I like the aesthetic and breathability of a wicker laundry hamper, but I need to sort 3 types of clothing (colors, delicates, athletic wear) and I could only find hampers that sorted 2 types.

Taking two NATTGIBBA laundry baskets I was able to hack them together into a 3-section laundry hamper.

Here’s a “before-after” of the DIY laundry hamper.

Here’s what I did:

IKEA items used: 

• 2x NATTGIBBA laundry basket ($110)

Other materials and tools: 

• 2x small metal mending plate with screws (<$5)
• Twine (free – reused from NATTGIBBA packaging)
• Safety pins (free – from craft supply)

How to DIY a 3-section laundry hamper: 

Start by assembling the sides of the frame. You will need all four side panels from one NATTGIBBA and just the two short side panels from the other NATTGIBBA.

To attach a short side to another short side, screw through a mending plate into the two top holes, then tie a loop of twine around the bottom pins. Then attach the short side to the long side as directed in the IKEA instructions.

Repeat with the other long, short, short panels.

Stand the frame up and tie one or two loops of twine around the bottom of the frame from front to back to help hold the shape.

The front and back will each consist of a long side panel plus a short side panel.

Next, lower both bottom panels into the frame – they will overlap in the middle. Tie loops of twine between the bottom panels and all four sides. The frame should stand up sturdily at this point.

Attach one lid as directed in the IKEA instructions; it will cover two thirds of the hamper.

To cover the rest of the hamper, place the other lid so it overlaps the first, and secure it with more loops of twine.

Related: Laundry room ideas: How to create a functional and stylish space

Attaching the fabric laundry bags

Now it’s time to attach the fabric laundry bags. Attach one bag as directed in the IKEA instructions, but only secure the ties in one corner. Fold the other bag so that one compartment is collapsed. Fit the remaining compartment into the open space in the frame, and secure it to the frame and the first bag using the ties and as many safety pins as you need. (I threaded some safety pins through the rattan to keep the bag from falling out.) The bags fold neatly over the top of the frame, hiding the mending plates.

And my DIY 3-section laundry hamper is done. The lid works too.

How long and how much did it cost?

1 hour, $115.

What do you like most about the hack?

It’s easy to disassemble. I could rebuild it as two ordinary NATTGIBBA laundry hampers if I ever want to.

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Threading the twine and safety pins through small openings in the rattan to secure everything without gluing or damaging the panels.

What to pay special attention to?

The mending plates should be as small as possible (I used 2″ long plates but 1″ would work better) and should be oriented along the short sides of the hamper to help the frame hold its shape.

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

If I was handy with a sewing machine, I would cut one of the fabric laundry bags in half and sew it to the other laundry bag, forming three neat compartments that I could secure by folding over the top of the frame, just like the regular NATTGIBBA.

~ by Scott

See more IKEA hacks for the laundry room

IKEA laundry hamper hack: From 2 to 3 sections

IKEA Laundry Room Ideas: How to Create a Functional and Stylish Space

Chinese apothecary cabinet: How to make one affordably

5 fresh laundry room ideas for front loading washer

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While IKEA may not have made children’s products especially to fit the Montessori method, many parents have cleverly use IKEA products and hacks to create a home environment that encourages hands-on learning, imaginative play and independence.

Here are some favorite IKEA hacks that are either Montessori inspired or useful ideas for a Montessori home. 

Montessori Bookshelf for IKEA Kura

My son has tons of books and we wanted a book display where he can pick and choose his own books. Rather than buy a bookcase, we decided to use the end of the IKEA KURA bed to create a Montessori bookshelf. As the KURA already has a frame around the back panels, all we need to do was to add strips of wood to hold up the books. The books rest on the KURA frame supported by the wood strips.

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA KURA bed

Other materials and tools: 

• Wood strips/dowel rods
• Screws
• Spirit level
• Screwdriver

How to add Montessori bookshelf to IKEA KURA bed 

First, buy proper wood strips, each one of them should be 98cm (38.5 inches).

Mark the places you will fix the strips. (Consider the sizes of the books you wish to display.) Use a spirit level to keep the strips straight. I used 2 strips of wood across the KURA frame. Depending on the height of your books, one strip may be adequate to hold them in place.

At each end, screw in the wood strip with the help of a screwdriver.

Repeat this process for each wooden strip. You can also choose to paint the wood strips to match the KURA bed.

Enjoy your IKEA Montessori bookshelf.

~ by Ugur

IKEA Montessori Kids closet

As your little one grows, let them get the hang out of picking their own clothes. As they are not quite ready for children’s wardrobes, repurposing open storage into a toddler closet works well. Nicole took 3 IKEA TROFAST storage units and added a tension rod within the TROFAST frames. Insert a TROFAST shelf to the second last rung to divide the frame. In this bottom section add a woven baskets for smaller items like socks and gloves. When he grows out of this closet, Nicole can convert it back to toy storage or another IKEA hack like a LEGO play table with adjustable table height.

Hack a Learning tower with IKEA step stool

The essence of the Montessori method is self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. A learning tower will enable your child to look, help and play at your kitchen counter when you cook. A learning tower has guard rails and is safer than letting your child stand on a chair.

One of the most popular DIY learning tower is to hack the BEKVÄM step stool into a learning tower. You can also use upcycled materials to make one or the old MOLGER cart if you can still get your hands on one.

DIY Pikler Triangle

A Pikler Triangle is a fantastic addition to your kids playroom, if you’re creating a Montessori style environment. The Pikler Triangle was invented by Emmi Pikler, a Hungarian pediatrician, some 100 years ago. Her idea behind it was a child must be allowed freedom of movement to promote development of gross motor skills. Readymade ones are available but if you have an old unused IKEA SNIGLAR crib, you can DIY your own Pikler triangle.

IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen with working sink

The DUKTIG play kitchen is all about pretend play and nothing actually works. But what if you can make the faucet actually work with running water? The main item you’ll need for this is a portable water bottle pump and a 2 gallon water bottle. See this tutorial for the full process of making the DUKTIG sink where your young ones can wash their hands, spoons and bowls.

IKEA FLISAT sensory table

The IKEA FLISAT children’s table is one of the top IKEA picks for Montessori style play and perfect for all sorts of genius IKEA FLISAT table hacks. The table has two removable covers. Lift them up and you can fit 2 TROFAST storage tubs under the table tops. And that’s where the fun starts. Fill the trays with beans, sand, water for a new play everyday. Buy FLISAT inserts to take learning to the next level.

Kids Self-Care Vanity

If you have space in your bathroom or kitchen add a kids self care area. In the Montessori approach, a self-care area fosters independence as your little ones learn to brush their teeth, wash snot off their faces, comb their hair, all by themselves.

The BEKVÄM kitchen cart can be modified into a bathroom vanity for kids. What you need to do is take the wheels off the front two legs. Measure how high the countertop should be to fit your child’s height and cut the 4 legs accordingly. On the countertop, trace the shape of the sink and cut the board, following the trace. Drop the sink into the hole and seal all gaps with silicone. You may need to add a few coats of varnish to protect the wood from water. Then connect the plumbing.

What kind of IKEA Montessori hacks do you have at home? Or what are your favorite IKEA products for Montessori type of play? Let us know in the comments below.

The post IKEA Montessori Hacks: 7 Most Useful And Fun appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

When Karolina moved from a small studio to a newly built house, the construction ate up most of her renovation budget. That pushed her to learn how to update the look of her old furniture and furnish her new home affordably.

The DIY projects grew from a need to a part-time hobby, and now a thriving business in furniture rejuvenation and restoration.

Karolina shares one of her client projects with us – a BESTÅ makeover in boho Hamptons style. Her IKEA hack will totally transform your standard BESTÅ sideboard into a head turner.

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA BESTÅ cabinets

Other materials and tools: 

• Wooden top
• Trim
• Furniture legs
• Moulding
• Primer
• Mineral acrylic paint
• New hardware drawer pulls
• Varnish
• Cane webbing

How to hack the IKEA BESTÅ sideboard  

1. Clean the surface of the storage units, do a light sanding with a sanding paper, undust.

2. Measure and cut the moulding for the BESTÅ doors. The challenge here was cutting the moulding into octangles. (Trigonometry to the rescue!) If you don’t have a miter saw, use a hand miter saw to get the job done. Use wood glue to apply the moulding to the door surface.

3. Apply a primer for better paint adhesion. Let the primer dry thoroughly, following instructions on the can.

4. Pick your favorite colour. I used Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour “Blue Pine” for the top coat. It’s a bluish-gray with a touch of sage and it turned out to be such a beautiful color.

5. Seal the entire dresser with acrylic lacquer. Lightly sand and smooth the lacquer between coats to achieve a flawless finish. Sand it with 400-500 grit sandpaper and remove any dust before applying the next coat.

6. Next, measure and cut a wooden countertop to fit above the IKEA BESTÅ cabinet. Secure the wood top with nails from inside the cabinet.

Add furniture legs to IKEA BESTÅ sideboard

7. Then, get the dresser on new legs. I chose heavy curved legs which I stained in the same color as the wooden countertop. As the BESTÅ is not solid wood but paper filling in some areas, I added a plywood bottom and screwed the legs to the bottom wood piece. Then I trimmed out the edges and it turned out pretty nice as it provided continuity with the wooden countertop.

8. Add new hardware. I went for a classy gold ring pull.

9. You can also add cane webbing to decorate the fronts imitating drawers. Use transparent adhesive to apply it eg. Mod Podge. I then added trim around the rattan and gold knobs to complete the faux drawer look.

See more of Karolina’s IKEA BESTÅ sideboard hack on Instagram.

~ by Karolina @hokuspokushome

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IKEA has many fantastic kitchen and pantry organization solutions and products, which can keep your kitchen clutter-free and ensure all your supplies and ingredients are properly stored and within reach.

With the right guidance and hacks, you can transform any kitchen into a space that’s equally stunning and functional.

Pantry organization systems and products are aplenty at IKEA, including the IVAR, OMAR, and BROR product lines. These storage solutions, along with many other IKEA storage furniture you may not have thought of using in the kitchen, can be used to add additional storage space to your kitchen and ensure every supply and ingredient has a place.

In this post:

• We discuss things to consider when planning your pantry
• We’ll round up our favorite ideas for organizing pantry essentials with IKEA’s stellar products, and
• The best IKEA pantry hacks we’ve seen

Planning your Kitchen Pantry Organization

Before we dive into the best IKEA pantry and kitchen organization hacks, let’s discuss how you can choose the best storage solution for your needs. Regardless of how big or small your pantry may be, keeping these tips in mind will ensure you’re maximizing your kitchen to create a clutter-free kitchen.

Add Additional Storage Space:

Adding more storage space will ensure everything has a place in your pantry and kitchen. Adding extra storage is key to crafting an organized kitchen that’s free of clutter. IKEA has many products to help you add more storage, including shelves, hooks, boxes, and see-through containers.

Consider Storage Capacity:

It’s important to consider the storage capacity of different solutions and products to evaluate their suitability for your needs. For example, will a pantry drawer be large enough to store your spices, or do you need a dedicated shelf?

Group Pantry Items Together:

Grouping similar pantry and kitchen essentials together will help you create a clutter-free kitchen where you can easily find what you’re looking for. The practice of grouping items is also the perfect time to get rid of items you’re no longer using in the kitchen (AKA clutter that’s taking up valuable storage space).

