IKEA color equivalents: NCS codes METOD, ENHET, PAX and PLATSA

Are you looking for the exact color of your IKEA front to paint a wall, choose a countertop, or order new custom fronts? Below, you'll find a complete table of NCS codes for METOD, ENHET, PAX, and PLATSA systems. You'll also learn how to avoid costly mistakes when matching colors.

Important: The NCS code is the best starting point for color matching, but not a guarantee of perfection. The same code looks different in matte and gloss finishes, and variations between IKEA production batches are common.

Table of Contents

1. NCS Codes Table – IKEA METOD
2. NCS Codes Table – ENHET, PAX, PLATSA
3. How GU gloss translates to finish
4. 5 Most Common IKEA Colors and their NCS Codes
5. How to Read an NCS Code
6. Step-by-Step Color Matching Method
7. What Influences Color Perception
8. Custom-sized Fronts in Any Color
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Related Articles

NCS Codes Table – IKEA METOD

The table below contains official NCS codes for IKEA METOD kitchen fronts. The GU (Gloss Units) value indicates the level of gloss: 0–10 is matte, 20–50 is satin, above 60 is high gloss.

GU Gloss vs. Finishes Available on the Market

IKEA uses several different gloss values - from 3 GU (almost completely matte) to 88 GU (mirror gloss). In practice, custom front manufacturers, including us, offer three standard finishes:

• Matte - closest to IKEA fronts like AXSTAD, VOXTORP matt, HAVSTORP, NICKEBO (5-10 GU)
• Semi-matte - closest to BODBYN, VEDDINGE, STENSUND (25-55 GU), although the exact GU value will differ from IKEA's
• Gloss - closest to RINGHULT, VOXTORP högglans (80+ GU)

Let's be honest: none of our finishes will perfectly replicate the exact GU value of an IKEA front. BODBYN has 55 GU, and our semi-matte will have a different value. Plus, there's a different lacquer, different substrate, and different application technology. If your current IKEA fronts are several years old, the difference will be even greater, as lacquer changes its shade over time due to UV exposure.

What does this mean? If you're planning a replacement, we recommend replacing all fronts in a given zone (e.g., the entire upper or lower row), rather than adding individual pieces next to old ones. This ensures a consistent look, and gloss differences become irrelevant. If you're unsure - order a sample and compare it to your existing front in person before you decide.

Configure your front →

Looking for a front not in the table? Contact us - we'll check the NCS code for your model.

NCS Codes Table – ENHET, PAX, and PLATSA

The same NCS codes appear in various IKEA systems. Be aware of gloss differences - the same color in METOD and PAX might have a different GU value.

ENHET

PAX

Planning to replace PAX wardrobe doors? See custom PAX fronts in any color and size.

PLATSA

5 Most Common IKEA Colors and their NCS Codes

These colors are repeated across many series. If you're looking for a specific shade, start here.

1. Neutral White - S 0300-N

A clean, cool white with no yellow undertone. Appears in RINGHULT (88 GU gloss), VOXTORP matt (5 GU), and VOXTORP högglans (88 GU). This is the most popular color for IKEA fronts. When painting a wall, remember: a matte paint next to a glossy RINGHULT front will look like a different shade, despite the identical NCS code.

2. Warm White (Off-white) - S 0502-Y

A slightly yellowish, warm white. Most commonly associated with the classic BODBYN (55 GU satin) and VEDDINGE (S 0502-Y05R, 40 GU satin). Popular in Scandinavian and classic style kitchens. If you have BODBYN and want to refresh your kitchen without replacing everything, you can order individual METOD fronts in the identical shade.

3. Anthracite - S 8500-N

Very dark gray, almost black. Found in NICKEBO (10 GU), UPPLÖV (10 GU), and FLISBERGET PAX (6 GU). Popular in modern, dark kitchens. Looks good combined with wood - check out our METOD fronts in natural veneer.

4. Dark Gray - S 7500-N

A neutral, deep gray. You'll find it in VOXTORP mörkgrå (5 GU), BERGSBO PAX (10 GU), and SKATVAL PLATSA (3 GU). Note the differences in gloss - the VOXTORP front (5 GU) looks different from the BERGSBO door (10 GU), despite having the same NCS code.

5. Beige - S 3005-Y20R

A warm, muted beige. Common to HAVSTORP METOD (10 GU), BERGSBO PAX (10 GU), and REINSVOLL PAX (4 GU). This color has come back into favor with the trend for warm minimalism.

How to Read an NCS Code

NCS (Natural Colour System) is an international color description system. IKEA documents front colors using this standard, adding a gloss value in GU (Gloss Units).

Example: S 3005-Y20R (HAVSTORP beige)

• S - standardized version
• 30 - blackness content (the more, the darker the color)
• 05 - color saturation (chromaticity)
• Y20R - hue direction (yellow with 20% red admixture)

In practice: you don't need to understand the code to use it. Just provide the full NCS code to the paint mixing store and specify the desired gloss.

