High & Low: A Row of Cabinets as a Sideboard

Going modular can be a great way to create a lot of storage with a flexible layout in your apartment. Just start with a single component and multiply as needed:

This is about the easiest approach to "semi-custom" there is. Using multiples of simple furnishings somehow transforms the piece from something basic to something special. This solution can range from inexpensive (as in the first image up top) to pretty pricey (like the system in the second image).

Pictured here:

IKEA's PS Cabinet

Vitsoe

Images: Arthur & Luna, Vitsoe

Categories: Style, Cabinet, Decorating, Shelving

Posted by Regina Yunghans

Regina is an architect who lives with her husband and son in Lawrence, KS. As a LEED Accredited Professional and longtime contributor to Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, her focus is on healthy, sustainable living through design.
Read more from Regina »

Comments (10)

We did this with 2 Ikea Engan dressers: one 4 drawer, and one 2 drawer piece. The small drawer of the 4 drawer piece is centered.

We love it for the TV, etc., and it's super storage!

One of the best examples I've ever seen of the use of multiple cabinets is in the movie "Sex and the City." Carrie's redecorated apartment after the non-wedding had a bunch of cabinets on her living room wall, all of which housed "stuff." It looked really good.

I want to do this, but have it also be useable as a bench seat. I don't know if those Ikea lockers would support my generous bottom. . . .

I have one of the ikea lockers, it could not be used as a bench, and they only look that good from a distance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23938938@N00/4648882510/

smellykelly, can you link to a picture? Thanks for the idea - I think you've solved my sideboard problem :-)

I've done this twice, both with IKEA units. The latest looks high end unless you're fluent in IKEA. It's several Besta units with doors to hide its contents.

They can be seen here:
http://thehouseonpennylane.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/here-comes-the-sun/

I'd also really love to see a photo of your Ikea Engan dresser combination smellykelly. It sounds great.

Hey all! Sorry I was absent. The Engan dressers have worked SO well and they are pretty cost-effective. I posted pictures under "Engan dressers as sideboard" on my shutterfly site, campguarino.shutterfly.com.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the picture, smellykelly.
The Engans look very nice!

Apartment Therapy