Regarding outdoor planters, one has many choices for a suitable vessel. First, consider what colors complement your existing decor. 

What functionality are you looking for? You may need something to hang on a vertical wall or rest on the floor or a plant stand. Do you want something that suspends from the ceiling, such as a macrame hanger? 

Some people like weird and unusual ideas for their yards. Are you an environmentalist who prefers reusing items instead of buying new planters?

Continue reading to learn more about what might work best for you and your plants.

You can modify planters to an extent, but the one thing you can’t change is their size. Your selection of plants will play into the factor of what size flower pot or planter to use. 

Another consideration is your chosen material for your home or patio planter decor. The options include concrete, metal containers, terra cotta, ceramic planters, and plastic flower pots. 

Color Options

So, you’re shopping at a big box store, and you find the perfect planter, but you’re looking for a different color. Painting a planter is a simple task you can do at home. Spray paint is the easiest option; however, this depends on the material you have chosen for your flower pot. Should your plant be subjected to the elements, keep that in mind when choosing your paint. Plastic and metal planters may be the easiest to transform with paint. 

Popular Types of Planters

Urn Planters are considered one of the most classic styles. Often, they are arranged in sets, holding plants such as colorful flowers, small shrubs, or tall topiaries. You may already have a pair of urns on your front porch that can be moved to your backyard or patio to enjoy them more.

Pedestal Planters can add height and dimension to your patio as they elevate your plants to create more of a focal point. If you don’t have a pedestal planter, you can repurpose a tall stool to display a plant. 

Hanging Baskets are reasonably priced and will add color to your space. Replace the plastic hook included with your hanging planter by purchasing or making a decorative macrame hanger. You can easily find the directions for this project online. Choose a bright color hanger if your plant is greenery. 

Vertical Succulent Options can include repurposed and upcycled items like shutters, pallets, and a shoe holder or similar over-the-door organizer. 

Boxes or Troughs can be made of wood or metal and placed strategically in your space to divide areas or create a path. Making wooden boxes yourself is a great weekend project that will give you many years of service. 

Materials

Stone or Concrete options are durable, work with various plants, and work well with contemporary and traditional designs. In addition, you can update these materials with paint to match your decor.

Terra Cotta or clay pots may bring a little nostalgia to your environment. This age-old material has been around for centuries and is available in all sizes. 

Ceramic items, including novelty vintage pots such as animals, boots, busts, and more, will add some whimsy to a small plant shelf tucked into a corner. 

Hand Painted Pottery will elevate the look of any plant you add. You can find these pots online and at discount department stores. The colors are generally bright and cheery. 

Metal Flower Pots often have patterns stamped on them. They may or may not have drainage holes, something you should consider when buying any new pot for your plants. As mentioned above, don’t be discouraged by the color. That’s easily changed with paint. 

Plastic may be the most frugal option. If you think you will be changing up your decor often, it’s a good choice. Because plastic does not absorb moisture, you must water your plants more often. You can cover cheap plastic flower pots with handmade plant koozies. 

Upcycled and Repurposed Ideas

An article about outdoor planters would only be complete with ideas for upcycling and repurposing household items to contain your favorite plant or flower.

You can turn practically anything you have at home into a plant pot. The next time you’re at a thrift store or yard sale, look at things differently, with a gardener’s eyes.

Teacups and saucers are perfect for small flowering plants in groups or on the shelf with those novelty animal planters mentioned above.

Pots, pans, colanders, and coffee pots make great conversation pieces in your home or patio. To add color, paint the containers, or plant colorful foliage.

Glass coffee pots make cute terrariums using soil, rocks, and succulents.

Metal watering or gas cans make fun and unique succulent planters. It would be best if you drilled holes for drainage before planting. 

Shoes, boots, and galoshes are a fun and whimsical way to break up the monotony of gardening. Putting holes in old leather boots is a fun way to plant succulents. Hang a bright collection of children’s galoshes on a privacy fence with pansies or marigolds. 

Chandeliers make delightful hanging flower arrangements. You can retrofit the chandelier by adding small dishes such as bowls and teacups glued to the chandelier to hold a small or succulent plant. 

Wooden drawers, chairs, ladders, and pallets lend great ideas for creatively displaying colorful plants and flowers around your patio or yard. Broken chairs used as garden chairs are quirky in their own way. Any wooden ladder will easily display potted plants and flowers. Stack unwanted wooden drawers for a show of beauty.

Wheelbarrow planters, either upright or tilted as though they are spilling over, are perfect for ground covers and vines. 

Vintage bicycles and wagons make playful displays. Generally, the bike has a basket on the front or back overflowing with fanciful flowers as it leans against a tree. Little red wagons can be used as a planter or filled with potted plants that complement each other. You might consider throwing in an old boot or shoe full of succulents. 

IKEA bags. The blue bag from IKEA makes an affordable planter bag. You can choose the large bag for tomatoes and similar plants. The small IKEA bags are great as hanging planters.

Planters. Yes! Planters of all kinds are plentiful at thrift stores and yard sales. Don’t pass them up because of the color or material. You can modify a glass pot with paint and plaster to give it a new look. You can transform a metal flower pot by wrapping it with sisal rope. While shopping, look for a basket for your new container to reside. 

Unexpected Garden Containers

Plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, or bathtubs in the garden bed may sound odd. If you live in a rural area, you have seen these types of garden ideas. Granted, they are not for everyone but done right, they sure can make you do a double-take!

Outdoor Planter Ideas From The Recycling Bin

Tin cans being FREE, make awesome planters or starters as is. You can make plant pockets by crushing one end of the can to close it. Using paint and decoupage to decorate the plant pockets will customize them to your liking.

Glass jars and bottles. Don’t toss them; upcycle them! Jars are so easy to turn into a hydroponic garden with the kids. Didn’t you watch a potato grow in a pickle jar held in place with toothpicks as a child? Glass bottles can become a quick bud vase holding that last rose you received in a bouquet. A large jar turned on its side filled with small plants is suddenly a terrarium.

Milk jugs, toilet paper tubes, and egg cartons are given new use as seed starters indoors before planting outdoors. 

You’ve Chosen Your Planter. What Should You Plant?

Petunias are great for beginners. They enjoy full sun and bloom all season and are great for container gardens or hanging baskets.

One of the best classic container options is geraniums. They are generally low maintenance and prefer full sun to partial shade. 

The perfect full-sun happy flower is the marigold. The blooms are vibrant and bold.

The choice for a beautiful hanging basket is fuschia, with cascading bell-shaped flowers. They prefer partial shade.

Coleus tolerates the shade and has colorful foliage. Add this to your shade container garden option.

Another excellent shade plant is impatiens. It blooms profusely in shades of white, orange, pink, and red.

Assorted succulents are for those with less than a green thumb. They are low maintenance and need less water than flowering plants. 

Lastly, for those of you who are brave enough, African violets or orchids. African violets are generally easy to keep alive but need the perfect conditions to bloom. Orchids need a lot of bright indirect light, similar to the African violet. Watering each of these plants correctly is the key to making them thrive. 

I hope you find the perfect outdoor planter for your needs and green space.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. 

The post Enhance Your Space With Unique Outdoor Planter Ideas appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The open floor plan trend is on its way out, even triggering a quiet quitting from Architectural Digest. In its place, defined spaces and designated rooms for work, play, and sleep. This is where room dividers come in handy to help establish zones and ease the transition from one function to another.

Room dividers can divide a large room into smaller, more functional spaces or create privacy in a shared room. At the same time, dividers can add a pop of color and inject a distinct style into your room.

With so many different room divider ideas to choose from, ranging from simple curtain panels to more complex structures that incorporate storage and seating, where do you start? 

We’ve got you covered with our practical tips for selecting the perfect one. From different styles to DIY room divider ideas, we’ll help you figure out the right divider that fits your needs and style.

Which Room Divider Is Best for Your Space?

Consider the following when choosing a room divider.

