The world has been upside down for a while now, and we figured it’s about time to start to take control, even if only in the smallest way. 

We used to have a family calendar on our fridge, but our new French door refrigerator made the setup obsolete.

So it looked like it was time for a command center. The thing is most were either too ‘college dorm room’ or far too expensive, at least before deciding to commit to layout and design.

Enter this IKEA hack.

IKEA item used:

• IKEA PJÄTTERYD canvas frame (We used one we’ve had since circa 2010 but you can get a new one to fit your home decor style.)
• SKÅDIS pegboard

Other materials:

Acrylic top layer from a generic poster frame 
White paint pen
Seafoam green frosting paint
Small screws

Tools used:

Gridded cutting mat
Straight edge for cutting and inking
Blade knife
Tape to hold down the sheet
Drill with small bit
Windex to clean the acrylic
Q-tips to touch up the lines

How we made our Family Calendar and Command Center

First, align the acrylic sheet to the canvas frame and mark where to cut. We aligned one corner so we only needed to make one long cut.

Using a utility knife, we trimmed off the excess acrylic. Read our blog for best way to cut this.

After cutting it, clean the acrylic sheet with a window cleaner.

Next we moved to drawing the grid on the acrylic sheet. Place the sheet against the gridded cutting board and mark where your calendar boxes and lines should go. We used a liquid chalk pen and drew the lines on the back of the sheet so they won’t be erased.

We decided on a monthly calendar on the left and a weekly chart for daily reminders or menu planning in the center and an open area for notes on the right.

After drawing the lines, we removed the excess chalk with Q-tips to ensure neat lines.

Then, we sprayed the side of the acrylic sheet we just inked with frosted glass. This was to give the sheet a slight opaque finish to obscure the painting and make the calendar clear.

Once dry, line up the sheet with the painted side down on top of the art canvas. Make pilot holes and fasten with small screws.

Lastly, we fastened a SKÅDIS pegboard to the right side of the frame.

And there you have it: a functional and personalized family calendar and command center.

The only thing left was to hang it up and fill it with our appointments and tasks.

See the full tutorial on our blog.

~ by Laurie & Doug

The post How we made a Custom Family Calendar & Command Center appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I always wanted to create something unique and I knew that the RAST dressers would be the perfect size to create on.

I’ve never seen a Pop Art hip hop artist on a dresser before, so I wanted to create something colourful and something others would enjoy. Tupac’s image was iconic. And who doesn’t love pop art?

While painting I listened to all of his music and watched a documentary on him. It gave me an appreciation for his own art of music and my time to be creative in the midst of the pandemic. 

The feedback was great!  I received a lot of support to keep going. And I plan to do more of other artists as it was fun to do.  

IKEA items used: 

• RAST Dresser 

Other materials and tools:

• Poster image to fit the front
• Fusion decoupage medium
• Top coat  
• Chalk Paint – various brands and colors
• X-acto knife
• Sanding block
• Fusion clear coat and plenty of paint brushes 

RAST pop art dresser:

First, I measured the front of the dresser and found a poster to fit.

I removed and saved the knobs to be added back on later.

Then, I painted the pine dresser a solid dark color — black.

Next, I decoupage the paper in sections. I smoothed as I went, going from top to bottom in sections. Let dry overnight.

When dry, I used an X-acto knife to trim the fronts and sand the paper where the drawers meet.

Then sealed with top coat and let it dry overnight.

Next, I checked to see whether any paper is lifted from the wood. If there was I applied a second layer to ensure the paper is properly sealed.  

Painting the image

Starting from the top using the image as a guide, I followed the shapes and contour of image with brush strokes. I started with neutral shades first.  

Gradually, I added layers of color. Several layers and colors of various shades and sizes. Over time, I covered the entire surface of dresser. When done, I set my brush aside and let the paint cure.  

Lastly, screwed on knobs which I painted and sealed to give the look like they were added on.  

Paint another thin layer of navy to make the colors pop. Give two weeks cure paint and to seal with top coat. 

How long and how much did it cost?

Took several weeks. The cost was minimal as I already had the dresser and I had leftover paint on hand. I created several shades by blending to make new colours. 

What was the hardest part about this hack?

While doing this I had to stop painting as I became ill. He sat for several weeks unfinished. But I was determined to carry on with the project, even though it became hard for my right hand to hold a brush. I used this as a push to get back into painting again. Other than that it was a fun challenge for myself. 

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

I would have added lyrics in small font somewhere on the dresser, perhaps in gold. 

~ by Shelley Sprague @rubyvalentineco 

The post Pop Art on IKEA Dresser Makes a Bold Impact appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The history of this play structure project began while we were in lockdown here in Spain, back in May 2020.

My name is Pedro and I’m the father of a three and a half year old boy: Bruno.

After seeing how one of the safety measures to stop the pandemic included the closing of playgrounds for children, and knowing how much Bruno likes to play in them, I decided to create a play area structure in his room.

After intense planning and seeing the possibility offered by one of the IKEA shelving models, I got down to work.

It was hard work, but the satisfaction was maximum when Bruno opened the door to his room and found his playground. His happy face said it all.

The planning lasted two weeks and the construction took approximately three months. (Each day I put in two hours.) Without a doubt, the most difficult thing was to make the second structure.

Throughout the explanation there are several tips that I hope will be useful.

Table of contents: Play Structure

IKEA products used
Other materials
Plans
Tools needed
Making Structure 1
Construction of Structure 2
Exploded Structures
Final results

IKEA products used:

• HEJNE connection post (12 units)
• 2 x HEJNE shelf 19,68×18,50 inch -50×47 cm
• 8 x HEJNE shelf 33,32×18,50 inch -77×47 cm
• OBSERVATÖR support “X” (1 unit)
• LÖVA green canopy (as a decorative element) (1 unit)
• SKOGSKLÖVER blind 39,37×37,40 inch. -100×195 cm.- -old- (1 unit)

Other materials and tools:

• Philips screwdriver
• Double Pipe wrench
• Allen wrench
• Wood file
• Nail claw
• Wood saw
• Metal saw
• Drill
• Wall drill 0,24 inch. -6mm-, wood drill 0,24 inch. -6mm- and metal drill 0,24 inch. -6mm-
• Flat wood drill nº. 16
• 1,57×4,72 inch. -4×12 cm.- countersunk screws (56 units)
• Steel angle brackets (20 units)
• Connecting plate stell of 0,18×0,08×0,31 inch. -4.5x2x8 mm- (4 units)
• 1,38 inch. -35 mm- union screws (42 units)
• 0,24 inch. -6 mm- inner star flat washer (84 units)
• Metric screw 0,16×1,18 inch. -4×30 mm- (2 units)
• Nut for metric screw (4 units)
• Hexagonal assembly screw 0,24×1,97 inch. -6×50 mm- (8 units)
• Nails 0,06×0,79 inch. -1,5×20 mm- (20 units)

FROM THE HEAD TO THE COMPUTER

Before I started working with the HEJNE shelves, I did a 3D rendering of what I expected the final result of the play area structure to be. That gave me the opportunity to see all the materials I needed, in addition to the shelves.

AND NOW… WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED?

As you have to work a lot with slats and different lengths, a saw was essential (manual in my case). And, you’ll need a nail puller to remove the nails and take apart the HEJNE shelves to use the different components of the shelves.

In addition, we will need a hammer, wood file, Philips screwdriver and double pipe wrench.

I have tried to make the most of the holes that come pre-made in the HEJNE connecting posts, but still had to make a few extra holes.

