How to Install a Stolmen Closet System

Before deciding on and purchasing the Stolmen closet system from Ikea, I did a lot of research. A lot of googling (is that a word?). I thought that I had it all figured out.

I was wrong.

Anyways, in an attempt to help others who are interested in this system, I thought I'd put together a little step-by-step on how to (or how not to) install the Stolmen system.

Step 1. Research - there are quite a few photos on the web of different configurations so search around to get ideas.

Step 2. Measure.  Figure out the size of the wall/area you have to work with. Take things like baseboards into consideration.

Step 3. Configure. Make a plan of how you want it set up - do you want drawers? Hanging rods? Shelving?

Step 4. Realize that the sizes that Ikea gives you are NOT accurate. Sure they have the right measurements hidden in a special pamphlet that only an Ikea stalker like myself might find, but most people won't find that. And most Ikea sales reps don't know either. So they will sell you an entire system based on the web measurements and nothing will fit. Like seriously.  What the web says is 110cm wide is actually 117 cm once you add in the vertical poles etc.  If you are going to get Stolmen, HERE is the special assembly guide that is not so easy to find.

Step 5. Go home and measure again.  Try not to say things like "we are only 2 cms off - it's Ikea, I'm sure they aren't accurate" or "maybe we can trim the particle board shelves".

Step 6. Go to Ikea midweek when it won't be so busy. Realize that since they aren't busy midweek, they cut down on staff and there is no one to help. Let the rage start building until finally your lovely husband tracks someone down. Someone who doesn't understand the measurements. Someone who puts you into a panic saying that it is being discontinued. Thanks, Ikea lady.  Gather up all the parts and struggle through the self-checkout. Why, oh why do I want to check myself out?

Step 7. Start by putting up the vertical poles - they run floor to ceiling and use a really AMAZING itty bitty Ikea wrench to make them extend and put pressure on the ceiling to hold in place. Thanks Ikea for that one. Really made it easy on us.

Step 8. Realize that yes, being 2 cms off WILL cause a problem and NO you can't just "trim the particle board shelving" to make everything fit.

Step 9. Take the poles down. Use the itty bitty wrench to loosen them and move them to their new positions. Realize that won't work either and sit back and think again.

Step 10. Figure out a new plan and realize that I don't have enough pieces. Go back to Ikea and this time go straight to aisle ten and just buy the pieces and go...check myself out. Ugh. It is like they don't even staff the regular check out lines!

Step 11. Start again. Put up one pole. Measure. Pole two. Level. Attach one of the clothing rods to ensure they are the right distance apart. Level again.  Start to hate the level.

Step 12. Realize there is a good reason that while Ikea didn't give you the right measurements, they were right in including the little symbol of two stick people, indicating this job will take two people to put together.

Steps 13-20. Continue spacing out the poles, using the itty bitty wrench and the annoying level.  Try not to get frustrated and snap when the level tells you things are straight but your eye tells you things aren't.

Step 21. Sit back and marvel at your and your husband's handiwork.  Be grateful that you didn't even fight during the process.

More dressing room fun to come!