Step-by-Step Color Matching Method

1. Find the front in the table above - note down the NCS code and GU value
2. Order the color at a paint mixing store - provide the NCS code and specify the desired gloss (matte, satin, gloss). Remember: the gloss of wall paint does not necessarily have to match the gloss of the front
3. Test a sample - apply the paint to a sample card and check it under three conditions: daylight, warm LED (2700K), and cool LED (4000K)
4. For maximum precision - take the front (or a door) to a paint mixing store with a spectrophotometer. The device will measure the exact color, taking into account the aging of the lacquer

Planning to replace fronts instead of painting? See how we order custom fronts - from configuration to installation.

What Influences Color Perception

Gloss Changes Everything

The same NCS code S 0300-N looks completely different in matte (VOXTORP matt, 5 GU) and high gloss (RINGHULT, 88 GU). A matte surface diffuses light and appears lighter. Gloss reflects the surroundings and appears darker. If you're matching a wall color to a front, test a paint sample next to the front in its actual location.

Want to see what a specific gloss looks like in person? Order a front sample - we'll deduct its cost from your order.

Kitchen Lighting

Warm LEDs (2700K) bring out yellow and red tones. Cool LEDs (4000K) emphasize blue and gray. North-facing windows provide cool, neutral light. South-facing windows provide warm and intense light. Before making a decision, check the sample color at different times of day, with lights on and off.

Substrate and Technique

Paint on a gypsum wall behaves differently from factory lacquer on primed MDF. Even with an identical NCS code, the substrate difference is visible. This is normal - it's impossible to achieve perfect consistency between a wall and a front without testing.

Custom-sized Fronts in Any Color

If the IKEA palette isn't enough, we produce fronts for METOD, FAKTUM, PAX, BESTÅ, and PLATSA systems in any color and dimension.

• Lacquered - NCS, RAL colors + over 150 Farrow & Ball colors
• Veneered - natural oak, walnut, ash, Muskato Root, Silver Root
• Birch plywood - visible layers, Scandinavian style

Lead time: 7 weeks from payment. Shipping throughout the EU.

Configure your front in the configurator →

Not sure which material to choose? Order a material sample - you'll see the color, gloss, and texture in person before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCS code for BODBYN off-white?

The official NCS code for BODBYN off-white is S 0502-Y, with a gloss level of approximately 55 GU (satin). This is a warm, slightly yellowish white - not to be confused with the neutral white S 0300-N, found in RINGHULT and VOXTORP. If you're ordering paint for a wall next to BODBYN, provide S 0502-Y to the paint store and ask for a matte finish (a satin wall collects fingerprints).

Are the NCS codes provided by IKEA 100% accurate?

Not 100%. IKEA provides NCS codes as indicative data. In practice, there may be minor deviations between production batches, and lacquer changes shade with age (yellowing due to UV). For simple wall matching, the NCS code is perfectly sufficient. If you need precision (e.g., fronts from two different orders next to each other), ask for a spectrophotometer measurement at a paint store.

Why does the same NCS code look different on a wall and on a front?

Two reasons. First: gloss. A wall painted with matte paint has a completely different surface structure than a lacquered front - it reflects light differently, which changes the perceived color. Second: substrate. Paint absorbed by gypsum behaves differently from lacquer applied to a factory MDF primer. This is optics physics, not an NCS code error.

Do METOD and PAX fronts share NCS colors?

Yes - neutral whites, grays, and anthracites are repeated in both systems. For example: S 7500-N (dark gray) can be found in both VOXTORP METOD and BERGSBO PAX. Differences appear in the gloss level. VOXTORP has 5 GU (matte), and BERGSBO has 10 GU (slight satin). If you are combining kitchen fronts with wardrobe doors, be aware of this difference. Alternatively - order custom fronts with identical gloss for both systems.

How to find the NCS code for an IKEA front not in the table?

Three ways. First: call IKEA customer service and ask for technical documentation for a specific model. Second: check the label on the back edge of the front - some series have the code printed. Third (most accurate): take the front to a paint store with a spectrophotometer. For a small fee, you'll get an accurate measurement. If none of these options work - contact us, we'll help identify the color.

I have old IKEA FAKTUM fronts - does the NCS table still work?

The table above applies to current IKEA series. FAKTUM fronts (produced until 2015) have different codes. Additionally, after 10+ years of use, the lacquer changes shade. For FAKTUM, we recommend a spectrophotometer measurement or considering replacing FAKTUM fronts with new ones. We produce fronts compatible with the FAKTUM system, custom-made to your dimensions. Also read: Paint or replace fronts? IKEA FAKTUM cost comparison.

Related Articles

• How to measure IKEA FAKTUM fronts - step-by-step instructions with diagrams
• How to repaint kitchen furniture - when painting makes sense and when it's better to replace
• Countertop for IKEA METOD kitchen - which to choose - matching the countertop to the color of the fronts
• Paint or replace IKEA FAKTUM fronts? - cost and effect comparison

Do you have questions about colors, materials, or dimensions? Contact us or call: +48 780 778 615 (Mon-Fri, 8:00-16:00).