Give A Standard IKEA Cabinet A Retro Aesthetic With A Coat Of Paint

If you love a retro bathroom but struggle to find affordable vintage pieces in good condition, then it may be time to create a DIY solution. With some spray paint and a trip to IKEA, you can transform a brand-new mirror into a show-stopping décor item for your home. Plus, while you are at the retailer, you can browse some vintage IKEA furniture that has recently returned to stores. This simple DIY involves the IKEA IVÖSJÖN, a wall-mounted cabinet with a round mirror. The product comes in a light green color, but it can be transformed with some paint in any color of your choice. Its rounded corners and mirror make it a perfectly nostalgic shape that is ideal for a retro color upgrade. By choosing the right type of paint and a good combination of colors, you can create an adorable addition for your retro-style bathroom.

With a DIY approach, you can choose the perfect colors to emulate any decade. When looking for the best color palette for a vintage home décor aesthetic, one way to start is by examining top color trends from each decade. Soft pastel colors will suit a 1950s style, and brighter, bolder colors can evoke the 1960s. Browns, golds, oranges, greens, and other earth tones can be combined to feel like the 1970s. Combining multiple colors is another way to enhance the retro vibe of your mirror cabinet. Whether you choose two colors or more, color blocking the cabinet will boost the nostalgic effect and add retro flair, especially if you are going for a mid-century style.

The cabinet part of the IKEA IVÖSJÖN is made of polypropylene, which is a material that can be difficult to paint. However, it can be done if you follow the right process and use products that are designed for use on plastics. Start by disassembling your cabinet and cleaning each piece with hot, soapy water. Then, sand each piece of the cabinet with sandpaper. Wash the area again and dry it thoroughly. It is best to use a spray paint designed for use on plastic. Depending on the directions on your spray paint, you may need to apply a primer designed for plastic at this point. Then, you can spray a few coats of your paint. Apply at least two coats of paint, and wait a few minutes between each layer. You may also want to add a topcoat to increase the paint's durability. Once it is completely dry, you can reassemble your cabinet and mirror. Make sure you learn how to polish a mirror without getting streak marks so you can fully enjoy your transformed item's new colorful, retro look.

Along with how customizable this project is, another major benefit is that you can complete it while sticking to a budget. The IKEA IVÖSJÖN mirror cabinet costs $19.99, and if you are an avid DIYer, you might already have the sandpaper, spray paint, primer, and top coat necessary for this project. If not, you can find spray paint made for use on plastic for under $10, and primer for plastic can be found at similar prices.