For this I used a 6mm drill bit for wood. I also had to use a drill bit for wall to hold the structure and give it security. Also, a drill bit for metal (for the only horizontal metal bar that the structure has at the beginning of the slide) and a flat drill for wood to be able to make the holes in which the metal bar will go.

But, without a doubt, the most important element that joins many of the parts of the structure are the 42 union screws and its 84 steel plain washers.

LET’S DO IT!

I will develop a small explanation for you when assembling the structures. The “how” of the installation of each of the elements, you can see in the next section “EXPLODED STRUCTURES“.

Play Structure 1

It is the simplest structure. We assembled it exactly the same as if we were assembling a shelf. The only exception was we mounted one of the shelves vertically.

Once we have assembled three of the four shelves, all of them in their original position (horizontal) and in the inner hole of the connection posts, we will take advantage of the outer hole of said posts to install the fourth shelf but vertically.

Before doing this, we must make a small modification to the shelf.

One of the ends of the shelf in which the five slats are nailed, must be unlocked and rotated until it reaches the last of the upper holes of the connecting post before nailing it back in. (This shelf is identified with the letter C, in the exploded view of the structure that will appear “EXPLODED STRUCTURES” image.)

Ladder construction

Once this is done, we will make the ladder. (This is the part that took me the longest).

In order to make the ladder, we will use two connecting posts and the horizontal timbers of two shelves, which we will have to transform to adjust to the width of the ladder (18,50 inch. -47 cm.-).

The steps must be parallel to the ground and we will fasten them to the connection posts to form a single set using metal brackets and screws. Likewise, once we have made the structure of the staircase, we will join it to the first module by means of four small metal plates that will go through the interior and exterior area holding.

Once we installed the ladder in the structure, it would be as follows. (In my case, we attached the structure to the wall for security).

Tip 1: To make the ladder more secure, in the lower area, I joined some wooden slats that go to the ladder and Structure 1.

Tip 2: In the area where the connecting posts are in contact with the ground, we stuck on felt protectors to protect the floor (especially if it is made of wood).

Play Structure 2

It is the structure that takes the longest since it takes advantage of part of “Structure 1”. In addition, it will have to be joined to it.

The first thing we have to do is modify two shelves exactly the same as how we made the modification for “Structure 1” when it comes to installing them in a vertical position.

In addition, we have to install two more horizontal elements on a third shelf (which is the only one that we will install in a horizontal position) where part of the new connection strips will be attached. We see it step by step.

At this point, it must be taken into account that this structure will have six connection posts.

We will take advantage of two of the connection posts of structure 1. This will make the total set more robust. Once finished, and before installing the upper vertical shelf that will be attached to another structure, it would look like this:

Tip: In the part where the slide is supported, we will put a reinforcement so that it has more resistance.

The two shelves that we will install in a vertical position will go in the outer holes of four connection posts (two of them belonging to structure 1). The final result of the game structure is as follows:

As for the shelf that will be installed in its original position (horizontal), it will go in the outer holes of the aforementioned connection posts. In addition, having modified the shelf by installing two extra horizontal anchoring elements, these will be used to install the other four connecting posts.

Combining both structures

Once this is done, we will join the two structures through the two vertical shelves and the horizontal shelf. In addition, the connecting elements of the shelves that we have completely disassembled, whose slats have been used to build the ladder, we will use them to join the connection posts of “structure 2”, across the width, and make it safer.

With the same purpose, we will use the connecting posts that we have left and the woods from the last shelf that we have completely disassembled, along the structure.

To be able to join these woods, we will make the corresponding holes in them with a wood drill. and we will take advantage of the holes in the connection posts where we will install the union screws.

Once the structure is finished, and so that the different elements could be properly leveled, I have been installing pieces of wood joining different parts, leaving a consistent play center.

A steering wheel will be installed on the lower vertical shelf installed in the last module (under the horizontal shelf), which will be one of the components of the games center.

Finally, in the upper area of structure 2, which is where the slide is installed, we will put a metal bar that we will have to drill at the ends to put a pin and thus be more secure. It is the bar where the child will hold onto to sit on the slide and be able to sit. This metal bar has been obtained from an old IKEA “SKOGSKLÖVER” model blind.

TO PLAY!

The final result, installed the slide and the game elements, is as follows:

EXPLODED STRUCTURES

Structure 1 exploded:

Structure 2 exploded:

If you have the opportunity and the space to install this playground (or similar), I hope you have the same success as it has had with my son: he is happy!

~ by Pedro

The post Make A Fun Play Structure At Home: Brunoland now open! appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I would really like to have a drop-leaf table next to my window, but I’m having trouble finding one that folds down small enough. Most are still the size of a full table when folded. 

I need it to stay within about 16″ of the wall to keep the room from looking cluttered when it’s folded down and not being used. 

The BJURSTA wall-mounted drop-leaf table would be perfect, but the windows are too low to mount the table underneath. 

Any ideas for wall-mount alternatives that don’t require a lot of woodworking skill and won’t tip over when the table is being used?

Lucy

Hi Lucy

Since you can’t mount to the window, I’d suggest getting a small fold down table.

#1 Drop leaf tables

My first choice for a small fold down table would be the IKEA NORDEN gateleg table. When both table leaves are extended it is an impressive 60-inch long table that sits up to 4 persons.

Folded down, it has a tiny 12 1/4″ deep x 31 1/2″ wide footprint. And it has storage! Also comes in white.

The only drawback is the thing is a beast to move. But fear not, you can add caster wheels to it, to make it easier to push around.

Another similar table would be the ÄPPLARÖ gateleg table.

If you don’t mind the “outdoorsy” look, it could work. There’s even a hack to swap the legs so you don’t have to keep moving it out to open both table leaves.

If you’re bothered by the slats, get a piece of wood cut to the size of the table top. Nail or glue it on to the slats to cover them up.

#2 Storage unit plus table

Now, onto a different kind of solution.

The gist of it. Start with a storage unit that’s large and heavy enough, such as a drawer unit or cabinet. Then, attach a fold down table onto it.

James used this for the dual purposes of a desk and kitchen cart, which may not be what you want. So, omit the butcher block on top of the ALEX drawer unit if you prefer. The table section should still work fine.

Above shows the wood planks in down position. And below, voilà! A desk. Wheel it into storage when not in use.

Along similar lines, the hack below combined the IVAR cabinet and NORBO drop leaf table. Instead of installing the table to a wall, it is fixed to the cabinet. You won’t need the IVAR doors for this to work.

#3 Hack a narrow table

Moving away from fold down table ideas, you can also opt to hack a narrow table.

Like this:

It’s from a 2×2 KALLAX cube with the dividers and shelves removed. And it’s just shy of 16″ deep. If you need extra worktop space add a keyboard tray under the table.

Prefer something a little more elegant? Hack a slim desk from an EKBY ALEX shelf with drawers. If you want it collapsible, attach the ALEX unit to foldable table legs like these.

Which direction will you go for?

We’d love to see what you end up with.

Happy hacking,

Jules

Hacking may compromise the structural integrity of the item, so please be aware of the risks involved before modifying or altering any IKEA product. Alterations and modifications will also void any warranties or return policies you may have received from IKEA. IKEAhackers.net is not liable for any product failure, injury or damage resulting from the application of suggestions, ideas and hacks featured on this site.

The post 3 Ways to hack a Fold Down Table for a Small Space appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

IKEA will open its doors to its first ever global festival on September 16, celebrating the best of life at home.

