• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tidbits

Inspiration for the Keeper of the Home

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work with me
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure and Policy
  • Project Index
    • All
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Homesteading
    • Printables
    • Sewing
    • Crafts
    • Holidays
    • Recipes
    • Woodworking
    • Photography
    • Crafting with Kids
    • Other
  • Home Tours
  • Seasonal
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Shop
  • Contact
You are at Home and DIY
Home and DIY
Food and recipes

You are here: Home / DIY / Ikea Havsta Cabinet Hack | Step back Storage Cabinet with marble countertop

Ikea Havsta Cabinet Hack | Step back Storage Cabinet with marble countertop

February 2, 2021 • DIY, Pole Barn Home

1656 shares

Shopping for Ikea Havsta cabinets? We’re sharing an easy hack to create a major upgrade on the popular step back Ikea Havsta cabinets, and successfully made them look like something you might see in a Downton Abbey kitchen (or so I like to tell myself!).

office space with two desks, a round table and chair and black Havsta cabinets

Watch This Post:

What are Havsta Cabinets?

Havsta cabinets are storage units that are installed into the wall. They first appealed to me because I love any piece of step back furniture or cabinetry.

Step back, meaning the top section is set back from the bottom section. This is a very popular style for antique furniture, hutches, cabinets, and European spaces.

round table and chairs in front of black Havsta cabinets

Benefits of Havsta Cabinets

There are a few Havsta storage combinations, and they come with a few fun options to customize your look.

With the Havsta line, you can pick between sliding doors, hinged doors, solid doors, glass front doors, no doors.

They have a few color options. Right now, there is white, gray, and brown. Well, they call it brown, but I feel it is most definitely more black than brown – which is what we have.

round table and chairs in front of black Havsta cabinets

The Havsta is great for display cabinets, bookshelves, and is all around great storage, which we desperately needed in this creative and exploration space.

Havsta storage cabinets with school supplies inside one of the cabinets

While I love open shelving, I knew the storage we needed in here was not going to be something we could keep pretty. I definitely wanted everything behind closed doors, so I opted for the solid hinged doors on all six pieces.

When we got them and put them in the schoolroom, they honestly just looked a little cheap to me.  Something was really missing.

office space with two desks, a round table and chair and black Havsta cabinets

Since this was the first time I had been brave enough to go black and moody, I feared I had gone all wrong and contemplated painting them.

round table and two chairs in front of black Havsta cabinets made by IKEA

I considered selling them and trying to find some antique cabinets for more character. However, that would have been hard to find and would have likely taken a long time and more money which we didn’t have for this space.

round table and chair in front of black Havsta cabinets

But then, the thought occurred to me to add a countertop to the lower cabinets to break it up visually and add some character that way.  Of course, I knew marble would be the bomb diggity.

Ikea Havsta Cabinet Hack: How to Add a Marble Slab

So, we decided to add a marble slab to spruce up the cabinets! We headed to the countertop manufacturer in our area to check out their remnant slabs.

black Havsta cabinets made by IKEA

We found a nice thick and huge piece that worked perfectly for the length of these three Havsta cabinets and for our kids’ bathroom vanity.

It was a beast to haul and cut, but my amazing Mr. TIDBITS was up to the task. For both, countertops it only cost us around $350.

If you perhaps think cutting your own marble is impossible, we have a guide on how to cut marble. It is possible, a little difficult, but always worth it!  

black Havsta cabinets made by IKEA

With the help of my husband’s buddy, they were able to move the cut carrara marble slab in place and put the upper cabinets back on.

Before and After Pictures

It felt so much better immediately, and I absolutely love the contrast and texture between the black cabinetry and white marble countertop. This Havsta storage combination really worked for us!

first photo showing Havsta cabinets before a marble slab was installed which is visible in the second photo

Just by adding that visual horizontal line I feel like the quality of the Havsta went up several notches.

If you are thinking about doing the same and marble is intimidating, I also think a butcher block countertop would look very nice. I also have tips on how to install butcher block countertops as well.

