IKEA's Newest IVAR Cabinet Is A Smart & Stylish Way To Store Extra Blankets

Finding good storage for certain items can be trickier than others, and blankets tend to be one of those more challenging things to store. Given the fact that they can be bulky and you likely want them to be easily accessible at a moment's notice, options quickly become limited. Fortunately, there's an IKEA cabinet — the IVAR — that makes storing extra blankets stylish and practical.

Retailing for $140, the IVAR shelf unit with doors has a simple design that blends a shelving unit with cabinet doors for unique appeal. It measures 35 inches wide by 11 ¾ inches deep by 48 ⅞ inches high. The bottom shelf is completely open for easy access, while the middle two shelves are partially obscured by the cabinet doors that have bamboo weave fronts. Crafted from untreated, solid pine wood, the IVAR presents as a simple addition to your home's decor, and could be ideal for homes that have more natural or minimal schemes. 

Stylistically speaking, this piece is quite casual, since the sides have an open structure. In order to store your blankets on the IVAR's shelving, you can neatly fold the blanket's width in thirds, then fold the length in half and in half again for a compact and nicely stored bundle. You can easily fit a couple of blankets side by side and on top of each other within these shelves.

The IVAR serves as a solid blank canvas for individuals who like to make pieces reflect their own personality. In addition to storing blankets behind the cabinet doors as outlined above, you can also couple the shelving unit with some blankets on the top for more visual appeal and practical stowing space. The IKEA TÄTING Basket ($17.99) is made from banana leaves and has an aesthetic that blends well with the IVAR, though it is best for smaller blankets. Larger blankets could be stored within the IKEA ÅSUNDEN Basket ($27.99) — you could fit two side by side atop the IVAR. Appropriately sized blankets could also be slid onto the bottom shelf of the unit for additional storage within baskets, which could be advantageous for blankets that are cozy, but not exactly stylish.

Since it is made from plain, untreated pine, the IVAR can easily be upgraded with stylish DIY ideas, such as painting or staining it to better fit the decorative vibe of your space. Since pine is a softwood, however, it's very important to use a pre-stain conditioner for the wood; this will help it absorb the stain more evenly, saving you from the frustration of a subpar finished product. As with painting any kind of wood, you'll want to choose a color that works well with your space. A neutral color will be the most versatile, but you could also select a brighter hue for an accent piece. Adding hardware like some knobs or handles to the IVAR's doors could take its look to the next level.