Prioritize Ease Of Use:

You should prioritize organizational solutions and products that are easy for you to use. For example, pantry drawers are easy to use and let you simply pull the drawer open and pick the items you need to use.

Shop Different Systems:

IKEA offers many storage systems. Some are made for the kitchen like the SEKTION / METOD, OMAR and ENHET. It’s important to consider each of these systems and how you can use each to get the most out of your pantry and kitchen.

Think Outside The Box:

Don’t be scared to tweak or customize your IKEA pantry organization solutions and products to fit your needs. There are many creative hacks to create a perfect pantry that’s as beautiful as it is organized.

Use Every Corner:

While this tip is more important for small kitchens, it’s important to carefully consider how you use your kitchen and pantry space. Using every corner doesn’t mean buying as many storage products as possible; it means using your space efficiently to make finding supplies and ingredients as easy as possible.

Pantry Organization Ideas with IKEA products

Here are 8 handy IKEA pantry organization tips and ideas using only IKEA storage solutions and products.

Fit a Pull Out Pantry Organizer in IKEA kitchen cabinets

First thing to consider if you’re designing a new kitchen — can you add this pull out pantry organizer into your kitchen high cabinet? Or fit it into an existing cabinet? We love how the baskets inside the cabinet pull out automatically when you open the door. No need to dig through the pile to access items at the back.

Track Your Pantry Inventory With IKEA Memo Boards

You can purchase IKEA’s affordable SÄVSTA memo board, a chalkboard that you can stick on the pantry wall or behind your pantry cabinet door. You can track everything from your shopping list to kitchen chores to meal plans. (If IKEA’s version doesn’t work for you, you can get similar chalkboard decals on Amazon.)

Use Jars And Tins For See-Through Storage

You can use clear containers to visually track your groceries and ingredients. IKEA has a wide range of mason jars and tins for storing products like coffee, tea, sugar, cereals, flour, pasta, rice, and more. Our favorite is absolutely the IKEA 365+ food containers and jars with bamboo lids. Using storage jars doesn’t just help you organize your pantry; it helps you save space wasted on bulky packaging while adding a personal touch to your kitchen.

Install Shelf Inserts To Expand your Pantry

Shelves are a must-have when it comes to your pantry. And the VARIERA shelf insert and extension is your pantry’s best friend. The shelf insert will double your storage space. Another item that will help you make use of dead space is the PÅLYCKE clip on basket. Insert it and effectively use the space above short items.

Organize Drawer Space With Dividers

One of the most useful storage system for the kitchen pantry are drawers. In order for drawers to function well (and not turn into a junk drawer) is to add in dividers or containers to keep similar items together. You can use any box for this. (A good way to upcycle old shoe boxes and cereal boxes.) We like the VARIERA boxes for this purpose as they are sturdy and can be easily lifted out of the drawer.

Grab And Go With Organized Baskets

Storage baskets are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. You can use baskets to organize clutter and group items together. For example a basket for “Breakfast” and in there, you’ll have your jams, cereal, nuts etc. Grab the basket or bin (if you have many items) and you’re ready for breakfast. You can even use different basket styles and labels to add a touch of your personal style to your pantry. Tania of @homganize used one of the most popular IKEA baskets, the RISATORP (now in various sizes and designs), to group snacks and sauces in one place.

Buy Hooks And Clips For Simple Storage

You can use various hooks and clips from IKEA to store groceries on the inside of pantry cupboard doors. Clips can even be used to hang your grocery list or keep a notepad to track your weekly meal plans. There are plenty of great ways to customize your kitchen storage with hooks and clips.

Know What’s in Your Pantry With Labels

The Internet is full of tutorials and templates for jar labels. That’s nice and probably what makes an Instagram-worthy pantry. But if you don’t have time for that, pick up the IKEA 365+ label on your next IKEA trip. Each pack of 50 labels has a mix of two sizes. IKEA claims the stickers are easy to put on and take off without leaving marks. And if you use a non-permanent marker, you can rub off the text and use the label over and over again. Very useful when you do a refill and want to update the expiry date. For a more organized look, use the same pen color and write in a similar style (eg. all caps) on the labels.

10 Best IKEA Pantry Hacks

Make a pantry cabinet

BILLY is good for books, crafts, shoes and yes, the pantry. As a pantry cabinet, the BILLY does it beautifully. BILLY’s shallow shelf means you’ll never forget anything deep inside the cabinet. Yet the shelf is deep enough for two or three rows of jars and cans. You can try to build it in, like Marika or not, like Evie. Either way it looks fabulous.

Keep it open

Besides BILLY, other IKEA bookcases like the BAGGEBO and IVAR are popularly used as kitchen storage. The IKEA IVAR system has remained in production for over five decades and has helped numerous homeowners transform (or even create) their pantries. With customizable shelving, you can create the perfect pantry storage space for your needs, which can be further customized with other IKEA products like jars and tins.

Mix and match open and closed storage

If you don’t have a walk-in pantry, use a combination of open and closed storage to house your pantry items. Frequently used items go on open shelves. And bulk boxes, large snack packs can go behind closed doors.

Use a wardrobe

Look beyond the kitchen section to other IKEA storage furniture. Jenna chose to build in two PAX wardrobe frames along the kitchen wall for a large capacity IKEA PAX pantry. And since the PAX already has lots of interior accessories, adding drawers, baskets and shelves was a breeze. Or on a smaller scale, Marie and Aaron repurposed the STUVA kids wardrobe system for their kitchen pantry. They also used wire baskets to complete the set up. See the STUVA pantry here.

DIY an accent cabinet

A pantry is not necessarily something you want to hide. Take a leaf from Riel and build an accent cabinet for your flour and grains. In an open plan kitchen it may be the best thing to do. She made an arched shelf and placed it on top of the IKEA RUDSTA glass cabinet to create this stunning IKEA hack.

Add shelves to a nook

Even if regular wall mounted pantry shelving will not fit into your oddly shaped pantry space, you can still add shelves to maximize storage. Michael used the IKEA HEJNE shelves and posts to DIY custom shelves to fit his pantry space. See his tutorial for these custom pantry shelves. 

Make it affordable

Faizah used the affordable HYLLIS shelving units and hacked them into an open pantry. She spray painted the posts white and wrapped wood grain peel and stick decals around the shelves.

Place a glass cabinet on top of the counter

Melissa put a MALSJÖ glass door cabinet on the counter of her butlers pantry instead of wall cabinets and it turned out fabulous. No hacking required!

Opt for a freestanding pantry

Lauren’s choice of a HEMNES glass door cabinet with 3 drawers was spot on. It turned out to be the perfect cabinet for a freestanding pantry with lots of shelves for baskets and jars. In the drawers, you’ll have space for rows and rows of food containers. Everything in its place.

Create a pantry in unexpected spaces

Designer Gabriella Borg used the walls of the stairwell next to her kitchen to create her dream walk-in pantry. She used the IKEA KUNGSFORS system to make use of the vertical space. The beauty of the KUNGSFORS is how you only need to fasten the suspension rail once. Then, you can adjust the height of your shelves, without having to make more holes in the wall. Simple and it works. Completing her pantry storage are BEKVÅM spice racks – always a good idea.

How To Shop IKEA for Pantry Organization Solutions

Here are three great ways you can customize your IKEA pantry organization solutions and products to better suit your kitchen needs!

Use Filters To Shop For IKEA Pantry Organization Products

IKEA lets customers use handy filters to find the products they’re looking for. You can filter your product searches by size, color, material, price, type, and doors. It’s also possible to sort the results by the best match, price, customer rating, and more! From clip-on baskets to pantry shelves, these filters create a seamless shopping experience tailored to your needs.

Browse IKEA Storage Solutions And Products In Other Categories

While IKEA has sprawling Kitchen Storage and Pantry Organization categories, you shouldn’t limit yourself to these categories. After all, IKEA has a vast product selection, with many products geared towards organizing and maximizing small spaces. You can browse IKEA Storage Boxes category for more options for hiding your belongings in plain sight!

Digitally Design Your Dream Kitchen With IKEA Online Planners

With their online Kitchen Planner, IKEA empowers homeowners to design their dream kitchen. This online planner lets you try your ideas out virtually before committing to them! While you’ll need to use a computer to access this online tool, this recently launched planner is the best way to test different IKEA products to find the right fit.

When choosing the best ideas and hacks, you should weigh the pros and cons of different IKEA pantry organization systems. While the modular IVAR system allows you to easily add cabinets and shelves to your pantry or kitchen, the design is quite basic. However, your IVAR setup can be customized to fit your kitchen’s design and create showstopping storage!

There are also numerous OMAR and BROR shelving units to consider. The OMAR shelves are affordable, easy to assemble, and ideal for storing visible supplies and ingredients in metal baskets and shelves. However, the metal design of most shelves limits their customizability compared to IVAR systems. While the BROR shelves are pricier, they have more storage space.

Ultimately, there are numerous ways to organize your pantry and kitchen with the brilliant products from IKEA. By customizing these storage solutions to suit your specific needs, you can create the kitchen of your dreams. Just picture it: a clutter-free pantry and kitchen where everything you need is within reach.

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Add a kitchen peninsula or kitchen island is one of the best ways to add storage space and counter space to the kitchen. Depending on the layout of the kitchen you can opt to have an island or a peninsula.

A peninsula may work in smaller spaces where there isn’t room for an island. It’s also a good choice for an open plan kitchen, demarcating the space between the kitchen and dining room or living room.

What’s the difference between a kitchen island and peninsula?

A kitchen island is usually an individual unit detached from other kitchen cabinets. Whereas a kitchen peninsula (though it may also be popularly referred to as an island) is attached to the kitchen base cabinets or wall on one end.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way let’s see how we can build a kitchen peninsula with IKEA furniture.

Use a Kallax shelving unit

We needed a kitchen island that matched my existing kitchen, with drawer and cupboard access on both sides. Our plan was to hack an IKEA KALLAX unit to complete our L-shaped kitchen layout. It was relatively easy with no major hacking.

IKEA item used:

• KALLAX shelving unit in gray/wood effect
• KALLAX door insert
• KALLAX drawer insert

Other materials and tools: 

• Furniture legs from Etsy
• Butcher block countertop
• Herringbone design wallpaper
• Ceramic door knobs

We built a kitchen peninsula with IKEA KALLAX: Here’s how

1. Put together a KALLAX unit and attach legs to the KALLAX. We used 6 legs for the 2×4 IKEA KALLAX unit.

(Tip: Measure the height of your existing cabinetry and get furniture legs that lift the KALLAX + countertop to about the same height as your kitchen worktop. We used 4″ tapered legs.)

2. Flip the KALLAX unit over to stand on the legs. Now, attach the countertop to the surface of the KALLAX unit. (I used Gorilla Glue to fix the butcher block to the KALLAX.)

Install KALLAX drawers and KALLAX doors inserts. Move the KALLAX into position next to kitchen cabinets.

To cover up the backs of the KALLAX drawer inserts, we pasted wallpaper/ decals onto the squares. Lastly, we added ceramic knobs to the drawer fronts.

