Finding authentic vintage furniture can be challenging and often expensive, depending on your source. However, it exudes rustic charm and character, capable of transforming an entire space. Instead of spending weeks searching for the perfect piece, consider giving a standard IKEA unit a vintage-inspired makeover.
The IVAR pine cabinet, priced at $100, is an excellent example of an IKEA storage system that can be customized to fit your space. Having been on the market for over 50 years, it’s undoubtedly a tried and tested piece of furniture. Its modular design allows for sections to be purchased individually or together. The IVAR cabinet is also untreated, serving as the perfect blank canvas for a makeover, which could include painting, staining, or even a complete transformation.
Draw inspiration from this detailed tutorial, and incorporate elements to create your own vintage-look furniture. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can add a new top to your cabinet using tongue and groove pine boards. This makeover expert, diydanie, also chose to add a new bottom to raise the cabinet off the floor. While these steps are not essential, they are an excellent way to make the cabinet feel more authentic.
How to give an IKEA cabinet a vintage makeover
One of the most transformative steps is to use wood stain on the pine cabinet. This Minwax wood finish stain is a great choice for achieving a darker, rustic look. Simply apply it to your cabinet with a thick paintbrush and let it dry for at least two hours. If you prefer a brighter style, mix two parts white paint with one part water for a shabby chic whitewashed effect.
The focal point of this tutorial is the stunning pieces of botanical artwork adhered to the cabinet doors, framed with wooden trim to create an apothecary-style effect. Choose decorative cards that hold special meaning to you to cover your cabinet, and varnish the entire cupboard to guard against scratches.
If apothecary-style interiors aren’t your preference, you can still personalize your IKEA cabinet using pictures that reflect your unique style. For instance, if you plan to use the cabinet in your dressing room, embellish it with vintage pin-up pictures and makeup adverts that complement the room perfectly. Even better, select images that match the contents of the drawer for easy organization. For a final touch, install decorative handles. Continue the vintage theme by finding a second-hand pair from a thrift shop or reclamation yard.