The mothership has already lined up an impressive list of home tours, cooking classes, concerts and home makeovers for the 24-hour virtual festival. And she’s calling us all to attend.

The best thing? The setting.

The festival will take place in everyday homes, studios, and neighbourhoods, living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and backyards. These otherwise private spaces will be turned into virtual stages for performances and experiences.

All in all, the IKEA Festival will take place in over 100 homes in more than 50 markets across the world. The experience is for free, open to everyone.

“This is a new kind of experience IKEA wants to offer, celebrating, connecting, and engaging around life at home. Home tours around the world will open doors to new experiences and new inspiration. We want to spark a conversation on the more sustainable and affordable life at home of tomorrow. And just as with any festival, you can expect a few surprises,” says Erika Intiso, Managing Director of IKEA Marketing and Communication AB.

The main stage for the festival is on IKEA.com/festival. There will also be rooms for discussions on current topics and IKEA news to offer visitors a broad choice of experiences.

The IKEA Festival room sets:

My Home Turf

Home is anywhere that feels like…well, home. Join artists such as MØ, Kanis, Niki and Masego as they show their cities, neighbourhoods, and communities – and treat you to a performance.

Home Concerts

Turn up the volume and enjoy concerts – straight from the most personal, intimate stage around the world: people’s homes.

Home Cooking

Open the door to delicious-smelling kitchens all over the world and be inspired by chefs cooking up old and new favourites. Chefs are among others Pasta Queen and Paul Svensson.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Pasta Queen (@the_pastaqueen)

DJ Relay

Don’t stop the music – you’re invited to a marathon set of club music, straight from the DJ’s own home. DJ’s playing is Kaytranada, Loraine James and ZULI, to name a few.

Home Visits

Welcome to a global tour, as strangers and some well-known personalities like Ilse Crawford share what’s inside the most important place in the world: their home.

IKEA Museum

Go back in time and explore everything that has made and shaped IKEA: the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly.

IKEA News

Travel the world and meet our co-workers and collaborators right now – in-store, at the factory, at the office or in the studio, such as former collaboration partner Virgil Abloh.

Home Makeovers

Ideas and guidance for creating better storage, a more cooking-friendly kitchen or simply accessorizing in a fun, vibrant way.

Shopping with …

Who would you like to go shopping with to get new ideas for your home? They’re here, ready for you to join them for a full day of shopping at the local IKEA store.

Kitchen Talks

Join a conversation about the joys and frustrations that make up everyday life at home. IKEA co-workers meet with profiles like surfer Kassia Meador, astronaut Christer Fuglesang and adventurer Renata Chlumska.

IKEA Festival 2021 full programme:

Get a pdf copy here and circle highlights such as visiting Virgil Abloh, the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton (12:oo-13:00) and dropping into British designer Ilse Crawford’s home (22:00-23:00). 

The festival will open its doors at on its dedicated festival site from 8 am CET on Thursday 16 September. No sign up is required.

See you there!

The post See 100+ homes around the world In 24-hr IKEA Festival appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

My husband and I are now both working from home. We wanted to create a space in the living room where one of us can work from. But we also want the option to tidy up after the day’s work.

That’s why we decided to create a hidden desk out of the IVAR cabinet.

Materials for the desk:

• 3 x IKEA IVAR cabinet (80 x 50 x 83 cm)
• Two extra bolts/screws from IKEA that are used to attach the lid to the cabinet
• Sliding rail for your keyboard shelf (I ordered something from Amazon)

Other materials and tools used:

• Monitor arm/mount (also ordered one from Amazon)
• Legs for the cabinet (or you could wall mount) I used 15 cm legs so that the sliding shelf is at 76 cm high for me.
• Two pieces of wood to keep the top lid from falling down when closed (I just used those wooden sticks that I got for stirring paint)
• 2 sliding bolts (to help to keep the lid open) and 2 small blocks of wood 
• I also used spacers (not sure if this is the correct term) to help close the gap of the doors. I saw the IVAR Gap kit online, but this also works. 
• Plunge saw to shorten some of the shelves, cut out the part for the feet (you could also use a jigsaw )
• Electrical screwdriver with different bits to drill holes and tighten the screws
• Paint
• Wood filler

IVAR cabinet with a hidden desk

Decide how high you want your desk to be. Take into account that you need space to open the lid with the monitor and that your desk height will be the height of the sliding shelf.

You need to drill similar holes following those that are in the side panels, but a bit lower (I did at 12 cm lower). So you can later attach the top part lower.

Cut the cardboard panel so it will fit the new smaller size.

Put together your cabinet following the IKEA instructions, but with the top part into the newly drilled holes.

For the new lid, you need to slightly shorten one of the shelves. Just a few millimetres, so you can open and close without friction. You also need to drill holes along the side panels to match the holes at the furthest back position in the shelf.

Attach the pieces of wood to the side, so the new lid can rest on it when closed.

Attach your new lid with the 2 extra IKEA bolts. You should now be able to open and close the lid without friction.

Attach your monitor, make sure the lid can still open and close.

You can cut out a part of the bottom panel, so you have some extra space for your legs.

To help keep the lid open, you can screw the two block of wood to the side where the lid opens. Drill a hole in both of them for the sliding bolts and attach the sliding bolts to the lid on the inside. Also make sure that you are still able to open and close without obstruction.

For the sliding shelf, it all depends on the sliders you buy. I used sliders that are attached to the shelf above. And made sure it could still slide without touching the IVAR doors. I needed to take off some of the length and width of the shelf.

Paint everything as you like, including the doors. (Easier to paint the inside of the desk cabinet before you attach the sliding shelf, is my experience.)

Attach the shelf to the sliders and attach your sliding shelf to the cabinet. Make sure to have enough space to store your keyboard and mouse. 

Attach the legs.

Put together the other cabinets.

Paint those as well, including the doors.

Attach the doors. You can drill holes in the spacers and attach them on the side panels behind the plate to attach the door to help close the IVAR gap.

Place the IVAR cabinet together and your hidden desk is done.

~ by Emma van Tilburg

The post Hidden Desk in an IKEA IVAR cabinet appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

And they cooked happily ever after.

In August 2018 we got married. Everything was arranged: DJ, location, catering. But 6 weeks before the date, due to circumstances, we had to switch to having the wedding at home.

In our home, we had a 20 year old kitchen. The one condition my wife laid down was a new kitchen.

Before

At first, I designed a custom made kitchen, but due to time constraints, that was no longer possible.

In Belgium, kitchen companies are closed for 3 weeks in July, so that wasn’t an option. At that time I was working as a project manager with a joinery company, but that also wasn’t possible because there was no time for production, ordering wood, etc.

So the only possibility was IKEA which had cabinets in stock.

I redesigned my kitchen into standard elements of 40-60-80cm width so they would fit in my floor plan. To reach the required height I didn’t use the standard IKEA PVC legs. Rather I made them in plywood at 2, 8 and 10cm high.

Then, there were some extra challenges …

The same day we bought the cabinets, we had them delivered to our home. By evening I started assembling all 25 cabinets and by 5AM in the morning they were ready. Not installed yet of course, because there was an extra challenge.

Our former kitchen was still in use and not demolished yet. So at the same time I was doing the demo, I was installing the new kitchen. You see this in photo.

We switched the position of the kitchen. The dining room became kitchen and vice versa. So all plumbing and electricity had to be adapted as well.

