The IKEA Hejne and Ivar systems are two of the brand's most popular storage solutions, but they differ significantly in material, longevity, and style. The Hejne is a budget-friendly option made of wood and steel, offering a lightweight, industrial look perfect for utility spaces. Conversely, the Ivar is a more robust system made from solid, untreated pine, celebrated for its durability and customization potential in any room of the house.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA shelving for your garage, pantry, or workshop project.
IKEA Hejne Shelving System
The Hejne series is IKEA's answer to no-frills, practical storage for demanding spaces like garages, basements, and utility rooms. It prioritizes function and affordability over aesthetics, featuring a simple design with steel uprights and solid wood or particleboard shelves. Its primary appeal is its low cost and straightforward, quick assembly for an immediate storage solution.
- What it is: A budget-friendly, utilitarian shelving system for light-to-moderate storage.
- Key features: Modular design, quick and easy assembly, cross-brace for added stability.
- Price: Highly affordable, with basic sections typically ranging from $20 to $60.
- Style: Minimalist and industrial, with a raw, functional appearance.
- Materials/Construction: Untreated softwood (pine or spruce) and galvanized steel components.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly, very quick to assemble, lightweight design, solid choice for unseen spaces like basements or garages.
- Cons: Less attractive aesthetic that may not suit living spaces, lower weight capacity compared to Ivar, raw wood can be prone to stains or damage if left untreated.
The Hejne system is a perfect choice for those who need a functional, simple, and affordable storage unit for a workshop, garage, or temporary setup where style is not a primary concern.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/hejne-series-104385/
IKEA Ivar Shelving System
The Ivar system has been a beloved IKEA staple for over 50 years, revered for its robust solid pine construction and incredible versatility. A true modular system, Ivar is designed to be customized, expanded, and adapted over time. Its solid wood components can be left natural, oiled, waxed, or painted, allowing it to blend seamlessly into everything from pantries and wardrobes to living room and office setups.
- What it is: A durable and highly customizable solid wood modular storage system.
- Key features: Solid pine construction, untreated surface perfect for painting or staining, extensive configuration options including cabinets, drawers, and folding tables.
- Price: Moderately priced, with standard shelving units ranging from $50 to $100+ depending on the configuration.
- Style: Natural Scandinavian, rustic, and warm. Its timeless look can adapt to many different decor styles.
- Materials/Construction: Entirely made from solid, untreated pine wood for superior strength and longevity.
- Pros: Extremely durable and can hold heavy loads, highly customizable and adaptable, timeless natural wood aesthetic, looks great in living spaces, extensive family of add-on parts.
- Cons: More expensive than the Hejne series, untreated wood requires finishing for use in damp areas or protection against spills, assembly can be more time-consuming for complex builds.
The Ivar system is for those who value long-term durability, creative freedom to customize, and a classic wood aesthetic that works just as well in the pantry as it does in the living room.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/ivar-series-70213294/
IKEA Hejne vs. Ivar Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between Hejne and Ivar lies in their construction. The Ivar system is made entirely of solid pine wood, giving it substantial heft, durability, and a much higher weight capacity. Its construction is built to last for decades and can easily support heavy items like books, canned goods, or tools.
In contrast, the Hejne system uses a combination of softer, untreated wood posts and shelves paired with galvanized steel cross-braces. While stable enough for average storage, it doesn't possess the inherent strength and rigidity of Ivar's all-wood design, making it better for lighter-duty applications.
Style & Versatility
Stylistically, the two systems are worlds apart. Hejne's appeal is purely functional and industrial. Its simple, raw look is perfectly at home in a garage, basement, or storage shed but would look utilitarian and out of place in a living room or bedroom. There are few options to modify its appearance beyond basic staining.
The Ivar, however, is a stylistic chameleon. Its unfinished pine surface is a blank slate for DIY enthusiasts. You can paint it, stain it, or simply seal it with a clear oil to bring out the natural grain. This ability to customize allows it to seamlessly integrate into virtually any decor, from rustic farmhouse kitchens to modern Scandinavian living rooms.
Customization & System Expansion
While both systems are technically modular, Ivar is a true "system" designed for lifelong adaptation. IKEA offers a vast ecosystem of Ivar components, including cabinets with doors, drawers, corner units, and even a foldable desk. You can start with basic shelves and add on for years as your needs change.
Hejne is modular in that you can connect sections together to extend its length, but the options for real customization are very limited. There are no official compatible cabinets, drawers, or other ancillary pieces, making it a much more straightforward shelving solution.
Price & Value
When it comes to upfront cost, Hejne is the undisputed winner. A basic bay can be up to 50% cheaper than a comparable Ivar unit, making it the superior choice for anyone on a tight budget or needing to fill a large space affordably.
However, Ivar offers far greater long-term value. Its solid wood construction means it will likely outlast Hejne by many years, and its aesthetic versatility allows it to be repurposed throughout the home instead of being relegated to the basement. Ivar is a moderately priced investment, Hejne is a low-cost solution.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA storage systems offer excellent function but are built for entirely different users and priorities.
Choose the Hejne if:
- You are on a strict budget and need the most affordable option.
- The shelving will be in a garage, basement, or utility room where looks don't matter.
- You need a lightweight and straightforward unit that's very fast to build.
- You are storing light-to-moderately heavy items.
Choose the Ivar if:
- You prioritize long-term durability and high weight capacity for heavy items.
- You want to fully customize your shelves with paint, stain, or clear oil.
- The shelving will be visible in a living space, kitchen pantry, office, or bedroom.
- You want the ability to expand your system over time with cabinets, drawers, or other components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Hejne and Ivar?
The primary difference is material and purpose. The Ivar is a robust, customizable solid pine system designed for longevity and versatility in any room. The Hejne is a simple, budget-friendly shelving unit made of softwood and steel for utilitarian storage spaces.
Which is more durable, Hejne or Ivar?
Ivar is significantly more durable. Its solid pine construction gives it a higher weight capacity and greater resistance to warping and damage over many years of heavy use.
Can you paint or stain IKEA Ivar?
Yes, absolutely. The Ivar system comes as untreated solid pine, making it a perfect canvas for paint, wood stain, wax, or oil. This is one of its biggest selling points for DIYers.
Can you paint Hejne shelves?
While you can, it's not as straightforward. The untreated softwood will accept paint or stain, but the industrial appearance of the steel braces remains. It is not designed for aesthetic customization in the way Ivar is.
Which is better for a garage or basement?
Both systems work well here. Hejne is a great low-cost choice for organizing a garage on a budget. Ivar is a better option if you need to store very heavy toolboxes, hardware, or other dense items, and it will hold up better over the long term, especially if the space has some humidity (once sealed).
Which holds more weight, Hejne or Ivar?
Generally, the Ivar system holds more weight due to its sturdier solid wood shelves and posts. Always check IKEA's product page for the specific weight limit per shelf, but for heavy-duty storage, Ivar is the more reliable choice.
Which system is easier to assemble?
Hejne is typically quicker and easier to assemble. Its design is more basic, with fewer parts required to build a simple shelving section. More complex Ivar configurations can be more time-consuming.
Which system is more eco-friendly?
The Ivar system arguably has a better environmental profile. It's made from solid, renewable wood and is designed for a much longer lifespan, reducing waste. A well-maintained Ivar unit can last for decades and be repurposed many times.
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