8 Simple IKEA ELVARI Hacks That Have The Power To Transform Your Home

If you're looking for versatile shelving systems, chances are you'll find the perfect one at IKEA. While their wildly popular units like PAX, IVAR, and KALLAX are featured in innumerable collections of impressive styling hacks online, one storage solution has flown under the radar — the ELVARLI. Like the other IKEA storage systems, the ELVARLI works wonders in the closet, but its ceiling-mounted design makes it a standout open shelving system that will easily become the focal point in any room. It's this element that gives the ELVARLI an instant sense of establishment in a space, making it look like a permanent fixture without requiring the elaborate measures some have taken to make their IKEA storage systems look like built-ins.

Plus, in true IKEA fashion, the ELVARLI can be customized to suit any storage and spatial needs, whether you want to organize a small closet or divide an entire studio apartment. Choose from IKEA's white or bamboo shelves in various sizes, along with angled shoe shelves (which double as great display shelves) and hanging rods. Pick one of IKEA's many post unit combinations, or build your own from scratch using its virtual planner tool. The unit posts attach to the ceiling with simple screws and rest on the floor with adjustable feet. This means no drill holes in the walls, making the ELVARLI open shelving unit a total game-changer for renters. (There are also freestanding ELVARLI frames available, though it's recommended you attach them to the wall to stabilize the unit.) Here are eight ideas to inspire your own instant renovation:

Perhaps one of the coolest ways to use the ELVARLI system is to separate and define spaces. The ceiling-mounted posts help establish the unit as a room-defining piece, and its open shelving design allows you to divide your space without completely closing it up. The ELVARLI can add a sense of direction and purpose to open floor plans while maintaining an open, airy feel throughout. Perfect for dividing a studio apartment, the ELVARLI allows for flexible use of the space while providing extra storage.

Your shelving system doesn't have to divide a space to define it. Use an ELVARLI unit to create an instant mudroom in the entryway or by a back door. The shoe shelves can keep your household shoe collection neat, and you can hang your coats on the hanging rack. Turn other shelves on the unit into a mail station, bag drop, and designated key spot so you're always ready to run out the door.

Of course, you can also use the ELVARLI system to bring order to your closet. The combination of shelves and drawers makes it easy to find a place for everything, and they can be adjusted along the frame to ensure you'll always have a closet that works for you. ELVARLI reviewers praise the unit for working wonders in closets of all sizes, whether you need an entire shoe wall, multiple clothing racks, or just a simple shelf.

Need to work from home, but don't have room for a home office? Carve out a little work nook by separating a space using an ELVARLI shelf. Use the shelf to store work items as well as personal effects, knick-knacks, and potted plants to make your work nook a happy place while maximizing your small home office storage. Keep the shelves open and airy or fill them in with boxes, baskets, books, and other decor items to further close off the work nook to keep your work space and living space distinct and separate. 

If you have a spare nook in your home that isn't quite right for anything, ELVARLI can transform it into a chic, functional corner perfect for extra storage, cute displays, or even a desk or vanity. Once again, the floor-to-ceiling frame makes this minimalist unit look instantly built-in, giving the nook definition and intention with minimal effort. To maintain the sleek, minimalist look, be sure to style your shelves like a pro so they won't look cluttered.

Say goodbye to bulky dressers and hello to versatile ELVARLI shelving. Adjust the shelves according to your morning routine so everything you need — from sunglasses to jewelry to shoes — is at your fingertips. You can add a few drawers to your getting-ready station if it suits you, or set up a vanity next to accessory shelves and install a few shoe shelves underneath. Mix in some greenery and accent pieces, and your storage system will add function and flair to your bedroom.

Dreaming of floating bookshelves, but can't drill into the wall? Get the look without the drill holes with ELVARLI shelves. Install the unit so the back of the shelves rests flush against the wall. The discreet frame will be barely noticeable, especially when set against a white wall or when the frame and shelves are painted to match the wall. ELVARLI's bamboo shelves would also add a subtle variation on this idea while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Another way to use an ELVARLI storage system to define spaces around your home is to section off a foyer in an open-plan entryway. Install the unit by the front door and utilize the shelves similar to the mudroom hack above, or with just a few decor pieces — there's no need to enclose your DIY foyer by overstuffing the shelves. Instead, let lots of light in through the shelves to welcome visitors. The ELVARLI will provide plenty of definition on its own.