How to Get Custom IKEA Media Centers with our Three Design Hacks

A functional, aesthetically pleasing media center can be a vast improvement for your living room, home theater, family room, or basement. IKD makes it fun and easy to get an IKEA custom design that fits your unique space to a tee.

With some creativity and planning, we can turn your vision of a professional, fully custom media center into a reality, without breaking the bank.

Below, we’ll dive deeper into a few of our IKEA design hacks that can leave you with the beautiful results you’re longing for. We make them using IKEA’s Sektion Kitchen Cabinets.

IKEA Media Center Design Hack #1: Custom Wall Cabinets to Reach the Ceiling

Total IKEA material cost: $ 2,534
Extra IKEA items needed for installation : $ 475

If you’ve ever noticed a media center with an empty space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, there’s a good chance it was built with a standard design. With IKEA and IKD, you don’t have to settle for that. You can easily achieve a custom look and feel.

When we designed Media Center #1 in the basement of Lisa’s midcentury home, the gap was nowhere to be found – the cabinets did indeed extend all the way to the ceiling.

Per recommendations from Florence, IKD’s design coordinator, the base and tall cabinets were IKEA’s SINARP oak, providing a warm, natural finish, while the wall cabinets were IKEA’s VALLSTENA in White, which complemented the oak beautifully.

For the drawers, we selected MAXIMERA for their smooth design and BILLSBRO Anthracite handles, which added a modern touch. Since Lisa wanted to go the minimalist route, some doors also featured push openers.

Solution: Modify an IKEA SEKTION Wall Cabinet Frame
To ensure the wall cabinets reached the ceiling, we reduced the top cabinet height to 10”, creating a proportional top section that filled the space perfectly. Rest assured there were no filler strips or awkward gaps. The final result? A professional, built-in look that made the most out of the vertical space.

We modified the original frame dimensions from 24”W x 15”D x 15”H to 24”W x 15”D x 10”H. The front panel, sized at 24”W x 10”H, served as a horizontal door. Florence also suggested adding UTRUSTA hinges for a seamless, push-open mechanism.

Lisa was thrilled with her customized, cabinet-to-ceiling design that didn’t break the bank.

IKEA Media Center Design Hack #2: Creating a Custom Bookshelf Using Kitchen Refrigerator Panels

Total IKEA material cost: $ 1,331
Extra IKEA items needed for installation : $ 225

Open shelving above a media console can be very appealing, adding height, balance, personality, and function to the space without a “heavy” aesthetic. However, standard cabinets don’t typically offer the proportions or finishes needed for this.

When we designed Media Center #2 for Jose, we created an open bookshelf effect above the countertop. The solution wasn’t what you would expect but led to a minimalist, contemporary vibe.

IKD designer Rebecca came up with a plan that included VOXTORP Matte White doors for a sleek, simple aesthetic, MAXIMERA drawers for smooth functionality, and an EKBACKEN Light Gray Concrete Effect laminate countertop (1 1/8”) for a modern finish. This combination created a contemporary look that perfectly complemented the open shelving Jose had envisioned.

Solution: An Open Cabinet Above the Countertop

We built a 30”W x 15”D x 60”H open cabinet above the countertop to replicate a custom bookshelf. Instead of using a standard tall cabinet, we constructed the unit using three 36” by 96” cover panels.

More flexible than standard cabinet frames, refrigerator panels are thicker and provide finished edges that elevate the look. Through strategic cutting and assembling, we achieved clean vertical lines, improved proportion, and a true furniture-like appearance.

IKEA Media Center Design Hack #3: Blending IKEA with Custom Doors and Finishes-

Total IKEA material cost: $ 2,648
Extra IKEA items needed for installation : $ 709

Most people automatically assume media center design hacks involve cutting cabinets. But sometimes, they’re all about pairing IKEA structures with custom details. Matthew’s media center is living proof of that. When we designed Media Center #3 for him, we seamlessly incorporated IKEA components with painted shaker style cabinets and upgraded surfaces.

For the doors, we partnered with a custom door supplier to ensure they were perfectly tailored to the design. The cabinet frame was finished in White, providing a crisp, clean backdrop. The MAXIMERA drawers were used for their smooth functionality, while Eneryda brass knobs (1 1/16”) added a refined touch.

The countertops featured a mix of EKBACKEN Light Gray Concrete Effect (1 1/8”) and KASKER Custom Quartz in White Marble Effect (1 1/8”), blending textures for a luxurious finish.

Solution: Add Custom Finishes and Upgraded Solutions
Instead of modifying the cabinets themselves, we combined IKEA’s standard cabinets with custom shaker-style doors painted gray and two types of countertops: gray concrete and white marble quartz. This hack shows that you don’t always need to cut, resize, or alter IKEA cabinets to achieve a beautiful transformation.

Get Professional IKEA Media Center Designs from Professional Designers.
If you’re considering a custom, professional looking media center that keeps your budget in check, IKD can help. We’re creative thinkers who pair IKEA products with other sources and hacks that provide customization and aesthetic appeal.