He Used an IKEA Cabinet Made for Storage to Build a Wall-Mounted Desk That Disappears When Closed
Two green panels hang on a wall beside a window, with potted plants and framed artwork resting on top. Nothing about the cabinet suggests it contains a computer monitor, power connections, and a desk large enough for a laptop. Open the panels, and an entire workstation unfolds without taking up permanent floor space.
Reddit user u/daddara built it from an IKEA IVAR storage cabinet, turning the unit 90 degrees and mounting it sideways on the wall. Heavy-duty hinges, metal brackets, and chains allow the two panels to open into a desk with an overhead cover.
The original pine cabinet received green paint, decorative molding, and magnetic closures. Once the workday ends, the desktop folds up, the upper panel comes down, and the computer equipment disappears behind what looks like a wall-mounted cupboard.
An IKEA IVAR Cabinet Turned Into a Desk
The lower cabinet panel folds down to form a wooden desktop, supported by metal chains attached near its outer corners. A second panel lifts above the workspace, with metal brackets holding it open.
Exposed pine covers the interior, while green paint finishes the outer edges. The desk sits beside a window, with enough room beneath the open surface for a chair.
The homeowner used IKEA IVAR cabinet model 400.337.63, changing its orientation before installing the folding hardware.
Metal Brackets and Chains Hold the Panels Open
Heavy-duty hinges connect the moving panels to the cabinet frame. Chains provide extra support beneath the desktop, while two articulated brackets hold the upper section above the work area.
Two heavy-duty L-brackets secure the cabinet to the wall. According to the builder, each mounting bracket uses three screws into the wall and three into the IVAR.
The owner reported no wobbling during typing or mouse use. Anyone attempting a similar conversion would need wall fixings and hardware rated for the cabinet, equipment, and pressure placed on the desk.
Monitor and Power Connections Fit Inside
The front view shows a monitor mounted on the back wall, a power strip attached to the left side, and a small holder for office supplies on the right.
Cables run from the equipment toward the outlet beneath the cabinet. Two laptops and a mouse also fit inside, with the lower panel providing the work surface.
The owner left the interior wood unfinished rather than painting it green to match the exterior.
From IKEA Storage Cabinet to a Fold-Away Desk
The comparison shows how far the original IVAR cabinet changed. Two plain pine doors became green folding panels with raised decorative molding, while the cabinet was turned sideways and mounted above the floor.
When closed, magnets hold the panels in place, concealing the monitor and work surface. The homeowner added a small hook after noticing that changes in the wood sometimes prevented one magnet from catching.
Months after completing the project, the homeowner confirmed that the desk remained in use, with no signs of wear in the hinges or mounting hardware.
Image credits go to u/daddara.