Boost Your Storage: How to Add Shelves to IKEA Wardrobe

Ever found yourself in need of more storage space in your IKEA wardrobe? Adding shelves is an excellent way to maximize your wardrobe's potential. This guide will walk you through the process of installing shelves in your IKEA wardrobe, ensuring a perfect fit and a professional finish.

Before you start, gather your tools - a drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, and the shelf brackets and shelves that came with your wardrobe. Let's dive into the step-by-step process.

Measuring and Planning

Accurate measurement is key to a successful installation. First, decide where you want your shelves to go. Consider the height of your clothes and any existing shelves or rods in your wardrobe.

Using your measuring tape, mark the desired shelf positions on the wardrobe's interior walls. Ensure the marks are level and evenly spaced. For most wardrobes, a gap of 12 to 18 inches between shelves works well.

Marking the Wall Studs

Shelf brackets need to be secured to wall studs for stability. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wardrobe's walls. Mark their positions with a pencil.

Once you've marked the studs, check if they align with your desired shelf positions. If not, you may need to adjust your shelf placement slightly to ensure the brackets are secured to the studs.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Now that you've planned your shelf layout, gather your tools and materials. You'll need a drill, a screwdriver (usually a Phillips head for IKEA furniture), measuring tape, a pencil, the shelf brackets, and the shelves themselves.

IKEA shelves typically come with the necessary screws and wall plugs. If not, ensure you have the correct screws and wall plugs for your wall type - hollow wall plugs for plasterboard walls, and rawl plugs for masonry walls.

Installing the Shelf Brackets

With your measurements and marks in place, it's time to install the shelf brackets. Start by drilling pilot holes at your marked positions. This step is crucial as it prevents the wall from cracking when you drive in the screws.

For hollow walls, use a wall plug that's slightly smaller than the screw's diameter. Insert the wall plug into the pilot hole, then screw the bracket into place. For masonry walls, use a rawl plug and follow the same process.

Securing the Brackets to the Studs

If your shelf brackets align with the wall studs, secure them directly to the studs using screws. This provides additional support and ensures your shelves can bear more weight.

To do this, drill a pilot hole into the stud, insert a wall plug (if necessary), and screw the bracket into place. Ensure the bracket is level and flush against the wall.

Attaching the Brackets to the Wardrobe

If your wardrobe's walls are not solid, you'll need to attach the shelf brackets to the wardrobe itself. Do this by drilling through the wardrobe's wall and into the bracket. Ensure the bracket is level and secure.

If your wardrobe has a backing board, you can skip this step and simply attach the brackets to the backing board. This is usually the case with IKEA's PAX wardrobe system.

Installing the Shelves

With the brackets securely in place, it's time to install the shelves. Most IKEA shelves are designed to slot into the brackets, making installation a breeze.

Simply line up the shelf with the brackets, and slide it into place. Ensure the shelf is level and fully seated in the brackets. If your shelves are not self-levelling, use a spirit level to ensure they're straight.

Securing the Shelves

Once the shelves are in place, secure them to the brackets using the screws provided. This step is crucial as it prevents the shelves from wobbling or falling out.

Drill a pilot hole into the shelf, then screw it into the bracket. Ensure the screw is long enough to go through the shelf and into the bracket, but not so long that it protrudes from the other side.

Testing the Shelves

With your shelves installed and secured, it's time to test them. Gently place some items on the shelves to ensure they're stable and can bear weight.

If your shelves wobble or feel unstable, double-check that they're fully seated in the brackets and secured with screws. If they're still unstable, you may need to adjust your shelf placement or use longer screws.

And there you have it! Your IKEA wardrobe is now equipped with functional, stylish shelves that maximize your storage space. Enjoy your newly organized wardrobe!