• Function of the divider: It’s crucial to shift the perception that a room divider is only a standing panel for dividing a room. A room divider can serve multiple functions, such as a desk separating the living room and workspace or a large display case for storage and decor. Incorporating multi-tasking furniture into your space is a great way to maximize a small space.
• Style of the room: Before buying or making your room divider, visualize the style of the room and how the room divider fits in. Will it work better with a permanent structure or a temporary open-and-close system? 
• Size of the divider: This is tricky to get right. A partition that’s too small will be of no effect. If it’s too big, it may overwhelm the room. A good tip is to stick painter’s tape on the floor and wall space, outlining where the room divider will stand. This helps you understand the size before committing to a purchase or DIY project.
• Choice of material: Does the room need a softer touch like fabric or a more minimalist metal divider? Do you want something on trend, like rattan room dividers for an Instagram-worthy space?
• Color selection: A brightly colored divider can be a great way to add fun and playful elements to a room. This style works particularly well in modern or minimalist spaces where the divider can act as a statement piece.
• Buy or DIY: There are plenty of room divider options in the market, ranging from budget-friendly curtain panels to more expensive sliding door dividers. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, there are plenty of DIY ideas to try before committing to a permanent space partition.

12 Room Divider Ideas To Try Today

Creating a room divider can be an easy and affordable way to transform an open living plan. Here are a few room divider ideas, including DIY suggestions to get you started:

1. DIY Fabric Room Divider

A fabric room divider is an excellent option for adding privacy and style to a space. To create a DIY fabric room divider, start with a wooden frame and attach a piece of fabric to it using staples or glue. The material can be any color or pattern, depending on the desired look. Consider using a thick fabric to block light and sound for a more functional room divider.

2. Hack an IKEA Room Divider 

A popular room divider solution from IKEA is the KALLAX shelving unit. With the KALLAX, you have a range of sizes to choose from, starting from a single cube to an expansive 72″ tall and wide storage unit. This versatility allows for many possibilities in using it as a room partition. 

Stack and secure KALLAX shelf units of various sizes together to create a large-scale room divider for a more dramatic effect.

Consider an IKEA hack to create a one-of-a-kind room divider. For example, attach three IVAR side posts with hinges to create a folding screen. Then, cover the openings with cane webbing or jute rope for a unique room divider. 

3. Customize a Folding Screen

Folding screens are a versatile option for large room dividers. They can create a private space or add visual interest to a room. For a creative room divider, get a cheap folding screen and customize the panels with paint, fabric, or peel-and-stick wallpaper to complement your home decor. 

4. Hang Up Curtains 

Curtains are a simple and inexpensive way to create a hanging room divider. Popular choices include beaded, sheer, and string curtains. Measure the height and width of the area you want to divide and purchase curtains slightly longer and wider than the space. Hang the curtains from the ceiling or use a tension rod to position them between two walls or other surfaces.

5. Make Use Of Sliding Doors 

Sliding doors are a more permanent option for room dividers. They can be used to create a separate room or to close off an area of a larger space. Sliding doors come in various styles, including traditional barn doors, sleek glass doors, pocket doors, and modern metal doors. You can hang them from a track on the ceiling or mounted on a wall, depending on the design and layout of the room.

6. Create a Bookcase Room Divider

Bookcases are perfect for small spaces where a permanent wall isn’t an option. They create physical and visual separation while providing new storage surfaces for books and decor. 

To create a freestanding bookshelf room divider:

1. Start with a tall, sturdy bookshelf and place it perpendicular to the wall.
2. Anchor the bookshelf to the wall to minimize the risk of tipping over.
3. Fill the bookshelf with books, plants, and other decorative items to create a functional and stylish room divider.
4. Always put heavier items on the bottom shelf for more stability.

Another idea is to use a built-in bookcase as a room divider. This type of bookcase is perfect for creating a permanent separation between two areas. It can be customized to fit any space and provides ample storage space for books, decor, and other items. A built-in bookcase can also create a focal point in a room, such as a fireplace or a TV.

7. Go Green for Natural Boundaries

Greenery is a great way to add a natural touch to any room while serving as a creative divider. You can build a living wall by mounting planters on a wall or using a modular system to create a custom living wall. Succulents, ferns, and other low-maintenance plants are great options for a living wall.

Creating a plant screen is another way to use greenery as a room divider. This can be done by arranging potted plants to create a natural barrier between room areas. For example, tall plants like bamboo or fiddle leaf figs can make a privacy screen, separating a living space from a dining area.

If you want to create a more unique and eye-catching room divider, consider using hanging plants. Do this by hanging plants from the ceiling using macrame hangers or other hanging planters. This creates a refreshing partition that also adds visual interest to the space.

8. Soundproof Your Room With Dividers

Consider using acoustic panels to create a soundproof partition. This clever room divider idea is beneficial in shared spaces, such as a home office, where privacy and noise reduction are essential factors to consider. The acoustic panels are usually made of foam in 3D designs, with varying noise-reduction abilities. 

Stick the foam pads on three wooden boards. Attach the wood panels to each other with hinges. Et voilà! A custom sound-blocking room divider.

9. Open Up With a Short Wall Divider

Another option is to create a partial or low wall divider. This is a practical idea for the entryway as it partitions without making it feel cramped or closed off. 

You can use shoe cabinets or short BILLY bookcases from IKEA. Place the two units back to back and secure them together. Add a wood countertop on the bookshelf and cover the sides with trim for a built-in look.

10. Get Knotty With a Macrame Room Divider

Macrame room dividers are a great way to add a bohemian touch to any space. These hand-woven pieces can be made from various materials, such as cotton, jute, or hemp, and knotted the way you like. They can be hung from the ceiling or attached to a wooden frame for stability. 

Macrame room dividers can also create a cozy reading nook or shield a balcony space without blocking light.

11. Make a Pallet Room Divider

Pallets are a versatile and affordable material you can repurpose into DIY room partitions. Pallet room dividers can be made by stacking pallets on top of each other or by attaching them with hinges. They can be painted or stained to match the decor of the room. 

Pallet wood may be rough and nail-ridden, so spend some time sanding the wood down and removing the nails before painting or staining.

12. Picture This for a Room Divider Idea

Picture frames can be repurposed into a unique and artistic room divider. They can be attached to each other with eye hooks and hung from the ceiling with chains. Place images in some of the frames and leave a few empty. Mix and match different-sized frames to create a hanging gallery wall. 

A room divider is an easy item to add to your home furnishing. It immediately adds a personalized touch to your room and creates intimate spaces for conversation, working from home, or getting a good night’s sleep. If your open-plan studio apartment feels less than cozy, wait no more. It’s time to divide and conquer.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

The post 12 Room Divider Ideas To Create Cosy Spaces in Your Home appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I needed some nice door stoppers for my new home. The ones I found online were either too ugly or too expensive. So, I decided to improvise a nice doorstop with the IKEA HAJMAL snack bag.

Material used:

• HAJMAL lunch bag: price around 2-3€
• Small river stones from a park
• Some cord
• A small garbage bag

How to make a DIY door stopper:

1. I bought 3 for 2€ each. Its size is perfect for the purpose. (The HAJMAL is not available in some countries. An alternative to this weighted doorstop project is the IKEA NEREBY bag. The NEREBY is also a good choice; you’ll not need to add a rope. But it is more expensive compared to the HAJMAL.)

2. Then, I cut out the IKEA label from the bag. At the same time, I cut a piece of cord around 60cm long. The rope should be long enough to go around the bottom of the bag and extend out of the bag as a handle.

3. I tied the ends of the rope and introduced it to the HAJMAL bag, ensuring the knot was at the bottom and the cord covered the bag’s contour. You can use hot glue to fix the rope or use thread to hand sew the rope to the bag. But that’s not necessary, as the weight of the stones will keep it in place.

4. Then, I put a small but strong garbage bag inside the IKEA bag, around 10L volume. This is useful and practical for the next step.

5. I filled the bag with some small river stones I picked up from a nearby park. Total weight should be up to 3kg. Anything lighter may not be heavy enough to keep the door ajar. The trash bag keeps the HAJMAL bag clean. The rocks are easily removable when I need to wash the bag. You can also use playsand if you want to DIY a sandbag door stopper.

6. I closed the bag, tied the strap that comes with it, et voilà! A DIY door stopper that looks great and works fantastic. It doesn’t scratch up the wood floors, and the handle makes it easy to move. For 3€ it’s the best door stopper I could ask for.

~ by Diego Pintos

More IKEA hacks by Diego

• Old IKEA footstool gets makeover and new storage
• Headboard with lights feat. LINNMON table top
• DRAGGAN cart facelift – from rusty to fresh new look

The post DIY door stopper you can easily make from this one IKEA item appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

We have an IKEA stackable bed in the guest room and love it. The only problem is that the legs on the UTÅKER bed frame are so short that we cannot store anything under the bed.

