Guess who’s back? After disappearing in the mid‑2010s, the IKEA MANDAL headboard has quietly returned, and we are thrilled.
Redditors reported sightings as “New” on IKEA USA site, confirming what many hoped: the MANDAL is officially back.
If you missed it the first time around, here’s what you need to know: it’s a headboard with shelves. Simple as that. Yet so much more.
The MANDAL Story
Nike Karlsson designed the MANDAL as part of IKEA’s approach to making furniture work harder in small spaces. The original MANDAL debuted in 2009 as part of a full bed series and retailed for around $149–$199.
IKEA has relaunched the IKEA MANDAL, preserving the same style and practical design.
For anyone who’s tried to squeeze a bedside table into a tiny bedroom, the MANDAL headboard makes a lot of sense.
What It Actually Does
The MANDAL is a horizontal slatted shelf unit that mounts behind your bed. It’s made of solid wood, a hardwearing and warm natural material. The birch and white combination gives it that effortless Scandi vibe without trying too hard.
The real benefit is freeing up floor space. Floating bedside tables mean more room to move around, easier cleaning, and better access to under-bed storage.
The MANDAL works with its matching bed frame, which has four drawers underneath. Together, they create discreet storage without that clunky platform bed vibe.
MANDAL Hacks Worth DIYing (Again!)
The MANDAL headboard is a blank canvas. Its birch wood slats and adjustable shelves make it a hacker’s dream. Add LED strips, backsplashes, mounted lights—you name it.
The IKEA Hackers community has had a field day with the MANDAL over the years, and here are some outstanding hacks we’re dying to see updated to 2025.
The MANDAL Room Divider Hack
One clever hacker used the MANDAL headboard to divide the living room and bedroom spaces—a very clever way to create an 8-foot wide Japandi style room divider.
Desk partition and memo board
K. James mounted the MANDAL headboard above his desk, turning it into a functional shelf and vision board. To finish it off, he wrapped the slats in vintage ad prints from the ’50s and ’60s.
For a subtle glow, another hack details how to add strip lights to the MANDAL. It’s a simple tweak that brings a touch of warmth to the clean lines.
The LEGO Storage Solution
This hack turned the MANDAL into organized LEGO storage, proving that this headboard isn’t just for bedrooms. The open shelving makes it easy to see and grab whatever you need.
Corner Closet
Michael cut the MANDAL headboard in half and installed it in his entryway corner. The top holds jackets; below, a small stool creates a spot to sit and pull on shoes. Clean, compact, and smart use of space.
Modular Entryway Organizer
Got a long, narrow entryway? Matteo turned the MANDAL into a space-saving fix. He added a mirror and a few knobs for hanging jackets. The slats also make it easy to add shelves if you need extra storage.
The Double Header
Zhu wanted more height, so he combined two MANDAL headboards for a taller, high-impact statement piece behind the bed.
And if you can’t mount it to the wall, here’s how to make the MANDAL freestanding instead. (Renters rejoice!)
The Reality Check
The MANDAL isn’t perfect. All those horizontal slats? Great for styling, not so great for cleaning. Dust settles fast, and wiping between all those rows of slats takes patience.
There’s also the stud spacing issue. One reviewer noted the mounting points don’t line up with standard 16-inch stud intervals, so you may need to get creative securing it to the wall, especially if you’re in the US. A backing board or French cleat system can help.
On Our IKEA Bringback Wishlist
MANDAL’s comeback gives us hope. If IKEA can bring this classic back, maybe there’s still a chance for other cult favorites too; like the JERKER desk, the VARDE cabinets, or even the classically perfect KARLSTAD sofa.
What discontinued IKEA product do you wish they’d revive? Let us know—we’re keeping the wishlist open.