Want to create stylish, functional spaces without major renovations? Ikea’s Ivar units are perfect for DIY room dividers that double as storage and décor. With a few creative tweaks, you can transform these simple wooden shelves into elegant partitions, display areas, or hidden storage solutions that fit any room style.
From painting and adding doors to customizing shelves and combining units, the possibilities are endless. In this blog, we’ll explore inspiring Ikea Ivar room divider hacks and ideas that help you define spaces, enhance organization, and add personality—proving that smart design can be both practical and eye-catching.
Cane Webbing Covered IVAR Room Divider
IKEA’s own take on IVAR room dividers shows just how chic natural materials can look. By attaching cane webbing to IVAR side panels and connecting them with small brass hinges, you get a lightweight folding screen that adds warmth and texture to any room. The cane allows light to filter through while still creating privacy, making it perfect for dividing spaces without blocking natural light. For those nervous about fitting the cane, there are plenty of tutorials online detailing step-by-step methods, including tips for securing it neatly and evenly across the panel for a polished, professional finish.
Fabric-Covered IVAR Folding Screen
For a simple, customizable room divider, fabric-covered IVAR panels are hard to beat. All you need is some fabric and a staple gun to secure it to the panels. This method allows you to choose colors, patterns, and textures to match your space—from cozy tweeds to bold prints. It’s also easy to swap out the fabric seasonally or if your style changes. Lightweight and portable, these fabric-covered screens can be folded and moved as needed, making them ideal for renters or anyone looking for a flexible, budget-friendly way to zone an open-plan room.
Macrame IVAR Room Divider
If you’re feeling adventurous, a macrame IVAR divider can turn simple panels into a striking centerpiece. Using macrame cord in your favorite color, you can create intricate patterns that double as art and functional space separation. While this project takes some patience and practice, the result is a highly personal, conversation-starting piece that reflects your creativity. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the sky’s the limit: you can add beads, fringes, or multi-layered designs to elevate the divider. This hack is perfect for boho or eclectic interiors where texture and craftsmanship are celebrated.
DIY Sunburst Pattern IVAR Room Divider
This creative sunburst pattern transforms plain IVAR panels into a bold, artistic room divider. Using small dowels inserted into the existing holes of the IVAR frame, you can craft a repeating geometric pattern that fills the panel space with visual interest. You don’t have to stick to a sunburst—other designs, like diamonds, triangles, or abstract shapes, work just as well. This project is perfect for anyone with a love for woodworking and a desire to add a dramatic focal point to a room. It’s a fun way to mix DIY craftsmanship with functional interior design.
Paper Screen Room Divider
Not every divider needs to fold. A paper screen using IVAR panels provides a semi-permanent way to define a space. Simply screw multiple panels together and cover one side with wallpaper or patterned paper. Adding a stabilizing stud or bracket ensures the structure is safe and upright. This solution works particularly well for renters or open-plan spaces where you want to create distinct zones without permanent construction. It’s lightweight, stylish, and fully customizable—swap in different wallpapers or papers for seasonal changes or to match evolving decor.
Solid Wood IVAR Room Divider
For a sturdier, classic look, you can create an all-wood IVAR divider by attaching thin plywood sheets to the panels. Affordable 3mm plywood can be cut to the height of the IVAR panel and pinned in place with panel pins. From there, you can stain or paint the wood to achieve any finish, from rich dark oak to sleek white. This approach gives a solid, opaque divider that’s perfect for separating spaces like living and dining areas, while maintaining a clean, high-quality aesthetic that feels custom-built.
Stained and Fabric-Covered IVAR Room Divider
Combining stained IVAR panels with fabric inserts adds both elegance and texture. Dark-stained wood frames paired with Japanese-style fabric or patterned cloth create a stylish, high-contrast look that suits contemporary or traditional interiors. Once the frame is assembled, the possibilities for the insert are endless: fabric, leather, or even cork can add unique visual and tactile appeal. This hack demonstrates how versatile IVAR panels are—you can create functional partitions that are also works of art, making them ideal for both decorative and practical purposes.
Full IVAR Shelving Room Divider
IVAR shelving units themselves make excellent room dividers, providing both storage and partitioning in one. Open shelving allows items to be displayed or stored while visually separating zones in a room. For privacy, simply add fabric or wooden panels to one side. This dual-purpose approach maximizes the utility of your space without sacrificing style. Whether used for books, plants, or decorative objects, IVAR shelves as dividers create a light, airy feel while maintaining a functional edge in living areas, studios, or apartments.
Colorful IVAR Shelving Room Divider
Adding color to IVAR shelving transforms it into a bold, functional room divider. Painting or staining the shelves can tie together a room’s palette while providing storage and display space. This hack proves that dividers don’t have to be neutral or hidden—they can be a statement piece. Even structural elements like metal cross-struts can be incorporated into the design, emphasizing the industrial-chic aesthetic. A colorful divider brings energy to the space while still serving the practical function of separating zones in open-plan layouts.
Gold Sheet Vinyl Room Divider
For a touch of glamour, gold vinyl sheeting can be added over IVAR panels. Secure the vinyl using staples or adhesive over a backing like hardboard for a smooth finish. Black edging or ribbon can be used to conceal staple marks, creating a polished, professional look. The reflective surface adds a sense of luxury and light, making the divider both functional and decorative. This hack is perfect for modern, eclectic, or high-contrast interiors where a bit of sparkle can make a practical object feel like a designer statement piece.
Honeycomb Panel Inserts
Honeycomb panels offer a unique way to customize IVAR dividers. Sized to fit standard 300mm IVAR side panels, these panels can be glued or pinned into place for a textured, geometric look. While the panels may add some cost, painting or spraying them a uniform color unifies the design and makes the divider look custom-built. This approach allows for creative freedom—mix and match patterns, textures, or finishes to complement your room’s style. Honeycomb inserts provide a modern, sculptural alternative to fabric or wood, elevating a simple room divider into a contemporary design feature.