Also, because of the short legs, you are limited in the height of the (bottom) mattress when the beds are stacked, and the indicated maximum mattress height (12 cm/ 5 inches), in our opinion, is not comfortable. That is why I decided to replace the legs with new, taller ones.

In a nutshell, I cut new legs in the length I wanted (added 10 cm/ 4 inches per bed), copied the holes from the original legs, reused the hardware, and assembled the beds back together. Read on for details of our UTÅKER IKEA stackable bed hack.

IKEA items used: 

• UTÅKER stackable bed

Optional IKEA items:

• 2x MORGEDAL mattress 80×200 (18 cm/ 7 inches thick, instead of the recommended max 12cm/ 5 inches)
• SKUBB storage case 93x55x19 cm (36 ½x21 ¾x7 ½”)

Other materials used:

• Wood for new legs, I used 44x44mm planed timber (standard size), 8 x 30cm
• Plastic furniture feet with nail

Tools: 

• (miter) saw
• Drill press (or regular drill and steady hands)
• ⌀7,5mm drill bit
• ⌀8,1mm drill bit
• ~⌀12-13mm drill bit or countersink drill bit
• drill bit bigger than the size of your plastic feet
• HEX key 6mm
• HEX key 5mm (provided in the package by IKEA)

Optional:

• 3D printed drilling jig (file available here)
• or printed drilling jig/ drawing and glue (file available in attachment)
• router and big round-over bit

Options for the IKEA stackable bed hack

Option A: If you only want more room for a thicker mattress, you could change the legs for one bed and increase the length to the top of the bottom bed. (Please note that the jigs I made are based on adding length to the bottom of the legs).

Option B: If you only want to make room for storage under the bed, you could only change the legs for one bed and increase the length on the bottom. If you choose this option, you cannot use the two beds as a double bed since the height will be different.

Option C: That is why I chose to increase the height of all 8 legs. The beds will remain identical and interchangeable and can be used stacked as 2 twin-size beds or as 1 double bed. Please note that the total height of the stacked beds will be higher, so it will be less suitable as a daybed/ couch. 

The legs

The original legs of the bed are 40mm x 40mm and have a height of 20cm. They have big radii (±R20) on 2 corners.

I used planed wood with a dimension of 44x44mm, a standard available size in hardware stores. Since I use the outsides to line out the holes to have the boards flush with the legs, the total bed will be 8mm wider and 8mm longer with these legs. This was not an issue for the assembly of the beds or fitting of any of the other parts.

The radii on the legs are just decorative; the bed is also usable with square legs. I chose to put a radius on the outer corners with the biggest round-over bit I had (R9mm), but this is totally optional.

New leg (left) vs. original leg (right):

The holes and how to copy them

The beds both have a side with a high board and a low board. (image top left) This results in 4 different legs, and IKEA marks them (on the bottom of the leg) with A, B, C, and D. (image top right)

There are 2 different holes in all legs (image section A-A)
– ⌀8,1mm holes, 17mm deep, for the wooden dowels
– ⌀7,5 mm holes, 27mm deep, for the pre-assembled hardware (screw-in nuts), with a (counter)sunk edge of ± ⌀ 13mm.

These holes are in different locations on the legs. To copy them, you can use one of these 3 options:

1. copy the measurements from the drawings onto your new legs
2. print the drawings on true scale, and glue them to your new legs
3. 3D print the jigs I made and use them for drilling the holes.

Make sure to align the measurements to the outside of the leg (closest to the row of holes; this will ensure the boards will be flush with the legs) and to the top of the leg. 

I numbered the holes/ jigs as below. As you can see, 3 different patterns (1, 2, 3) are used on the left and right sides of the legs (L, R).

Transferring the drill holes to new legs: 3 methods

1. Copy the measurements from the drawings onto your new legs

If you don’t have or don’t want to use any of the printing options, you can take the measurements from above and copy them onto your legs. All dimensions are in mm.

2. Print the drawings on true scale and glue them to your new legs

To make life just a little bit easier, you can print the drawings on a true scale and glue them onto your legs. Always check a few dimensions on your printed drawing to see if the scale is 1:1.

The .pdf (opens in a new tab) contains 4 pages, with 1 jig per page; jig 2 is double because you need it twice. Print out all 4 pages for 1 set of legs. 

Ensure you align your print with the outside (12mm dimensions) and the top of your legs.

3. 3D print the jigs I made and use them for drilling the holes

If you have the opportunity to print out the jigs with a 3D printer, that is (in my humble opinion) the easiest and fool-proof method. There are 3 jigs that can be used to align to the left or right side of the leg. You can push it against the sides, align the drill with the holes, and drill through them. 

The files are available on Thingiverse.

Getting to work

After all this theory, it is finally time for the steps to get the job done:

1. Cut the legs to your desired length

The original height under the bed is 10cm (on the high side B-D). To fit a big SKUBB box, I added 10 cm, which makes the total leg 30cm long. You can choose any length; the jigs measure from the top of the leg.

2. Drill the holes into your legs using one of the methods described above. 

Make sure you drill perfectly straight (drill press recommended) so all the hardware will fit with the boards.

To not mess up the different sizes of holes, I drilled all 7,5mm holes first, then made the (countersunk) collar on them, then drilled all remaining 8,1mm holes.

Optional: add a radius to the square legs to approach the original shape.

The beds work and fit perfectly fine with square legs, but if you want to have them look more like the original ones, you can use a router and a big round-over bit to add a radius to them.

You can also do this step before cutting the legs to length. I did it after; it makes for a more stable part for drilling. If you attach the legs to the head/feet board of the bed, you have a piece that is easy to clamp down and run a hand router or palm router on.

3. Drill a hole in the center of the top of the legs 

The size depends on the feet you have available. Make sure it will easily fit the furniture feet at the bottom of the other bed with some play. These feet are not only used to protect your floors but make sure the beds remain in place when they are stacked.

I drilled the holes deeper than the thickness of the feet so the wooden legs of the two beds would make contact when stacked.

4. Add the furniture feet on the bottom of the legs in the center

5. Disassemble the original beds if needed

6. Disassemble the screwed-in nuts from the original legs

These nuts/ inserts are pre-assembled to the legs when you buy the bed. You can remove them with a size 6 HEX key. 

7. Screw the nuts into your new legs 

Assemble the nuts you just removed from the original legs into the ⌀7.5 mm holes (the ones with the collar) of the new legs.’Assemble the nuts you just removed from the original legs into the ⌀7.5 mm holes (the ones with the collar) of the new legs.

8. Now follow all the installation steps from the manual

IKEA stackable bed: Bed riser process

I was afraid that the beds with the higher legs would not be as stable and that, especially stacked, they might wobble. But luckily, this is not the case; I do not feel a big difference between the modified beds and the original ones.

I hope this is helpful to anyone hoping to raise their IKEA stackable bed. Here’s how the IKEA stackable beds look after it’s all done.

More on the IKEA UTÅKER stackable beds

The IKEA stackable bed offers numerous benefits for those seeking an efficient and versatile sleeping solution. The IKEA UTÅKER stackable beds consist of two individual bed frames that can be easily stacked on top of each other to create extra sleeping space. 

This innovative design brings numerous advantages to various settings, such as dorm rooms, kids’ bedrooms, guest bedrooms, or any space requiring extra sleeping accommodations. One of the main benefits of stackable beds is their space-saving nature, unlike bulky bedroom furniture that may not properly fit small bedrooms. And much easier to DIY compared to a Murphy bed.

Benefits of stackable beds

By stacking multiple beds vertically, these beds utilize the available space efficiently. Unlike traditional beds, stackable beds do not take up unnecessary floor space, allowing you to maximize the functionality of your room or living area. This feature is particularly valuable in small apartments or shared rooms with limited space. 

Moreover, IKEA stackable beds are incredibly versatile. They can be easily rearranged according to your needs, changing the configuration to a single bed, a queen bed, two twin beds, or a corner sofa daybed. This flexibility allows you to customize your sleeping arrangements depending on the number of guests or occupants in your space. 

Another advantage of the IKEA UTÅKER bed is its durability. Made from lightweight solid pine, these wooden beds are built to be easily stacked and unstacked without compromising their structural integrity. This durability ensures a long lifespan for your stackable bed, making it a wise and cost-effective investment. 

Furthermore, IKEA stackable beds come unfinished, allowing you to DIY them to suit your taste. You can use glazing paint, oil, paint, or stain to protect the surface and stamp your unique style to your bedroom decor.

