ᐅ Are there IKEA PLATSA units available with an open back panel?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning the furnishing of my new apartment and am particularly interested in the IKEA PLATSA series, as its modularity and flexibility suit my needs very well.

My question is specifically about the open back panel: Are there any PLATSA furniture models or modules from IKEA that are intentionally designed with an open back, meaning without the usual fixed back panels? I am wondering if IKEA officially offers versions designed to have an open back, for example, for better ventilation or a specific design effect.

So far, I haven’t found a clear answer in the product descriptions or assembly instructions. Has anyone had experience with open back panels in PLATSA furniture or knows if this is intended or possible within the range? Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback!

IKEA PLATSA cabinets generally do not come with “open” backs as a standard option. Usually, the backs are supplied with solid panels. However, it is possible to omit the back panels and create an open shelving unit, provided it remains stable.

Guluje, your question about open backs on PLATSA units is quite valid and technically interesting. The PLATSA series is modular, and the basic design always includes a back panel, which is necessary for stability and assembly. Open backs are not offered as a pre-assembled option by IKEA. However, if you want to remove the back panels, you should consider the following points:
- The furniture’s stability can be compromised because front panels and side walls offer less support without the back panel.
- Omitting the back panel means the rear is essentially open, which is not a condition recommended by the manufacturer.
- For better ventilation or specific design purposes, it can still work, but you may need to plan for additional reinforcements such as cross braces or angle brackets.

In summary, IKEA does not officially offer PLATSA units with open backs, but technically you can remove them if you proceed carefully and ensure stability. How do you plan to use the shelving exactly?

PLOMA schrieb:
Officially, IKEA does not offer open back panels for PLATSA, but technically you can remove them if you are careful and ensure stability.

Thanks for the tip. I’m planning to use the shelving unit for media equipment and a few plants, so having an open back would be beneficial for cable management and airflow. Would it be possible to properly support it myself using the crossbars or angle brackets you suggested? Do you know if IKEA offers any special accessories for this, or would I need to come up with a custom solution?

Regarding the open back panel on PLATSA furniture: Back panels are fundamentally very important for stability because these models are designed to rely on this panel to provide steady, wobble-free support. In other words, the back panel acts like a diagonal brace that prevents the furniture from swaying.

If you remove the back panel, you should definitely add extra reinforcement. Here is how I would proceed:
- Use angle brackets at the back corners between the side panels and the top/bottom panels.
- Optionally, you can install a thin strip or metal bar horizontally to absorb shear forces.
- Make sure to secure the furniture firmly to the wall with brackets or fasteners that provide additional support.

IKEA does not offer replacement or additional reinforcement parts specifically for PLATSA, so you will need accessories from a hardware store or furniture fittings. It is worthwhile to do a trial assembly of all parts without the back panel before starting modifications to identify any weak points.

Hey Guluje, I think the idea of an open back for your media devices is really clever! Cable management can be quite a challenge, and having an open back allows for a much neater solution. 😎

I once took the back panel off a PLATSA cabinet and instead used homemade wooden strips, which I painted, as small stabilizers. It worked better than expected and actually looks nicer when you view the back from the hallway.

The only important thing is to make sure nothing wobbles, otherwise you might end up with a wall full of shoes and plants on the floor. 😉