ᐅ How can I customize IKEA PLATSA units myself for an office setup?

Hello everyone, I’m currently considering how to modify my IKEA Platsa system in my office myself to better suit my individual needs. Specifically, I want to make the storage more flexible, for example by adding extra shelves, improving cable management for electronic devices, or possibly installing drawers in places where they are not normally included. I know the Platsa system is quite modular, but since I’ve only worked with the original parts so far, I lack the practical experience to implement custom modifications securely and stably. What are your experiences with this? Are there particular tools, fastening techniques, or ideas you would recommend? It’s also important to me that the changes remain reversible, in case I want to use the shelving differently later. I look forward to your suggestions and tips!

Hello JECHEN, your request is very well formulated and gets right to the heart of what many want to do with PLATSA. To modify the shelving flexibly, I recommend the following steps:

- First: Use a good drill with adjustable torque. Most PLATSA components are made of MDF with a melamine coating, so you need to use a fine hole saw to keep things clean.
- Second: For additional shelves, you can reuse the original wooden dowels and system connectors, but for more flexibility, small metal brackets or L-brackets from the hardware store are helpful.
- Third: Cable management: You can attach small cable holders with screw clamps inside, or use self-adhesive clips if you don’t want to drill holes.
- Fourth: For drawers in unusual positions, it’s all about load capacity and space. You might need to customize drawer slides. Although IKEA offers a drawer series, these are rarely exactly compatible with PLATSA side panels, so you’ll need to take measurements and possibly use other sliding systems.

One question: How large and heavy are the items you plan to store? Depending on that, you can distribute load points differently.

In general: Proceed carefully when drilling, and it’s best to make a sketch in advance of what everything should look like. What kind of equipment are you planning to integrate? Maybe I can then give you more specific advice.

JECHEN schrieb:
Specifically, I want to make storage more flexible, for example by adding extra shelves, improving cable management for technology, or even installing drawers in places where they are not included by default.

For additional shelves, simply use extra shelf boards and utilize the existing dowel holes. For cables, cable ties or Velcro straps help. Installing drawers in other locations usually isn’t possible without cutting, which compromises stability.

pauPierce schrieb:
For drawers in unusual locations, it’s all about load capacity and available space.

That’s a great tip! Modifying PLATSA is always a bit like solving a puzzle with a DIY magic wand. As long as you don’t underestimate the load capacity and get creative with brackets, Velcro, cable clips, and so on, you can create really useful cable management and compartments. 😉

One more tip: if you want drawers, try looking for Samsonite- or IKEA-compatible drawer slides. Sometimes you can install them as secondary fittings if you do a bit of tinkering. The main thing is to keep everything stable and avoid it looking like a makeshift job. That way, your office stays stylish!

raKatharin schrieb:
Installing drawers elsewhere usually requires cutting, which compromises stability.

I would question that even further: PLATSA is modular, but its support structure depends on the prefabricated joints and their positions. Even if you want to keep the original look, modifying it by cutting often leads to a loss of stability, especially if the shelving unit is used for office storage.

How important is it to you that these modifications remain reversible while adding new functions like drawers? This is often a trade-off. Sometimes it’s better to replace individual modules entirely or to add extra components separately.

Load distribution is also an important factor: if heavy equipment is stored, I would consider additional reinforcement using steel or aluminum profiles rather than relying solely on the original wooden parts. This is best done with metal brackets placed inside or outside the shelving unit.

I’m also curious whether you have already tried combining PLATSA components. Many DIY enthusiasts run into problems here because the standardized parts can be quite rigid.