And our L-shaped kitchen peninsula is done. It has provided additional storage space and counter space to our kitchen.

The project costs us $841 + tax.

Watch out for the KALLAX door inserts. They are kind of impossible to install evenly!

~ by Julia K

IKEA HEMNES sideboard to DIY kitchen peninsula

The IKEA HEMNES sideboard was chipped and looking shabby after an international move. At the same time, our kitchen table and chairs were equally shabby. So we replaced them with this IKEA HEMNES kitchen peninsula hack and countertop stools.

IKEA ITEMS AND OTHER MATERIALS:

• IKEA HEMNES sideboard (bought pre-loved, approx 50 USD)
• Paint and varnish (approx 10 USD)
• Custom made stained wood top (approx 100 USD)
• Sandpaper 

TURNING THE IKEA HEMNES INTO A KITCHEN PENINSULA

First, we sanded the assembled HEMNES sideboard. Then, painted it with several coats of Jotun Silk Sea Emerald.

I painted three coats of emulsion and a two coats of varnish over 3 days, letting the paint fully dry before the varnish.

Once I got the custom-made stained worktop I placed it on top of the HEMNES sideboard, adjusting the overhang to where I want it to be.

Then, drilled four screws from under the top of the HEMNES sideboard into the wood of the worktop. We drilled at each corner of the HEMNES, from beneath.

The countertop is very heavy and doesn’t move when placed on the HEMNES. But as a precaution, (I have kids), I screwed it in because I didn’t want it to tip.

The worktop measures 160cm x 75cm. The countertop overhangs on one side more than the other so the drawers can be accessed.

Lastly, we moved the the HEMNES peninsula into position And that was it.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE HACK?

The colour.

I think I will get the bar stool tops replaced with the same wood as the counter top.

WHAT TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO?

Seal every part with varnish since it is being used in a kitchen/wet area.

LOOKING BACK, WOULD YOU HAVE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY?

I would have made the top slightly wider — it is now 75cm × 160cm.

~ by Bridgee Dunn 

Peninsular kitchen integrated with dishwasher

So.. my kitchen design was kinda dull. And I had no space for a dishwasher and had a lack of cabinet-space, so I decided to build a “peninsula” to close up the kitchen area and make some space for the dishwasher.

I was thinking long and hard on how to do this in a stylish and creative way to match the rest of the apartment without messing with the “feng shui” …

Then it hit me like a bullet from a fine tuned hunting rifle. KALLAX from our beloved IKEA.

So I ran the idea by my girlfriend, which also love the KALLAX series from IKEA. The idea was simple, but it took some know-how and handyman skills to pull it off. Not be mistaken, this is a piece of furniture you can’t move, obviously, because of the dishwasher cabinet that is integrated with the peninsula.

What I needed was:

• KALLAX 2X4 shelf-unit
• A countertop from IKEA (I chose EKBACKEN two sided countertop cause of the design and part wise the cost)
• Silicone – black
• Some different sized screws
• IKEA kitchen cover panel
• KALLAX inserts with door
• Some door knobs from a hardware store
• 1 large pine oil coated 3mmx24cmx120cm
• Some two-by-four inch construction  wood

So I started with building a base from the 2×4 inch wood to lift the KALLAX unit to the same height as the dishwasher cabinet.

Then I painted the unit in the same color as the kitchen. This color was chosen by my girlfriend when we renovated the apartment, H08 oxidized gray. I also closed up the back of the KALLAX unit.

Preparing the supports for the countertop

Then the a-bit-more-complicated work starts. Finding the perfect place for the unit, measuring-moving-and measuring again till I got it where I wanted it. This took some back and forth to get good clearance for the countertop and the dishwasher.

Once that was done, I installed the KALLAX inserts with doors. It was easy as always with the clever IKEA solutions.

Then I installed some brackets on the wall for the oil-plate to get attached to. I fitted brackets on the wall and on the side panel for the countertop to rest on.

I had some issues with a socket and had to move it and also make a new circuit for the new socket on the counter-top. Because of this I lost one of the KALLAX shelves to cabling.

Now the rest was straight forward. After aligning the KALLAX with the dishwasher cabinet and setting up all the brackets, I mounted the countertop on top. And screwed it down. Then I masked and painted the rest of the unit. I cut some toe kick molding and attached them. Then I silicone where it was needed.

The final result of our IKEA kitchen peninsula hack

Now all we need are some bar stools and we’ll have ourselves a breakfast bar.

~ by Krene

Need more hacks and ideas for kitchen islands?

• 2-in-1 detachable movable kitchen island
• The easiest compact kitchen island hack
• Kitchen island with secret storage compartment

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For a small bedroom, the IKEA BRIMNES storage bed ticks all the box. The beds come in full, queen and king sizes — all with 4 spacious drawers under the mattress. There’s also a smaller IKEA BRIMNES daybed with two drawers. The daybed looks like a twin bed but can be quickly pulled out into a double.

Combine the bed with the BRIMNES storage headboard and you’ll add even more capacity without taking a much larger footprint. Undeniably, the design for the BRIMNES is both smart and practical.

But there’s always room for improvement. And an IKEA hack can make your BRIMNES bed even more stylish and functional. Let’s take a look at 4 easy hacks for the BRIMNES bed frame.

1. BRIMNES headboard tissue box retainer

The BRIMNES headboard is nice except for one thing. If you try to have a box of tissue in it … each time you’ll pull a tissue, the box will follow and fall out. Here’s how I solved this issue.

IKEA items used: 

• 1 x BRIMNES headboard

Other materials and tools: 

• 2 x 3″ angles bracket

How to add a tissue box retainer to the BRIMNES headboard

1. Take the middle (removable shelf) out.

2. Screw the two brackets on the edge, spaced to fit the opening of a tissue box.

3. Put the shelf back in place. The hack is done!

Now, if a bad cold keeps you in bed, you have access to your tissues. And the box stays where it should be.

~ by Vincent Trepanier

Related: Freestanding BRIMNES headboard hack

2. IKEA BRIMNES bed frame hack

IKEA white bed frame covered in scrapwood wallpaper design by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. This simple hack turned the plain white IKEA BRIMNES bed frame into a real beauty. There are many other peel and stick scrapwood wallpaper designs available to suit your style.

It’s pretty easy to do. And a very good DIY project to bring new life to an old BRIMNES bed.

How to wallpaper an IKEA bed frame

1. Measure the bed frame and cut pieces of wallpaper according to the panels. You’ll want to leave a bit of excess to wrap around the edges.

2. Clean the bed frame surfaces of any dirt and let dry.

3. Remove the top portion of the adhesive backing of the wallpaper and stick onto the top of the panel, making sure the scrapwood grain runs straight. Gradually unfurl the wallpaper and use a hard piece of card to smooth the paper down, ironing out any bubbles.

4. Repeat on all exposed surfaces of the BRIMNES bed frame until the whole structure is wrapped.

Related: Plain white headboard to bold stripes

3. BRIMNES headboard with flip top

Related: How to attach a headboard to the BRIMNES bed

Sisa had a tiny bedroom, with no space for nightstands. So they chose to buy a BRIMNES headboard to put a lamp and other accessories.

The problem was, due to space limits, they had to place the headboard next to the wall, so lost the lateral storage on one side of the BRIMNES headboard.

Their solution was a little IKEA hack to cut the top shelf just before the joining with the vertical support. Then they reconnected the cut shelf to the rest of the shelf with hinges. And now, there’s access to the additional storage space below.

They still lose the storage on the bottom shelf units, but still better than not having any. The “secret” compartment would be more hidden if they used white hinges (or spray painted the metal ones). It can be completed with a knob to open it or push openers.

4. IKEA BRIMNES floating bedside shelf hack

Caroline couldn’t find anything she liked for a nightstand to fit into her small bedroom. She’s not a fan of a lot of things around her bed and just wanted a surface to charge her phone and let it ring to wake her up.

Then she had an idea to screw the 12″ LACK shelf into either side of her bed. Simple but really convenient, cheap and space saving.

The LACK shelf fixtures has a max. load 6.5 lbs and is not made for heavy items like a large table lamp. If you want to place heavy items on it, do reinforce with additional angle brackets under the shelf.

For a BRIMNES nightstand with drawer storage, see this hack which removes the leg that blocks the opening of the BRIMNES underbed drawer. No need to move the bedside table every time you want to access the storage drawer.

The post IKEA BRIMNES bed hack: Easy DIYs to upgrade the bed appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

One of the most popular ways to decorate the space at the entrance or a hallway is to use a console table — which is the fancy name for a long, narrow table, with or without storage. The table is usually placed flush against the wall, below artwork or mirrors and wall sconces. The flat table top is handy for displaying decorative items and serving as a catch-all space for sunglasses, wallets etc.

It is also an accent piece of furniture that can be dressed up with items such as lamps, vases and picture frames. Adding these touches will warm up the space and create a welcoming entryway. Besides the entrance, console tables can be used as a sofa table or as storage behind the couch.

IKEA offers a number of console tables in various shapes and styles. Our current favorite is the LISTERBY table. We love its curved profile. We also fancy the LIATORP with its glass table top and tapered legs which creates a light airy style.

The PANGET is a good choice if you’re looking for a more traditional farmhouse style accent table. The three drawers are useful for organising small items like keys and watches. For an affordable table, the LACK console table sells for less than $100 and carries the signature IKEA style. IMHO, it screams “Pick me up and hack me into something more exciting.”

Instead of a console table, you can use other pieces of furniture to dress up the entryway, such as a dresser, shoe cabinets like the TRONES or HEMNES. A row of BILLY bookshelves, even a bench can do the trick.

And of course, you can also do a little hack to turn a piece of IKEA furniture into a console table. Let’s take a look at 3 that did just that.

IKEA KALLAX shelf to Console Table Desk hack

I needed a desk that was long but slim enough for a hallway. The IKEA KALLAX 15” depth and 57” width was perfect.

Items used:

• 2×4 KALLAX shelving unit
• Caster wheel
• Allen wrench
• Drill

KALLAX desk step-by-step process

My KALLAX shelf unit was already assembled. You can skip this step if buying new. Firstly, I dismantled the 2×4 KALLAX unit and took out all the inner shelves. I left the long top piece and two side pieces in tact.

The plan is to use the long bottom piece to brace the top piece and the two side panels along the center. What I did was to drill holes large enough to secure the two side panels to the long bottom panel which is now used as a brace. I also used the original screws to lock the pieces all together. 

Lastly, I added the caster wheels to the bottom (optional). However, later I decided to remove the wheels. It made the desk too tall and the whole thing kept moving. 

How long did it take and how much did it cost?

The whole process took about an hour.  Cost wise, it was just the KALLAX shelving unit, though in my case I already had it. You can get a set of 4 caster wheels from Amazon for a under $20.

What was the hardest part of the hack?

The hardest part was the screwing. You have to make sure the holes you drill are deep and wide enough.

~ by Ramon Gil

Console table hack for tapered small space

Our entryway narrowed down into the hallway, so a full sized console table would make it rather tight. I tried many ideas but finally decided to DIY a custom console table to fit our space. This IKEA hack is probably not for everyone but it demonstrates that you can make your furniture fit your space and not the other way round. It’s the perfect solution for us.

