The IKEA Upgrade Guide: Four Design Solutions Beyond the Kitchen

 IKEA systems like PAX, BESTÅ, and SEKTION are a great foundation, but getting them to look customized, especially outside the kitchen, can be tricky. That is why we created Design Solutions: curated sets that help you upgrade IKEA systems with a more built-in, design-led look. 

What ARE Swedish Door Design Solutions?

A Design Solution is a coordinated set that’s compatible with IKEA PAX, BESTÅ, or SEKTION. Each solution provides a clear design direction using Swedish Door fronts and finishing pieces that work together so your final result looks intentional, not pieced together.

• Fewer decisions and a clearer path to buy
• A more custom look with coordinated finishing pieces
• Easier planning because the set is already designed to work together

IKEA PAX wardrobe upgrade: Aart Wardrobe

Aart is built for IKEA PAX wardrobes and focuses on the full-height, built-in wardrobe look. It pairs tall painted doors with matching panels and a toe kick, so the installation can be finished cleanly along the sides and base, not leaving exposed cabinet edges.

IKEA BESTÅ entertainment unit upgrade: Tess Entertainment Unit

For ideas for a BESTÅ media unit upgrade or a BESTÅ built-in, Tess is the perfect choice. It offers modular storage and creates a warm, furniture-like focal point that feels finished. We use coordinated Swedish Door fronts and panels in a warm wood finish so the unit reads as one piece across the full run, with consistent colour and material on visible surfaces.

IKEA SEKTION dining hutch idea: Elsa Dining Hutch

Elsa is compatible with IKEA SEKTION as the base for dining room storage. The difference is in the finishing: reeded fronts and matching panels that add depth and catch light to give your space a more architectural look.

IKEA BESTÅ nightstand idea: Emil Nightstand

For BESTÅ nightstand solutions, Emil is designed for compact bedside storage. It keeps the footprint minimal while using a coordinated drawer front and surrounding panels, so it looks finished from the front and sides, especially when placed in the open rather than tucked between furniture.

How to choose the right Design Solution

• Choose Aart if you are upgrading a closet or wardrobe wall with PAX
• Choose Tess if you are building a media unit or living room storage with BESTÅ
• Choose Elsa if you want dining-room storage or a hutch using SEKTION
• Choose Emil if you want a minimal nightstand based on BESTÅ

Explore Design Solutions

Design Solutions are our way of inspiring IKEA upgrades with ready-to-build sets designed to pair with existing systems.

If you are planning an IKEA wardrobe upgrade, a BESTÅ entertainment unit, a SEKTION dining hutch, or custom built-ins anywhere in the home, you can also build your own project using our full catalogue of cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

We make IKEA-compatible doors, drawer fronts, panels, and finishing pieces in a wide range of styles and finishes, so you can match the look across multiple rooms, from bedrooms and entryways to living and dining spaces.

To explore options in person, visit our Ottawa showroom, or browse swedishdoorco.com to see the complete lineup and start planning your project.