An affordable choice

Lastly, IKEA stackable beds are known for their affordability. Stackable beds are generally more budget-friendly than other furniture beds on the market. The two IKEA bed frames with included slatted bed bases come up to almost $250. Your choice of mattresses will bump the price up, but it is still a good bargain. This affordability makes them an excellent choice for those on a tight budget or individuals needing temporary or guest sleeping arrangements. 

The only downside of the stackable bed is the lack of a headboard and footboard, which is not a big problem for most. You can easily add an upholstered headboard and line up pillows along the wall to create a plush headboard. Another issue is its short legs, which do not allow for storage under the bed. The good news is the IKEA UTÅKER bed hack above solves this problem.  

Stackable bed with 5-star reviews

The IKEA UTÅKER bed reviews are mainly positive, with over 92 5-star reviews. Buyers love it for its space-saving feature, minimalist design, and how it unstacks into a big double beg. Buyers recommend measuring the mattress size in advance to ensure it fits the bed dimensions. 

The benefits of IKEA stackable beds are manifold. They save space, offer versatility and storage solutions, provide durability, come in various styles, and are budget-friendly. Whether you need an extra bed for guests, a space-saving solution for a small room, or a flexible sleeping arrangement, IKEA stackable beds are a practical and efficient choice for any home or living space.

The post How to raise the IKEA stackable bed for storage appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The durable IKEA blue bag is used to carry many things ranging from flatpack furniture to laundry, but its recent cargo may rank as one of the most intriguing.

1. A Stolen Van Gogh Painting

A tipster used the large, 99-cent IKEA FRAKTA bag to return a stolen Vincent van Gogh painting, The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring, to private art crimes detective Arthur Brand.

The artwork was bubble-wrapped and carried in an IKEA bag when handed over to Brand, who has been investigating the theft of the 1884 Van Gogh painting. Brand says on his Instagram account that he closely coordinated with the Dutch Police to recover the painting successfully.

The oil-on-paper panel was stolen from the Singer Laren Museum three years ago on Van Gogh’s birthday while it was part of a temporary exhibition on loan from the Groninger Museum. Video security footage showed a masked man breaking through the Singer Laren’s glass doors using a sledgehammer and leaving with the Van Gogh under his arm. At the time of the theft, the painting was “thought to be worth millions” but had since lost virtually all its value as the painting made its rounds in the criminal circuit.

Despite the nefarious intentions on the artwork, the Van Gogh has remained in a relatively good state. In a press release, the Groninger Museum explains, “The painting has suffered but is – at first glance – still in good condition. It will be scientifically investigated in the coming months.

The museum cannot yet estimate when the recovered painting will be displayed again. “It could take weeks, if not months,” it says.

2. Swans

In 2017, the Secret World Wildlife Rescue asked its supporters for IKEA FRAKTA bags on its Facebook page. “We use these IKEA​ bags for rescuing and releasing swans and desperately need some more.”

Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a 24/7 rescue center for orphaned and injured wildlife in the UK. Trained volunteers sit a swan on the swan wrap. They hold the neck of the swan gently to keep it still. Then, the volunteers apply the swan wrap to protect the wings. The swans are placed in the IKEA blue bags and transported for further treatment.

IKEA responded to the call and donated their bags to the rescue mission.

3. A Bridal Gown

In 2018, Tina’s clever IKEA hack for a typical wedding day problem went viral. With a long mermaid wedding dress, she was worried about “going to the bathroom and not being able to handle myself.” The alternative was to have a bridesmaid hold up her gown and help her with number 1, but that wasn’t ideal for her.

She chanced upon the idea of turning the 19-gallon crinkly blue bag into a bridal bathroom helper, enabling her to go to the bathroom on her own. All she needed to do was cut the base of the bag — large enough to go around her hips. She recommends the cut to be snug so the gown’s skirt doesn’t fall through. Place the longer straps on the shoulders to hold up the bag with the skirt tucked inside.

4. Dogs on the subway

The New York City subway allows dogs on trains only when they are in containers. Trust New Yorkers to get creative and come up with IKEA hacks for their dogs. The IKEA FRAKTA is popular for larger breeds of dogs. Cut holes for dog legs, and the bag becomes an IKEA dog carrier and walker. For small dogs, tuck them inside and carry on.

5. Skeletons in blue bags

In 2014, Kicki Karlén discovered the remains of around 80 people stuffed into a few sets of IKEA blue bags. “There were around 80 skeletons,” she told Swedish paper, The Local.

The remains were once buried under the floorboards of the Kläckeberga church. Nevertheless, it may not be as macabre as it seems. The man who dug them up, archaeologist Ludvig Papmehl-Dufay, told The Local he was on the team called in to dig out the bones in 2009 as the church underwent a renovation. The plan was to rebury the bones, some dating as old as 500 years. But the reburial was delayed, and the bags of bones were left in the IKEA bags, covered by a tarp.

Papmehl-Dufay has this to say about the cost-effective storage method: “It’s not standard practice, definitely not for archaeologists, but the IKEA bags aren’t actually that bad. They’d be great for stopping the molding process. But it can’t be that good to have them in the basement for so long.”

IKEA hackers have long found the bags to be one of the best things from IKEA. They’ve used the IKEA FRAKTA bags, including making DIY hanging planters and a convertible diaper bag.

This originally appeared on IKEA Hackers.

The post 5 times, the IKEA Blue Bag carried the unexpected and the macabre appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Do you look at your IKEA furniture and sigh? It may be time to revamp it with paint. There are a variety of furniture paints to choose from when you get ready to tackle your project. The products are available in various colors and finishes, allowing you to get creative and showcase your personality.

Painting your IKEA furniture is one of the easiest ways to hack it and refresh an old piece. Whether your IKEA piece is made from particleboard with wood veneer or a piece of solid pine furniture, there is a paint type that’s right for it.

Besides making over old furniture, painting is essential when combining different IKEA pieces together in an IKEA hacking project. Using furniture paint, you can make different components blend together as one cohesive piece of furniture.

Once you see the variety of furniture paints available and the dramatic effects you can achieve without breaking the bank, you will be ready to paint your furniture.

Why Use Furniture Paint

Adhesion

Specialty furniture paint adheres to surfaces such as highly lacquered wood, faux wood, metal, wood veneer, plastic, and other materials that may be difficult to paint. Cleaning the furniture is usually the only preparation needed when using furniture paint if the furniture surface is in good shape.

Durability

Furniture paint is long-lasting and abrasion-resistant to the wear and tear of everyday use. These high-quality paints are water-based and much easier to work with than oil-based paints, which used to be the standard for painting furniture. 

A Variety of Finishes

It’s all about the finish with furniture paint. There are paints available that will give a rough textured finish to your furniture, or you can achieve a finish as smooth as butter with a different type of paint.

Choose the perfect furniture paint to achieve an old-world crackle finish or a different kind of paint to help you achieve a hammered metallic finish. 

There are furniture paints to achieve the basic matte, flat, satin, gloss, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes you would see with wall paint.

6 Types of Furniture Paint

1. Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is a mix of powder such as Plaster of Paris or calcium carbonate. It is known for its ability to adhere to almost any material or finish. It dries to a chalky matte finish and requires waxing or sealing to preserve the finish. 

The paint covers exceptionally well and can be distressed to give the furniture a vintage or worn look. Chalk paint is thick, and sometimes, one coat of paint is all that is needed. The thickness of the paint also lends to textured finishes for a classic country feel. 

Brands of Chalk Paint

• Frenchic Chalk Paint
• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
• Amy Howard One-Step-Paint
• FolkArt Home Decor Chalk
• Magnolia Home Chalk Style Paint
• Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint
• Country Chic Chalk Style Paint
• Rustoleum Chalked
• Kilz Chalk Style Paint
• Miss Lillian’s No Wax Chock Paint

2. Milk Paint

Milk paint is powdered paint made of 100% natural ingredients. The name derives from the ingredient casein, which is milk protein. The product mixture also includes lime, natural pigments, and plant-based filler.

The versatile paint can give furniture or home décor accessories an old-world look. The paint automatically chips as it dries and can be further chipped, distressed, and antiqued using a sanding block or similar item.

Waxing the paint once it’s dried will give it a slight sheen and maximum durability. The paint can take medium wear without sealing it with wax.

