How to Update a Wardrobe Cabinet for More Storage

Time needed: 3 hours.

Back story (affiliate): The cabinet came with shelves (affiliate) and drawers, but I needed a few more shelves (affiliate). Unfortunately, Ikea (where I purchased this cabinet years ago) no longer carries this size of shelf. So, we had to become creative to make sturdy shelves (affiliate). Below are the step-by-step instructions for updating this Ikea cabinet.

1. Empty the cabinet.

   First, I emptied the wardrobe cabinet (affiliate) of all the clothes. Then, I organized them in the wicker bins (affiliate) and set them aside.

2. Cut the shelves (affiliate)

   After cutting down the shelves (affiliate), I dry-fit them into the wardrobe cabinet (affiliate) with the wicker bins (affiliate). I removed an existing shelf and used it as the template for the new shelves (affiliate). I had to make two new shelves to maximize this wardrobe.

3. Adhere the Melamine Veneer to the front

   After I placed the pegs in the right spot, I had to add the melamine veneer edging. I followed the instructions on the packaging. It took a few times because it didn't lay straight. But, it was easy to remove just by heating it again. I only placed it on the front edge - the part where you can see it. It was an easy product to use. See below for tips.

4. Clean off pencil marks.

   Then, I wiped the shelves of pencil marks and dirt with a Magic Eraser (affiliate) and dried them.

5. Find the Right Height for the Shelves

   Then, I had to find the right height for the shelves. I had to move the existing two shelves to make it all fit. Measuring the height of each bin helped me determine where I should place the shelves to use them easily. Keep an eye out for the hinges. The shelves can not be attached near them.

6. Add the finished shelves and wicker bins (affiliate)

   Now, I added the finished, cleaned shelves to the appropriate pegs. To keep the shelves from moving back and forth, I used ½-inch screws to secure them. The L pegs had a hole to use for this purpose. I only did this with 4 of the pegs. Then I added the bins of folded clothes to the right shelf.

7. Label (affiliate) the wicker bins (affiliate)

   Optional: I will add labels (affiliate) to them later since my daughter is not home from school yet, but I found labels (affiliate) that can hook onto wicker baskets (affiliate). She will be labeling them when she returns home. I have to have her do something in her closet, right?
   
   There are specific types of wicker labels (affiliate) you can use that are slightly wider and can go over the top and hang down in front. Below are some examples of wicker labels (affiliate) you can add.