We didn’t like the standard VEDDINGE melamine fronts. But I did buy one model per size so I had the drilling distances for the hinges. I made new oak veneer fronts, but some had to be adapted as well. The ones from the lower cabinets against the wall were extended in both directions. So they start from 2cm above the floor and pass 3cm. So we could work with a handleless gutter that does not exist on the IKEA range.

IKEA items used:

METOD kitchen cabinets
VEDDINGE door

Other materials and tools:

Veneer fronts
Brass sink and tap
Black door handles
Miele downdraft hood
ATAG oven black
Reginox miami copper sink and tap
Black solid HPL worktop

Construction of our dream IKEA kitchen with custom fronts

Handle-less cabinets with overhanging doors: Attach an OSB or plywood 18mm on floor. Use Tech7. Put the cabinets on top and fix them to the OSB with screws.

Install on top of the cabinet a wooden frame against which you attach a 50mm metal C-profile. Extend the doors 20mm above so you still have a gap of 30mm to open the door.

How long and how much did it cost?

Cabinets €2800 – 3 weeks
Veneer €1400 – 2 weeks
Appliances €5000
Paint €300 – 2days
Worktop €800 -3 days

What do you like most about the hack?

It is not visible that the cabinets are from IKEA

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Making the fronts and creating a custom made look with standard elements.

What to pay special attention to?

Exact position of the hinges in the fronts

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

It took a lot of effort in a short time, but it was my time which I didn’t have to pay. The fulfillment of it is still every day visible. So I wouldn’t have done it differently

Some extra information

The hood is a downdraft model, so in the cabinet are tubes of 220*80. A lot of available space is gone. In this cabinet we have drawers from a cabinet that is less deep.

In the dining area we have a seating bench made out of METOD wall cabinets, put on the floor. On top an oak worktop and then a measure made cushion.

The island worktop is 3440mm L made out of mat trespa, because it was the only available material in this length.

A lot of cabinets have cut outs to allow for piping and electricity.

Side panels and fillers are custom made.

Everything was painted on site. Black fronts with oil RAL 9005. The natural wood is treated to a whitened oil (to avoid yellowing of the oak).

~ by Ben Vandenberghen

The post Dream IKEA kitchen just in time for the Big Day appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Everyone’s favourite IKEA blue bag has undergone a lot of changes over the years. But none as drastic as the latest incarnation.

In a collaboration with British pattern and textile designer Zandra Rhodes, known for her bold use of colours and maximalism, Ms Rhodes’ “blue” bag hits it way out of the park.

Firstly, it’s pink. It has frills. A huge departure for the hardworking $1 bag that has made headlines in more ways than one. And been made into more things than we can keep up with.

The pink bag that kinda looks like a dumpling is already available in some IKEA stores, retailing at $7.99 for the large one and $4.99 for medium.

Ms Rhodes’ 26 statement-making pieces in the KARISMATISK range is bound to turn heads. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, but one or two pieces may be just the thing you need to add a big loud pop of colour.

How has the IKEA Blue Bag evolved

The IKEA FRAKTA has got to be the only carrier bag that has received attention from world renowned designers.

From what I gather, the IKEA blue bag started with designer duo Knut and Marianne Hagberg, over 30 years ago.

The story goes “when IKEA opened its stores in Japan, Knut and Marianne were asked to come up with ideas that would help customers transport goods home from stores using public transport, as not many customers owned cars.

They came up with FRAKTA, a version of the blue bag with a zip that can be carried as a backpack. On top of this Knut and Marianne also developed the handy yellow trolley for the yellow bags that you find in IKEA stores.”

Then, further developing the design, Ingvar Kamprad came home from Asia with a new material. The material was usually used to store rice. Ingvar and IKEA sales manager Lars-Göran Petterson made the first prototype which was designed to carry up to 50 kilograms.

When it came to testing the bag, they needed something that weighed 50 kilograms. “Where in an office environment can you find something that weighs 50 kilos? Jennifer! She weighed 50 kilos.” Knut continues the story, “so in she jumped. If the bag could hold her, then it could hold 50 kilos.” So there we have it, the tale of how an icon came into being.”

And the rest was history.

IKEA Blue Bag gets designer touch

Hay was one of the first to give the blue bag a new design. They dropped the IKEA logo on the straps and went with a white and forest green woven fabric, with forest green straps. It was refreshing to have a more subdued version of the bold blue bag.

Then in 2018, Colette turned the blue bag white and gave it dots.

In the same year, IKEA released a series of yellow bags for their 75th Anniversary. These remain one of my favourite versions of the FRAKTA. Each bag featured famous quotes from founder Ingvar Kamprad.

Next up, to much fanfare, IKEA partnered with Virgil Abloh, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection to launch a limited edition collection. Among the 15 items in the MARKERAD collection, he offered a touch-in-cheek “Sculpture” bag, which was snapped up before you can say “Frakta”.

Two years ago, IKEA also used their influence to make a statement with a rainbow bag. The STORSTOMMA is still available for sale at $2.99.

Over the years IKEA has offered different iterations of the FRAKTA. They made them with the same material and almost same dimensions. But in different colours.

Good thing to know, you’re not stuck with blue.

Which is your favourite IKEA blue bag?

Watch the story of the IKEA Blue Bag

The post The evolution of the famous IKEA Blue Bag appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Daughter’s room is now ready for friends and sleepovers.

My daughter is 6 years old, and this summer she started school.

She loves to draw and play at her desk, preferably with one of her friends. We wanted to put a large table in the middle of her room, so that two children can sit at it together.

With some simple wood panels from the DIY store, I created and attached a light-weight wall against the KURA bed.

This way, it provides a nice divider to place the table against.

And then we hung a pegboard against the wall, so that she has a convenient place to put her pencils and drawings.

My daughter loves the end result, and she’s always super proud to invite her friends.

The LED lights behind her bed especially, are always the star of the show.

IKEA items used:

KURA bed
LEDBERG LED lighting strip flexible, 5 m
LÖNSET slatted bed base
SKÄDIS pegboard
SVENBERTIL chairs
SOLSKUR pendant lamp

Other materials and tools:

Lightweight wood panels
Hammer and nails
White wood paint

How we added a large desk to a little girl’s room

Saw the wood panels so that they are approximately 150 long. The total width they should span is about 100 centimeter.

(I bought 6 panels that were 300 centimeters long. Sawed them in half and used 12 panels that are 150 cm long.)

Sand down and smoothen the edges of the wood panels to avoid splinters.

Paint the bed and the wood panels.

Nail the panels against the bed.

Place a table and two chairs against the wall, and hang a lamp above the table. Hang a SKÄDIS pegboard above the desk.

For a wow-effect, install a strip of colorful LED-lights behind the bed.

Sleeping arrangements

Our daughter sleeps at the top of the KURA bed. When a friend comes over, they can use the spare bed at the bottom.

The spare bed is basically a mattress on a slatted bed base (so that there’s some air ventilation underneath the mattress.)

The mattress at the bottom of the bed is inside a black cover with a zipper, so that when nobody is sleeping there, it can be used as an additional play area.

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

Building my girl’s room was quite inexpensive, and didn’t require a lot of technical know-how.

Most of the time was spent on painting the bed and the panels.

~ by Michiel Terlouw

The post Bunk bed and a nice large desk for my girl’s room appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

My wife and I love our SKOGSTA Dining Table. I do woodworking as a hobby, and came up with a couple of ideas for customizing the standard SKOGSTA dining table.