Materials: 

• EKBY HEMNES Shelves x 3
• IKEA NIPEN table legs x 3

This console table is made with 3 EKBY HEMNES Shelves (white) and 3 NIPEN table legs (gray).

(Ed: The EKBY HEMNES shelves are discontinued. You can try this project with other IKEA shelves such as the BERGSHULT or any solid wood plank / plywood from your local hardware store.)

Two of the shelves were laid together and a part sawn off (see image below). If you don’t have the tapered space situation, you can leave the shelf as-is, in which case you may need another leg.

The third shelf I used for the sides which I sawed also in the right size keeping it around 19 cm high, keeping the shelf width on one side and matching the other one with the part I sawed off.

The shelves were then screwed together.

Put three NIPEN legs under and your IKEA console table hack is done. (Alternative leg suggestion is the HILVER.)

~ Alda, Iceland

LACKing a Console Table

I needed a narrow and long console table to fit our hallway. The console also needed to have a bit of storage for some of our shoes, a basket for our scarves, etc.

So I went shopping at IKEA and came back with an idea and 2 LACK TV benches.

First, I attached the tops of 2 LACK TV benches together using brackets underneath to create a long tabletop.

I added 4 garden posts to make pretty legs and used 4 of the LACK legs doubled up to make a wide leg to support the centre. Then, I attached the original shelves to the lower part of the legs to hold boots, shoes and accessories.

I covered the top in marble effect sticky backed vinyl and added baskets to hold incoming mail and small items. I later added another shelf to hold bags etc.

So far it works superbly for our narrow hallway.

The post IKEA Console Table Hack: 3 Simple DIY projects appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

IKEA TARVA dressers are affordable, durable, and easy to construct, making them one of the Swedish manufacturer’s most popular products. TARVA dressers seamlessly combine simple designs with untreated solid wood, creating a blank canvas that works well with other styles and IKEA furniture items.

Currently, there are 3 TARVA dressers available at IKEA: the 6-drawer chest, 3-drawer and 5-drawer chest. Like the rest of the TARVA range, the chest of drawers are made from solid pine except for the back panel and drawer bottom which are fiberboard.

There are many fantastic DIY hacks to modify the exterior and interior of an IKEA TARVA dresser, allowing you to personalize the outside while organizing the inside. Being untreated solid pine makes it a prime candidate for IKEA hacking. It readily takes paints and stains, cutting and drilling.

Many people have transformed their basic IKEA dresser into a unique piece of furniture that expresses their style – and you can, too! From decorating the TARVA dresser’s exterior to repurposing the dresser, I’ve collected 20 IKEA TARVA hacks to get the most out of your sturdy chest of drawers. 

20 fabulous IKEA TARVA Dressers Hacks to try at home

1. Use Wood Stain Hacks To Create A Modern Dresser

You can use your favorite wood stains to craft a sleek, modern dresser. A clean TARVA design will add an elegant, modern touch to a room. For a rustic earthy vibe, complement the TARVA dresser with new hardware like these vintage brass drawer handles. 

2. Combine Trim With Trendy Handles For A Simple Hack

While the TARVA comes with basic round wood drawer handles, you can instantly upgrade your dresser by replacing the stock handles with trendy pulls. Paired with a coat of white paint, you’ll have a timeless TARVA design that’s stunning and functional. 

3. Use This Hack To Craft An Art Deco TARVA Dresser

If you’ve struggled to find the right vintage pieces for your home, this TARVA makeover is perfect! With a funky paint color and DIY drawer pulls to match, you can instantly transport your dresser back in time. Using a turquoise color will help turn your dresser into a statement piece.

4. Hack TARVA Dressers With Paintable Wallpaper

Paintable wallpaper is the easiest way to customize the exterior of your TARVA dresser – especially when paired with personalized drawer handles. Paintable wallpaper is available in many styles and textures and can be easily customized with a paint color that compliments the rest of your décor. Many people have used this method to upgrade their TARVA dressers. 

5. Give Your TARVA Dresser A Geometric Makeover

Simple lines can instantly elevate your TARVA dresser with a geometric makeover. You can use a stencil to create a geometric pattern on your dresser. Lacquer paint will ensure your design is visible once the paint dries on your customized dresser. 

6. Make Your Own Coastal-Themed TARVA Dresser 

An IKEA TARVA dresser is the perfect canvas to turn into a coastal-themed dresser. You can use paint in half strength to create a dreamy, muted color where the wood grain may still peek through. Try painting either the drawer fronts or dresser frame to create subtle contrast.

7. Elevate Your TARVA Dresser’s Drawer Pulls

There’s a simple way to make your TARVA dresser appear absolutely non-IKEA: change the drawer pulls. And we don’t mean replacing the knobs with a pull. Take a leaf from Jessica and make custom geometric pulls for the drawers. Now the placement of these new wood handles is key. Adding them to the top and bottom of the dramatically changes the look of the dresser. Paint or stain will work with this IKEA TARVA dresser hack.

8. Angle the legs for a lighter look

I agree with Sarah Sherman Samuel, “You just have got to do something about those legs!”. A simple tweak but makes a whole lot of difference. She completes the hack with a coat of pale blue paint and classy drawer handles that allow you to easily pull out the drawers. 

9. Go bold with Overlays 

With some paint and an overlay kit, you can create a TARVA dresser with a Greek key design – which is a style that will never go out of style. This TARVA hack is affordable and looks luxurious. The best of both worlds! Don’t forget to stain the pine top for contrast.

10. Craft A Woven Raffia Styled TARVA Dresser

You can use this YouTuber’s hack to transform your TARVA dresser into a stunning woven raffia dresser that looks more high end than it really is! You can make your dresser look like a model that will cost you $4000 for just 10% of the cost! 

11. Use it as a base for a built-in 

Take a shortcut in building built-in storage drawers. Jaime started with a 5-drawer TARVA chest and integrated it with the rest of the cabinet.

12. Overhaul a drawer dresser into a rolling desk

This IKEA TARVA dresser hack is a lot more involved than most of the ones listed here. But it’s so good. Diane took inspiration from a college dorm room desk — a small piece of furniture that had 3 functions. It had space on top for books, drawers for clothes beneath and a drop down desk that is deep enough to fit a laptop. Now can you believe this dresser can do all that? See her tutorial for the full DIY process. 

13. Go tall with a TARVA hutch

From dresser to hutch? It’s possible with the TARVA. Gail built a hutch to fit on top of the TARVA chest and effectively doubled the storage space on the same footprint. The TARVA hutch works great in her laundry room for linens, towels, and laundry supplies.

14. Turn Your TARVA Dresser Into A Grasscloth Dresser

While Grasscloth furniture is quite expensive, you can use this hack to transform your dresser into one that looks like it was manufactured by a designer. You can use a fabric of your choice to transform your IKEA TARVA drawer fronts to match your home decor. 

15. Craft A Fluted TARVA Dresser With This Hack

With this chic TARVA hack, you can add a lot of texture and personality to any TARVA dresser. ¾-inch screen trim is the best size for creating a fluted look. You’ll need a lot of patience for this IKEA hack … attaching trim one by one can be tedious. If you can get your hands on pole wrap, it will certainly speed things up. 

16. Amp Up Your Walk-in Wardrobe With Drawers

A TARVA dresser is an easy way to add drawers to your walk-in closet, especially if you’re constructing a custom wardrobe from scratch. It’s the perfect size to neatly store underwear, socks and KonMari style folded clothes. The 5-drawer TARVA has a shallower drawer which is perfect for accessories and watches. See Hannah’s post for tips on adding drawers to your custom closet.

17. Turn Your TARVA Dresser Into A Changing Table

You can use this beautiful hack to turn your TARVA dresser into a functional changing table! This DIY project is ideal for parents of young ones who are looking for an affordable and stylish changing table that they can still use when the kid no longer needs a changing table. And as a bonus, it looks so good in the nursery. The replacement of the TARVA legs with bun feet adds to the charm. 

18. Hack the TARVA into a drinks cabinet

Katie took the TARVA into new territory as a drinks cabinet. She changed the top drawer into a wine shelf. The bottom two drawer space is merged into a two-door cabinet for wine glasses and more bottles. Not an easy IKEA hack, but it shows how a regular piece of furniture can end up totally changed. Now, I would not recommend buying a new piece of TARVA and changing it into a drinks cabinet (unless you want to) but if you have an old unused one, by all means repurpose it.

19. Transform Your TARVA Into A Television Stand

By removing the top drawer of your TARVA dresser, you can transform it into a TV stand and media cabinet. Katie used a furniture grade board to create shelves to cover up the top of the second drawers. She cut the board to fit the inside of the dresser cabinet and notched around the drawer supports. A coat of paint in the same color as the TARVA frame makes all of it seamless. The open shelving provides a nook for electronics, game consoles and hide unsightly cords. 

20. Create Drama with a two-toned piece

There’s no rule that says you need to paint the whole piece of furniture. @ebonybasten dips the top of the dresser in black and stops for dramatic effect. It works!

There’s certainly no shortage of DIY hacks to customize your IKEA TARVA dresser to add your personal style. With the right inspiration, you can use your TARVA dresser in nearly any room in your house, including bedrooms, laundry rooms, and even lounges. Which among these 20 is your favorite IKEA TARVA dresser hack?

For more IKEA hacks on the TARVA range, see this page dedicated to IKEA TARVA hacks.

The post 20 IKEA TARVA Hacks to go from Basic to Beautiful appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

My child is finally getting his own room. So I would like to have a wardrobe suitable for his size, where he can easily see his clothes, make his choices, and actually access these choices by himself. It shouldn’t take up too much space, but having different dedicated spots for different items (e.g. socks vs. hats) would be great for keeping things organized. Something that can grow with a child would be a plus.

I’ve considered buying the SYVDE wardrobe (sharp corners and lack of flexibility in shelves). NORDKISA wardrobe (expensive and takes up more space than I’m prepared to set aside for clothes). Or alternatively hacking the KALLAX / TROFAST shelves, before realizing that HUTTEN wine racks are a great fit for my needs.

I was fortunate enough to find someone in my locality letting go of multiple used racks at a steeply discounted price. So the overall price I paid is far lower than any of the above options, too.

Materials 

(for a basic wardrobe unit with space to hang clothes):

• 2 x HUTTEN wine racks
• 1 long wooden dowel approximately 30cm / 1 foot in length
• 2 hooks or 1 piece of rope to attach the dowel

Tools

• Hex key (comes with each IKEA set if you are buying new)
• Pliers

How to DIY a toddler clothing rack

Assuming you are starting with 2nd hand / already-assembled racks:

Use an appropriately sized allen key to remove all the screws from each rack. Separate the vertical pieces (shown in grey in the diagrams below) from the horizontal pieces (shown in multiple colours).

Make sure the same wooden dowels used to secure the middle horizontal pieces remain attached to them, instead of the vertical pieces. If they are stuck onto the vertical pieces, use pliers to wriggle them loose.

Reassemble rack 1 without the middle horizontal piece.

Take the middle horizontal pieces from both racks, position them vertically over rack 1, and push down. You may need to hammer (gently) in order to have the pieces fit snugly.

Reassemble rack 2 with the bottom horizontal piece only attached on one side of both vertical pieces. (Refer to diagram 2).