Brands of Milk Paint

• General Finishes Milk Paint
• Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint
• The Real Milk Paint
• Rustoleum Milk Paint Finish
• Old Fashioned Milk Paint
• Sweet Pickins Milk Paint

3. Clay Paint

Made straight from the earth, clay paint is heavily pigmented and has a rich, creamy texture. It is eco-friendly and porous, which means it does not trap moisture and is perfect for painting wood. The finish is matte or flat and can be textured. Use it on solid pine furniture like the TARVA.

Brands of Clay Paint

• Debi’s Design Diary Clay Chalk Paint
• Dixie Belle Terra Clay Paint

4. Mineral Paint

Mineral paint is usually made with natural mineral pigments and a silicate binder. It is environmentally friendly and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and VOCs.

It has superb adhesion properties and will stick to almost any surface without a primer or intense prep work. The colors are vibrant, and the paint resists chipping or peeling.

Brands of Mineral Paint

• Waverly Inspirations Chalk Paint, Mineral
• Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint
• Tommy Art Color Mineral Paint

5. Metallic Paint

Most metallic paint for furniture and walls consists of mica powder or mica beads and titanium dioxide, the brightest and whitest known pigment. Titanium dioxide has reflective qualities that give the paint its sheen.

Use metallic paint on home decor accessories such as picture frames and lamps, or add a single gold stripe to black furniture. Painting the drawers of a dresser metallic silver adds depth and character to the piece.

Brands of Metallic Paint

• Dixie Belle Patina Paint
• Modern Masters Metallic Paint Collection
• Fusion Mineral Paint
• Rustoleum Metallic Accents
• Krylon Gold Leaf Latex Paint
• Beyond Paint Metallic Collection

6. Acrylic and Enamel Paints

For our purposes, we will talk about water-based acrylic and enamel paints. Acrylic paint comprises water, the color pigment, and an acrylic polymer as a binder. The paint goes on smoothly and is self-leveling. 

Acrylic paint has more elasticity than most water-based paints, and this property makes it resistant to chipping and cracking. Water-based enamel is a type of acrylic paint. You can achieve a lasting, durable finish with enamel paint.

Brands of Acrylic and Enamel Paints

• Rustoleum Ulta Matte Interior Chalked Acyllic Paint
• Heirloom Traditions Paint
• Beyond Paint All-In-One
• General Finishes Brushable Enamel

What Can You Paint With Furniture Paint 

As mentioned in this article, you can use furniture paint on various surfaces such as metal, tile, glass, plastic, laminated, highly lacquered, and finished and unfinished wood. You can also paint cabinets and home decor accessories with furniture paint. 

Where Can You Purchase Furniture Paint

You can find specialty furniture paints online or locally from various sources. Here is a list of stores where you can buy the paint in person and get information about the product.

Home Improvement Stores

Stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s have a selection of furniture paint brands with different types and colors.

They also have a variety of acrylic and enamel paint brands. You will have hundreds of color options because these paints are custom-mixed in the store using an untinted paint base.

Paint Stores

As the name implies, these stores are dedicated to paint products. Stores like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Farrell-Calhoun have high-quality paints. They know their brands and can advise you on which product would be best for your project.

Antique and/or Vintage Shops

Local shops selling furniture and used home decor carry at least one line of paint. Some stores also have paint brushes, drawer pulls, and other things needed for a furniture makeover. 

Flea Markets

Large markets will have a selection of used furniture perfect for painting, furniture paints, and other products you may need for a furniture makeover.

Craft Stores

Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Joann Fabrics have multiple lines of furniture paint for painting home decor items and small furniture pieces.

How To Prepare Furniture for Painting

We have discussed how well furniture paint adheres to surfaces without priming and sanding. This is true only if your painting surface does not have peeling or chipping paint or marks made with permanent marker, fingernail polish, or anything similar. These issues can be handled by sanding either by hand or with a power sander to remove the imperfections and smooth the area you will be painting.

Before painting, remove all furniture knobs, pulls, hinges, and other hardware. The screw holes should be covered inside the drawers or cabinet doors with painter’s tape to prevent paint from seeping through the holes. Cover any areas you do not want to be painted with painter’s tape. 

Before cleaning furniture, vacuum the dust, spider eggs, and cobwebs from the inside of the furniture casing, the bottom and backside of the piece, and the drawers and shelves.

The last step before painting furniture is to clean it with soap and water or use the cleaning product recommended by the furniture paint brand. Once the furniture is clean, you are ready to paint. 

Additional Tools and Supplies for Painting Furniture

• Sandpaper
• Gloves
• Paintbrush
• Painter’s tape

Once you have selected your furniture piece to paint, choose the paint that will give you the look and finish you want. The right furniture paint can transform your old furniture or even a new piece into a work of art. Your technical ability and personal style will make it a statement piece and a conversation starter. 

Remember, it is only paint. If you don’t like the results of your first paint project, repaint it. You can paint the same piece numerous times without any extra prep work. Happy painting!

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. 

The post 6 Specialty Furniture Paints Give You The Ability To Transform Your IKEA Furniture appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The IKEA LACK wall shelving unit, with its minimal style and concealed bracket, is undoubtedly one of the most popular floating wall shelves on the market. Over the years, we’ve seen countless hacks and modifications to the LACK wall shelves, making it seem like we’ve seen it all. 

However, Alexia, a talented DIYer on Instagram, has taken a completely unexpected and unique approach to the ubiquitous IKEA LACK shelving system in her latest project. Her creative take on the LACK shelves will impress and inspire you to elevate your home decor game.

Wanting a calming and seamless look for her bathroom, she rounds the edges of the white shelves and fills the cut edges with a special compound. More on that later! 

Additionally, she adds a layer of plaster on the walls, blending into each bathroom shelf, creating a zen vibe.

Let’s look at her DIY project on hacking the IKEA floating shelves. 

Materials: 

• LACK wall shelf x 3
• Tile Adhesive (In French, colle à carrelage)
• Expanding Foam Insulation Spray

How to DIY floating shelves IKEA LACK with rounded edges

1. Draw the curve on the LACK wall shelf on one or both ends, depending on your design. You can use a large bowl as a template for a nice curved edge. 

2. The IKEA LACK shelf isn’t made of solid wood. The top and bottom panels are particleboard, sandwiching a honeycomb structure paper filling. Use a utility knife to score the curve line of the top and bottom panels to get a cleaner finish. Then, cut the LACK shelf along the curved lines with a fine tooth saw. You should now see the paper filling of the LACK shelf. You don’t need to remove them, just the excess from the edges.

Fill the hollow with expanding foam

3. Break out the spray can of expanding foam. Carefully spray along the cut rounded edge. If you can’t fill it all up in one go, don’t worry. Do another pass to fill in gaps until you have a thick, solid coating covering the entire cut edge. 

4. Let the foam dry and harden. Then, use a utility knife to cut the excess. Start from the left and right sides of the curve and then run the blade along the curved edge for a nice, clean finish. 

5. Install the IKEA LACK shelf hardware as per IKEA assembly instructions. To ensure a strong and stable installation, assembling the floating shelf brackets using wall anchors suitable for drywall is essential. Use a stud finder to locate and drill into wall studs. This will provide proper support and prevent any accidents. Slot the shelves into the shelf support, ensuring they are flush against the wall. At this point, you should end up with unfinished floating wall shelves with rounded edges.

Finish the wall-mounted shelves.

6. How you want to finish the shelves is up to you. Do what fits your home decor style. Alexia used a product called “colle à carrelage” in French (tile adhesive mortar), and it turned out similar to a chic clay plaster finish. Use a spackle knife to mud the walls and shelves. Pay attention to the areas where the open shelving meets the wall; add more filler if there are gaps. Don’t worry if the plaster is uneven — embrace the wabi-sabi. 

7. Let the mortar dry thoroughly and lightly sand to smooth the surface. After the shelves have dried completely, use a protective finish such as varnish or polyurethane to seal them and protect them from moisture. Don’t forget to clean off any dust before applying the finish for a smooth and polished look.

Style and decorate your DIY floating shelves

She styles them with bowls, a planter with trailing plants, scented candles, and other collectibles. See her Story Highlights for the full details of the DIY floating display shelves.

Other ideas for DIY floating shelves

Rustic wood: If you prefer a more natural look, consider using the LACK shelf in oak effect and staining the shelves darker to look like reclaimed wood shelves. Wrap the exposed edges with wood grain contact paper. It will instantly add character and warmth to your space.