IKEA item used:

SKOGSTA dining table

Applying Kumiko Woodworking

Japanese Kumiko is getting very popular with woodworkers. High-end how-to magazines like Fine Woodworking have featured a number of articles in the past few years on how to make the smaller (6”square and ½” tall) Kumiko pieces.

I took an online class taught by Johnny Tromboukis (from Upstate New York) through the Pratt Fine Art Center (in Seattle, WA) to learn how to make Kumiko.

For my project, I made 14 of the Kumiko pieces. I made two frames of seven Kumiko pieces each.

Once I had the frames completed, I routed out a recess for each frame in the center of the SKOGSTA table. Then, I dropped in the two frames.  

The only changes that I had to make to the table was to move one of the dowels aligning the tops.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the SKOGSTA table, the top is made of two separate pieces over 92” long. They are aligned with 4 metal dowels, and fastened to the table legs.

It turned out that two of the dowels were in the area where I routed out the recess for the Kumiko frames. So I moved one of the dowels into the center of the table top, and eliminated the other.

The Kumiko frames I made are 1/2″ tall. I routed my recesses about 5/8″ deep to accommodate a piece of glass covering each frame.  The glass is not included in my photos.

~ by Keith Randich

The post How To Add Japanese Kumiko To Swedish Table appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

HY (@yatt_azml) shared her compact IKEA kitchen island on Twitter and it caught my eye. She shows how easy it is to make a compact, and affordable kitchen island out of just 4 IKEA items.

Her post has since gathered over 9,000 likes with 4600 retweets.

She writes, “Wanted a kitchen island but my kitchen is not big and I didn’t have a lot of budget for it. Nevermind. Just DIY.”

She put together the entire island with just 4 items from IKEA, with a budget of RM300 (approx. USD70).

The island measures 86cm (h) x 92cm (l) x 53cm (w).

What you need to make this affordable compact kitchen island:

1. KALLAX 2×2 shelf unit

A KALLAX unit forms the base of the island. You can have two KALLAX units to make a bigger, detachable 2-in-1 kitchen island.

2. CAPITA legs (8cm)

You will need 4 legs for one KALLAX. Other than CAPITA, you can use other legs or casters, if you want a portable kitchen island.

3. LÄMPLIG chopping board (46cm x 53cm)

Get two of these bamboo chopping boards to create the kitchen countertop.

4. SKYDD wood treatment oil

Protect the chopping board with a coat of food grade white mineral oil. (The SKYDD wood treatment oil is discontinued in some countries, here are alternatives.)

Optional:

BRANÄS baskets or other KALLAX inserts.

Other materials:

You’ll need 8 corner braces to secure the chopping boards onto the KALLAX unit.

Here’s how to make a kitchen island

Assemble the KALLAX according to IKEA instructions.

Next, install the CAPITA legs to the KALLAX. Then, carefully flip the entire unit over to stand on the CAPITA legs.

Place the chopping boards on top of the KALLAX unit. Adjust the placement of the boards to overhang the KALLAX equally.

Determine where to place the brackets and mark the underside of the chopping boards and the sides of the KALLAX.

Use a cordless drill and make pilot holes where the screws should go, on both the chopping boards and KALLAX unit. Make sure you do not drill through the chopping board.

Then screw them together.

Oil the LÄMPLIG chopping boards and you’re set!

Check out the full conversation below.

The post Just 4 things to make this affordable IKEA Kitchen Island appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Make room for more with these IKEA bedroom storage ideas.

I’m looking for help with a space in my bedroom. 

This is the layout of my room currently with the bed in the middle of the end wall. Sizes are in cm. 

I want to rearrange my furniture to have space for yoga. But it will leave me with an annoying space at the foot of my bed (approx. 30cm/1 foot wide).

I would just stick a book case in there but I wouldn’t be able to get to the lower shelves at all, so I’m hoping someone here can help me with a suitable option. 

The bed won’t go completely against the window wall because of the radiator.

I plan on putting a small shelf above/behind the headboard for small items, and possibly cups of tea. 

Thanks,

Mary

Hi Mary

Space for workouts. Nice!

I’m all for changing layouts as our needs change, so let’s take a look at some IKEA storage ideas to make the most out of your bedroom space.

#1 Bookcases with hidden storage

As suggested, you can stick two BILLY bookcases (at 28cm deep) at the foot of your bed in the new layout. With this hack, the space at the bottom shelves need not be wasted.

I would recommend turning the bottom section of the bookcase, which will be blocked by your bed, into a storage space for seldom used items.

How I’ll do that is …

First, assemble the bookcase. But omit the shelves for the bottom section. Get a wooden board as high as your footboard and nail it across the BILLY frame. You can get a board cut at your local hardware shop.

Then place dowels in the BILLY frame at the same height as the board.

Next, add knobs or door handles on a BILLY shelf. This makes it easier to pull up the shelf and access the space when necessary.

Lastly place the shelf over the dowels. Slide the BILLY bookcases into the gap and voilà! Hidden storage space for pillows and extra bedding.

#2 Flip open storage cabinet

Next idea is to use the IKEA kitchen cabinet. The METOD has a 30 cm wide wall cabinet which is great fit for the gap.

I’d get two of them at 80cm tall and 60cm tall to come up to 140cm, 10cm shy of your bed’s width. Assemble them according to instructions and install the doors.

Then, join the end of Cabinet 1 to the head of Cabinet 2 to form a long storage cabinet. Lie the cabinet on its back and slide them into the gap.

A quick sketch of how it may look. Customise with doors that you like.

For this idea, you can consider it along the radiator wall. It may actually turn out better with this flip open storage cabinet below and wall shelves above.

Choose a shorter METOD cabinet to clear the radiator, if necessary. With the bed flush against the left wall, you may be able to use the wider 40cm cabinet. You’ll have more size options with that.

#3 Storage benches

IKEA has a few benches that may work.

Get two of the RÅVAROR Coffee/side table and they’ll fit right in.

Another one from the RÅVAROR range. This bench on castors is 34cm wide, so if it’s placed along the radiator wall, it may work. Plus point is you’ll have extra seating for guests.

IVAR has a crate on castors which you can use for that space too..

#4 Wall of TRONES

Lastly, I would recommend the TRONES shoe cabinet. This is my favourite solution for your space.

I’ll use 6, maybe even more, of these slim cabinets along the foot of the bed. At 18cm deep, you’ll still have margin to flip down the doors.

The TRONES are so useful in so many ways and despite its slim profile stores a load of stuff. Craft material, books, magazines, electronics, you name it! You can even make a headboard out of it.

Add a wooden plank on top for a natural touch. For more organized storage, label each compartment.

So, Mary, how will you be tackling your room layout?

We’ll love to see your before-after. Send it over when it’s done.

Happy hacking,

Jules

Hacking may compromise the structural integrity of the item, so please be aware of the risks involved before modifying or altering any IKEA product. Alterations and modifications will also void any warranties or return policies you may have received from IKEA. IKEAhackers.net is not liable for any product failure, injury or damage resulting from the application of suggestions, ideas and hacks featured on this site.

The post 4 IKEA Storage Ideas to make good a wasted gap appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

We hacked the IKEA Owl in order to turn the ordinary SOLBO lamp into something special. It looks awesome as a gift or a home decor piece.

Now when we turn the lamps on, they look beautiful with a unique translucent stone texture.

IKEA items used:

SOLBO table lamp

Other materials and tools:

Masking tape
Box cutter
Paint brush
Electric spray gun (Diameter of nozzle: 2.5 mm)
Sandpaper (No.320)
Primer Color (Addstone Brand)
Addstone color AN615
Addstone White China Big Spot Granite Stone

How to turn the IKEA Owl Lamp into stone:

1 . As the surface of the lamp is glossy, the surface must first be sanded with sandpaper (grit 320) for the paint to adhere. (But don’t sand too hard.)