Position rack 2 over the assembled parts and push down. Again, hammer (gently) if necessary.

Attach a long dowel below rack 2’s top horizontal piece. I happened to have one with metal eyelets already drilled into both ends. So I hooked it up with two metal hooks, but if all you have is a plain stick, a piece of rope and some hot glue should do equally well.

If you are starting with new and unassembled racks, skip steps 1-2 above.

If you have more HUTTEN racks, you can stack them together (with one or two horizontal pieces removed), possibly in multiple stacks, to make wider wardrobes. I had 5 racks in total for my project. So I made two stacks and attached them to each other using zip ties for greater stability.

Bonus points

I like the look of untreated wood, so I didn’t paint over the racks. But according to the IKEA website, painting should be easy if you want the racks to match your room’s existing decor.

If you need storage baskets, the 28/14cm  (11/5.5 inch) SKUBB boxes fit PERFECTLY within the inner dimensions of each shelf.

~ by Lin Zi

The post Unexpected IKEA item makes a fantastic toddler clothing rack appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I wanted a dedicated poker table but we didn’t have enough space. Any table would be used for its intended purpose (dining, etc) 99% of the time so I wanted a regular table that can be immediately turned into a gaming table.

Materials:

• 1 x IKEA JOKKMOKK dining table (any size you wish)  RRP £179 but I got it for £40 second hand.

• 47mm x 75mm Timber (also known as 3×2): Quantity depends on size of your table, I used 2 x 2.4m long boards. £8 in total

• Suited Speed Cloth: Make sure this is wider than all the edges of your playing surface so you can staple it to the underside. £15 for my measurement.

• 18mm plywood or MDF: I used 25mm plywood which did the trick but is absolutely overkill so I’d recommend using 18mm instead. Be sure to measure this according to the inside perimeter of your table with the top removed. I had this lying around so didn’t add to the cost.

• 6mm foam: I used an old yoga mat I had lying around the house, you can even go thicker than 6mm if you wish. This cost me £5

• 10mm Dowel rod £5

• 12mm Skirting board 2.4m (L) x 94mm (W) £8.50

• LED strips (optional) purchase a reel that is longer than the inner diameter of the table. 5m reel was £6

• LED aluminium profile/channel (optional) Purchase as many as it takes to fit in the inner diameter of the table. £12

• USB inline switch (optional) This is to switch the lights on and off. (pack of 2 for £5)

Total cost of materials £109.50

Tools/Consumables:

I had these around the house anyway so I didn’t factor these into the cost.

• Staple gun
• Circular Saw (or table saw if you have one)
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Impact Driver
• Stanley knife
• Mitre Saw: I had to use a handsaw but I would strongly advise using a mitre saw instead.
• Wood Glue
• Spray adhesive
• Wood screws
• M6 bolts x 10
• M6 washers x 10
• M6 Threaded Insert for Wood x 10
• Paste wax (I used beeswax in this case)
• Wood finish (entirely up to you what kind)

How to DIY a Hidden Poker Table from an IKEA dining table

Flip the JOKKMOKK table upside down and unscrew tabletop from table frame.

Keeping the tabletop and frame/legs in place Use a 10mm drill bit to hollow out the existing screw holes and drill ¾ the way through the thickness of the tabletop.

Set aside table top and measure inner diameter of table frame (mine was 110 x 66cm including the 2mm gap on all sides for the speed cloth).

Making the playing surface

Using these measurements, cut your plywood for your playing surface to size. Be sure to cut off the corners to accommodate the leg brackets.

Attaching arm rests to the table frame

Measure between leg brackets on all sides, then use these measurements to cut your 2x3s to size. I’d advise using a mitre saw for this.

Clamp these 2x3s to the inner frame ensuring they’re flush with the top, then drill some pilot holes for screws from the outside. You could use longer screws from the inside but they’ll have less to grab onto in my opinion.

Measure the inner diameter including the arm rests, then cut your foam to this size.
Attach foam to playing surface using spray adhesive.

Wrap the speed cloth over the foam surface then flip the surface over revealing the back. Pull the cloth tight and staple the cloth to the surface.

Securing the playing surface to the table frame

Flip table frame upside down (with legs pointing to the ceiling) then drop the playing surface in face-down.

Secure the surface to the frame from the outside by drilling a hole for the M6 threaded inserts then driving in M6 bolts to hold it all in place.

Adding dowels to the table top

Flip the tabletop face down then cut 3 x 30mm dowels to put in the dowel holes (one on a long side and one each on the short sides).

Put glue in the dowel holes then place the dowels in them. Once glue for dowels has dried, carefully carve the ends of the protruding dowels so that it can be lowered into the holes easier. The table top covers up the playing surface when it is not in use.

Adding the arm rest frame

To make the arm rest frame, measure outer diameter of table without the tabletop then cut the skirting board to size.

Dry-fit the skirting board so it’s even on all sides then clamp 3 out of the 4 boards into place whilst gluing and nailing the unclamped one. Once done, do the same with the next board and so on until all 4 sides are done.

Once glue has dried, fill corner joints and nail holes with wood filler if necessary. Cover playing surface with cardboard, then sand the arm rest frame with 40 grit sandpaper, then move onto 80, 120 and 220 grits until smooth to the touch.

Using a tack cloth remove as much dust from the arm rest frame as possible then wipe it all down with white spirit.

Staining

Once dry, apply your first coat of stain. I used a stain/varnish combination that required 8 coats with a light sanding in between, but you can use any other one that suits your needs.
Continue adding coats of finish until you are satisfied.

Adding LED strips and power bank (optional)

I cut LED aluminium channels to size for each side of the frame and attached them to the inner border, then I stuck the LED strip to the channels in one continuous run having the end wire trail down one of the corner gaps. I mounted a USB power bank to the underside of the table for the strips to connect to via a USB inline switch.

Admire your work and play some cards! My friend here is smiling because he won that night, the scumbag.

How long and how much did the DIY poker table cost? 

This took 2 weekends in all and cost £109.50

What do you like most about the hack? 

I like how hidden it is and functional as a regular table but a quick lift of the top and it’s an entirely different table altogether.

What was the hardest part about this hack? 

Attaching the arm rests first as these HAVE to be flush with the regular frame otherwise everything else will not fit.

What to pay special attention to? 

Take your time with the staining and finishing, I rushed mine a bit and had some drips that are still there.

Looking back, would you have done it differently? 

I would have made, sanded and finished the arm rest frame without the playing surface attached.

Nevertheless, so far it has had a positive reception.

~ by James Culhane

See video on how the hidden DIY poker table works. View my instructable for full tutorial.

The post DIY Hidden Poker Table built into regular IKEA dining table appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

A couple of years ago, I had a dead Ash tree cut down and the trunk cut into planks. At the time I thought it might be nice to make a live-edge Ash fireplace mantle, or counter top, so the idea was in the back of my mind when I saw a few YouTube videos of hacks of other IKEA Dressers into Apothecary cabinets.

I had an area of my dining room that was a bit of a dead space, and I had thought of making a sideboard, for storage and creating a live edge top for it.

I investigated the RAST and TARVA Dressers, but thought they did not have the depth that I wanted… However, I liked the depth of my MALM Dresser, and decided to use the 6 Drawer Dresser from my Bedroom, and combine it with the 3 Drawer Dresser from my spare bedroom.

Here’s a before-after shot of my DIY apothecary cabinet.

SUPPLIES

• IKEA MALM 3 Drawer Chest
• IKEA MALM 6 Drawer Dresser

• 1”x2”x8’ Pine (Structural Support for the Back) (x2)
• 1”x3”x8’ Pine (Kick Board) 
• 1”x4”x8’ Pine (Side Panels)

• Solid Pine Panels (12”x 36”x 3/4”) (x9)
• 4 Sets of Connector Bolts
• Drawer Pulls, Label Holders & Label Pulls

• Pre-Stain Conditioner
• Various Colours of Stain
• Paste Finishing Wax

Tools

• 3/16” Drill
• 7/ 32” Drill
• Table or Circular Saw

How to DIY a large apothecary style sideboard cabinet

1. Preparing the MALM dresser frame

The 6 Drawer and 3 Drawer units together fit almost perfectly into the space.

Note: The blue tape on the wall was used to mark the wall stud locations.

I disassembled the Dressers by removing the drawers, back and top. I wanted the back off so I could access the electrical plugs in the wall behind the Sideboard. Removing the back and top made the remaining frame very wobbly, but I added additional structural support to the top and bottom of the back.

I bolted the two MALM frames together and added 1” x 2” pine boards at the top and bottom of the back for added rigidity and an additional 2 x 4 frame around the top to help hold the Sideboard away from the wall and center it in the opening.

I screwed the 2x4s into the back and side wall studs.

2. Making Apothecary style drawer fronts

I realized that I couldn’t use the existing MALM drawer fronts because, although the width of the drawer fronts worked to give a nice gap between the drawers, the height was about ¾” (2 cm) too short and exposed too much of the frame of the Sideboard.

A height of a MALM drawer is 7 15/16” (20 cm), I needed the drawer fronts to be 8 11/16” (22cm) high.

So, I bought 9 – 12” x 36” Pine Panels, ¾” thick.

I cut them down to the correct size and transferred the locations of the holes and the slot from the back of the MALM drawer front to the back of the new Pine drawer front. 

I cut the slot in the back of the drawer front so the drawer bottom could fit into it.

The holes for the wooden dowels were drilled with a 7/32” drill bit and the holes for the connector bolts were drilled with an 3/16” drill bit. 

Note: make sure you mark on the drill how deep to drill the holes. 

I used a circular saw and a table saw to cut 3/8” deep grooves into the drawer fronts to give the illusion of many smaller drawers.

Make sure you continue the cuts onto the top, bottom and sides to help with the illusion.

Once the drawers were reassembled, test fit all of the drawers back into the Dressers together.

Locate and predrill the holes for the hardware pulls. 

3. Staining the Apothecary drawer fronts

Apply a Pre-Stain Conditioner to allow for a more even application of stain.

Paint the darkest stain into the grooves cut into the drawer front and then stain the rest of the board.

For the “Blueprint Drawers” effect, I painted the drawer front grey and used the stain to “dirty them up”.

4. Finishing the Apothecary sideboard cabinet

I applied the same stain on all of the other drawers, but after I was done I did not like the effect and went back and sanded the stain off of random “mini drawer fronts” and then used a different, lighter shade of stain to give the drawer fronts more of a random pattern.

A few months later, I added a Paste Finishing Wax finish to the drawer fronts, and then reassembled the drawers.

As I was doing the re-assembly, “The Boss”, came by to inspect my work…

THE COUNTERTOP

I cut the live-edge Ash plank to the correct length, but as of this time, I have not been able to finish it, so it is still just raw wood.

It is unfinished, but useable for its purpose… Anyone want a coffee?

~ by Peter Graham, Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada

Watch the build process of my DIY apothecary cabinet hack.

The post Hack a big Apothecary style Sideboard Cabinet appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

IKEAhackers readers help solve PAX wardrobe in old wall closet space problem.

Linda B sent in a question, “How can I access the space between the PAX system put into a wall closet with non-standard higher ceilings? The PAX is blocking the top. (Shall I) hinge the top? Put in trap door in the top of the PAX?”

