes, bags, or bins. Its clean design makes it easy to customise.
- Height/Surface: Low profile, ideal for folding clothes on top.
2. Alex Drawers
- Why it’s great: These drawers are sleek and provide plenty of hidden storage.
- Pros: Perfect for storing jewellery, accessories, or smaller items. Drawers keep everything organized and out of sight.
- Height/Surface: The height works well for a compact island, providing a flat surface for folding or displaying items.
3. Malm Dressers
- Why it’s excellent: Known for its modern look and versatile storage.
- Pros: The large drawers provide plenty of storage space. Great for clothing, linens, or other bulky items.
- Height/Surface: Higher than Kallax, providing a spacious surface for your closet island.
4. Sektion Cabinets
- Why it’s great: Typically used for kitchen storage, but perfect for a closet island too.
- Pros: Offers deep storage and is highly customisable with doors or open shelves.
- Height/Surface: Taller and sturdy, ideal for a more substantial closet island setup.
Each of these IKEA products offers a unique benefit, whether it’s extra storage, a great surface for folding clothes, or the ability to modify your space. The best part? They’re all budget-friendly!
How to Choose the Right Base for Your Space
Choosing the right base for your closet island starts with proper planning and measuring. This ensures that the island fits perfectly in your closet without overcrowding the space. Here are some tips to help you choose the best base for your needs:
1. Measure Your Closet Space
Before selecting a base, it’s crucial to measure your closet carefully. Start by measuring the width, depth, and height of the area where you want to place the island.
- Width: Make sure there is enough room for you to walk around the island comfortably. You don’t want your island to make your closet feel cramped.
- Depth: Measure the distance from the back wall of your closet to ensure your island doesn’t protrude too far into the room. You need space to open drawers or cabinets.
- Height: The height of your base should be in proportion to the design of your closet. A taller island may feel too imposing in a smaller closet, while a shorter one could lack the surface area you need.
2. Consider Mobility
Think about whether you want your island to be stationary. If you have limited space and occasionally want to change the layout, consider a base with wheels. This adds flexibility, allowing you to move the island around as needed. However, if you prefer a more permanent setup, a base without wheels may give the island a sturdier, more luxurious feel.
3. Use IKEA’s Tools for Precision
IKEA offers great measuring tools and the IKEA Planner to help you visualise and plan the layout. These tools can help you plan the exact placement of your closet island, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your closet space. You can also experiment with different base options and sizes to find what works best for your needs.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a base that not only fits your space perfectly but also enhances the functionality and look of your closet island. Whether you opt for a Kallax, Malm dresser, or any other option, keeping these tips in mind will help you avoid common pitfalls and get the most out of your closet makeover.
DIY Steps to Build a Closet Island Using IKEA Hacks
Building your own closet island doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these simple steps to create a functional and stylish island using IKEA pieces:
1. Measure Your Space
Start by measuring your closet area carefully. Check the width, depth, and height to ensure your island fits perfectly without overcrowding your space.
2. Choose Your IKEA Base
Select the IKEA unit(s) you want to use as the base of your island. Popular choices are Kallax, Alex drawers, or Malm dressers. Choose one based on the amount of storage you need and the style you like.
3. Assemble Units
Follow the instructions provided by IKEA to assemble your chosen units. Ensure all parts are securely fastened to prevent any instability.
4. Secure the Top
Now, it’s time to add the top of your island. You can use materials like a butcher block, marble lookalike surface, or a wood slab for a sleek, high-end finish. Attach the top securely to the base using screws .
5. Customize with Handles, Paint, or Wallpaper
Personalize your closet island by adding handles to the drawers, or give it a fresh look with some paint or wallpaper. You can also add drawer dividers inside to keep your items organized.
6. Add Wheels or Legs if Needed
If you want your island to be movable, add wheels to the bottom. If you prefer a more solid, stationary look, add legs instead for a more elevated feel.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need:
- Power drill (for assembling and securing parts)
- Screws (to attach the top and secure the units)
- L-brackets (for added stability)
- Wood glue (for extra hold)
- Measuring tape (to ensure accurate measurements)
- Optional: Contact paper, paint, and drawer dividers for customisation.
