This is the story of 'How I Designed a Built-In Closet Using IKEA Kitchen Cabinets'
Let me share how I used IKEA’s SEKTION kitchen cabinets to create a custom built-in closet for the front entrance of my tiny apartment. If you’re a minimalist or need smart small-space solutions, this idea might just work for you!
A Bit About My Space
I live in a 461 sq. ft. one-bedroom apartment with a bathroom in downtown Toronto. Some might call it a studio, minimalist living, or a tiny home, but to me, it’s simply my home. I bought my place during the pre-construction phase, which meant I purchased based on a floor plan and waited four to five years for the development to be completed. That’s how new builds often work here in Canada.
When I first saw the floor plan, I knew this was the space for me. It had everything I was looking for: a small footprint, a terrace, 10’-5” high ceilings, and ample closet space.
My First Impressions of the Closet Space
Honestly? I thought, “This closet is stupid!” I wondered, how could I make it fit my needs? What were my needs? Transitioning from a 2,400 sq. ft. two-story family home to a 461 sq. ft. one-bedroom apartment wasn’t as challenging as you might think. It’s just me, after all, not a family of five.
What I Needed
A closet for my shoes, coats, and jackets.
Pantry space for extra kitchen accessories, pots and pans and storage space.
Additional counter space to create a bar area.
Drawers, because they’re more practical for storing items, especially in a kitchen. It’s easier to grab things from a drawer than from an upper cabinet. I prefer upper cabinets for glassware.
Ultimately, I redesigned the entire closet space to suit my needs and preferences.
North American vs. European Closet Systems
One of my ongoing gripes with North American homes is how closet spaces are designed around door heights, typically 7 feet tall. According to the Ontario building code, closets with doors require a doubleheader above the door opening. This design reduces the usable height inside the closet, making the upper areas difficult to access and less practical.
In Europe, closet systems are more integrated, either as built-ins, open concepts, or stand-alone closets. You’d never find the North American closet design in Europe—and for good reason!
European closets have a more polished, built-in look or come as freestanding cabinets.
Given that I’d be living here and possibly renting the place out, I wanted to create a more practical design, not just for me but for guests as well, since I planned to use the apartment as an executive rental.
This space offered plenty of opportunities for different design concepts.
4 Key Steps I Took Before Installing My Cabinets
Removed the header support for the sliding doors
Since I wasn’t using sliding doors, this opened up the space to a floor-to-ceiling height of 8 feet.
Relocated the communication box
I moved it to an outer wall to free up interior space.
Added an electrical box for lighting
Installed a separate light switch to control the new lighting.
Installed an electrical outlet at 42” AFF (After Finished Floor)
This height is perfect for a counter plug, ideal for the bar area where I’d place a coffee machine or other small appliances.
The new design was entirely based on my needs and how I planned to use the space. Closet space is something many condo developers should give more thought to.
A LIST OF MATERIALS AND IKEA PARTS THAT I USED:
The Front Closet Configuration
I stuck with the IKEA SEKTION line:
Divided into three sections:
Top section for storage
Mid-section for coats and jackets
Bottom Interior Drawers for shoes
48” Middle Section:
30” Cabinet + 15” Cabinet = 48” Upper Cabinets. Black Anthracite Glass cabinets for my beloved glassware
30” Lower Drawer Cabinets for table linens, cutlery, pots & pans, and extra pantry storage.
12” BottomOpen Storage Cabinet: For quick storage items
Floating Shelf - This was just a cute shelf I added to display my mason jars.
48” Countertop / Backsplash:
I used a Terrazzo slab for the counter and backsplash, which fits the space perfectly. This counter is great for making cocktails or coffee.
I used shelves and bottom pullout drawers - I love this cabinet! I’m able to store my pantry items, and extra dishes, and perfect for additional storage.
TOTAL COST / THE BUDGET
In terms of budget, I didn't really have one in mind. I didn't know what to expect. After designing the entire cabinet this is what it worked out to be:
$2,800 - For all the Ikea Cabinets - from the configuration list + the interior accessories
$1,700 - For the Terrazzo Counter and Backsplash
Grand Total: $4500.
I'm not sure if this was a lot - but it was what I needed, I couldn't have pictured anything less in this space. So if that was the amount for what I wanted - I was going to make it happen!
In Conclusion: What Did This Do for Me and My Space?
This redesign significantly improved my storage solutions in a small space, maximizing efficiency and catering to my lifestyle. Everything was designed with convenience in mind.
I wanted to keep the finishes consistent with my bedroom closet, as you’ll see in the blog post about my bedroom IKEA closet hack. My space is small, so introducing new finishes and colors for the built-in closet didn’t make sense.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Buy IKEA Kitchen Cabinets during the Kitchen Sales Event -
Always work on the design first, then price it out to make a budget. How do you just shoot out a number and magically make it work within that budget? - it doesn't happen! Typically when people renovate a space in their home they always have a budget in mind first - and I understand, that everything costs money, however, work with the design first and then see if you can make those numbers work! I will not compromise what I want for something less.
Consider your needs not as a price - but as a long-term lifestyle investment
Don't settle for anything less - you will regret nothing
Did You Know IKEA Has a Kitchen Sales Event 3-4 Times Per Year?
Yes! IKEA offers kitchen sales events 3-4 times a year, where you can get 15-20% off when you spend $2,000 or more on kitchen items. That’s when I purchased all my cabinets for both my bedroom and front closet projects. I then used the credit in gift cards to buy all the interior fittings and accessories.
Well there you have it! This was my front closet hack using Ikea Kitchen cabinets in my small apartment!
If you liked this IKEA hack, Click here to see what I did with the front closet in my condo!
That’s your story for today—my name is Doriana, and I’m outta here!
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