Best IKEA Cabinets for Greenhouse Conversions

If you’re itching to make an IKEA greenhouse cabinet, the “best” cabinet isn’t a single model—it’s the one that fits your plants, your space, and your vibe. Some folks want a moody, modern focal point; others need maximum height for Anthuriums or a budget starter for props and rehabs. Below, we’ll help you pick with confidence. 

Just getting started with IKEA Greenhouse Cabinet? Check out our Complete Guide to Choosing, Installing, and Styling Your Indoor Oasis. 

How to Choose (quick checklist)

✔Space & scale

Measure the footprint and the sightline. Bigger cabinets become gorgeous focal points; smaller ones can look cramped if your plants outgrow them. (Many users wished they’d gone bigger first.) You can check out the size of each IKEA cabinet on their product listing Page under the dropdown "Measurements".

✔Plant profile

Tall growers (Anthurium, Alocasia)? Favor height (Milsbo Tall). Lots of babies/props? A wide cabinet + magnetic shelves shines (Rudsta Wide). 

✔Humidity vs. modularity

If trapping humidity is priority, pick a cabinet that seals easily. If modular accessories matter, a magnetic back/top saves time. You can even combine multiple cabinets into a big greenhouse, but depending on the choice of your cabient, difficulty level may vary. 

✔Style

Modern minimal (Milsbo), moody modern with contrast (Rudsta), or retro character (Fabrikör). Let your room’s aesthetic help you decide. 

✔Budget & availability

Rudsta is typically easier on the wallet and often easier to find; marketplace scores happen too. 

✔Safety/household

Need a lock for curious hands? Milsbo’s lock is a plus for some parents to keep you plant babies / fur babies / human babies safe. 

IKEA Cabinet Comparison (what plant parents report)

Milsbo (Tall/Wide)

Why people love it

• • Big interior volume; great for tall plants and dramatic layouts.
  • Generally easier to weatherstrip and maintain higher humidity. 

Trade-offs

• • Higher price; legs protrude (This makes combining them challenging). No magnetic back (you’ll need pegboards or mounts). 

Best for

• • Advanced builds, tall specimens, statement pieces.

Rudsta (Tall/Wide)

Why people love it

• • Magnetic back and top = snap-on shelves, fan mounts, cord control, and easy rearranging. Budget-friendlier than Milsbo. 
  • Wide version is a beginner favorite for lots of smaller plants and eye-level display. 

Trade-offs

• • Some users say it holds humidity a bit less effectively than Milsbo (still workable with sealing). 

Best for

• • Beginners, tinkerers who love magnetic accessories, wide displays.

Fabrikör (Tall/Wide)

Why people love it

• • Retro character; glass top lets you keep lights outside to reduce heat inside (clever for sensitive setups). 

Trade-offs

• • Can be trickier to seal; smaller interior vs. Milsbo/Rudsta.
  • The glass top requires special accessories to mount your light inside of the cabinet.

Best for

• • Styled kitchens/living spaces, carnivorous collections or frequent-watering setups where heat management matters. 

Baggebo

Why people love it

• • Underrated starter; low setup cost; great for blooms/props/rehab while you learn. Many upgrade later but keep Baggebo as a utility cabinet. 

Trade-offs

• • Less capacity and durability than Milsbo/Rudsta; lighter build.
  • Left and right sides are metal grids which are not sealed. If you want high Humidity, you may need to do a little extra work. 

Best for

• • First build, propagation stations, budget-friendly trials.

Blåliden/ Detolf / Klingsbo /  (niche options, some models are discontinued)

Why people try them

• • Slim footprint, inexpensive experimentation, small collections. 

Trade-offs

• • Narrow; outgrown quickly. Most users move to Milsbo or Rudsta afterward. 

Best for

• • Very tight spaces, temporary builds.

What real users say:

• “Go see them in person if you can.” Standing next to each model helps you feel scale and style—and one will “speak” to you. 
• Humidity vs. magnets: Many choose Milsbo for sealing/humidity and Rudsta for the magnetic back/top flexibility. 
• Start smart, scale up: Tons of beginners pick Rudsta Wide or Baggebo to learn mods, then graduate to Milsbo Tall as plants (and confidence) grow. 
• Aesthetics matter: Several owners chose based on color/lines (modern vs. retro) or how the cabinet anchors a wall as a focal point. 
• Availability & price sway decisions: Sales and marketplace finds often decide which model comes home. 

Best pick for beginners

Rudsta Wide — forgiving price point, easy to mod with magnets, wide shelves for props and smaller plants, and simple cord/fan management. If your goal is to make an IKEA greenhouse cabinet with minimal friction, start here and learn fast. 

Best pick for advanced builds

Milsbo Tall — the community’s “forever” cabinet: tall plant clearance, strong presence, and easier humidity control with weatherstripping. If you’re planning lights, fans, and layered microclimates, this is your canvas. 

Practical setup notes we co-sign

• Mount lights thoughtfully: Door-frame mounting gives even, “face-me” illumination for leaves when viewed head-on. (Popular trick in community builds.) 
• Plan your airflow: Even sealed cabinets need gentle, continuous air movement to keep leaves dry and happy. (Magnetic fans on Rudsta make this painless.) 
• Mind your accessories: Lights (Barrina/Monios are community staples), hygrometers, weatherstripping, and acrylic shelves make the difference between “pretty” and “thriving.” 

Shelving that actually works (and looks good)

Acrylic shelves keep light flowing and resist bowing when properly supported—plus they make your display feel airy. If you’re deciding between shapes, load ratings, or brackets, see our ultimate guide on shelving: IKEA Greenhouse Shelves — Complete Guide. 

TL;DR 

• Small collection / lots of minis: Rudsta Wide (magnets = joy). 
• Tall plants / long-term build: Milsbo Tall (seals up, grows with you). 
• Retro charm / cooler interior: Fabrikör with exterior lights through the glass top. 
• Budget test drive: Baggebo; keep it later for rehabs/props. 

Whichever you choose, remember: the best cabinet is the one you’ll actually set up, tweak, and enjoy daily. When you’re ready to dial in shelves, airflow, and light, we’ve got you. 🌿