By following these simple steps, you can create a stylish, functional closet island without breaking the bank!
Design & Style Ideas to Elevate the Look
Styling Tips for a Chic IKEA Closet Island
Your closet island doesn’t just have to be functional; it can also look amazing! Here are some simple styling tips to give your IKEA closet island a high-end feel:
1. Add a Luxury Countertop
Upgrade the top of your island with a DIY marble or woodgrain finish. You can use peel-and-stick marble contact paper for an affordable option or a wooden slab for a more natural look. This adds instant luxury to your closet island.
2. Use Gold or Matte Black Hardware
Switch out basic handles for something more elegant. Gold or matte black drawer pulls give your island a sleek, modern look, making it feel like a custom piece.
3. Organize Drawers with Velvet or Acrylic Inserts
To keep everything neat and accessible, organize your drawers with velvet or acrylic inserts. This not only helps you store smaller items in style, but also adds a touch of sophistication.
4. Add Lighting
Brighten up your closet island by adding stick-on LED strips. These are easy to install and give your space a soft, ambient glow, making it feel more welcoming and stylish.
Real-Life Closet Island Ideas
Looking for some inspiration? Here are a couple of popular Pinterest-worthy closet island designs you can recreate using IKEA products:
1. The Classic Kallax Island
A simple Kallax unit with a wooden slab top and gold hardware creates a sleek and functional island. Add storage bins inside for shoes or accessories.
2. Modern Malm Dresser Island
For a more elevated look, use a Malm dresser with a marble countertop. Customise with black matte handles and organise drawers with velvet inserts to store jewellery or folded clothes.
Feel free to check out these ideas and others on Pinterest for more inspiration. If you’re creating your own blog or need visual ideas, look for images or Pinterest boards that showcase similar closet island hacks for easy DIY success!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Closet Island DIY Mistakes to Watch Out For
Building your own closet island can be a fun project, but there are a few common mistakes that can make things tricky. Avoid these missteps to make sure your DIY project goes smoothly:
1. Wrong Measurements
One of the biggest mistakes is not measuring your closet space correctly. If your island is too big, it can make your closet feel cramped, and if it’s too small, you won’t have enough storage. Always double-check your measurements before buying any materials.
2. Choosing the Wrong IKEA Unit
Not all IKEA units are the same. Some may be too tall, too short, or not sturdy enough for your needs. Make sure to pick a unit that fits your space and provides the type of storage you need, such as drawers, open shelving, or a flat surface.
3. Weak Stability (No Brackets or Base Support)
Your closet island should be sturdy enough to handle daily use. Skipping the use of L-brackets or base support can make your island unstable. Ensure you secure everything properly to avoid wobbly drawers or a shaky surface.
4. Overcrowding Your Closet Space
While a closet island adds extra storage, overcrowding your closet with too much furniture can make it feel even more cluttered. Be mindful of how much space you have left after placing the island; leave room for easy access and movement.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your DIY closet island is both functional and stylish, without the hassle of having to redo anything later!
FAQs
How much does it cost to build a DIY IKEA closet island?
A DIY IKEA closet island can cost anywhere from $200 to $400, depending on the units and materials you choose.
Will IKEA hacks last long?
Yes, IKEA hacks can last a long time if they are built properly, using sturdy materials and a secure assembly. Be sure to use quality support for durability.
Can I move the island if I add wheels to it?
Yes, adding wheels will make your island mobile, so you can easily move it around whenever you want to change the layout.
Can I make it double-sided?
Yes, you can design your island to be double-sided by using open shelves or drawers on both sides, giving you extra storage and accessibility.
Conclusion
Building your closet island with IKEA hacks offers outstanding benefits: extra storage, better organisation, and a stylish look without the high cost. It’s completely doable, even for beginners. With just a few IKEA units, some basic tools, and a bit of imagination, you can transform your closet into a functional and luxurious space. Don’t worry if you’re new to DIY projects; step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow along.
So, why not give it a try? Build your dream closet island on a budget and share your results with us! Check out our other helpful guides, like ’10 IKEA Hacks for Closet Storage’ and ‘How to Organise a Small Walk-in Closet, ‘ to continue improving your closet space. You’ve got this!