2. Stick masking tape on to the areas that will not be sprayed. This is to clearly show the owl’s beak and eyes. 

3. Use a cutter to gently cut along the contour of the face.  

4. Use a brush to paint the primer around the owl’s body. Once done, let it dry for about 1-2 hours. (Lightly touch the surface to make sure the primer is thoroughly dry). 

Start spraying

5. Use an electric spray gun with a nozzle size of 2.5 mm or more. (It is not recommended to use a nozzle lower than 2.5 mm. Because the stone coating will not come out of the spray nozzle, so there will be no texture even after spraying.) 

We chose a granite-like colour from Addstone, a high-tech, water based, decoration coating. The coating provides the natural texture of granite stone, letting us pile on layers from smooth to rough.

(You can also use other types of textured coating like these.

6. For the first layer, we sprayed the entire body, making sure it was not too thick. When the first coat was done, we left it for about 1-2 hours to dry. (Try to touch the surface to make sure the first layer of color is already dry). 

7. Then, we started to spray the second layer, keeping the details of each point smooth. We did not spray the stone coating on too thickly, as we still wanted the light to shine through when we turn the lamp on. If the coat goes on too thick, it may no longer be translucent. 

8. Leave it for about 1-2 hours. Let the surface dry completely. 

9. All dry. Don’t forget to remove the adhesive tape around the face that was attached before. 

10. Remove the tape gently. 

And it’s done!

You can put this owl lamp into the bedroom, living room or workroom.

Why did you decide to hack the item?

To make use of free time and add value to the product.

How long and how much did it cost?

It takes only 1 day to make it and the price for the color is 2,800 baht.

What do you like most about the hack?

Sharing new ideas.

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Using an electric spray gun and taking precautions.

What to pay special attention to?

Ensuring the details in the final step of painting.

~ by Addstone

The post Turn the IKEA Owl Lamp into a unique stone sculpture appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Transforming a PAX wardrobe into a concealable, fully equipped electronics workbench.

I am passionate about electronics, fixing and repairing things. However I live in an apartment and don’t have a dedicated room for this.

At first I was using my desk, but as projects never go as planned an remain on the bench for several days it began interfering with my regular office activities.

I then started looking for an alternative and an idea of how to hide my mess from visitors and myself when not working on any projects. As I did not find anything suitable and PAX wardrobes are really easy to come by on the second-hand market I started this project.

IKEA items used: 

1x PAX Wardrobe – 100 x 58 x 236cm

2 x PAX Doors of your choice

5 x KOMPLEMENT Shelf – 100 x 58cm

1x KOMPLEMENT Shelf – 100 x 35cm

1x KOMPLEMENT Drawer – 100 x 35 (2 in the original design, but one broke)
I recommend getting hold of the older versions (30 years back or so) as they are of much better quality than the current ones.

Other materials and tools: 

1 Slide in desk tray -> Make sure to buy good quality rails and sturdy wood!

Many steel braces

16x4mm  or 16×3,5mm screws

2m Aluminium LED Profiles

2m 24V LED Stripes

24V / 100W Transformer

Switchable Power Strip with USB chargers

Magnetic tracks

Cable ducts for the LED wiring

PVC piping (For the “cable honey-comb”)

Storage bins according to your needs

How to set up an electronics workbench in an IKEA PAX closet: 

1. Set up the PAX Wardrobe according to the instructions, but stop before inserting the rear wall.

2. Use one of the KOMPLEMENT shelves (100 x 58)  as a “double back wall” and install it vertically between the two sides of the wardrobe with the metal braces (I used 3 on either side) , about 5 to 10 cm from the back.

As the PAX back is not suitable for bearing any load, this will allow you to fix tools and other things later on.

The space between this shelf and the back can also be used to conceal the wiring and access cables.

Finally it also contributes to the stability.

3. Install one KOMPLEMENT shelf and install horizontally, slightly above your desired working height.

Attach it to both sides of the wardrobe with metal braces (I used 3 on either side again)
Otherwise it will not withstand the forces when working on the extended surface.

Adding the work surface

4. Install the drawer style desk underneath the horizontal shelf so that it sits at a suitable height for your purposes.

5. Place the other KOMPLEMENT items as desired. I found it beneficial to place one narrow shelf above the working area and the full width ones below and at the top with the advantage of allowing to install 2m of LED stripes. One at 35cm depth, the other all the way at the front. This provides excellent lighting the entire working area. 

6. Install the LED profiles, LED stripes, LED transformer, cable ducts and wiring.

7. Install, the power strip.

8. Then, install the back of the wardrobe.

9. Finally, install the doors.

10. Install magnetic tracks for holding tools as desired.

11. Install the storage bins as needs. In my case I am using many small drawers for electronic components

12. To organize my cables and test leads I built a “honey-comb” structure from cut to length PVC pipes and super glue. I am loving it as it gives me quick access to all cables and test leads and a space to store them neatly after use.

13. Set up you workbench and start working.

14. Close the doors when you’re done and everything gets nicely hidden.

How long and how much did it cost?

A few hours of work

About 200€ for the material (2^nd hand PAX with some interior + some new interior + drawer, braces, screws, lights)

What do you like most about the hack?

It is exactly what I was looking for.

It makes my repair works so much easier as everything now has a place.

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Nothing much. Maybe the disappointment in the declining quality of IKEA Products. The old shelves and drawers are much stronger than the new ones.

What to pay special attention to?

Make sure to use enough braces to provide sufficient stability.

Also don’t forget to bolt the wardrobe to the wall, so it doesn’t come tumbling down on you when you load the desk or lean on it.

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

Places the back shelf further from the wall to have more space towards the back.

Added a cut-out in the back shelf for connectors and voltage regulators.

People who have seen my previous set-up love it, and so do I.

~ by !BATTA!

The post Electronics Workbench, A fully equipped & concealed lab appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

My sister asked me to build a large LEGO table for her boys and I thought that it’s much more practical to do an IKEA hack rather than make it from scratch.

IKEA items used: 

• TROFAST units

Other materials and tools: 

• ¾”x4x8′ Plywood (doesn’t have to be a nice grade, it will go underneath anyway)

• ½”x4x8′ Plywood sheet (for shelves – optional)

• Smooth wall panel with a prefinished white coating

• (3) 1×2″x8′ select pine

• Wood glue

• 1 ¼” brad nails

• Superglue

• Caulk

• Wood filler (optional)

DIY LEGO Table instructions: 

1.  Assemble two IKEA TROFAST storage units as per instructions.

2. Cut ¾” plywood and a wall panel to length. In my case it was 3×6′.

3. Using gorilla glue, attach the wall panel to plywood.

4. Make a trim. Cut 1x2s to length. Attach them to the plywood board and plastic sheet using wood glue and a brad nailer.

Use wood filler to hide the cracks (if you have any haha) and to cover holes from brad nails. Sand it all smoothly.

5. Make shelves for one side. This step is completely optional. I made 6 shelves. I used ½” plywood that would fit perfectly to the shelf sections of the TROFAST storage unit. Dimensions of the shelves are 17×11 ¾”.

Watch the video of my DIY LEGO table:

6. Paint the table and trim. First, I covered the whole area with a primer, and only after that painted with color.

7. Attach tabletop to the TROFAST storage units. I used 1 ¼” screws and they were a perfect length for this project.

8. In the end, we used caulk to hide all imperfections on the sides of a tabletop.

How long and how much did it cost?

