How To Create 6 Small Media Centers Using our IKEA Design Hacks

Gone are the days when built-in media centers were only available for large living rooms. If you have a smaller space, you can still get that breathtakingly beautiful, professional look without spending lots. All it takes is creativity, strategy, and some IKEA cabinets.

IKEA’s Kitchen Sektion cabinets make it happen!

Below, we’ll share six design hacks that can bring beauty and function to a smaller space.

1. Bright & Airy: The Compact, White Solution

Total IKEA material cost: $ 443
Extra IKEA items needed for installation: $ 526

IKEA Product Details:
This design uses IKEA’s VALLSTENA White door style paired with their MAXIMERA drawers. The handles are HACKÅS Knob in anthracite and EKET wood legs elevate the piece. We can’t forget the LJUNGAN baskets, which complete the look.

IKEA Components Used for the Hack:
For this hack, we leverage two IKEA Sektion wall cabinets (18x20x15) along with two wall cabinet frames (18x20x15) that come with two medium MAXIMERA drawers. There’s also the 36×96 panel, which builds the open cabinet sections.

The Design Benefit:
When you have tight space, a slimmer cabinet profile is not an option. It’s a necessity. This hack adds legs that take the piece up a few notches, allowing for a furniture-style look rather than a bulky, built-in feel.

Thanks to the open cabinet details, you can comfortably show off your books, speakers, and decor while still hiding cords and other eye sores.

When to Consider It:
If you have a small living room or bedroom that needs an airy, uncluttered vibe, this hack will not disappoint. You’ll be able to maximize function without overwhelming the space.

2. Warm & Modern: The Oak and Glass Combo

Total IKEA material cost: $ 1,098
Extra IKEA items needed for installation: $790

IKEA Product Details
Here, we use IKEA’s VEDHAMN Oak door style and MAXIMERA drawers. The handles are KALLRÖR stainless steel, adding a sleek touch to the overall look.

IKEA Components Used for the Hack
This hack incorporates two IKEA Sektion base glass cabinets (18x30x15) and two wall cabinet frames (24x15x15), each with two medium MAXIMERA drawers. The 36×96 panel is the key to the open cabinets.

The Design Benefit:
Glass doors lighten the space while providing valuable storage. Plus, they’re often unexpected in small rooms and truly add an element of surprise. The closed drawer and glass storage combo let you hide everyday essentials and display what you love. It’s the best of both worlds.

When to Consider It:
If storage is a priority in your smaller living room or bedroom but you still want to showcase your photos, flowers, candles, sculptures, family heirlooms, and anything else that’s important to you, this hack is ideal.

3. Contemporary Walnut: Sleek Push-to-Open Option

Total IKEA material cost: $ 770
Extra IKEA items needed for installation: $785

This design features IKEA’s TISTORP Brown walnut effect door style plus MAXIMERA drawers. There’s a push-to-open door mechanism for a sleek, handle-free look, and the countertop is made from KARLBY oak veneer, adding a rich and contemporary touch.

IKEA Components Used for the Hack
For this hack, we chose custom wall cabinet frames (30x20x18), each equipped with two 15×20 doors. A 36×96 panel also comes into play to construct the open cabinet section.

The Design Benefit:
With push-to-open doors, nobody sees the hardware and you’re left with a modern, contemporary look and feel. And we can’t forget the KARLBY countertop that makes the whole piece seem like a custom-built piece for furniture you splurged on.

When to Consider It:
If you have a modern bedroom or minimalist living space in an urban home, this hack is it. You’ll get clean, streamlined backdrops for all your electronics and decor items. It’ll fit seamlessly with your furniture and other staple pieces.

4. Slim & Smart: Shallow Base Approach

Hack Concept
This hack includes a SEKTION wall cabinet as the base. The cabinet, model WR2D302420, is cut to an 18” depth and there are two 15×20 doors, allowing for a functional, clean look.

The Design Benefit:
Cabinet depth is important for small rooms. That’s where these hacks come in. We reduced the cabinet depth to 18 inches, setting the stage for a slimmer media center in a tight space.

When to Consider It:
If you have a narrow room, apartment, or small condo, you can’t go wrong with this hack. It will fit your space to a tee while providing you with the function and look you desire.

5. Elevated & Functional: Walnut with Statement Hardware

Total IKEA material cost: $ 438
Extra IKEA items needed for installation: $ 1085

IKEA Product Details
This design revolves around IKEA’s TISTORP Brown walnut effect door style and MAXIMERA high drawers. The handles are ENERYDA black knobs, adding a modern touch and the SMEDSTORP black legs take the piece up a few notches.

IKEA Components Used for the Hack
This hack is based on two Sektion wall cabinet frames (36x15x24), each furnished with two MAXIMERA high drawers. The 36×96 panel creates the open cabinets.

The Design Hack:
Legs turn a piece of cabinetry into furniture. While the high drawers offer ample storage space for all your larger tech items, the walnut and black accents are sure to capture your attention without dominating the room.

When to Consider It:
If you have a small living room or multi-purpose room, put this hack on your radar. You’ll reap the benefits of a stylish piece of furniture and enough storage for your must-have items.

6. Bold & Compact: Matte Blue Statement Piece

Total IKEA material cost: $ 581
Extra IKEA items needed for installation: $562

IKEA Product Details
This design features IKEA’s AXSTAD Matte Blue door style as well as GRIBBOL brass-colored handles for a bold contrast. It incorporates SMEDSTORP black legs, providing a sleek finish.

IKEA Components Used for the Hack
For this hack, we chose three wall cabinets (24x20x15) plus a 36×96 panel to create the open cabinets.

The Design Hack:
There’s nothing wrong with neutrals, but this hack proves that any bold color, such as matte blue can transform a small media center into a visual anchor. Since the structure depends on the wall cabinets, you’ll get an appropriate piece that still provides exceptional storage.

When to Consider It:
If you have a tighter space but aren’t afraid of color, consider this hack. You can add depth and personality into the room without worrying about a cluttered look. If you’ve been hesitant about color, this is the perfect opportunity to experiment with it.

Get Professional IKEA Media Center Designs From a Professional Designer
Just because you have a small room doesn’t mean you have to settle for a standard media center that doesn’t look like it belongs. With IKD, you can get the custom, refined piece you’re longing for without spending too much. Our expert designers will help you bring your vision to life, even if space is tight.