Corner display shelf: The smallest 11 3/4” x 10 1/4” LACK shelf can also be rounded up to make a floating corner shelf. It’s an excellent option for optimizing unused spaces. The corner shelves can add functionality and aesthetic appeal to any room, turning a neglected area into an eye-catching display. 

Storage organizer: Don’t forget the importance of storage when designing your DIY floating shelves. Incorporating bins, pegs, or hanging hooks can provide additional organization and usability, especially in a small space where you’ll want to use wall storage solutions. These space-saving alternatives can hold books, kitchen supplies, or decorative items without taking up valuable floor space. 

By incorporating these ideas and materials, you can create your personalized wall-mounted shelf that fits your style and maximizes the storage potential of your space. 

With just a few basic materials and creative vision, you can transform IKEA LACK shelves into fabulous DIY floating shelves with rounded edges and a plaster finish. This project is a great way to add a unique touch to your home decor and show off your DIY skills. 

Looking for more floating shelves DIY ideas?

Check out our other tutorials and IKEA hacks for even more inspiration.

• Add a strip to light the IKEA LACK bookshelves
• DIY corner shelving using IKEA picture ledge
• Wall hanging shelf with leather belts
• Floating BILLY bookshelf storage unit for entryway

The post DIY floating shelves: Alexia’s Unique and Creative IKEA Hack appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I provide furniture assembly services, and a client showed me an Instagram inspiration photo (pictured below), which incidentally was a bedroom closet project featured on IKEA Hackers.

The client wanted to know if I could make a built-in wardrobe to cover the existing reach-in closet with a secret pass-through to double the storage space.

I loved the challenge and jumped at the chance to work on this massive IKEA PAX hack. This hack is a superb storage solution if your closet area doesn’t allow for a walk-in closet design or you have an existing closet space you want to maximize.

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA PAX wardrobe system
• KOMPLEMENT Interior Accessories
• ÖVERSIDAN Lighting
• TRÅDFRI 19W Transformers
• FÖRBÄTTRA Cover Panels

View the full shopping list pdf for the back and front wardrobe design.

Other materials and tools: 

This one took an entire van of tools.

• Table Saw
• Miter Saw
• Pin Nailer
• Circular Saw
• Electrical Tools
• Hammer Drill with Chisel Scraper Bit
• 5 Minute Mud
• Joint Compound
• Paint Supplies
• Multi-Use Tool
• Laser Level

Reach-in closet on the inside, PAX wardrobe on the outside

We started with a confirmation of measurements and an on-site design consultation based on the layout we created using the IKEA online design tool. We imported the design option into IKEA’s iSell sales system for ease of customer purchasing. When everything was in stock and delivered, we were ready to hack.

The first job was to demolish the existing closet, including removing the sliding closet doors, top and bottom track, old closet rods, and top shelf in the reach-in closet. We also removed the old carpet from the reach-in closet.

Then, drywall mud was applied to patch any damage from the demo. We used a joint compound topper to skim coat over the drywall mud after it dried. When the wall was dry, we touched up the interior paint of the reach-in closet.

New flooring in a closet

Next, the plan was to map out where to remove existing mahogany flooring to lay new laminate down so that interior closet flooring is all one laminate with no transition strip and flush to the old floor.

We dive cut with a circular saw and multi-use tool into the flooring, almost like cutting a section of brownies out of a pan.

We used a crowbar and 5 and 1 paint tool to pry the flooring from the floor. The flooring was glued to the plywood subfloor using a notched trowel. We used a hammer drill with a chisel scraper to remove the glue from the subfloor.

Finally, when the flooring was clean, we laid down plywood and laminate padding so the laminated wood flooring would be flush with the old hardwood floors.

Moving the switches

We removed the single switch in the interior of the reach-in closet and turned it into a double gang with a non-switched outlet for a charging station. Also, I added a switched outlet above for IKEA lighting.

We swapped out the old light fixture with a new flat 7-inch LED light in the interior of the reach-in closet.

Fitting out the reach-in closet

We wanted to do a blind reach shelving on the left side to maximize shoe storage. So we got a few PAX-compatible frames from West World Cabinet company. 

However, we still utilized IKEA KOMPLEMENT shelves and clothes rails in the interior closet to keep the aesthetic similar. This also kept the interior fittings cost down.

Next, with a table and miter saw, we custom-cut closet shelving in the depths and widths as needed for the closet’s interior.

Then, we installed IKEA ÖVERSIDAN lighting off the newly installed switched outlet.

We also built custom 2 by 4 spans off the studs to flush the far left and far right PAX frames out to the existing reach-in closet, as the closet doorway protruded 3.5 inches from the room wall.

Building the exterior PAX wardrobe

We built IKEA PAX frames for the exterior wardrobe span. Custom cut down the middle two frames, removing most of the bottom of the cabinet, leaving a 3.5″ piece that was edge banded to remain with finished edges.

Then, built-up toe kicks with a milled down 2 by 4 between them.

We cut down the backer board to a new height and used another piece of the bottom of the cabinet as a ledger to attach the backer board at the old reach-in closet header height.

I used a ledger to hide the ÖVERSIDAN lighting in the exterior IKEA PAX wardrobe closet span.

We took deco strips and 36 by 96 FÖRBÄTTRA cover panels and milled them down on a table saw and miter saw to make the exterior wardrobe look built-in from floor to ceiling.

Finally, we installed lighting on the exterior PAX to be auto-sensored off the PAX doors. Installed the closet doors, and we were done.

Lastly, I took a leaf blower and blew off sawdust from the deck connected to the bedroom that was my cut station. And done!

All that’s left is to organize the closet with storage bins and fill up the shelves and drawers.

How long and how much did it cost?

Labor charges for the installation were approximately $3,000. Materials in total were similar between PAX purchase, custom PAX compatible cabinets from West World Cabinet Company, flooring, and electrical supplies – roughly $3,000.

What do you like most about the hack?

The power switches and remotes to the right of the entire exterior wardrobe, as it previously was a double gang switch and would have been blocked by the wardrobe span. I was trying to figure out the minimum number of finish cover panels I could install along with minimal filler on the left side while still getting the far left door to open far enough for the door to clear interior drawers. We made it by 1/4 of an inch without cutting into the light switch covers.

What was the most challenging part about this reach-in closet PAX hack?

Removing the flooring, especially scraping the notch-troweled glue off the floor with a hammer drill with a chisel scraper bit.

What to pay special attention to?

Assembling the custom-modified PAX units for the pass-through vertically took a lot of delicate time to ensure I didn’t drop any piece when dry-fitting it all together while perched on a ladder. I have vertically built thousands of PAX, but never one where I stretched the limits of the materials like this.

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

To not do this in 90-degree heat, as San Diegians are weather wimps, especially in humidity.

I love it when people try to put down the IKEA PAX closet system as cheap and flimsy. It is super solid when assembled and installed correctly; it’s functional, easily hackable, and customized to look like a custom closet for a fraction of the price. I feel like I will be getting quite a few requests to do something similar now that I have a roadmap on its feasibility.

~ by Matthew Jenkins. Follow me on Instagram.

Watch the video walk-through of the double closets below.

The post Genius reach-in closet IKEA wardrobe hack for double the storage space appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

If you want to add some greenery to your home, DIY hanging planters are a great way to do so. And what better way to create them than using affordable IKEA items?

With some creativity and basic tools, you can transform IKEA products into cute hanging plant pots that add a touch of nature to any room. We have three easy DIY project tutorials you can customize to fit your style.

So, let’s get started on creating some beautiful DIY hanging planters using IKEA items.

IKEA utensil holder planter DIY

We wanted some plants to hang vertically in front of the glass panel on the door in the kitchen. After brainstorming some ideas, we devised these DIY hanging planters using just two IKEA items.

Materials for IKEA DIY hanging planters hack: 

• IKEA ORDNING cutlery stand
• IKEA DIGNITET curtain rail

I used five ORDNING utensil holders to span the length of the door. You can use more and also use a mix of the taller (7 1/8”) and shorter (5 3/8”) ORDNING for more variation. We used two DIGNITET curtain wire mounts to hang up the containers to create the vertical garden on the kitchen door.

I wove the stainless steel wire of the curtain wire through the outside holes on the cutlery stand before installing it on the door. It is very secure once tightened. Install the DIGNITET mounts as per IKEA instructions, but with the planters already woven in. Be sure to drill into the solid parts of the door if you’re doing it like we are.

You can put regular plants in them, herbs, and even succulents. We slot the nursery pot with the plant into the ORDNING holder, which is less messy than using the ORDNING as a plant pot. If you like air plants, you can loop some wires around the holes for them to catch on.