Here are two shots of the PAX and closet in question. The space is currently hard to access and use effectively.

I posted this question on @ikeahackersofficial on Instagram and IH readers chimed in with many helpful suggestions.

Some agreed with Linda on adding a secret hatch to the top of the PAX. But I think the space above is still hard to access via a trapdoor.

#1 Raise the PAX wardrobe

The most popular suggestion involve raising the PAX. Butting the top of the PAX frame against the ceiling flips the void around — the space goes under the PAX instead.

Kelsie suggests, “Build a base as high as possible and use the space under the PAX.” V.wiltebo says to “add a shelf/ drawer under (the PAX). The hangers are easier to access than box above.”

Emma echoes the same sentiment to attach extra “legs” under the cabinet so that the wasted space (above) fills up and gives more space under.”

The space beneath can be easily filled up with the baskets and bins.

Besides legs, the IKEA kitchen fridge top cabinet may fit under the shallower 13″ deep PAX. (The fridge cabinet may not be deep enough for the 22″ deep PAX.)

The only problem I foresee is trying to build the PAX wardrobe in place. There probably isn’t quite enough room to slide the PAX with legs attached or drawers into the closet space. If you have a workaround for that, do let us know in the comments below.

Which leads us to the second possibility.

#2 Widen the closet opening

Rachelle’s recommendation is to remove the drywall and frame the closet opening wider. This is probably the neatest, most effective but more expensive and time consuming solution.

Krista did a great job widening the opening of the old reach-in closet and inserting two PAX frames into the closet space. Read her post for lots of useful DIY information.

#3 Make an access door

The last idea is to add a door above the closet.

Koqui says “make a door on the wall right above the closet door frame. I did the same on mine.” Cutting an opening on the drywall, framing it out and then adding a push-open door is very doable. And it solves the problem effectively.

This video may offer some handy tips on how to make an access door in a drywall.

What other suggestions do you have for Linda, do let us know in the comments below.

The post How to make use of blocked space above PAX wardrobe? appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Budget savvy shaker style remodel refreshed a dated kitchen and added lots of storage space.

My old built-in microwave failed during the pandemic and I could not replace it with one that fit in the hole. The built in wall oven also was having issues. In addition the kitchen cabinets were short and dated. I decided it was time for a remodel. The quotes for a kitchen remodel I received were in the $30,000 range and I simply could not afford them. I am not handy and could not DIY.

Enter IKEA ENHET cabinet doors. I love the color, and the sizes available were perfect for my kitchen redesign plan. The cabinets were still in good condition so I could continue using them. However, I wanted the upper cabinets extended to the ceiling.

Adding upper cabinet extensions

My contractor simply made wooden boxes to place on top of my existing upper cabinets. He also added molding at the top of the cabinets to finish the built-ins. The old doors for both upper and base kitchen cabinets were all removed and replaced with new IKEA ENHET doors.

He then painted the old kitchen cabinets. I loved the gray color, and my contractor was able to match the paint color perfectly at Sherwin Williams. The paint stuck perfectly to both my old prefab cabinets and the wood extension. Here’s the formulation, in case you’re thinking of the same thing.

I chose not to have the microwave built-in as you never know when another world wide supply chain issue will make that microwave impossible to locate. The cabinet extensions have added so much extra space, that I can easily hide it. I don’t because I use it every day.

The only new ENHET cabinet is on top of my refrigerator. I love my new ENHET kitchen and could not have afforded it without IKEA.

~ by Kris S.

The post A low-cost kitchen redo with this one IKEA product appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Even the smallest walk-in closets add much-needed privacy and storage space to rooms. Walk-in closets allow you to store similar items together and keep your home clutter-free. You can double up on your overall storage space with the right IKEA hacks and ideas for your small walk-in closet.

IKEA has many modular closet systems and freestanding wardrobes that can be used to maximize space in small walk-in closets. The AURDAL, BESTA, PAX, and PLATSA modular systems are popular options because they let homeowners customize the inside of tight walk-in closets to suit their storage needs.

While your walk-in closet may not seem big enough to store everything, it actually has sufficient space for everything you need to store and more. You just need some closet inspiration! With our helpful IKEA hacks, your small walk-in closet becomes a blank canvas for an IKEA closet makeover! 

What Type Of Closets Can You Buy At IKEA? 

Regardless of how small your walk-in closet may be, you can use IKEA’s stellar closets and storage solutions to transform it into your dream closet. IKEA’s closets can be divided into two main categories: freestanding wardrobes and modular systems. 

IKEA Freestanding Wardrobes 

IKEA has a wide selection of freestanding armoires and wardrobes that are ideal for use in tight walk-in closets. While these options can’t be customized like the modular systems, they come in various sizes and designs – which means you can find freestanding storage solutions that suit your space. 

IKEA Modular Systems 

IKEA’s modular wardrobe systems give homeowners endless closet possibilities. With these closet systems, you can design a walk-in closet that perfectly fits your space and needs!

AURDAL 

The IKEA AURDAL system combines modern designs with compact functionality. This sleek modular system has many possible storage combinations and is ideal for use in small spaces like walk-in closets. 

BESTÅ 

The IKEA BESTÅ system expertly fuses open and closed storage. There’s also a wide variety of colors, materials, and textures for homeowners to choose from. You can even use this system to craft a display cabinet for your walk-in closet. 

BOAXEL 

The IKEA BOAXEL system is one of the most affordable modular systems. While customizing this durable storage system, you can select different sizes, materials, colors, and finishes to personalize your closet. 

PAX 

The IKEA PAX system is one of the most popular options due to how customizable this modular system is. For example, there are hinged doors, sliding doors, and wardrobes without doors. You can further customize your PAX wardrobe with handles, interior organizers, and wardrobe lighting. 

PLATSA 

The IKEA PLATSA system can fit into the most unusual spaces, making it the ideal choice for extra-small walk-in closets! Whether you keep it low or build it high, the PLATSA system has many possible customization options and combinations to fit wherever you need. 

Tips To Choose The Right IKEA Closet For Your Needs

Here are a few helpful tips to help maximize any walk-in closet with IKEA’s closets and storage solutions!

Plan Ahead For Your Walk-In Closet 

Rethinking your current layout is key to organizing and maximizing space in small walk-in closets. Planning will ensure you utilize all your available closet space. You should measure the dimensions of your walk-in closet and take note of existing features to design around them. 

Combine Open And Closed Storage Options

While IKEA has many closets and storage options, it’s up to you to find the ones that work best in your walk-in closet. For the best results, combine open and closed storage options. Combining multiple storage options ensures there’s a place for everything! 

Pick Closets That Perfectly Fit Your Space

You should choose IKEA closets and storage solutions that fit your closet’s dimensions as perfectly as possible. Doing this will ensure you fully maximize your entire space and prevent having wasted space. 

Use IKEA Free Storage Planning Tools 

IKEA has free planning tools for customers to use online. The BESTÅ, BOAXEL, ELVARLI, PAX, and PLATSA planners let you design a custom closet to perfectly fit your walk-in space. You can combine different elements, including drawers, shelves, hanging rods, hooks, and more!

20 IKEA Hacks and Ideas To Maximize Your Small Walk-In Closet

Here are twenty fantastic small walk-in closet ideas and IKEA hacks to help you get the most out of small closet spaces!

1. Install Drawers And Shelves For Versatility 

Installing a combination of drawers and shelves in your walk-in closet creates the perfect balance of closed and open storage options for maximum versatility. If your existing closet does not come with drawer options, you can add a set of drawers using one of these IKEA hacks.

2. Make The Most Of Every Wall In Your Walk-In Closet 

When customizing a modular system, like the IKEA PAX wardrobe, you should use every wall in your walk-in closet. While you can create a wall-to-wall storage system with IKEA’s planning tools, there are many wall storage options to help maximise the small space. The BOAXEL system can be slot into small nooks and built up for more storage.

3. Divide Your Walk-In Closet Into Zones 

The best way to maximize your walk-in closet is to divide and conquer the space. IKEA KALLAX shelving unit can stand flush against the wall or divide a closet space. Katherine divided the small closet space into two for her twin boys, using the KALLAX as the anchor piece.

4. Stack Clothing Rods To Add Extra Hanging Space

Stacking clothing rods above one another lets you maximize storage space in small closets. You can also add a second hanging section or a pants rack to many of IKEA’s modular systems. Multi-use hangers will help you save even more space while hanging clothes!

5. Hack a closet island

Like a kitchen island, a closet island can be so useful. It provides storage for shoes and bags. Accessories, makeup and skincare and go into drawers. And extra countertop space is always helpful when you need to do your hair and makeup. Lauren used the old EXPEDIT, similar to the KALLAX, to easily put together a compact island that fits right into her closet. Add wheels to push it out of the way when not in use.

6. Add High Shelves For Seasonal Storage 

You can utilize more vertical space by installing high shelves in your walk-in closet. These shelves are ideal for storing seasonal items you don’t need access to year-round. Put these items in transparent boxes so they are easy to identify. Or in pretty baskets with a label in front.

7. Install LED Lights Under Your Shelves 

Installing LED strip lights under your shelves is a perfect way of adding mood lighting to your walk-in closet. The IKEA PAX Closet lets you add lighting while customizing your closet. If you have wardrobes with doors, the battery powered STÖTTA cabinet lighting strip automatically lights up when you open the doors.

8. Add Mirrored Doors To Expand Small Spaces

Many of the IKEA PAX wardrobes have the option to add mirrored doors. There are also freestanding wardrobes with mirrored closet doors. It’s an old trick to give the illusion of space. But it works.

9. Hang A Full-Length Mirror On The Closet Door

Hanging a full-length mirror over your walk-in closet’s door is the most effective way of expanding small closet spaces. IKEA used to carry the GARNES mirror which served this purpose. Unfortunately it’s no longer in production. You can get similar over the door mirrors on Amazon.

10. Use floating shelves for a clutter free appearance

Floating shelves make for sleek storage. With invisible mounting, these shelves are ideal for displaying items like your perfume collection. They are discrete and can reduce visual clutter, which makes a huge different in small closet. The smallest IKEA LACK shelf is less than 12 inches wide and may fit into many a tight spot. They are perfect as shoe shelves.

11. Use BILLY Bookcases For Easy Customization

IKEA BILLY bookcases are as versatile as the product line, making it easy to add shelves to any walk-in closet. There are many different sizes available. Smaller sizes are the perfect addition to any kid’s room. Casey added the narrow BILLY bookshelf against one wall in her closet, anchored it to the wall. Then added shelves from the BILLY to the other end of the closet. She used shelf and rod brackets to hold up the shelf and clothes rail to complete her toddler wardrobe.

12. Organize Clutter With Storage Carts

IKEA storage carts make an ideal addition to your walk-in closet. You can use them to store smaller items like scarves, gloves and hats. Even diapers! While these carts can be used for additional storage space, you can also use them to wheel clean clothes back to the closet from the laundry room.

13. Wall Hooks Help Prevent Wasted Space

From jewelry to clothing, IKEA’s extensive range of wall hooks are the perfect addition to your walk-in closet. You can install them in any vertical space, even behind the closet door! These hooks are available in many designs and styles. An IKEA hack to try is to use kitchen rails like the HULTARP on the back of doors or on walls for more storage space.