I would love to hear what you think of the upgrade! Do you have any ideas of your own to updgrade the IKEA Havsta cabinets? Let’s chat in the comments below.

You Will Also Love:

  • DIY Faux Fireplace Mantel
  • How to White Wash Wood
  • Easy DIY Cabinet Shelf Risers
  • DIY Toy Storage Treasure Chest
  • Bookshelf Makeover with Before and After Pictures
Ikea Havsta Cabinet Hack Story

I’m Cami! Welcome to my blog TIDBITS. Follow me along for beautiful home decor ideas and inspiration for do-it-yourself living
Thank you for Subscribing to TIDBITS! Talk to you soon.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

1656 shares

Leave a Comment

You might also like

  • Life Lessons Learned Living in an RV with a Family of 6Life Lessons Learned Living in an RV with a Family of 6
  • Sweet and Simple Baby Dress
  • Red Riding Hood Costume – The Medieval VersionRed Riding Hood Costume – The Medieval Version
  • Choosing and Installing Laminate FlooringChoosing and Installing Laminate Flooring

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MARISA SIMON says

    March 16, 2023

    Hi – I’d love to do this also. Can you share how you attached the top to the bottom. It comes with a bracket – but once you add the marble top it no longer fits.

    Reply
  2. Frances says

    January 24, 2023

    I absolutely love this! It is exactly what I needed to see done, the same idea has been floating around in my head but I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around the how to and feared a failed attempt. Beautiful. I am so glad I came across you on Pinterest. Out of curiosity, where did you get your map? I am in the market for one and can’t seem to find what I’m looking for. Yours is, again, exactly what I had in mind. Thank you for sharing! -Fran

    Reply
  3. Lisa says

    August 20, 2022

    Love the marble, but it’s a bit over my budget. Do you think a wood slab would work? So, the top and bottom cabinets are not connected correct? Just trying to figure out how you assembled. Great idea! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      August 29, 2022

      Absolutely! I think wood would be stunning. Yes, the top and bottom are not connected.

      Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    August 9, 2022

    The havsta cabinets look great. What other floor to ceiling cabinets does Ikea have? Is it self pickup or do they deliver?

    Reply
  5. Mistie says

    June 8, 2021

    What were the measurements you used for the slab? Is I going over the edge on the end? I am going to do a white version. Obsessed with yours!

    Reply
  6. Guy says

    April 29, 2021

    First off. Love the use of marble slap countertop. I will definitely be using that idea. I was curious how adjustable the shelves are in the havsta cabinets you bought? Do you think you could have separated them into 3 shoving areas each instead of 4? Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Kimberly Coppage says

    March 10, 2021

    I’m so inspired! Here comes the but, lol…but, I have to clean my garage out to have workspace. I’d love to see a garage transformation! Desperately need one!
    I love your floors and am in the market for new flooring. What product are they and did you install them yourself?

    Reply
  8. Christine says

    February 6, 2021

    Love it! I have the same in white and am planning on doing the butcher block. Did you attach the top to the wall?

    Reply
    • Erin S says

      June 13, 2021

      Same question! How did you attach the uppers to the slab and did you also attach to wall? (Assume so) I’m making built ins for my office 🙂
      Thanks!
      Erin

      Reply
      • Julia says

        November 17, 2022

        Hi! I am also curious as to how you attached the top? did you change the backing to be able to attach to the wall?

        Reply
  9. Annette says

    February 5, 2021

    Cami, your cabinets do look like they belong in Downton Abbey’s kitchen…but you had such a great idea with the marble. It completely transforms the look! It sure does love ok like a cozy room.

    Reply
  10. Stephanie Sheridan says

    February 4, 2021

    I am proud of you for going out of comfort area. I love the added slab. Yes the break up is a plus. Heading to IKEA today for the Rast dresser as a nightstand.

    Reply
  11. Rachel says

    February 3, 2021

    Wow! What an amazing difference that made! Looks so good! Love the versatility of ikea products.

