What Are Peel-and-Stick Decals for Side-Facing Trofast Units?

If you've got IKEA's Trofast storage system in your child's room, you already know it's brilliant for keeping toys organised. But those plain white or pine sides? They're practically begging for a bit of personality.

That's where peel-and-stick decals come in: removable designs that transform the flat side panels of your Trofast units into playful feature pieces. No paint, no tools, no permanent changes.

Top peel-and-stick decals for side-facing Trofast units? They're removable designs sized to fit the smooth side panels of IKEA Trofast storage. Apply them in minutes, peel them off cleanly, and personalise the units to match your child's room theme—woodland animals, space adventures, abstract patterns, whatever they're into right now. Look for decals made from premium removable materials that won't damage the laminate surface.

Because Trofast units come in standard sizes, you can find decals cut specifically to fit those dimensions. Or use smaller individual stickers arranged any way you like. The beauty is flexibility: stick them on today, swap them out next month when your toddler decides dinosaurs are suddenly boring.

Benefits of Using Decals on Trofast Units

The biggest advantage? Instant transformation. A plain storage unit becomes a feature in about ten minutes, and when your child's interests shift (and they will), you simply peel off the old design and start fresh.

No repainting. No living with something they've outgrown.

Decals can also help protect the surface underneath. Little ones tend to bash toys against furniture, and a layer of decal material acts as a buffer against light scratches and scuffs. When you remove it months later, the original finish stays looking tidy—handy if you're planning to sell or pass the furniture on.

Plus, this type of decorating costs a fraction of what you'd spend on custom-painted furniture or pricey storage alternatives. You can get a personalised look for under £30 in many cases. Installation requires zero DIY skills. Even if you've never decorated anything before, you can do this.

How to Choose the Right Decals for Your Trofast

Start by measuring your Trofast panels. The standard side-facing panels measure roughly 44 cm tall, but widths vary depending on your unit configuration. Check your exact dimensions before ordering to avoid decals that don't quite fit or leave awkward gaps.

Material matters more than you'd think. Look for premium removable materials designed for furniture application. Cheaper paper-based stickers can tear during removal or leave sticky residue on laminate surfaces. Quality decals should peel away cleanly even after months of being stuck down.

Consider your child's current obsessions and how long they're likely to last. If your three-year-old has been mad about trains for six months, that's probably safe territory. But if they mentioned unicorns once last week? Hold off on committing to a full unicorn theme. Neutral patterns like geometric shapes or simple nature scenes tend to last longer.

Think about the room's overall colour scheme too. The decals will be visible from most angles, so they should complement your existing walls, bedding, and curtains rather than clash. That doesn't mean everything has to match perfectly, but a bit of colour coordination helps the whole space feel more pulled together.

For example, if you prefer nature-inspired themes, explore our woodland animal decals collection to find charming options that pair beautifully with calming nursery palettes.

Applying Decals to Trofast Units

Clean the surface first with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Any dust or grease will stop the decal from sticking properly, and you'll end up with bubbles or edges that lift. It only takes two minutes but makes all the difference to how neat the finished look is.

Peel slowly and position carefully before pressing down. Most quality decals are repositionable for the first few seconds, so if you've placed it slightly wonky, you can lift and adjust without ruining the adhesive. Start from one edge and smooth outwards with your hand or a credit card to push out air bubbles as you go.

For larger decals that cover the entire panel, it helps to have a second pair of hands. One person holds the top edge in position whilst the other smooths from the centre outwards. This stops the decal from sticking to itself halfway through application, which is frustrating and can crease the material.

Caring For and Removing Decals

Once applied, decals need very little maintenance. Wipe them with a damp cloth if they get sticky fingerprints or crayon marks, but avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can break down the adhesive or fade printed colours. A bit of warm soapy water is usually enough for most messes.

When it's time for a change, peel from one corner slowly at a 45-degree angle. Pulling too fast, or at a sharp angle, can sometimes leave tiny bits of adhesive behind—though premium removable materials shouldn't do this. If you do notice any residue, a drop of baby oil on a cloth can help lift it off the laminate without damaging the finish.

The decals should keep their grip for months, sometimes years, depending on room temperature and humidity. Once removed, they typically can't be reused. The adhesive picks up dust and loses its hold, so plan to recycle the old design rather than saving it for later.

Creative Ways to Use Decals on Trofast

You don't have to cover the entire side panel if that feels too much. Try clustering smaller stickers at the bottom third of the unit where your toddler can see them at eye level, or create a scattered pattern that looks intentional rather than chaotic. A few well-placed stars or clouds can be just as effective as a full scene.

Layering different decal sets creates depth and interest. Start with a background element like hills or waves across the lower section, then add animals or vehicles on top. This gives you more flexibility to swap out just the foreground elements when interests change, whilst keeping the base layer intact.

