24 Easy IKEA IVAR Room Divider Hacks & Ideas
Ever found yourself wishing for a simple way to separate your space without spending a fortune? Look no further than the IKEA IVAR system.
This unassuming wooden shelving unit, designed originally for storage, has become a canvas for creative minds.
Whether you’re living in a small apartment, an open-plan home, or just looking to carve out some personal space, these 24 easy IKEA IVAR room divider hacks will inspire you to transform your interiors with style and functionality.
Let’s dive into these clever ideas, each crafted to give your space a sense of privacy, organization, and charm.
1. The Classic Divider with a Twist
The simplest way to use the IVAR as a room divider?
Assemble the shelves vertically and place them between spaces.
But here’s the twist: decorate one side with plants, books, or baskets, and keep the other side minimal.
Why it works: The IVAR’s open shelving design allows light to pass through, ensuring your room feels open and airy while still defining two distinct spaces.
Pro Tip: Add wicker baskets or fabric storage bins to hide clutter and create a cleaner look on one side.
2. Painted Perfection
Transform your IVAR into an art piece! Paint the unit in a bold, contrasting color that complements your room’s palette.
For example, if you have a neutral room, try painting it navy blue or emerald green.
Why it’s genius: A painted IVAR doesn’t just divide the room—it becomes a statement piece.
Pro Tip: Use chalk paint for a matte finish or go for a two-tone effect by painting each side differently to match the decor of both spaces.
3. Green Oasis Divider
Turn your IVAR into a vertical garden. Install small planters on the shelves, fill them with cascading plants like pothos or ivy, and watch your space come alive.
Why it’s amazing: Plants not only add privacy but also purify the air and bring nature indoors.
Pro Tip: Use faux plants if maintenance feels overwhelming. They’ll still look stunning and stay lush forever.
4. Scandi-Chic Privacy Wall
Want a sleek, minimalist look? Use thin wooden slats or panels to fill the gaps between IVAR’s shelves, creating a semi-solid divider that feels modern and chic.
Why it’s effective: This hack balances privacy and openness perfectly while maintaining the Scandinavian aesthetic IKEA is known for.
Pro Tip: Choose slats in natural wood or whitewash them for a softer, calming vibe.
5. Work Zone Separator
Need to separate your home office from the rest of your living space? Use the IVAR as a dual-purpose divider.
One side can house office supplies, while the other can hold decorative items like photo frames or books.
Why it’s practical: It creates a psychological and physical boundary between work and leisure without making the space feel cramped.
Pro Tip: Add a corkboard or whiteboard to one side of the IVAR for extra functionality.
6. Boho Curtain Divider
Attach curtain rods or tension rods to the top of your IVAR and hang sheer or patterned fabric.
This creates a soft, bohemian-style divider that adds texture to the space.
Why it’s stylish: The combination of wood and fabric feels cozy and inviting, perfect for boho or eclectic interiors.
Pro Tip: Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or gauze for a relaxed look, or go bold with tribal prints for more personality.
7. The Mirror Magic Hack
Attach mirrors to one side of your IVAR to make your room feel larger and brighter.
The reflective surface creates the illusion of more space while maintaining functionality on the other side.
Why it works: Mirrors are an age-old trick for small spaces, and pairing them with a divider makes this hack even more efficient.
Pro Tip: Use adhesive mirrors for an easy, renter-friendly upgrade.
8. Color-Coded Shelves
Use the IVAR to create a divider that’s also a playful organizational tool.
Paint each shelf a different color to signify specific categories, such as books, toys, or decorative pieces.
Why it’s clever: It adds a pop of fun and makes organizing easier, especially in kids’ rooms or creative studios.
Pro Tip: Use pastel shades for a subtle, calming effect or bold primaries for a playful vibe.
9. Sliding Panel Divider
Upgrade your IVAR with sliding panels. Install tracks at the top and bottom of the unit and attach wooden or acrylic panels that can slide open and closed.
Why it’s functional: It offers flexibility to open or close off areas as needed, giving you more control over your space.
Pro Tip: Use frosted acrylic for a modern touch or wooden panels for a warm, rustic feel.