    Reply
  12. Marlene says

    February 3, 2021

    Amazing how much that slab of marble transformed these cabinet. They look classy and go perfectly with your European style.

    Reply
  13. Becky says

    February 3, 2021

    Amazing what such a “little” (big heavy?!😁) thing will do for a piece/room!

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Hahaha! Right!

      Reply
  14. Cecilia says

    February 3, 2021

    Oh nice! I really like that idea. We are in desperate need of cabinets in our garage conversion. Rather tired of looking at the storage boxes piled along the wall. Hm, I need to go check out IKEAs options. I love seeing hacks to make them look upper end! Thanks for the inspiration. Can’t wait for the complete reveal!
    😊 Cecilia

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Oh garage spaces are the hardest to keep clean and organized! I think the Havsta would be great in there. But maybe the marble is a bit over the top for a garage (wink). Hope you find something to help!

      Reply
  15. Lori says

    February 3, 2021

    Looks fabulous! I love a good IKEA hack. You always make your rooms look so inviting. I bet the kids love learning there.

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Thank you Lori! It is a very soothing space and we all enjoy creating in there. I appreciate your comment.

      Reply
  16. Lisa says

    February 3, 2021

    It turned out really nice. What a difference. I am surprised IKEA furniture would be strong enough to hold the marble plus the top cabinets. So I will remember this hack for sure. I think spray painting the knobs brass like the chandelier would be a nice touch. But this is beautiful. I would like to know where you got the white desk chairs in the before shot. Thanks Cami. I use your planner everyday. Loving it!

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Hi Lisa! Thanks for your comment. I have been wanting to do something about those knobs and brass would tie it in nicely. Thanks for the inspo! I’ll be back to share sources in the reveal.

      Reply
  17. Marla J Bardi says

    February 3, 2021

    Oh Cami,
    I absolutely looooooove this hack!! I’ve missed you and your creativity. I’m excited to see the room reveal.

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Thank you! Life is full right now, but I appreciate being missed. Hopefully this year will provide plenty of creative ideas as we try to finish our home!

      Reply
  18. Kelly says

    February 3, 2021

    What a fun idea to go from ho hum to oh yeah!

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Haha! Well said!

      Reply
  19. Karyn says

    February 2, 2021

    Great hack! Looks so amazing! I would love to know where you got the dark brown table in the after pictures. Thank you!

    Reply
    • camitidbits says

      February 3, 2021

      Thank you! That actually came from IKEA too. But I’ll be back to share all the sources soon!

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I am Cami. My passion is to help you, as the keeper of your home, to feel inspired to create a home you love and to learn the homemaking skills to help you do so.


About Cami

My product lines

TIDBITS Planners
TIDBITS Linen

Our books

Front cover of 'Master The Electric Pressure Cooker' cookbook

Hot off the press
tidbits.
Right to your inbox.

Sign up to get post updates, monthly subscriber only content, and inspiration for do-it-yourself living
Thank you for Subscribing to TIDBITS! Talk to you soon.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Archives

Follow on Facebook

Footer

Welcome to my blog, TIDBITS! I am a homeschool Mom to 4 and a fanatical DIY'er. I absolutely love home - and I love to inspire others as the keeper of their homes!

Subscribe

Thank you for Subscribing to TIDBITS! Talk to you soon.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Privacy

Copyright

I love sharing my ideas and tutorials! I ask that you respect my work and follow these guidelines. 1. All images are property of Tidbits blog. 2. Feel free to use 1 or 2 images on your own webpages, provided a link back to my blog is clearly available. 3. Do not remove any watermark or crop/edit my images in any way, unless given written consent by myself. 4. All tutorials/ideas/designs are for personal use only and are not to be copied and distributed in any way. 5. Sharing and pinning through social media is always welcome!

An elite Cafemedia Home/DIY Publisher
Branding + Website By Coded Creative

1656 shares
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more