For children who share a room, personalise each Trofast unit with their favourite theme. One gets woodland creatures, the other gets space rockets. It helps them identify their own storage whilst making the room feel coordinated rather than mismatched, especially if you choose designs that share a similar colour palette.

We have specialised check stickers for IKEA Trofast drawers (side facing vertical units) that are perfect for creating those neat, orderly zones, helping kids learn organisation while having fun.

Matching Decals to Your Room Style

Monochrome rooms suit simple line-drawn designs or silhouette decals in black, white, or grey. They add personality without disrupting the calm, minimalist aesthetic that many parents prefer for nurseries. Geometric shapes or abstract patterns work brilliantly here too.

Bright, playful spaces can handle bolder, more colourful decals. Rainbow designs, jungle animals, or underwater scenes all bring energy to a room that's already cheerful. The Trofast units become part of the overall colour story rather than just functional storage tucked in the corner.

Scandi-inspired rooms benefit from nature themes in muted tones. Think forest animals in sage green and terracotta, or mountain scenes in soft blues and greys. These designs feel grown-up enough to last through several years whilst still being clearly child-friendly.

If you're decorating a shared family space rather than a dedicated playroom, choose decals that feel less obviously child-focused. Botanical prints, simple animal outlines, or abstract shapes let the Trofast units blend into your living room without shouting "toddler territory" to every visitor. Our daisy stickers for IKEA Trofast drawers (side facing vertical units) offer a subtle yet charming option for this style.

Getting the Best Value

Individual sticker sets typically cost between £15 and £30 depending on size and complexity. Full panel decals designed specifically for Trofast dimensions sit at the higher end, whilst smaller collections of individual elements cost less but require more planning to arrange attractively.

Before buying multiple sets, measure how many Trofast panels you actually want to decorate. Many parents find that doing just the most visible units creates plenty of impact without the expense of covering every single surface. Two decorated units amongst four plain ones often looks more intentional than trying to theme everything.

Quality matters more than quantity. One beautifully designed, properly sized decal that lasts two years is better value than three cheap sets that peel at the edges after six months or leave sticky marks when removed. Check product descriptions for terms like "premium removable" or materials made for furniture rather than just "vinyl sticker".

Why We Love Decorating Trofast Units

I've seen so many parents transform their Trofast units from boring beige boxes into proper statement pieces. It's one of the simplest ways to personalise children's furniture without permanent commitment, and it works brilliantly for rental properties or anyone who likes refreshing décor regularly.

The key is choosing designs that suit both your style and your child's current interests, whilst accepting that those interests will shift. That's fine. With decals, swapping them out takes minutes, not weekends. You're decorating for right now, not forever.

Start with one or two units to test how you like the look and how the decals perform on your particular Trofast finish. You can always add more later once you've found designs that work.

Explore the full range of Trofast side-facing unit decals to discover styles and sizes tailored perfectly to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are peel-and-stick decals a smart choice for personalising IKEA Trofast units?

Peel-and-stick decals offer an instant way to transform plain Trofast units into playful features without the mess or commitment of paint. They apply in minutes, allowing you to easily match your child's room theme and update it as their interests grow. It's a brilliant, stress-free decorating solution for busy parents.

How do I pick the right peel-and-stick decals for my Trofast storage?

Start by measuring your Trofast side panels to ensure a perfect fit. Look for decals made from premium, removable materials designed for furniture, as these peel away cleanly without residue. Consider your child's current passions and the room's existing colours for a cohesive, happy space.

What are the main advantages of using decals on Trofast units?

The biggest advantage is instant transformation without commitment, making it simple to refresh your child's room as their tastes change. Decals can also offer a layer of protection against light scratches and scuffs, helping to preserve the unit's original finish. It's a cost-effective way to achieve a custom look with zero DIY skills needed.

What's the best method for applying peel-and-stick decals to Trofast units?

First, clean the Trofast surface thoroughly with a damp cloth and let it dry completely to ensure good adhesion. Peel the decal slowly from its backing, position it carefully, and then smooth it outwards with your hand or a credit card to remove air bubbles. For larger decals, an extra pair of hands can make the process even easier.

How can I keep my Trofast decals looking fresh, and how do I remove them?

Our decals need very little care—just a wipe with a damp cloth for sticky marks, avoiding harsh cleaners. When it's time for a change, simply peel from one corner at a 45-degree angle for a clean removal. If any tiny bit of residue remains, a drop of baby oil on a cloth works wonders.

Can I use peel-and-stick decals creatively on my Trofast units?

Absolutely—you don't have to cover the entire side panel. Try clustering smaller decals at your child's eye level for an engaging display, or mix and match different designs to create a unique scene. It's all about having fun and letting your little one's personality shine through their storage.