Great shelves, but a little less stable than I"d likeKristineI am using these shelves as an open pantry space in my kitchen, and they work great but aren't as stable as I would like -- which very well could be user/builder error. This is the only IKEA furniture I've assembled that didn't have 100% pre-drilled holes; I had to drill into the wood to get the bracers on, and I think that I needed more than 1 bracer, but it was hard to get it just right for maximum stability.
Luckily, it wobbles left to right (not front to back), and now that it is laden with pantry staples, there's very little movement, so I'm happy with it.4
Great plant shelfElanorI bought enough to make 4 shelves. It was easy to put together. They look nice. Very sturdy. I put them in a window and filled them with plants. They look great.5
Sturdy and does the jobMegan E.We have three sets of these in various rooms. One we purchased used, the other two new directly from IKEA. The used set has the much-vaunted plastic shelf connectors, the new ones are both the metal variety. They're both great!
The plastic version is in our kitchen as a pantry and art supplies storage system. The two metal versions are a room divider/bookshelf and LEGO storage. Everything is holding up well, and we haven't had issues with either the plastic or metal shelf attachments coming loose while moving shelves around.
They're easy to set up and take down if you need to move, and take up less space in the moving van. Just check for possible warping before you buy each piece, like you do with any lumber product.
We will continue to invest in this system as needed.4
Best PurchaseSkyler P.This selling unit and all the other options and variations are so versatile. This unit can change with you as you need it to. Add a corner, make it taller or shorter, add doors or a locker, or a fold out desk. Change height of shelves as needed, and so simple to put together. The wood is raw which allows you to stain it or paint it as you would like. Or just keep it raw. I’m looking into mixing the black shelve walls with my already plain wood shelves. And maybe add the new wicker doors. It’s a great, cheap in cost option for so many uses. I hope ikea continues to make the Ivan system forever. It’s SO EASY to put together. And super easy to change. Just takes planning the space to make sure you get the pieces you need. The price is also fantastic.5
Love these shelves, very easyIRENELove these shelves, very easy to put together and very sturdy.5
Cheap, no instructions provided and broken bracketSanMarinoWhat is the max weight? Why didn't it come with instructions? Why deliver if the metal bracket is broken off? Oh, because this is Ikea, cheap, China made items. Ikea you can do better, question is are you willing to?1
Philip72it okay and if you or a do it yourself person you can even make it much more stronger.4
VersatileLotsofCsI use the ivar system all over my house. Love it. BUT I don not like the rails on the shelves. Please go back to the plastic. I have no issues with the plastic but the metal rails come off the shelves as soon as I try to get the dowels out.4