14. Install Pegboards To Reduce Clutter

IKEA SKÅDIS pegboards offer great wall storage options, making them one of the best IKEA closet hacks. You can use pegboards to store jewelry, make-up, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and more! 

15. Add A Makeup Vanity Into Your Closet 

IKEA has many make-up vanities and dressing tables, ensuring your styling essentials are always within reach in your walk-in closet. But when you don’t have the space for a stand-alone vanity, try adding a makeup vanity in the wardrobe itself. Jenny Komeda left the top half of one of the PAX frames empty and installed a PAX shelf at counter height to serve as her vanity. Add a mirror and you’re done!

16. Add A Picture Ledge To Your Walk-In Closet

Picture ledges are one of the most minimalist (and easiest) ways of decorating a wall. While these ledges are meant to display photos, they can also hold handbags, makeup and accessories in a closet. To milk even more mileage out of them, screw in eye hooks under the ledge to hang necklaces and jewelry.

17. Double Your Shoe Storage with Organizers

IKEA has many shoe organizers and shoe storage, which are crucial for an organized closet. We like the SKOSTALL shoe organizer that lets you stack one shoe on top of the other. A real space saver.

18. Dressers Up Your Closet’s Folded Storage Space

IKEA dressers are one of the most practical additions to your walk-in closet, providing you with more than enough drawer space. You can also use the top of the front dressers as a vanity table! Using dressers in your guest room provides extra space for guests’ belongings.

19. Add Clothes Boxes To Compartmentalize

Clothes boxes help you maximize your clothes storage and take the guesswork out of getting ready. IKEA clothes boxes fit perfectly in unused spaces. The HEMMAFIXARE fabric storage case is ideal for your linen closet. It has front facing zipper that lets you access the contents without moving the storage case out of the shelf.

20. Complete Your Closet With Storage Footstools

IKEA’s storage footstools are the perfect way to complete your walk-in closet, especially if you installed a vanity table. The sleek BOSNÄS footstool can be used to store miscellaneous items!  

There are many brilliant small walk-in closet ideas and IKEA hacks to help you maximize your closet space! By using IKEA modular systems and freestanding closets, you can craft a versatile storage space where there’s room for everything and more. These closet organization ideas ensure there’s no wasted space in your dream closet.

The post Maximizing Your Small Walk-In Closet With IKEA Hacks and Ideas appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Year on year, I’m glad to see IKEA introducing more and more Chinese New Year decorations and tableware. I personally love the Lunar New Year range from IKEA as it is not overly traditional. I’d say it’s Chinese with a modern Scandi flair.

This year the FÖSSTA collection is the brainchild of designers Jennifer Idrizi, Zhelin Lian and Willy Chong. The collection is all you would need to prepare your home for Chinese New Year, complete with festive decorations, storage containers, bowls, trays and textiles.

The inspiration for the FÖSSTA heralds back to China’s cultural roots. The beautiful pieces are influenced by art of the Tang Dynasty with plum blossom prints in traditional ink and brush painting technique. And of course, an abundance of bunny designs to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.

Here are my favorites from the 2023 IKEA Chinese New Year collection. If you’ve been too busy to get your home ready for the celebration, it’s still not too late to pop into IKEA and load these into your cart. Chinese New Year starts on January 22 this year and lasts for 15 days.

1. FÖSSTA serving container with lid

Serving guests who come to “bài nián”, meaning a New Year Visit, is one of the most enjoyable Chinese New Year traditions. Every home will usually have an assortment of cookies, sweets and nuts to serve guests. The FÖSSTA serving container with its compartments makes it easy to serve an array of delights in style.

2. FÖSSTA Chinese New Year dinner table setting

Family coming home from all over, gathering for “tuan nien fan” , the Reunion Dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve is of utmost importance. If you have to pick one day in a whole year to come home for dinner, this is it. Traditionally, generations of family members will gather round tables to tuck into home cooked food. Over the years this may have changed somewhat — with families gathering in restaurants instead. And just two years ago we even resorted to Zoom Reunion Dinners.

Nevertheless if you’re hosting a Chinese New Year dinner, IKEA has the perfect table setting planned for you. I like the subtle plum blossom designs embossed into the FÖSSTA bowls. And the bowls are in a delicate jade-green glaze, complementing all the strong red hues expected on Chinese New Year decorations.

3. FÖSSTA bunny cushion

The FÖSSTA cushion in a shape of a bunny is the cutest thing. Round, with incredibly soft faux fur and adorable floppy ears — it’s ready to hop into our homes. It’s a cushion that looks right in its place not only during Chinese New Year but all year round.

4. FÖSSTA vase

The FÖSSTA vase is a rather unexpected item in the entire collection. Departing from the red and jade, this vase is a deep inky blue in the shape of a voluptuous Ming vase. Arrange a few stalks of lucky bamboo and you’re set. It’s a beautiful ceramic vase that can be used all year round and I can see it work in any home.

5. FÖSSTA LED lantern

Hanging red lanterns in front of the door is believed to bring good luck. So, why not? The battery operated FÖSSTA LED lantern is easy to hang up and fold away to store after use. What I love about it is the built-in timer. It automatically turns on the light at the same time every day and then makes it shine for 6 hours. Nice addition to an otherwise very common Chinese New Year lantern decoration.

And with that I wish all my Chinese friends “Gong Xi Fa Cai” and a happy new year.

The post 5 Chinese New Year decorations we love from IKEA appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I wanted to have shelving and storage in my home office. It would be highly visible in my video conference calls so I wanted it to look “built in”. The IKEA KALLAX unit fit perfectly into this space but I did not want it to look like a standard IKEA because so many people have KALLAX units in their home office. I stacked two KALLAX units with a space in between to form a counter space. The combination reaches the top of the 9.5’ high room.

IKEA items used:

• KALLAX Shelf unit, white, 30 3/8×57 7/8 (2 x 4) – qty 1
• KALLAX Shelf unit, white 57 7/8×57 7/8 (4 x 4) – qty 1
• KALLAX Insert with 2 drawers, white, 13×13 ” (33×33 cm) – qty 4

Other materials and tools:

• 2×6 pine wood for bottom frame
• 2×3 pine wood – for middle frame
• 2.5” molding – middle and side trim
• 4” molding – top trim
• 7” molding – bottom trim
• 1/4” MDF board – for counter sides and top
• Construction screws – for framing
• Construction adhesive (PL3000) – for gluing paneling
• Satin or Semi-gloss paint, small roller and brush
• Latex Caulking – to fill in gaps for finished look
• Power Driver, Adjustable clamps, Circular Saw

How We Hacked our built in KALLAX

Build a 2×6 rectangular wood frame that the smaller 2×4 KALLAX unit will sit on top of. The intent is to position the unit so the molding at the bottom could run continuously from the adjacent walls. This also raised the top of the KALLAX unit to be at counter height as well. Centered the frame in the space and screwed it to the wall. Do not need to screw the frame to the floor.

Place the assembled 2×4 KALLAX unit on top of the bottom frame and screw the unit to the wall. Do not need to screw the unit to the frame.

Built two 2×3 rectangular wood frames (16” high) for the upper KALLAX unit to sit on. Screw these frames to the side walls.

Place the assembled 4×4 KALLAX unit on top of the side frames and screw the unit to the back wall. Do not need to screw the unit to the frames.

Finishing touches on the KALLAX for a built-in look

Cut the 1/4” MDF board to fully cover the side frames. We also used a 1/4” MDF board to cover the top of the lower KALLAX unit to act as a more durable countertop (optional). Pre-paint the panels before attaching the panels to the side frames and top of the KALLAX unit with construction glue.

Cut the moldings to cover the gaps between the KALLAX units and the walls, ceiling and floor. Also cut molding pieces to cover the exposed KALLAX edges above and below the counter area. Pre-paint the moldings before attaching them with construction glue directly to the KALLAX units and wood frames. Don’t use glue to attach the moldings to the walls.

Use latex caulk to fill all the seams between the molding and the KALLAX units as well as between the molding and the walls. 

For me, this was an “easy hack” because the KALLAX units fit so well into the space we had. There was minimal carpentry required. I left out every other vertical divider in the upper shelf unit to help disguise that it was a KALLAX unit (if you do this, need to be cautious on loading it up). Caulking and touching up paint to fill in the gaps helps a lot. You can also wait a few weeks before doing the finish caulking to allow the assembly to settle and avoid having the caulking crack later.

See my tall entryway cabinet hack.

~ by S. Chong

The post We built in the KALLAX for a totally new look appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Some say you should start the day (or year) with easy wins to get the momentum going, before you plunge headlong into the hard stuff. I agree. Nothing like checking a few things off the list before January ends. These quick and easy IKEA hacks are just the sort of projects to get you going and set you up for DIY success the rest of the year.

Anyone can do these hacks and they require no special tools. Plus, they look fabulous. So let’s start hacking.

Mushroom lamp

An easy and cute IKEA hack that popped up frequently on my IG newsfeed. All you need is a vase and a bowl. Technically any vase and bowl will work. But in my books the best pairing is the $3.99 IKEA KARAFF Carafe and a BLANDA glass serving bowl. The marriage of these two items is simply perfect. Add a battery operated puck light to the turn it into a cute mushroom lamp.

There are many ways to decorate the lamp. The easiest is to spray paint it in the color of your choice. I’ve seen these lamp hacks painted in bright orange for a retro feel. Stone textured spray paint or a paint and baking soda mix is also very popular. Or if you like, decoupage with fabric like how @skandimart did to match her black and white theme.

As the bowl and vase are not stuck together in any way, I do not recommend using this in kids rooms. Best kept out of reach of pets and children.

A stitch in time

The $2.99 TROMMA clock is fast replacing the old discontinued RUSCH clock (it was such a loud ticker!) as the most hacked IKEA clock. The TROMMA clock’s design is visually quiet — all white with punch holes forming the numbers. IKEA purposefully made it so — issuing a challenge to “let your creativity flow!” as stated in the product description. Besides color paper, IKEA hackers used thread, transforming the TROMMA into a fun, colorful timepiece. What other ideas do you have for the clock?

Round wood slat side table

The most unlikely combination of items but it turned out fabulous. So not surprising, this easy 3-item IKEA hack has been making its rounds on social media. To make this, you’ll need two IKEA RÖDEBY armrest trays, an IKEA SNUDDA lazy susan and a NYPON 9 1/2″ plant pot. Spray paint the trays and lazy susan in the color your want. Then, use a strong adhesive to glue the tray panels around the plant pot. Top it with the lazy susan and there you have it – a new chic side table. See her DIY reel for the tutorial.

Decorative bowl and candle holder

Need a large decorative bowl with a bit of height? Take an IKEA GRADVIS decorative bowl and plant pot. Glue the underside of the plant pot to the bowl to create a stand. Add on candle holders if you’re using it as a candle stand. Spray paint as needed. You can leave it in its original green glass. If so, hide the joint where the two bowls meet with a string of beads or twine.

The GRADVIS bowls are not the only candidates for this type of hacking. I’ve seen FNISS bins stacked together, PÅDRAG glass vases, large and small BLANDA MATT bowls stuck on back to back … and the list goes on. The moral of the story? Try stacking items at IKEA until you get a function and shape you like. Stick them together, spray on a coat of paint and voilà, something totally different comes out. Definitely an activity worth trying out on your next IKEA trip.

