IKEA 101
SEKTION cabinets — explained simply, so you know what you’re actually buying.
IKEA kitchens are basically a smart modular “box system.” The part that confuses most people is the terminology: panels vs fillers, toe kicks, cover panels, doors, boxes… This page gives you the cheat code.
Quick takeaway
IKEA provides the structure (cabinet boxes, hinges, drawers, interiors).
Swedegrain provides the finished look (doors, panels, trim, toe kicks).
Why this matters
Most “IKEA-looking kitchens” happen because people stop at doors and ignore panels, fillers and trim. If you understand the parts, you avoid the classic mistakes and get that clean built-in look.
- Panels finish exposed cabinet ends
- Fillers protect door swing and close layout gaps
- Toe kick hides legs and cleans up the base line
What is SEKTION?
SEKTION is IKEA’s North American kitchen cabinet system. You choose cabinet boxes in standard sizes, then layer on fronts (doors/drawer fronts) and the finishing pieces (panels, fillers, toe kicks) to create a custom look.
Cabinet boxes
The “white box” structure from IKEA — the base that everything attaches to.
Fronts
Doors + drawer fronts. This is the visible face and the biggest style upgrade.
Finish details
Panels, fillers and toe kicks make the kitchen look built-in instead of boxy.
Key parts people mix up
Here’s what these terms mean in plain English — and why they’re not optional if you want a premium result.
Doors & drawer fronts
The visible faces. Swedegrain replaces IKEA fronts with custom finishes and styles.
- Doors cover cabinet openings
- Drawer fronts cover drawers
- Hardware attaches here
Panels (cover panels)
Large surfaces that finish exposed cabinet sides and ends of runs.
- End panels for exposed sides
- Fridge / decorative panels for tall runs
- Eliminates “white-box sides”
Fillers
Narrow strips that close gaps and prevent doors from colliding with walls.
- Common beside walls and corners
- Required for door clearances
- Makes layouts look intentional
Toe kick (kick plate)
The strip at the base of lower cabinets — hides legs and finishes the bottom line.
- Also called toe kick / kick plate
- Snaps onto IKEA legs / clips
- Can match door finish for a seamless look
Simple visual: what’s what
Tap the numbers to learn each part
IKEA kitchens start with modular cabinet boxes — that’s the structure. The “custom look” comes from the visible surfaces and finish details.
Swedegrain replaces standard fronts with premium doors and drawer fronts, and supplies the supporting pieces that make the kitchen feel built-in: panels to cover exposed sides, fillers to clean up gaps and door clearances, and toe kicks to finish the base line.
Use the diagram to understand what each piece does — so you can order confidently and avoid the most common IKEA mistakes.
FAQ
Yes — they’re built to match IKEA sizing so they install properly with SEKTION cabinet boxes and the appropriate hinges/hardware.
A panel covers a large exposed surface. A filler is a narrow strip used to close gaps and protect door clearance next to walls or appliances.
No problem. Book a free consult and we’ll help you choose the right starting point.
Yes. We’ll help confirm what to order from IKEA and what to order from Swedegrain so nothing gets missed.
Yes — we primarily build for SEKTION, and also support PAX, BESTÅ and GODMORGON.