Transform an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet DIY Project

A few years back, I transformed the inside of my daughter’s Ikea cabinet (visit it here). This year, I decided to modify the outside of the door and drawers on the side unit of her two-cabinet storage unit. Check out how easy it is to transform an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet (Affiliate Link) with a painted door and shabby drawer into a uniform design.

Jump to:

• What inspired me to do this easy diy project?
• What supplies did I use to Transform an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet?
• How much did it cost to make this project?
• How long did it take to Transform an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet?
• How did I make this easy project?
• The Big Reveal
• Tips on Transforming an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet DIY Project
• Popular DIY furniture makeover posts:

What inspired me to do this easy diy project?

This cabinet was bought over 15 years ago. To maximize the space, I customized it to fit this unique corner in my daughter’s small bedroom. They are working just fine, and after we painted the room green, the gray-painted cabinet door didn’t match any longer.

So, I decided to add peel-and-stick wallpaper (Affiliate Link) with a pretty flower pattern to bring some pattern to the room and match the Monet painting we purchased above the bed.

What supplies did I use to Transform an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet?

There are only a few supplies needed for this transformation.

• RoomMates 30.75-sq ft Pink Vinyl Floral Self-adhesive Peel and Stick Wallpaper (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Scissors
• Plastic scraper smoothing tool to help press out the bubble when adhering it to the door and drawers
• X-acto knife (Affiliate Link) - sharp blade
• Screwdrivers (Affiliate Link)
• Optional - update hardware

Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost, I will earn an affiliate commission if you decide to make a purchase.

How much did it cost to make this project?

The peel-and-stick wallpaper (Affiliate Link) was $25.00, and I have plenty left. I used it for another update project that is coming soon.

How long did it take to Transform an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet?

This Transform an Old Ikea Cabinet Door redo took me about 1 hour to transform.

How did I make this easy project?

Here is what the cabinet looked like before.

First, I removed all the hardware from the cabinet. Then, I whipped down the cabinet door and drawer fronts. And let dry.

Then, starting from the top edge overlapping about ½ inch, I removed some backing and let the roll fall to the ground. Using the plastic scraper, I gradually smoothed out the bubbles after removing the back paper. And I worked my way down the bottom of the door and drawers.

Using an X-acto knife (Affiliate Link), it was a pretty clean cut, separating the door wallpaper from the drawers wallpaper. I ran the blade around the entire door and ensured a clean cut.

To line up the wallpaper pattern again, I moved the new part to match the other pattern left on the door. By laying it on top of the door pattern, I knew where I needed to cut for the start of the drawer pattern. Add a little extra to allow for trimming later.

Adding wallpaper to the drawers.

Then, I removed the back and added the wallpaper to the first drawer. I removed the bubbles using the scraper as well. Using the X-acto knife (Affiliate Link), I trimmed off the excess so it was as close as possible to the drawer edges without cutting into the veneer edges.

Next, I continued doing the same thing to all the other drawers (4 total).

Now, I added the hardware back to the drawers and the door by poking the hole for the hardware using the X-acto knife (Affiliate Link).

The Big Reveal

This is so pretty, and I love that the pattern continues down the cabinet in front of the door and drawers. I'm going to do this one again to update other pieces of furniture (Affiliate Link). I'm pleased with how this cabinet turned out.

Tips on Transforming an IKEA Wardrobe Cabinet DIY Project

There are a few tips I can share with you about this Ikea cabinet project. See below.

• Be patient, remove all the bubbles, and ensure the edges are adhered to the cabinet and drawers.
• Ensure the blade from the X-acto knife (Affiliate Link) is close to the edge but not cutting the veneer of the drawers and door edges.
• Pick hardware that pops. Ours doesn’t, but eventually, I will replace it so the hardware will pop and make it easier to see.

I hope this helps you transform your shabby cabinets. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions. Happy upcycling!

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