Arched Bookcase DIY | Ikea Pax Hack

Arched Bookcase DIY | IKEA Pax Hack

I absolutely LOVE a good IKEA hack, and this arched bookcase DIY might be one of my favorites to date. When designing my daughter’s playroom, I knew I needed serious storage—but I also wanted it to feel cute, intentional, and design-forward (because obviously). Arches have been everywhere lately, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to incorporate them in a way that still felt timeless.

Kids are only little for so long, so I wanted this space to grow with her. With a simple paint color change and new styling, these arched bookcases could easily transition into a home office, library, or another living space down the road. That flexibility was key when choosing this design.

Before: A Blank Slate with IKEA Pax Units

We started with a completely blank wall and basic white IKEA Pax units. I chose to install drawers on the bottom half to hide toys (and a few office supplies), and open shelving on the top for books, decor, and storage bins. Practical, functional, and still pretty—because why do kids somehow accumulate so many toys?!

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Creating the Arched Bookcases

I’ll be honest: I thought creating the arches would be much harder than it actually was. Turns out, this part was surprisingly simple.

I used thin MDF because it’s affordable, easy to cut, and perfect for decorative details. First, I marked the height of the arch and found the center point. Then I used a string method—one end secured with a nail and the other with a marker—to draw a smooth, symmetrical arch.

Since I was working with two cabinets, I stacked both MDF pieces together, clamped them securely, and cut them at the same time using a jigsaw. This ensured both arches were identical and saved a ton of time.

TIP: Don’t toss the leftover MDF! I reused mine later as a photo booth backdrop for my daughter’s birthday party.

Fluted Drawer Upgrade

While IKEA Pax drawers are sturdy, spacious, and soft-close (a win!), the large gaps between drawers weren’t my favorite. Enter: fluted trim.

I used the same fluted trim I had previously installed on our fireplace mantel for consistency throughout the house. Measuring isn’t exactly my strong suit, so instead of overthinking it, I eyeballed the first drawer and cut multiple trim pieces to match using my miter saw.

Each piece was attached with liquid nails and reinforced with a few brad nails—important since little hands would be opening and closing these drawers constantly. I made sure each piece was level before moving on to the next drawer.

Adding Decorative Trim to the Arches

Just when I thought I was ready to paint, I decided to take things one step further. The area where the MDF arches met the ceiling felt a little… boring. Since I planned to add a picture light anyway, I figured why not add some extra detail?

I grabbed PVC trim and miter shears from Lowe’s and created a simple box molding detail along the top of the bookcases. This beginner-friendly DIY added so much character and really elevated the finished look. I attached the trim with liquid nails, secured it with painter’s tape while drying, and finished with caulk and wood filler for seamless edges.

Prime and Paint the Arched Bookcases

After filling nail holes, caulking seams, and drilling for hardware, it was finally time to prime and paint. If you’ve ever painted IKEA furniture, you know this step is critical.

I used BIN Shellac Primer, which is hands-down the best option for IKEA surfaces. It’s worth every penny if you want paint that actually sticks. After two coats of primer, I went with a two-tone color palette:

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog on the exterior
Sherwin Williams Rockwood Green on the interior shelves

The contrast added depth and made the arches really stand out.

Styling and Organizing

The final step was styling and organizing all the toys, books, and decor. Bins helped keep everything tidy, while decor and books added warmth and personality. The end result is a functional storage solution that feels elevated, playful, and timeless.

Supplies

Decor

This arched IKEA Pax hack completely transformed my daughter’s playroom and added both beauty and functionality to the space. It’s proof that with a little creativity (and a lot of liquid nails), you can turn basic IKEA furniture into a custom, high-end feature that grows with your home.

Check out This Other Ikea Pax Hack DIY:

DIY Mudroom Bench with Storage Using IKEA Pax Hack

FAQs: Arched Bookcase DIY & IKEA Pax Hack

1. Is an IKEA Pax unit good for a custom bookcase DIY?
Yes! IKEA Pax units are a great base for a custom bookcase DIY. They are sturdy, affordable, and easy to modify with trim, MDF, and paint. With a few upgrades, an IKEA Pax hack can look completely custom and built-in.

2. How do you make arched bookcases from IKEA Pax cabinets?
To create arched bookcases, thin MDF is cut into an arch shape and attached to the front of the Pax frame using construction adhesive and a few brad nails. This simple addition instantly transforms flat shelving into a high-end architectural feature.

3. What is the best material for creating arches on bookcases?
MDF is one of the best materials for arched bookcase DIYs because it is inexpensive, easy to cut, and smooth enough for paint. Thin MDF works especially well for decorative arches and trim details.

4. How do you paint IKEA furniture so the paint sticks?
Proper priming is key when painting IKEA furniture. A shellac-based primer, like BIN Primer, helps paint adhere to the slick IKEA finish. After priming, any high-quality interior paint can be used for a durable, long-lasting result.

5. Can an IKEA Pax bookcase be used in spaces other than a playroom?
Absolutely. An IKEA Pax hack is very versatile and can work in a home office, bedroom, living room, or library. With a simple paint color change and updated decor, these arched bookcases can easily grow with your space over time.

Arched Bookcase DIY | Ikea Pax Hack