Keep Deep Cabinets Organized And Clutter-Free With One Affordable IKEA Fix

Deep cabinets (typically 27 to 30 inches deep) can be a boon for gadget-focused foodies, big families, and anyone who can't walk past a good thrift store without picking up more kitchen treasures. But let's be frank — they're not convenient. Once you've stowed your army of small appliances, dinnerware, and glasses, getting them out again often requires Herculean effort. You're essentially unpacking and repacking your cupboards multiple times a day to reach the items stored in the back of a deep cabinet — or worse, ignoring the cluttered mess at the back in favor of whatever's within easy reach. 

Fortunately, IKEA has a fix that'll make you fall in love with your deep cabinets all over again: the VARIERA shelf insert. Simple, affordable, and available in a variety of sizes, this unassuming but genius shelf insert is the solution you didn't know you were missing — and now can't wait to make a trip to the popular superstore to get your hands on some. The one potential downside is that the VARIERA only comes in white. But since the inside of many kitchen cabinets is white, too, it actually blends in perfectly. (Of course, there's no reason it can't be your next spray paint project if you want to go with a different color.)

IKEA's VARIERA shelf insert is especially useful for creating vertical storage at the back of deep cabinets — the area most prone to becoming a clutter trap. But what makes them such a storage game-changer is the fact that you can fix them together (screws included). This prevents them from sliding around when stacked (crucial when you're storing breakables). Even better, if you want to switch up your layout, all you have to do is move the shelves or reconfigure them. These inserts work just as well in newly renovated kitchens as they do in older setups, instantly upgrading your cabinet game without a full remodel. Best of all, the setup is super affordable. Custom-built cabinets with drawers can easily run into the hundreds of dollars — and once you've decided on your design, that's it. With IKEA's VARIERA shelf inserts, you could easily get away with under $100 to add extra storage to multiple deep cabinets.

The shelf insert also comes in three sizes. With a uniform height of 6.25 inches, they're easy to mix and match in most cabinets. Where they differ is in their width and depth. The most compact version measures about 12 5/8 inches wide and just over 5 inches deep. The next size up, which is the same width as the smaller option, is 11 inches deep. Lastly, the widest shelf spans nearly 18 inches across with a depth of 5.5 inches — and at just $13.99, it's still a bargain considering how much space it opens up.

With an impressive 4.6 stars from 3,551 reviews, the VARIERA shelf insert is a good buy according to most shoppers. They rated it highly across the board — appearance, build quality, value for money, and ease of assembly all consistently scored above 4 out of 5. One happy user claimed the shelf is "perfect for adding additional space in cabinets." While another said, "The size is perfect for adding additional space in cabinets." Further reviews revealed a similar pattern, saying things like, "Perfect for doubling the capacity of my canning jar shelf," and, "Looks good. Perfect for a small apartment."

That said, the shelf insert isn't without its flaws. A number of reviewers flagged issues with assembly — particularly that the screw holes didn't line up or that the screws didn't fit properly. One frustrated shopper noted, "The screw opening on the leg part is smaller than the opening of the top piece. The screws will NOT FIT ... Now I have to drive 2 hours to return this? So disappointed." Another wrote, "Of the four I purchased, so far only one had the screw holes line up ... I shouldn't have to bust out my drill to make this work." 

To its credit, IKEA responded to each complaint, offering returns within 180 days for quality inspection. Still, while the experience of dissatisfied customers is a reminder that this clever insert isn't always perfect, the majority of five-star reviews suggest it does an excellent job. It's certainly a smart and affordable option that's perfect for organizing deep cabinets.