10. Industrial-Chic Mesh Divider
Replace some of the shelves with black metal mesh panels to create an industrial-style divider.
Use hooks to hang plants, lights, or accessories on the mesh.
Why it’s cool: The industrial look is trendy and pairs beautifully with loft apartments or modern interiors.
Pro Tip: Pair it with Edison bulb string lights for extra ambiance.
11. Floating Shelf Divider
Create a “floating” effect by attaching the IVAR to the ceiling or suspending it slightly above the ground.
This trick is perfect for maintaining an open flow in smaller spaces.
Why it’s ingenious: It separates the room without taking up precious floor space.
Pro Tip: Secure it properly to avoid any accidents, especially if you have kids or pets.
12. Chalkboard Room Divider
Paint one side of your IVAR with chalkboard paint to create a writable surface.
Use it as a family message board, menu planner, or a fun space for kids to draw.
Why it’s versatile: It’s both a divider and a functional tool for organization or creativity.
Pro Tip: Pair it with colorful chalk for added charm.
13. Rustic Room Divider
Keep the IVAR’s natural wood finish but distress it slightly with sandpaper to give it a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look.
Add woven baskets and antique-style decor to complete the vibe.
Why it’s timeless: The natural aesthetic feels warm and inviting, making it perfect for country or vintage-style homes.
Pro Tip: Use jute or wicker baskets for storage to enhance the rustic charm.
14. Bookshelf Room Divider
Turn your IVAR into a full-fledged library by filling it with books.
Alternate between vertical and horizontal stacking for visual interest, and add small decor items like vases or picture frames.
Why it’s practical: It maximizes storage and creates a cozy, intellectual ambiance.
Pro Tip: Arrange books by color for a stunning rainbow effect.
15. Gallery Wall Divider
Transform the IVAR into a gallery wall by hanging framed photos, artwork, or even prints directly on the shelves.
Why it’s creative: It adds personality to your space while still serving as a functional divider.
Pro Tip: Use lightweight frames and command strips to keep the setup easy and damage-free.
16. Minimalist Japanese Shoji-Style Divider
Attach rice paper or frosted acrylic sheets to the IVAR to mimic the look of traditional Japanese Shoji screens.
Why it’s calming: The soft, diffused light passing through the panels creates a serene, minimalist atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Keep the frame natural or stain it in a dark wood tone for authenticity.
17. Kids’ Playroom Divider
Use the IVAR to separate a play area from the rest of the house.
Fill it with colorful storage bins for toys and books, and hang pegboards or hooks for additional organization.
Why it’s a lifesaver: It keeps the chaos contained while giving kids their own defined space.
Pro Tip: Label each bin with fun tags to encourage kids to tidy up.
18. The Art Studio Divider
Turn your IVAR into an art supply haven.
Use baskets and organizers to store paints, brushes, and canvases, and add a pegboard for tools.
Why it’s inspiring: It separates your creative space from the rest of the room while keeping everything you need within reach.
Pro Tip: Hang an inspiration board or mood board on one side to spark creativity.
19. Multi-Functional Divider
Combine several hacks into one!
Use the IVAR as a bookshelf on one side, a planter on another, and a workspace divider in the middle.
Why it’s brilliant: It’s a one-stop solution for storage, decor, and functionality.
Pro Tip: Experiment with textures, like mixing wood, metal, and fabric, to make the divider more dynamic.
20. The Lighting Accent Divider
Install LED strip lights along the edges of your IVAR or behind the shelves.
The soft glow adds ambiance and makes the divider look high-end.
Why it’s magical: Lighting can completely transform the mood of your space, making it feel warm and welcoming.
Pro Tip: Choose color-changing LED strips for added versatility.
Final Thoughts
The IKEA IVAR is much more than a simple shelving unit.
With a little creativity, it can become the ultimate room divider that’s not only functional but also stylish and personalized.
Whether you’re going for a rustic vibe, a modern aesthetic, or a playful look, there’s a hack here to suit your style.
Start small, get inspired, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
After all, your space should reflect who you are, and the IVAR is the perfect canvas to make that happen.
Which of these ideas will you try first?
