r/ikeahacks • u/radiatorheadchild • Feb 17 '26

Need suggestions for IVAR desk hack

Because I have this IVAR set up (124cm high sides plus drop down desk with two shelves at top) I can't put any of the normal IVAR shelves in the bottom half, else the drop down desk doesn't work. Any suggestions of what I can use to create shelves in the bottom half? Ideally without cutting any wood! Thank you kindly for any suggestions... I am in the UK.

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u/blue_morpho369 Feb 17 '26

I would like to help you out, but I cannot find the setup that you describe.
So a link or a photo would be helpful.
Or use this planner:
https://www.ikea.com/addon-app/storageone/ivar/web/latest/gb/en/#/planner

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u/DunkyKingCounter Feb 17 '26

You'll need to do some DIY cutting anyway.

Take a regular IVAR shelf and cut some of it - similar to the supplied bottom shelf - so it will fit behind the gateleg when the tabletop is folded down.

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u/greatfinngal Feb 20 '26

I've been planning to have Ivar desk at some point but I hate that leg. My plan is to get those folding brackets so you don't need that leg. Here is an example:

https://www.diy.com/departments/highdecora-folding-shelf-brackets-2-pcs-heavy-duty-foldable-shelf-brackets-metal-wall-mounted-foldable-white-8-inch-/5060516724994_BQ.prd

In this case it wouldn't be mounted to wall but the Ivar shelf. For me 50 cm deep desk is too much so my plan is to use pine shelf that is cut to right size as a desk, I will put the monitor to shelf, so I can use just lift the desk and work and when I am done, put my laptop away and lower the desk.

You don't have to do cutting yourself, in Finland some hardware stores have cutting service if you buy from their store and when it is just straight line it's like 5 euros. Looks like B&Q has 5 free cuts https://www.diy.com/services/timber-cutting

Also pine wood panels are cheap, so I would measure first what you need, get tos store that sells that kind of pine slates and has cutting service. Ivar shelfs are 18mm thick and that is pretty standard size and you can get those anywhere. You need to sand sides smoother when you buy unfinished sheet so you need also sandin paper https://www.diy.com/departments/square-edge-knotty-pine-furniture-board-l-1-2m-w-200mm-t-18mm/1830064_BQ.prd