6 hours. $260 ($170 + materials)

What do you like most about the hack?

It’s so functional and can be a LEGO table, a craft table or a train table.

What was the hardest part about this hack?

To cut white panel without chipping. But I used caulk later to fix all the imperfections.

See the full tutorial and other tips on my blog.

~ April Reade

The post A dream DIY LEGO table that any kid wants appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The iconic POÄNG is one of the most popular armchairs in IKEA and with good reason. It’s comfortable, with timeless good looks good. And you can bring one home for less than $80.

The POÄNG’s bent wood armrests is its most striking feature and the area we’re focussing on today. Let’s see how we can make further improvements to it.

POÄNG armrest too hard?

#1 Use a foam padding

Julian bought ribbed foam padding to add extra cushioning for his elbows when watching TV, playing games etc.

He recommends using strong double sided tape to stick the padding to the POÄNG armrest. And to wrap it around the inside edge.

He got the padding from Amazon. Looks and works great.

#2 Or a padded aluminium splint

A padded aluminium splint works too and can be removed without damage to the armrest. Colours, however, may be limited. Unroll, flatten and cut two 10″ lengths from either end of the splint. Round the edges and and fold them over the POÄNG armrest. See the full tutorial.

Need to work on the POÄNG?

#1 Laptop stand

The POÄNG armchair is, on all counts, very comfortable and ideal for watching TV or reading. But at times, you’ll want to snuggle down and work on your laptop. Here’s how to add a laptop stand to the POÄNG armrest.

For an easy, “temporary” version, hack this one.

#2 Clip on mouse tray

A 3D printed clip on flat tray that fits the IKEA POÄNG. You can attach it to the armrest of the chair and use it as a mouse pad or just to place your snacks and drink. Get it here.

Arms in the way?

With the armrests, you can’t slide the POÄNG under the table. Or perhaps you just don’t like armrest? To remove the arms of the POÄNG, here’s the tutorial for it.

See more POÄNG hacks.

The post 3 ways to IMPROVE the POÄNG armrest for work and play appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I loved the look of this FEJKA String of beads but I was concerned that it was not that realistic. So I made this upgrade and it didn’t cost me anything.

IKEA items used: 

• FEJKA String of beads

Photo: IKEA.com

Other materials and tools:

• Hair dryer

IKEA FEKJA String of beads upgrade

Branches can be detached from the base very easily and without any risk of damage. Choose some branches from the one side of the base and take them off.

The main secret is that the branch attachments sit perfectly on the tips of medium and long branches. You can lengthen several pieces in a row.

The attachment points are visible only close and only if you know what to look at — I’ve pointed to them with arrows.

After the desired length is reached, you need to heat the branches with a hairdryer so that they take a more relaxed shape. This must be done carefully, in thin places there is a risk of rupture.

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As a result, you will have an almost realistic String of beads, especially if you chose to use a hanging planter for it. 

~ Marie

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An IKEA item that’s surprisingly good for indoor climbing plants

The IKEA range of memo boards are not only good for holding up notes and photos. They work brilliantly for indoor plants, real or fake. Let’s take a leaf from IKEA hackers who have made IKEA memo boards work as an indoor plant trellis. Read more.

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The post Turn FEJKA String of beads to something more similar to String of beads appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I had a LIATORP bookcase already and wanted a couple of extra shelves for my books. The BERGSHULT is a reasonable match in style to the LIATORP shelf. 

It’s very slightly shorter in depth, but once the books are on the shelf you won’t see it. I’m very happy with my simple hack!

IKEA items used: 

• LIATORP Bookcase
• BERGSHULT Shelf

Other materials and tools: 

• Saw (manual or power saw)
• Drill
• Shelf supports

How to make more shelves for LIATORP bookcase

1. Use a LIATORP shelf to mark the exact size on the BERGSHULT shelf and cut it with your saw.

2. With a 5mm drill bit expand the holes in the LIATORP sides to fit your shelf supports. I had spare shelf supports from another project, so I used those; but any type of shelf support pins will do.

3. Insert your new shelf. (The towels were to help slide the  bookcase in place, it’s a heavy item!)

How long and how much did it cost?

2 x BERGSHULT shelves at around €13 per shelf; it took about 20 mins!

What do you like most about the hack?

It was very simple and effective; I got two extra shelves  and made better use of the bookcase.

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Making sure I cut the shelves to exactly the right length and perfectly straight.

What to pay special attention to?

Top tip – use some masking tape on your drill so you don’t drill right through the side of the bookcase by mistake.

~ by Eleanor

The post Make extra shelves for the LIATORP bookcase in 3 steps  appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I researched a lot of high end luxury kids rooms on Instagram and thought I could create it using IKEA kitchen furniture.

I have already used the METOD 37cm depth cabinets in my bedroom to create a dressing table and drawers.

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IKEA items used:

• ASKERSUND and BODARP door and drawer fronts for the doors/ drawers/ staircase/ reading den, ceiling/ bookcases (x2) bed frame, raised platform base and trim
• TUTEMO cabinets for the open cabinets and small enclosed units with a BODARP drawer front and hinges to construct a door
• EKBACKEN worktop for the main door surround, side panels of the wardrobes, bay window desk
• 37cm depth METOD wall cabinets/high cabinets/horizontal wall cabinet
• MAXIMERA drawers

Other materials:

• Climbing wall
• Plywood
• Chalkboard paint
• T-nuts
• Zinsser BIN primer

Kids Room Climbing Wall:

• Climbing holds from customholds.com
• Bouldering mat: Grivel Trend from Alpine trek
• Monkey bars and frame made using timber and screws, varnished or painted with BODARP colour matched Johnstones paint

Lighting:

• All from Electric-centre.co.uk
  • I used a mixed of plaster in LED channels and recessed LED channels with cob lighting tape and drivers. This includes the shorter recessed channels in the wardrobes, channels above the bed and climbing wall and in the den, and the recessed light along the ceiling and down the wall

• The blinds are blackout roller blinds from Hillarys blinds
• The carpet is from a local carpet shop
• The ‘baby jail’ bars are regular dressed timber, screwed from the loft through joists down into the timber so it looks like they disappear into the ceiling. The wall bars in the den are stuck on with adhesive
• The seat and footstool are Togo by Ligne Roset in pistachio
• The acorn basket is H&M

Finished results of my kids room with climbing wall

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Steps I took to make this happen:

I initially used Excel to design the layout but then found a design tool called Sketchup to design it all in 3D. To learn how to use it, I watched a lot of YouTube videos.

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I had a joiner fit the wardrobes using the METOD rail system, following the plans I had made.

However, I didn’t want to restrict the design to standard kitchen fittings so used TUTEMO and BODARP drawer fronts with hinges to create smaller doors.

I used a 40cm wide x 200cm high cabinet on the left side of the wardrobe wall with a 140cm height BODARP door, and 3 x MAXIMERA drawers with 20cm height drawer fronts in ASKERSUND and BODARP.

Then, I added a 40cm square METOD cabinet underneath with ASKERSUND door to create the vision of different units.

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The 4 ASKERSUND doors conceal a 80cm wide 37cm depth 200cm high METOD high cabinet frame. Underneath these and at either side of the wardrobes are a mixture of 40cm x 40cm TUTEMO open cabinets and 20cm x 40cm TUTEMO open cabinets either left open or using ASKERSUND/BODARP door/drawer fronts.

