ᐅ What are some DIY ideas for customizing IKEA PLATSA?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to customize my IKEA Platsa furniture to make it more unique and would love to hear your experiences and ideas for DIY modifications. I am especially interested in creative but also practical solutions that I can implement at home to enhance Platsa both visually and functionally. Which materials, techniques, or design tricks would you recommend to improve the appearance of the Platsa modules, organize them better, or adapt them to my living situation? I look forward to a variety of tips and suggestions!

I covered my PLATSA modules with self-adhesive wood-effect film, which looks more premium and is relatively easy to apply. Adding LED strips inside is also a cool feature that visually enhances the storage space.

Very good question, benle67. When customizing PLATSA, I recommend focusing primarily on the surface treatment and interior organization. For the surface, veneers and paint finishes are common, but it is essential to clean thoroughly before applying veneers to ensure proper adhesion. If you are painting, be sure to apply a matte primer first to avoid unattractive bubbles. A very precise method is also to install custom-made or pre-fabricated handles – this can significantly enhance the simple PLATSA look. Another tip: the modular design of PLATSA allows you to replace or add side panels made from MDF or thin plywood. These can then be painted individually in RAL colors. If you want to implement this technically, it helps to measure carefully and especially to replicate the original fastening points accurately to maintain stability. It’s best to start by sketching everything on regular paper in a schematic, printable format.

Inside, you can also do a lot with drawer inserts and storage systems. There are various optional inserts available at IKEA, but also from other manufacturers that fit precisely. One tip is to attach small compartments or use magnetic strips to neatly store tools or kitchen utensils.

I would be interested in knowing exactly what your living space looks like and what function you envision for PLATSA. Should the furniture serve mainly as storage or display space? Do you already have specific color schemes or interior styles in mind?

Filippo schrieb:
I’m interested to know exactly what your living space looks like and what function you envision for PLATSA. Should the furniture primarily provide storage or serve as display space?

Thank you for the detailed answer, Filippo. My living room is quite small, and I want to use PLATSA mainly for storage with some open compartments for decoration. The color scheme is mostly neutral tones (white, gray), so I might want to add some accents without making the space feel cluttered. The idea of using handles and LED strips sounds good. What would you recommend for small open compartments to keep them from looking too untidy?

For open compartments, I recommend using baskets or boxes that fit the PLATSA dimensions exactly. This way, you can easily hide clutter without losing visibility. Additionally, you can personalize the fronts of the boxes with fabric or decorative materials to add color accents. It’s best to choose neutral fabrics that match the room and are easy to clean.

Another tip is to install interior lighting inside the compartments, such as small LED strips or spotlights. This highlights your decorations and adds more ambiance to the space. At the same time, the closed compartments remain useful for storage. This way, you can optimally combine order and aesthetics.

I installed accent strips made of self-adhesive cork on the sides, which gives a nice, natural look and protects the furniture. It’s inexpensive and quick to do.