ᐅ How can I customize Ikea Platsa furniture?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to buy Ikea Platsa furniture and would like to customize it as much as possible. Therefore, my question to the community is: What are the options for personalizing Platsa furniture without compromising its functionality? I am thinking not only about external changes like color or handles but also about smart modifications or extensions that make better use of the storage space. Are there proven techniques, special materials, or recommended accessories?

I look forward to your experiences and tips, especially practical ideas that can turn my IKEA Platsa cabinet into a true one-of-a-kind piece.

Hello Maufu,

First of all, here’s a brief overview of how you can customize Ikea Platsa furniture:

- Painting or covering: Use special furniture paint or adhesive films to modify the fronts or sides.
- Changing handles: Ikea offers many handle styles, but you can also use standard furniture handles available on the market.
- Modifying the interior fittings: Adding extra shelves, baskets, or inserts can increase functionality.
- Integrating lighting: LED strips or small spotlights installed inside provide better visibility and a modern look.

A tip: When painting, be sure to use breathable paints suitable for furniture to prevent the surface from cracking or peeling. Also, always sand well between steps to improve adhesion significantly.

Good luck with your project!

harold schrieb:
Modify interior fittings: Additional shelves, baskets, or inserts can increase functionality.

I completely agree and would add: To truly customize the interior, you should carefully consider what you want to store before making any modifications. For clothing, drawers or pull-out boxes are very practical, while for books, extra shelves with small spacing might be better.

A commonly overlooked aspect is stability: If you add extra shelves, you should check whether the attachment points are designed to support them. Otherwise, investing in self-drilling anchors or brackets is worthwhile to safely bear the load.

Additionally, simple wire baskets can improve ventilation—especially useful for shoes or sports equipment.

What are the dimensions of your Platsa and what do you mainly want to store? That way I can offer you more targeted advice.

deoke schrieb:
What are the dimensions of your Platsa and what do you mainly want to store? That way, I can give you more targeted advice.

Good question, thanks! I’m planning a Platsa unit with a width of 120 cm (47 inches) and a depth of 40 cm (16 inches), with a height probably around 180 cm (71 inches). Storage contents: mainly clothing, occasionally larger books or binders.

I’d also like to integrate a drawer component, but I get the impression that Platsa doesn’t offer many drawer options as standard. What’s the best way to proceed here so I can stay modular and not be too dependent on rigid systems?

Additionally, I’m interested if you have experience with applying coverings to fronts, especially how to apply films or veneers so they last a long time without bubbling?

Maufu schrieb:
I would also like to integrate a drawer component, but I have the impression that Platsa does not offer as many drawer options by default.

The Platsa series does indeed offer fewer drawer options compared to, for example, the Kallax system from Ikea. However, you can still use drawer modules like Komplement inserts, which are compatible. These fit specific dimensions and are mounted on smooth-running drawer slides.

Alternatively, you can use storage baskets or custom-built drawers with a sliding mechanism, as long as you pay attention to the internal measurements and leave enough clearance. Also, consider the load capacity and the opening mechanism.

Another tip: If you want to add fronts to make the drawers look closed, MDF boards with a matte finish or matte films that you can cut to size directly are good options.

Regarding applying films: It is important to thoroughly clean the surface and keep it completely dust-free before you start.

- Use a squeegee or a plastic card to smooth the film during application.
- Work slowly and gradually remove the backing film instead of applying the entire film all at once.
- If small air bubbles form, you can gently prick them with a needle and press the air out.

Additionally, for Platsa, I recommend unscrewing the fronts before applying the film, as this makes working much cleaner.

For weather resistance and increased durability, clear topcoats (e.g., acrylic lacquer) can also be recommended, although they may alter the level of gloss.