ᐅ Are there any DIY tips for customizing or covering IKEA Platsa units?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to buy an IKEA Platsa shelving unit but would like to enhance its appearance and cover it in a way that better suits my room. Are there any practical DIY tips or proven methods for effectively covering the Platsa elements? I am thinking of materials that are easy to work with, durable, and give a professional finish—such as coverings made of wood, panels, fabric, or other surfaces.

Additionally, I’m interested if anyone has specific instructions or product recommendations that work well with the Platsa series, since the dimensions are somewhat unusual. I’m open to any ideas, including suggestions for fasteners—if simply gluing or screwing is not recommended.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

There are several proven methods for cladding IKEA Platsa shelving units that work well:

- Wood cladding: Thin plywood or MDF panels can be precisely cut and attached using high-quality screws or mounting brackets. For a clean finish, sanding and painting beforehand is recommended.
- Laminate or veneered panels: These are thin and can be glued or fixed with small nails. It is important to ensure a suitable substructure so that the cladding sits flush.
- Fabric covering: Using upholstery staples or hook-and-loop fasteners is effective when a softer, textured surface is desired.

With Platsa, it is important to consider the construction method: ventilated claddings help prevent moisture damage. Screws should ideally be fixed to stable frame components to avoid weakening the structure. For some modularity, I recommend making the cladding removable, for example, using magnets or special clips.

In general, I advise preserving the original Platsa fastenings to maintain flexibility.

Jeffon schrieb:
There are several proven methods for cladding IKEA Platsa cabinets that work well:

May I disagree here? Not every cladding that holds mechanically is also functional or sustainable. Especially with Platsa – a modular series – it is important to critically consider how the cladding affects air circulation. The idea of "ventilated cladding" sounds good, but in practice, often just a panel is nailed on the front, which can lead to mold or moisture damage.

The suggestion to "preserve the original fastenings" is well-intentioned, but how practical is that really if you want to significantly modify the cabinet? It might be better to use independent framed cladding that is completely separate from the furniture.

I would be interested to know the exact details of the DIY implementations regarding materials and installation – only then can their practicality and durability be properly assessed. Or are there any experience reports that confirm this?

sifope schrieb:
Not every cladding that holds mechanically is also functional or sustainable.

That’s a good point. If you want to clad a Platsa, you should definitely pay attention to air circulation; otherwise, there could be problems over time. I once clad a Platsa for a client using thin battens as a frame to which OSB boards were attached—with enough space left from the back panel. There was also a small ventilation gap at the bottom.

Additionally, instead of screws, you can use clamp solutions or magnetic holders to keep everything reversible. For the appearance, I worked with a thin layer of wood veneer that we treated beforehand with clear lacquer. If you prefer paint, acrylic lacquer works well—it’s durable and also washable.

For fixing it, it’s helpful to take precise measurements of the Platsa modules and build the cladding as its own “shell” that later connects to the shelving unit only via plug-in joints.

I hope this gives you some practical starting points.

Hello pobikar,

I would like to add to your approach because I believe that DIY projects with IKEA, especially with Platsa, should also include an ergonomic and practical aspect.

From my own experience, I recommend:
- Before planning: Carefully note which sides, fronts, or backs you want to cover. Platsa is very modular, so you can design individual units separately.
- Material choice: Lightweight materials like HDF or flexible panels reduce the weight of the covering, which is helpful when stacking modules or during cleaning.
- Fastening: It is best to use clamping screws with spacers to allow air circulation. Self-adhesive solutions are often not durable enough with the Platsa construction method.
- Surface: If you want to work with wood, I recommend using surfaces with multiple coats of lacquer or oiled wood to protect against moisture.
- Alternative: Fabric coverings look nice but are less suitable for heavily used areas.

It is also important that your DIY covering is easy to dismantle in case you want to rearrange or expand the modules in the future.

I’m happy to help with questions about choosing screws or finishes.