How to Transform a Cheap IKEA Shelf into a Luxury Interior

Creating furniture on order didn't fit into the budget of the owner of this apartment, Lora, so she decided to make it herself. We provide a step-by-step guide that you can also follow to achieve the same result.

Step 1. Assemble the Shelves

First, assemble all three shelves (two IKEA BILLY shelves with a width of 40 cm and one shelf with a width of 80 cm). If you have high ceilings, you can use additional top shelves (40 cm and 80 cm) to make the shelves the desired height.

Step 2. Determine the Size

Plan in advance where the shelves will be placed. If you want the wall to look 'antique', add 'massiveness' and make it visually larger by leaving 13-centimeter gaps between the shelves. Remember to leave the same distance from the wall on the sides.

The box is needed to make the structure symmetrical.

Attach a wooden box 13 cm wide (adjust height and depth to match the shelf so that the box becomes its extension) to the side of the shelf opposite to the 'free' side. The gaps that form will later be covered with decorative panels.

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Step 3. Secure the Shelves to the Wall

Install wooden strips measuring 5x10 cm on the wall. If you need to level the wall, use thin shims between the furniture and the wall. Attach the shelves to the strips using small L-shaped brackets (as shown in the photo below). If you leave space between the shelves, the brackets can be attached to both sides of the shelf.

Step 4. Reinforce the Structure

To securely install the shelf structure, fix a rectangular box on top using it as the top of the cabinet. Determine in advance where the rail with the sliding ladder will be mounted, and install it on the wooden box. Cover the box with wooden panels.

Step 5. 'Integrate' the Wall with Decorative Elements

To create an effect of built-in furniture, place a ceiling cornice identical to the one used throughout the room above the cabinet, and repeat the floor cornice at the bottom. Try to use as similar models as possible or construct what you need from several pieces, like the author of the guide.

Thanks to the cornices on top and bottom matching those located around the perimeter of the room, the cabinet appears as a 'continuation' of the wall.

Step 6. Final Touches

After the entire structure is securely fastened, hide the 13-centimeter gaps between shelves behind decorative panels, which can be attached with a glue gun. Fill all cracks and remaining holes with sealant. All that's left is to paint the wall and hang the ladder!

Step 7. Plan the Filling

To give the shelf a finished look, fill all unused shelves with decorative items. Finally, there's a place for everything!

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