Other planter ideas that we toyed with but didn’t use in our DIY Project.

• Other types of string like twine or yarn instead of the DIGNITET wire curtains. You can easily thread and knot twine through the holes in the container to hold them up.
• Macramé would be lovely, too, but we didn’t have the time (or patience)
• Hanging basket instead of the ORDNING container
• Spray painting the metal plant holders a darker shade to match our home decor. We may do this later, but at the moment, we like how it looks.

We love it, and it adds some greenery to our small apartment. You can Jumbo size this idea and make it longer and bigger by adding a few more rows.

~ by Doug, Singapore

How to make hanging planter bags from IKEA shopping bags (no-sew option included)

I tried to build a garden wall on my balcony using hanging planters. I wanted to use several planter bags. The cost quickly added up if I bought regular hanging planter bags. So, I made DIY hanging planters from large IKEA blue shopping bags.

I ripped the seams of the blue bags and cut them up to be sewn into miniature bags. They measure about 10x10x10 cm on each side. I sewed the rectangle, closing the open side and bottom. Then, I tucked the bottom corners in, forming a box, and sewed them down. Lastly, I added the straps to the sides to hang the planter bags.

At the ceiling, I fixed chains and hung up the little bags with small hooks; you can also use paper clips.

Materials for DIY hanging planters

• IKEA FRAKTA blue shopping bag
• Or use the small BRATTBY bags (27cm x 27cm) for a no-sew option. They are larger than the hanging planter bags pictured above.

You can now plant, for example, different herbs. Each hanging planter bag has a little hole at the bottom for drainage. When you add water to the plant above, the water runs from plant to plant. Very cost-effective DIY hanging planters for your own hanging garden.

~ by Thomas

Make a stainless steel hanging planter bowl

So, if you’re like me, you’re fond of hanging things. Bikes, tables, and anything you can suspend from the ceiling rather than set on the floor is a big plus in my world. It follows that I’m rather partial to hanging plants. The problem is that most hanging pots/ baskets, etc., are macramé monstrosities, coconut fiber sieves, or otherwise fall short of my expectations for decor.

The IKEA BLANDA BLANK series of bowls seems to beg for repurposing. So I did. With some hardware from my other endeavors, I made slings from stainless cables, and with some eye hooks, the bowls became the hanging plant containers I’ve always wanted.

Materials for DIY hanging planters: 

• IKEA Blanda 14″ stainless bowl
• 48″ stainless cables with swaged ends
• Dual cable ferrules
• Stainless eyes and S-hooks from Home Depot and
• These marvelous little disks I got out of a surplus box at Minton’s hardware closing sale

Tools:

• Drill with a self-pilot bit
• Hammer
• Center punch
• Wire cutters
• Another drill with a countersink bit, and
• A swaging tool

Instructions for metal planter bowl

1. Drill-guide jig is a cut out (using a radial saw) of the lip of the metal bowl and held in place with clamps. Underneath is a piece of cardboard marked with the locations of the four holes.

2. Center punch and drill drainage holes.

3. Place bowl in jig and drill through jig and bowl.
4. Rotate the bowl 180 degrees, align it with the mark, and drill again through the jig.
5. Rotate the bowl 90 and 270 degrees, drilling the remaining holes through the jig.
6. Use a countersink bit to remove sharp metal bits.
7. Thread cables through the disk, making sure not to cross them.

9. Loop loose ends of cable and insert into ferrules.
9. Swage the aluminum ferrules; it takes six passes, three for an initial crimp and three more to really squish them. It’s fun, but watch your fingers!
10. Insert an S-hook.
11. Hang and level.

It worked out perfectly that the cables I found were exactly the right length (48″) and had one end with a swage fitting pre-attached. You can use regular stainless wire rope too (3/32″) and cut it to length yourself – then you’ll have to use the ferrules on both ends.

The discs are not essential but seem to help to add some cable tension that keeps the bowls at level.

Add a screw hook to your ceiling and hang your planter up. For a two-tier version of this IKEA hack, see this IKEA Hanging Blanda Plant Pots tutorial.

~ by Mark Papamarcos, Silicon Valley, CA

The post DIY hanging planters: 3 ways to make them from IKEA items appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Industrial designer addresses IKEA product pain points with 3D printing.

Adam Miklosi, a renowned Hungarian industrial designer, is no stranger to 3D Printing IKEA hacks. He continues to up the game with his Uppgradera Collection 3. Collaborating with German additive manufacturing studio Enable 3D, Miklosi has created five new products that can be downloaded for free and 3D printed at home.

This is the third series from Miklosi’s Uppgradera brand (see previous collection), which has already gained attention for enhancing IKEA products and rectifying any shortcomings through the capabilities of 3D printing. Miklosi’s objective is to create items that address real challenges and amplify the user experience in terms of comfort and efficiency.

During an interview with Enable 3D, Miklosi explained the meaning behind the Uppgradera brand, which translates to “upgrade” in English. His goal is to enhance IKEA products by addressing common issues and improving the user experience through hacking. As a frequent user of IKEA products, Miklosi spends a lot of time using them before sketching and ideating new solutions. He also checks reviews on IKEA’s website and other online platforms to identify the needs of customers and develop ideas based on their feedback.

3D Printing IKEA solutions to common problems

For instance, when a mug moves around on a tray, it can cause spills. That’s where the tray cup holder comes in. This holder is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the IKEA TILLGANG tray, keeping the mug securely in place and making it easy to transport from one location to another.

The cheese grater ring is specifically designed to work with the IKEA UPPFYLD grater, which features a container below to catch the cheese gratings. IKEA’s original design is practical, allowing for easy grating and storage of cheese. However, Miklosi takes it a step further with the addition of a ring around the grater. This upgrade ensures that none of the cheese bits fall out of the grater during use, making the grating process even more efficient.

This Uppgradera 3D printed hack addresses a problem we’ve previously tackled in our Hackers Help column. While the MULIG clothes rack looks great, the tiny sphere stoppers on both ends of the rack do not prevent clothes hangers from falling off. With the Uppgradera clothes rack stopper hack, a sturdy 3D printed block can be inserted over the IKEA MULIG stoppers to provide a reliable solution.

As you may have noticed, Miklosi focuses on addressing pain points when using IKEA products. This next 3D IKEA hack is no exception. The side extensions of the IKEA FROST drying rack can easily disengage from the groove, but the drying clamp rack holds them securely in place. The clamps can be removed when you need to fold away the drying rack for storage.

The final item in Miklosi’s collection is a toothbrush holder separator that can be easily inserted into the IKEA TISKEN toothbrush holder. This is a must-have for anyone seeking optimal bathroom organization.

Enable 3D founder Manuel Siskowski is excited to see how the IKEA hacker community responds to the designs, stating that this is the future of consumption, where consumers play an active role in creating the final product. He believes that IKEA’s approach to self-assembly has disrupted the furniture market and that it is now their customers who are starting a second wave of disruption.

The .stl files are open source on Enable 3D’s website. Get the files and run them through your 3D-printer or bring them to your nearest 3D printing service centers.

See more 3D printing IKEA hacks

• IKEA LACK 3d Printer Enclosure never looked as good
• 3D print IKEA KORKEN jar labels
• IKEA BUMERANG shoulder pads in 3D design

The post 3D Printing solves these 5 IKEA product problems appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

In a heartwarming story of creativity and nostalgia, Peter Isaacson shared his incredible IKEA hack from over 20 years ago — transforming an IKEA VARLIG plushie bear into a functioning Pentium III computer for his wife. What’s more impressive is how this teddy bear computer — rendered obsolete for years — lives again.

According to Isaacson, it all started when his wife wanted a PC. But she also liked teddy bears. Putting two and two together, Isaacson devised his amazing IKEA hack when he spotted the large VARLIG plushie bear on a trip to IKEA. He knew he could hack it to create a “bear suit” for his wife’s computer.

The one and only Teddy Bear Computer

Isaacson put in about 40 hours in this mod. He started by splitting open the $40 VARLIG bear, hollowing out the insides of the teddy bear. Then, he inserted a baby AT tower case into the belly. Any displaced stuffing was relocated to the head and limbs. The hardest part of the hack was sewing the body to the PC case cover. The excess bear fabric was folded in as he sewed it to the case. The only part that was discarded was the tail.

