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The rise of modular shelving systems has changed how people organize living rooms. One product that has quietly become a favorite among DIYers is the IKEA LÅDMAKARE range, a snap-together shelving platform that lets users compose large wall systems without heavy carpentry. Community builders appreciate the combination of open and closed storage, and a recent Reddit project by user GrantDigital shows what a full-length media wall can look like when the pieces are arranged thoughtfully. This piece walks through the planning, the assembly choices, and the finishing touches used to turn ordinary shelving into a functional and stylish TV wall.
At its core the hack demonstrates two ideas: first, that a modular system can be rearranged into many configurations, and second, that a few simple reinforcements and finishes make a big difference in longevity and appearance. The creator combined factory components with a handful of basic workshop supplies to build a broad unit centered on the television, while maintaining plentiful storage for media, decor, and gear. Below are the parts list, the step-by-step approach, and suggested refinements that keep the project accessible for competent weekend DIYers.
What components and tools you need
This build used a mix of full-size and smaller LÅDMAKARE elements. Key items included twelve 30 1/8” x 13 3/8” shelves, ten 14 3/8” x 13 3/8” shelves, six packs of tall side panels (13 3/4” x 83 5/8”), four compartment inserts (30 1/8” x 13 3/8” x 9 3/8”), and four sliding-door cabinets. The builder also used basic lumber—about twelve lengths of pine—to create internal framing where the television would sit. Tools were straightforward: a saw, adhesive, a drill, a screwgun, tape measure and pencil. Optional extras included LED lighting for ambiance. The complete IKEA portion of the hack cost roughly $890, with another $30–$50 for sundries.
Assembling the modular framework
Follow the kit, then position pieces
Start by assembling each LÅDMAKARE component following IKEA’s instructions so you understand how panels and shelves interlock. Once components are assembled, lay them out on the floor and experiment with different arrangements until the composition suits the room’s proportions and the TV location. Installation begins at a side wall panel: secure the first upright to studs, then work laterally, fastening each section to the wall and into its neighbor. Using the manufacturer’s attachment guidance minimizes movement and keeps alignment tight, which is especially important for wide, multi-module runs where cumulative tolerance can cause gaps or misalignment.
Creating the TV opening and center support
Rather than leave the center unsupported, GrantDigital cut a recessed opening and built a supporting frame from pine to carry the TV and to conceal the exposed pressboard edges. The added upright bar aligns with middle braces and prevents sagging; in the creator’s view the reinforcement was essential for structural stability. They noted that stronger hardwoods such as oak could reduce the need for a central bar, but pine kept costs down. The builder plans to stain the pine to match the overall unit, and suggests painting or finishing the upright so it either blends into the wall or complements the cabinetry.
Finishes, tweaks and community tips
Once the structure is secure, small decisions personalize the outcome: stain or paint the framing, add a back panel for a cleaner silhouette, and install LED lighting behind shelves for depth. One recommended idea is to paint the central upright the same hue as the wall so it visually disappears; another is to add a thin backboard between uprights to tidy cables and create a subtle backdrop. The builder also offered to share the precise configuration created using IKEA’s planning tools and welcomed questions, reflecting how open-source-style DIY sharing accelerates collective improvements.
The end result demonstrates that a modular range like IKEA LÅDMAKARE can form the basis of a large-scale entertainment wall without custom millwork. While it’s unlikely to replace legacy staples like the BILLY bookcase for every purpose, this project makes clear that modular shelving plus modest reinforcement delivers scale, flexibility, and strong storage. Have you experimented with LÅDMAKARE or made your own TV wall? Share your photos and measurements—community feedback keeps these ideas evolving and helps future builders avoid common pitfalls.