DIY Luxurious Built-Ins For A Large Space On A Budget Thanks To IKEA Cabinets

Most homeowners are familiar with the struggle of trying to occupy the blank wall surrounding their TV, only for it to continue looking unfinished. One of the best ways to tackle that large, unused space is with built-in cabinets and shelves. However, custom cabinetry projects can be an expensive endeavor, often costing thousands of dollars to find the right media center that fits your space. That's where the EKET line from IKEA comes in, providing the perfect IKEA hack to DIY a media cabinet without breaking the bank. With an extensive array of cabinet products, there is certainly no shortage of options to create an entirely personalized storage system. Whether your space has an awkwardly long wall or it's just a large room, the EKET cabinets can curate a floating entertainment center with a bit of built-in storage.

There are plenty of ways to integrate the EKET line of products into your existing decor style that allow you to create an entirely customized media storage system. With options like media stands, wall-mounted shelving, and glass cabinets, it is the ultimate selection for built-in storage. Compared to traditional media centers or built-ins, the EKET system is extremely affordable. For example, a two-door EKET cabinet that measures 27 ½ inches wide will cost you $80, and depending on the length of your wall, you may only require two or three. Combine those with cube-style cabinets with solid doors ($30 each) or glass doors ($40 each), and you can build your own modular storage system for much less than $1,000.

With your blank wall in mind, let's talk about how to transform it into a custom media center using IKEA's EKET product line. There is a wide range of cabinetry to choose from when using this system, so the first step is deciding on the right style of storage. You might choose from IKEA glass cabinets you'll want in your home or opt for more modular cube designs.

Next, you need to decide the mounting style that goes with your interior — free-standing or wall-mounted. IKEA sells EKET kits with adjustable feet to provide a bit of additional height on your free-standing cabinets. For a more designer feel, a simple floating media stand is the perfect way to make use of a large wall space. It helps to fill the necessary expanse without being too bulky. Create a floating effect from your console stand by wall-mounting your cabinets, curating that built-in feel. 

Once you have your media stand all set up, there are plenty of ways to further customize your TV setup with additional wooden shelves or cabinets. If you want to create a faux credenza with storage that reaches up to the ceilings, grab as many storage cubes as you need and mount them to the wall. Additionally, taller shelf cabinets enhance the storage of your space, allowing you to hide all of your living room clutter into the stacked, wall-mounted shelves. The versatility of this line is one of its major selling points for a number of homeowners, so the possibilities are truly endless.

If you're not completely sold on the EKET line or just want to mix and match your furniture, there are plenty of IKEA alternatives that maintain the built-in feel. One excellent alternative is the BESTÅ line, ranging from entire TV console centers to standalone storage cabinets. This line, similar to the EKET, allows you to mix and match different pieces to create a similar customized, built-in feel. Pair wall-mounted square shelves with a media stand for additional bookshelf storage or place an entire cabinet next to your media stand. Mirror the design on the other side to help it feel balanced. This line leans into the Scandinavian style of decor, tying into more modern spaces. With styles ranging from dark woods to white and natural oak, the BESTÅ pieces blend seamlessly into just about any interior design style

Another system that can easily be integrated into your design is the IKEA KALLAX. With an array of storage cubes, a TV unit, and shelf units, you can tackle some of that empty wall space with KALLAX shelves for some much-needed additional storage. Mix and match different heights and the number of storage cubes to help curate a more personalized feeling from your cabinets. Additionally, there are plenty of KALLAX accessories for more organized storage, ranging from cabinet doors to storage boxes and woven baskets.