ᐅ How can I use Ikea PLATSA as a room divider with storage functionality?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to organize my open living area with a room divider that also provides storage. I am considering the Ikea Platsa system because it is flexible and modular. My main question is: how can I design the Ikea PLATSA as a room divider so that it visually separates the space while maximizing storage without making the room feel crowded?

It is important to me that the room divider does not appear too bulky but is still sturdy enough to hold decorative items and books. Does anyone have experience with arranging and combining the different PLATSA components, and perhaps ideas on how to mix doors, drawers, or open compartments effectively?

I am also interested in tips for securing the room divider if it is freestanding—are there proven methods to ensure stability?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

A room divider using Ikea PLATSA works best when you use tall units with varying depths.

Open compartments at the top, closed cabinets at the bottom for storage.

For stability: even freestanding units should be secured to the wall or stabilized with weights at the bottom.

Hello,

designing an Ikea PLATSA room divider with storage function requires careful planning because the system offers many modular options.

First, you need to decide which basic elements you want to use:
- Closed cabinets with doors or drawers are suitable for storage, depending on which type of access is most practical.
- Open shelves can be integrated for decoration or frequently used items. This visually lightens the room divider and creates transparency.

I recommend planning the system so that the modules are accessible from both sides if your room divider is positioned in the middle of the room. This allows optimal use of the storage space. Pay attention to the height so the divider does not appear too dominant – about 180-200 cm (70-79 inches) is usually suitable.

For stability, freestanding modules should be screwed together. Ikea offers connectors to secure the connection. Additionally, you can fix them to the wall with brackets, even if the room divider stands freely, to prevent tipping.

Regarding the combination of doors and open shelves: a good approach is to keep the lower sections more closed to reduce dust and maintain a tidy appearance, while using more open shelves at the top.

Also consider the back panels – with PLATSA, you can use open sides and backs to allow light to pass through or to create an airy atmosphere.

It is important to take precise measurements beforehand and possibly use a planner to work through the layout. How wide and deep is your planned room divider? This strongly influences which modules are suitable.

If you want, I can also help you design a sample configuration if you provide more details.

Gafiel schrieb:
I recommend designing the system so that the modules are accessible from both sides, especially if your room divider is placed in the middle of the room. This way, you can make the most efficient use of the storage space.

Thank you very much for the detailed response.

The idea of accessibility from both sides sounds interesting for my floor plan, as I do plan to position the divider freely within the room.

My room divider is intended to be about 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide and 40 cm (16 inches) deep. I was thinking about a height of approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) to avoid having a completely closed-off divider, since my living room is quite open.

What do you think about combining tall cabinets with individual integrated drawers? I would also like to store smaller items like desk supplies or craft materials in there, which I don’t want to have out in the open.

And what would you recommend for door types or drawer systems to ensure that everything remains durable after a few years? Are there any experiences regarding material quality and durability with PLATSA?

Regarding the stability of PLATSA modules, I can add the following: PLATSA is designed as a modular plug-in system based on wooden panels, intended for indoor use. The stability largely depends on proper gluing and screwing of the modules.

- Freestanding room dividers should be screwed together with multiple connectors.
- For additional stability, it is advisable to use wall brackets, even if the modules are not placed directly against a wall – concealed fixing to the floor or wall prevents tipping.
- In everyday use, PLATSA drawer systems with soft-close function prove to be durable, provided they are not overloaded.
- Doors are usually made of coated particleboard and offer good durability under normal use.

Overall, PLATSA is a solid system suitable for light to medium use. For heavy storage of heavier loads, it is better to rely on additional internal reinforcement or other systems.

It is important to observe the maximum weight per compartment to avoid deformation.

gadalu schrieb:
Freestanding room dividers should be fastened with multiple connection points.

This is exactly the topic that still makes me a bit uncertain.

How many connection points should there ideally be for a room divider about 2m (6.5 ft) wide and approximately 2m (6.5 ft) high? Are 3-4 fasteners sufficient, or should there be significantly more?

Also: Is it possible to secure the modules to the ceiling, for example, if the wall is not directly adjacent to the side? Or are there too many risks due to varying ceiling heights and potential movements?

My goal is to make the room divider as stable as possible without it feeling too bulky or confined. Thanks for any advice on effective connection methods!