Reeded glass film IKEA cabinet hack

If you’re tired of doors with cane webbing, try glass film instead. It looks absolutely classy on any IKEA glass doors. Here, it’s seen on the RUDSTA cabinet in twilight black film. It also looks great on a BILLY OXBERG. Application is easy: Cut the glass film slightly larger than the glass door. Spray water onto the glass and lay the film onto the glass surface. Adjust into place, press the film down and push out bubbles with a card. Lastly, trim off the excess film. That’s all.

What easy IKEA hacks will you be trying out in 2023? Let us know in the comments below.

The post IKEA hacks worth trying in 2023 and they’re super easy appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I started this last year when, out of curiosity, I analysed the most viewed posts of 2021. This year I did the same and widened my search to the 10 most viewed posts of 2022. (I omitted three which made the IKEA Hack of the Year 2022 list.)

This list is based on number of “eyeballs”. In short, these IKEA hacks garnered the highest number of views on IKEAhackers. Which means they are the most popular and most often searched for hacks on this site. Take a look …

The 10 most popular IKEA hacks of 2022

1. IKEA Murphy Desk Hack

Ed R’s Murphy Desk hack is probably not a hack you’ll see popping up everywhere on social media. It’s truly a unique project that was purpose built for his wife who needed a work-from-home office setup. He took advantage of the deep stair landing and made use of every square inch. The desk folds up and protrudes a mere 10 inches from the wall. And when opened, she can use the desk in both sitting and standing positions. Only thing I’ll add is a stair gate.

2. BILLY built-in living room display shelves

A bold reimagination of the BILLY bookcase with pastel paints and postal tubes. Yes, the tubes for mailing rolled up artwork. Claire’s makeover of the BILLY is definitely not for the faint-hearted. It’s her second reiteration of the iconic piece of IKEA furniture and who knows? We may be in for a third? It just goes to show that IKEA hacking is a gift that keeps on giving.

3. BILLY bespoke cabinet hack

Here’s another BILLY bookcase hack that make the list. With the addition of NANNARP legs and wood panels for the top and bottom of the bookcase, Wouter changed the ubiquitous BILLY into a bespoke glass cabinet. A relatively simple hack but the details — like the 30 degree cut for the top panel — make it stand out.

4. BESTÅ storage units for mudroom

Tam combined KALLAX shelving units, LACK shelves and BESTÅ storage units to form this highly functional mudroom storage. Though the items came from 3 different IKEA furniture ranges, she made them play together nicely.

5. Freestanding IKEA BRIMNES headboard hack

Rowley lives in a rental and didn’t want to attach the IKEA BRIMNES headboard to the wall or mark the wall. His solution was to make it a freestanding headboard. He loves it and says “It is neat, sturdy, and silent, and I can easily disassemble it to take it with me when I move again.”

6. DIY floating nightstand with light

Juan Antonio wanted a floating nightstand with light. However he didn’t want the light to hit his eyes directly when turned on in the middle of the night. His solution was to integrate the light into the LACK shelf. Now no more bumping into bed corners.

7. The TikTok tile table

The tile table was one of the many IKEA hacking trends that went viral on TikTok. And it’s easy to understand why. The LACK side table dimensions are made to fit 2×2″ tiles. To join in the trend, we featured this easy DIY tile table from April.

8. IKEA countertop for sliding barn doors

Rick picked the IKEA EKBACKEN worktop to create double sliding barn doors. They look fabulous. Besides the aesthetics, the choice of IKEA kitchen worktops kept the cost low. And the walnut veneer gave the doors a good solid finish. See the tutorial for the sliding double barn doors.

9. Built-in media cabinet

Built-in media cabinet hacks are always popular. And this one from Tuesdi is no different. She hacked two 47″ long BESTÅ cabinets to make a beautiful built-in media cabinet.

10. IKEA IVAR Starburst cabinet hack

Alana connected two IVAR pine cabinets to make a large dresser. But they were a bit plain. What she did was to dress them up with trim, furniture legs and an eye-catching starburst motif. I love how wholly different they are from the original. See her starburst cabinet tutorial.

While you’re here, check out our best 10 IKEA hacks of 2022. And if you’re planning to hack IKEA next year, remember to snap a few photos or better yet, shoot a video, and send them to me. Yours might be the most popular IKEA Hack of 2023.

The post In 2022, these 10 IKEA hacks were the most popular appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The year 2022 is fast coming to a close. And that means it’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s time for the annual IKEA Hack of the Year round-up.

We saw IKEA hacks explode on the scene in a big way this year. IKEA hacks are everywhere, on every social channel, video platform and home DIY sites. It’s almost impossible to keep up with the proliferation of hacks.

Nevertheless these are the IKEA hacks that caught my attention for their creative use of IKEA items, be it transforming them into something different, maximising their function and capacities or adding a custom touch to plain flatpack furniture.

10 best IKEA hacks of 2022

So without further ado, this is my list of the 10 best IKEA hacks as featured on IKEAhackers and IH’s social media channels for 2022. Which is your favourite? Tell us in the comments below.

IKEA storage bed hack

Arnaud’s platform bed hack is the most important piece of furniture in the 29 m2 (312 sq feet) studio. It’s a bed and storage all in one. IKEA BESTÅ units make up the bulk of the storage units as well as the base for the bed. Best of both worlds in one hack. See the storage bed hack.

Bread bin side table hack

Talking about transformation, this IKEA hack ticks all the boxes. It went viral when Toni posted a reel on how she stuck two MAGASIN bread bins together to create this side table with MCM vibes. The only bummer is the bread bin isn’t available at all IKEA stores. If that’s the case at your IKEA, Amazon has similar bread bins.

Spherical speakers

Sure we’ve seen our share of spherical speakers using IKEA bowls. But with this IKEA hack, Steve set out to build a true full frequency spectrum 4-way speaker using IKEA wooden bowls. He used all three sizes of the BLANDA MATT serving bowls (5”, 8” and 11”) to achieve this one-of-a-kind sculptural spherical speaker.

BILLY Bookcase sideboard

Another one that broke the Internet. @dalia.ea took two narrow BILLY bookcases, laid them on their sides, added fabric on doors, and turned them into a stylish 4 meter long sideboard. Honestly, I’m surprised not many have used BILLY on its side. Perhaps this hack will lead to more creative use of the BILLY bookcase.

Behind the couch cabinet

Kim’s idea was to take a regular BESTÅ double cabinet and modify it so she can access the interior of the cabinet from the side. The hack made the cabinet so much easier to use in its position behind the couch. Read more of the behind the couch cabinet.

Hallway closet hack

Tatjana DIYed a closet and shoe storage in the hallway that looks like a built-in but it isn’t. Not building it in meant it was a much easier IKEA hacking project, sans all the heavy lifting. Now with this “almost 2 PAX wide storage” she can have all her shoes, outdoor jackets neatly arranged and stored behind doors in one brilliant hallway closet.

Home office in living room console hack

FoxVictor needed a new set of furniture for the living room. What was on the list of requirement was an out-of-sight home office workstation that blended seamlessly with the living room TV console. I think he nailed it with style.

Stunning curved sideboard

Jen transformed the EKET units into a show stopping curvy sideboard. Two EKET units (cabinet and drawer units), pole wrap and lots of DIY grit, she has a winning sideboard.

DIY Murphy door bookcase

Jen wanted to create an attractive door leading to her small home office space. The office space tends to look cluttered so the door is often closed. That triggered her to hit two birds with one stone: Hide the mess and realise her dream of having a secret door. Using two BILLY units she made her murphy door bookcase to cover up the entrance. When closed they look like regular BILLY bookcases.

Round coffee table hack

@arinsolange had her heart set on a coffee table but the price tag was way above what she was willing to pay. So she went cracking with IKEA hacking. She used the top of an IKEA LISTERBY coffee table and 3 trash cans (sourced from Amazon) to make a chic coffee table. And so easy too. See the hack here.

Do you have an IKEA hack? Share it with us! Your project may just be the next IKEA Hack of the Year.

See the best IKEA hacks of 2021 and 2020.

The post The 10 best IKEA Hacks of the Year 2022 appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

IKEA PAX wardrobe offers lots of storage in this tall entryway cabinet

We needed to create storage in a high traffic, oddly shaped back entryway.  The entrance is visible from our open concept dining room and kitchen so we wanted it to look clean and finished and to match the décor.  The PAX cabinet was going to be the centre of our storage on the left side of the space.  This left a triangular shaped space on the right where we would have custom open shelves.

IKEA items used:

• PAX Wardrobe frame, White, 39 3/8×22 7/8×92 7/8
• FORSAND Doors with hinges, white, 19 1/2×90 3/8
• KOMPLEMENT Shelf, Wire Baskets, Clothes Rail

Other materials and tools:

• 2×3 pine wood – for framing
• 1/4” MDF board – for paneling
• 5/8 MDF board – for shelving
• Construction screws – for framing
• Construction adhesive (PL3000) – for gluing paneling
• Satin or Semi-gloss paint, small roller and brush
• Caulking – to fill in gaps for finished look
• Power Driver, Adjustable clamps, Circular Saw

How We Hacked our Tall Entryway Storage Cabinet

Install the assembled PAX Wardrobe into the left side of the empty space.  Screwed the back and left side of the wardrobe to walls.

Build and install a 2×3 wood frame between the top of the wardrobe and our 9.5’ high ceiling. Build and install a 2×3 frame at the bottom as well so the first custom shelf would line up with the bottom of wardrobe.

Cut and screw the MDF board to the wood frames at top and bottom.  Painted these board in place.

Cut out 1/4” MDF board to form a rectangular design with 15” wide panels as shown in pictures.  6 panels would cover the 90” tall door.  The panelling should align across both doors. Paint all the panels to before assembly. Glue panels to front of each door.  Then install doors onto wardrobe.

Cut and glue in place the 5/8” MDF board into custom triangular shaped shelves.  Each shelf had 2 sides with the horizontal section sitting on top.  These 5 shelves sections were stacked on top of each other for easier assembly.  The back of the shelf was open to the wall. Ensure all the shelves fit well.  Then paint all the panels to before assembly.

For assembly, start at the bottom.  Glue bottom shelf to lower frame.  Then glue the sides of the shelf directly to the wardrobe frame on left and the wall on right.  Then, glue the next horizontal shelf to the top of these side pieces.  Repeat for each shelf until you reach the top.  The very top section should be positioned and glued at the same time as the top side pieces.  Each shelf section was approximately 15” or 30” high to match the door panels.  We used clamps to hold panels in place.

Lastly, glue the remaining panels to top, bottom and right sides of the wall and frame to compete the panelled look of the entry way.

Additional comments: 

I would call this a medium difficulty IKEA hack.  There were a lot of panels to cut but all the work was completed with a circular saw with straight wood pieces and clamps as guides.  We left the custom shelves intentionally long and assembled without gluing first so we could mark and cut them to the right size (walls and frames are never straight). Caulking and touch up paint to fill in the gaps helps a lot. We used a small roller to paint the MDF panels with a reasonably good finish.

~ by S. Chong

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