Over the main door is a METOD horizontal cabinet and an ASKERSUND drawer front used as a dress panel to fill the gap next to the wall.

The doors/drawers are all fitted with UTRUSTA soft close hinges and push open fittings so no requirement for handles.

Staircase

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I designed the staircase using a mixture of 60cm wide ASKERSUND door panels in various lengths for the treads, 60cm wide x 20cm height ASKERSUND drawer fronts for the risers and various 20cm height drawer fronts in BODARP and ASKERSUND for the side panels of the stairs. I wanted the contrast of the BODARP and ASKERSUND on the side panel of the stairs under the den, to tie in with the wardrobe side of the bedroom.

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Timber was used to create a deck for the bed. Further timber struts were used to create bed slats for a custom sized mattress to sit on and allow air circulation.

The remaining floor of the deck around the outside of the mattress was covered with ASKERSUND door panels cut to size. Similarly the underside of the deck (roof of the den) was clad with more ASKERSUND door panels cut to side and glued with Pink Grip adhesive and screwed from under the mattress.

Bed frame

I used 20cm high BODARP drawer fronts to create the bed frame and 20cm ASKERSUND drawer front and the top edge of an ASKERSUND door for the dressed panel hiding the timber frame for the deck.

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Then, I used various sized ASKERSUND doors cut to size to make bookcases at the end of the bed and in the den. I measured these all out so I could use 1 door for both side panels of the bookcase, or 1 door for 4 shelves. This meant there was no wastage.

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The desk was made using EKBACKEN worktop in ash effect. My brilliant joiner cut the joins and finished them with ColorFill joint sealer in natural stone.

How long did it take and what’s the cost?

From design stage to finalisation of it took about 6 months.

I was very meticulous in doing my research, deciding what aspects I wanted in his bedroom, how I could make the design last 10 years or so and grow with him.

An example of this was researching the average sitting height of a child so I could figure out the height of the deck to allow him to still sit up in bed at the age of 11 (he’s only 2!)

I researched circulation required for mattresses which determined the size of the deck frame.

Besides that, I designed and made the climbing wall myself researching this on various climbing wall blogs.

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I lost track of costs but all in all it was about £5k! The light fittings alone cost £400.

The most expensive part was the professional tradesmen, which were worth their weight in gold. My joiner was a perfectionist … just like me. I also used a plasterer and electrician.

IKEA total spend was £2209.

What do you love most about your kids room with climbing wall project?

What I love most is how much time we spend in there as a family playing. There is so much floor space with the bed being on a deck.

My 8-year old goddaughter came to play and loves it, so I know it’s going to still be fun for my 2-year old in years to come.

What was the hardest part of the project?

Hardest part was finalising the design. This took weeks of planning as I knew it had to be just perfect.

Also the lighting took a lot of getting my head around. I didn’t know where to begin as they don’t come as a regular fitting — it’s lots of component parts i.e. the aluminum channel, LED tap driver, opaque diffuser.

The sales lady was a huge help in advising me and took many of my phone calls. It was a new job to my electrician and plasterer who’d never fitted lights like these before. Actually my joiner did most of the work recessing the plaster and wood.

What to pay special attention to?

Pay special attention to detail in the design phase. I had very little wastage.

I wouldn’t change anything, I love it

~ by Louise Llek

The post This Kid’s Room features a DIY Climbing Wall and awesome wardrobe appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Organization and storage ideas for a small laundry room.

Over at our IKEA Hackers Facebook Group, Sara asks, “I have a small space where I put my front loading washing machine but wanted to improve the space to have it more organized. I thought of using kitchen furniture but the normal fit in washing machine cabinet is too small. What do you suggest?”

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Photo: Sara Oliveira

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Hi Sara,

IKEA has many organization options for the laundry room. You’ll be able to create an organized and functional laundry room quite easily. Let’s take a look at what we can do.

#1 Flexible laundry room organization system

IKEA recommends the BOAXEL system for the laundry room. The wall mounted BOAXEL laundry combination is ideal with a drying rack and adjustable shelves. Best thing, you’re not constrained by the size of a cabinet. Vertical space above the machine can be used effectively. Store items in crates or boxes for a neater finish.

Photo: IKEA.com

• Related:
  • Simple but total transformation for this laundry room
  • Laundry room: from derelict to delightful

Also easily expandable if you want to organize the space next to your machine.

Photo: IKEA.com

#2 A modular system

IKEA recently rolled out a new modular storage system called ENHET. The ENHET is still pretty much under the radar but I’m already in love with it. IKEA positioned it for use in the kitchen or bathroom. But as far as I’m concerned it can go in every corner of the home.

I think this beautiful combination with open shelving and closed storage is perfect for your laundry corner. What do you think?

Photo: IKEA.com

#3 Kitchen Cabinets for the laundry room

IKEA Kitchen Cabinets is a popular solution for laundry rooms. And with good reason. Highly flexible, with open or closed storage, solid or glass doors.

I used the IKEA Kitchen Planner and came up with two possible designs for you. Do poke around the planner and come up with the design of your dreams.

For Design 1, I picked a High Cabinet Frame (40x60x200 cm) with an UTRUSTA pull-out cleaning tool storage. It’s optional and you can replace this with shelves or drawers.

In the space above the machine, I chose two wall cabinet frames (80x37x60 cm), stacked. I left the bottom cabinet frame doorless to give the feel of open shelving. To further personalise it, consider wallpapering the back of the open cabinet to add your signature style. I wrapped all the sides of the kitchen cabinet frames with cover panels for a seamless finish.

For Design 2, I opted for a simpler, lighter style. Use a butcher block to create a waterfall countertop. It will stretch across the base kitchen drawer unit (40x60x80 cm), over the washing machine and then down the sides of the machine. (Alternatively, use legs.) Adjust the length of the countertop to fit your machine. The countertop would be useful for sorting out and folding up laundry.

Above the machine, I went with 2 horizontal cabinet frames (60x37x80 cm) and glass doors. Next to it is a 40x37x80 cm frame with solid door.

Finish with doors and knobs in the style you prefer. I love this solution for classy laundry room organization.

#4 The new NYSJÖN

Unfortunately the NYSJÖN laundry combination is not widely available. But it’s a neat and easy solution especially when you don’t want to make holes in the wall. Just slot the NYSJÖN above the machine. I do recommend securing it to the wall, as a top heavy cabinet may topple.

Photo: IKEA.com

The DYNAN Open Storage works in a similar way. But the shelves are not as deep (and appear a lot more wobbly), so may not fully optimise the vertical space.

#5 Use the trusty IVAR

Is there anything the IVAR can’t do? Here’s what Jake did with the IVAR.

You can trim the 80cm long shelves down to fit your machine like Jake. You’ll need to use screws to attach them to the IVAR side units, if you cut off the mounting fixture.

Photo: Jake Lee

For a basic unit, all you need is two 50cm side units and some 80cm shelves. The OBSERVATÖR cross brace will help stabilize the unit.

Personally, I’ll omit the cutting and keep the shelves at 80cm. Then, set the machine flush against the left (or right) side post. In the approx. 20cm gap next to the machine, I’ll slot in a handy VESKEN trolley. At the top, I’ll use the woven cane doors to close it up. Detergent bottles are not the prettiest.

Photo: IKEA.com

Hope these 5 laundry room ideas have inspired you to work on your space. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Happy hacking,

Jules

The post 5 fresh laundry room ideas for front loading washer appeared first on IKEA Hackers.