IKEA EKET Entryway Sideboard Hack (Minimal Scandinavian Look)

Last Updated on 3 weeks ago by Maria Gonzalez

This is where the IKEA EKET series really shines. By combining a few standard EKET units and styling them correctly, you can create a high-end, minimalist entryway sideboard that looks far more expensive than it actually is.

Here’s exactly how to recreate this look.

What was used

IKEA furniture

• 2 × EKET cabinet with 2 drawers, white
  (35 × 25 × 35 cm each)
• 2 × EKET open cabinet, white
  (35 × 25 × 35 cm each)
• EKET connection fittings (included with units)
• EKET suspension rail OR adjustable legs
  (this setup is floor-standing)

Important: All EKET units are used in their original dimensions. No cutting or resizing.

Step 1: Plan the layout

The layout is a low, wide sideboard made from four EKET units:

Top row (left → right):

• 1 × EKET open cabinet
• 1 × EKET cabinet with 2 drawers

Bottom row (left → right):

• 1 × EKET cabinet with 2 drawers
• 1 × EKET open cabinet

This alternating pattern is what gives the unit its designer, built-in feel while keeping it practical.

Step 2: Assemble the EKET units

• Assemble all EKET units according to IKEA instructions.
• Do not mount them to the wall.
• Leave doors and drawers off until all units are connected (this makes alignment easier).

Step 3: Connect the units

• Stack the units into the planned 2×2 layout.
• Use the EKET connection fittings to securely join:
  • Top units to bottom units
  • Left units to right units
• Check alignment carefully so drawer fronts sit perfectly flush.

This step is crucial — clean alignment is what makes this look custom.

Step 4: Add legs (optional but recommended)

This setup uses the unit raised slightly off the floor.

• Attach adjustable EKET legs or low profile cabinet legs.
• Keep the height minimal so the unit still reads as a sideboard, not a dresser.
• Make sure all legs are level to avoid drawer misalignment.

Step 5: Position the unit

• Place the sideboard against a neutral wall (warm grey or greige works best).
• Keep it centered on the wall section.
• Leave enough breathing room on each side so it doesn’t feel cramped in the entryway.

Step 6: Choose the mirror

The mirror is key to the look.

• Use a large oval mirror with a thin frame.
• Frame colour: black or dark bronze.
• Mount it centered above the EKET unit, not touching the top.

The soft oval shape contrasts with the sharp lines of the EKET cabinets and keeps the space feeling modern and calm.

Step 7: Style the top (less is more)

This look relies on very minimal styling:

Left side

• Tall matte white ceramic vase
• Minimal branches (pussy willow or similar)

Right side

• Sculptural black candleholders
• White taper candles

Keep everything:

• Neutral
• Matte
• Low contrast

Avoid clutter — negative space is part of the design.

Step 8: Style the open compartments

• Use the open cubes sparingly.
• Stack 1–2 neutral objects only (books, bowls, or folded textiles).
• No baskets, no colour, no busy patterns.

The open sections should feel architectural, not decorative.

Step 9: Lighting and finishes

• Soft overhead lighting or warm spotlights.
• Light stone or concrete-style flooring.
• No rugs directly in front of the unit (keeps the look clean and gallery-like).

Why this works

• EKET’s perfect cube proportions create a modular, built-in look.
• Alternating open and closed units prevents the design from feeling boxy.
• Minimal accessories allow the furniture to be the focus.
• Neutral tones + simple shapes = timeless Scandinavian style.

Final result

You end up with:

• A designer-looking entryway sideboard
• Fully functional storage
• Zero custom carpentry
• 100% IKEA EKET dimensions

A perfect example of how simple IKEA pieces can look high-end with the right layout and styling.