Isaacson added faux fur to the faceplate for a fun touch. Sourced from a local fabric store, the fur was stuck on the front panel of the PC tower with spray adhesive. He followed that with a lot of trimming with a cordless beard trimmer to make the fur blend with the original hair of the VARLIG bear.

To address concerns about heat, the back of the case was left uncovered since Pentium III computers didn’t generate as much heat as modern computers.

The Bear-A-Byte served his family for years until it was ultimately rendered obsolete. The teddy bear computer was wrapped in plastic, taking up space in the garage. He eventually listed it on Craigslist, where it was purchased by Clint Basinger of the Lazy Game Reviews (LGR) YouTube channel. He’s known as “a person who covers weird old computers,” and this was right up his alley.

IKEA Teddy Bear Computer rescued

LGR first knew about the IKEA teddy bear PC through @compgeke, who posted on Twitter about the unique teddy bear computer up for sale on Craigslist. LGR was tagged on the Tweet thread, bombarded with emails from readers urging him to rescue the one-of-a-kind Bear PC from oblivion.

So he says, “Somebody had to save it, right? And I guess it may as well be me.”

However, the teddy bear computer was located on the other side of the country, in Los Angeles, California. After help from a viewer, the Bear-A-Byte was on his doorstep.

The Bear-A-Byte is what it is – a Pentium III computer crammed into the interior of an IKEA teddy bear. If this doesn’t win the IKEA hack of the year, I don’t know what will!

Isaacson is delighted that LGR rescued the bear, “I’m so insanely chuffed that of all the people who could give this thing a loving home, it turns out to be LGR! LGR, you’ve done justice to my PC. You’re truly the most perfect human to be the owner of my machine who will cherish and love it as much as me, my wife, and kids did!”

Clint gave the computer some much-needed TLC, starting with a good clean-up of 20 years of dust, corrosion, and grime. He also added a hard drive and Windows ME operating system and thoroughly tested all components. He needs to work on a few minor issues, but “I am pleasantly surprised that it works,” he concludes.

Bear PC goes viral

The IKEA hack has since gained attention on social media, with many users expressing their delight at the creative and unique transformation. LGR’s rescue efforts have garnered over 17K likes.

One viewer on LGR’s channel comments, “You need to patent this. A Pikachu PC like this would be cool.” Another says, “It is both a nightmare and a work of art. Junji Ito Body Horror meets Paddington.” “You’re a mad genius, and I almost want you to build me one,” says another commenter.

This story inspires us to think outside the box and find new uses for everyday items, even common household items. You never know what amazing things you can create with imagination.

Is anyone keen to hack this teddy bear computer in the giant IKEA DJUNGELSKOG brown bear soft toy? If you do, let us know.

See LGR’s restore the IKEA Teddy Bear Computer in this video.

The post Man’s IKEA Hack of a Teddy Bear Computer Goes Viral After 20 Years appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

DIY cutting board that looks fab and works amazing for less than $22.

I do occasionally like to prepare a juicy roast beef, but slicing it on a traditional chopping board is usually a messy affair. All the juices that flow around spill over from the board to the kitchen countertop surface. 

I have imagined various chopping board designs that would take a lot more juice than the traditional cutting board with a juice groove, but the epiphany came when at an IKEA store, I saw the GRILLTIDER serving tray and PROPPMÄTT cutting board close to each other. Their sizes were so closely matching and could provide my ultimate design.

How to make a cutting board with a juice tray

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step 1: Measure and mark the cut line

On the PROPPMÄTT side with a hole, draw a line parallel to the short side of the chopping board at a 78 mm (3.07″) distance from the border.

Step 2: Shorten the cutting board

With the circular saw, cut the board along the line drawn in step 1.

Step 3: Round the corners

Use the smaller piece of scrap wood cut away from the PROPPMÄTT as a template to draw the curved edges on the remaining PROPPMÄTT board.

Step 4: Cut the corners

With the reciprocating saw, cut the corners to make them as round as the others.

Step 5: Smoothen edges

Smooth the edges with an orbital sander or sandpaper. If you want, you can sandpaper the board surface, too.

Step 6: Protect the cutting board

Apply protecting oil to the board, as per IKEA instructions.

Step 7: Attach bumpers

Attach the rubber feet bumpers to the lower side of the GRILLTIDER serving tray.

Step 8: Position the stoppers

Position the rubber gaskets approximately in the corners of GRILLTIDER. Do not glue them; you will have to remove them to clean GRILLTIDER.

Step 9: DIY cutting board with juice tray is ready

Position PROPPMÄTT on the rubber gaskets and you’re ready to start cutting.

Supply:

• IKEA PROPPMÄTT Chopping Board (17 3/4″ x 11″)
• IKEA GRILLTIDER Serving Tray (15 3/4″ x 11 3/4″)
• 4 rubber feet/ bumpers of your choice
• 4 rubber gaskets

Tools:

• A saw (ideally a circular saw and a reciprocating saw)
• Sandpaper 
• A pencil

How long did it take, and what’s the cost of this DIY cutting board?

Cutting the board, rounding the corners, and sandpapering the result took somewhere between 20 to 30 minutes; add a few minutes to position the rubber feet bumpers and the gaskets. In less than an hour, spending less than 30 Euros, I now have a large chopping board that can take up to 500ml of liquid!

What do you like most about this DIY project?

I love the amount of liquid this IKEA hacked chopping board can take, the totally easy cleaning (no corners, no rods, no screws, nothing), and the look of the drain/ gutter that runs all around the board that says, “Don’t worry, I can take it.” The combination of steel and wood also adds a nice design touch.

What to pay special attention to?

The single critical element is the rubber gaskets that support PROPPMÄTT cutting board inside the GRILLTIDER tray. They have to provide sufficient adherence for the board to stay put, and their height has to be sufficient to ensure that enough liquid can flow below the board. Be also careful with the height of the feet bumpers; if they are too low, they won’t support your new SAFTIKÖTT cutting board. (It means “meat juice” – a name I coined for this DIY cutting board for meat.)

Nothing is particularly complicated in this design: the hardest step has been figuring out how to support PROPPMÄTT inside the GRILLTIDER tray. There were many design candidates, but each of them had its own drawbacks.

~ by Daniele T

Our favorite IKEA cutting board hacks

The IKEA STOLTHET, an elevated cutting board with a stand, went viral when Tiktoker @grillodesigns demonstrated three different ways to use the cutting board, each one more creative than the last. 

While IKEA markets it as a cutting board, Medina Grillo re-imagined it as bookends for her shelf or nightstand. 

Pushing the boundaries even further, she used it as a laptop or monitor stand for her desk. And lastly, as a tiered tray in her kitchen for a coffee station or cooking spices.

Watch the many uses of the STOLTHET chopping board in this video. 

The video has garnered over 10 million views on social media, with many users expressing their excitement at the cutting board hack. Viewers have chimed in with their own suggestions, including a cheese board, sofa armrest table, or a small table for kids to use in their car seats. The most creative use award goes to viewers who suggest using it in the toilet as a footrest. 

Thanks to Grillo, we now have a new appreciation for the humble cutting board. So grab a few when you’re shopping at IKEA because this many-sided IKEA cutting board is a wonderful addition to your home and makes a great gift for friends and family. 

The versatile IKEA cutting board: APTITLIG

Long before the STOLTHET, the APTITLIG was the versatile one. It’s been made into a bathroom countertop, a floating wall shelf, and even a mouse pad. See our tutorials for more ideas. 

Lluís trims the APTITLIG bamboo cutting board into an elegant, minimalist floating nightstand.

Elisa makes a one-of-a-kind bamboo mouse pad from an IKEA cutting board.

The IKEA APTITLIG cutting boards add much-needed counter space to Melissa’s small bathroom. A small space lifesaver!

IKEA LAMPLIG cutting board 

The LÄMPLIG is a large IKEA cutting board made from an easy-care material — bamboo. On one side, it has a milled groove to collect juices. Flip it over, and it fits over the kitchen countertop with an edge that keeps it stable against the worktop.

The LÄMPLIG also has its fair share of IKEA hacks, with this kitchen island hack being our favorite. 

All you need to do is pair two LAMPLIG cutting boards with the KALLAX for a budget-friendly kitchen island.

See more IKEA kitchen hacks.

The post How to make a DIY cutting board for juicy meat appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

An apartment friendly, no power tools needed, easy-to-do IKEA hack that results in a low mess, well-ventilated top entry litter box that’s also a bench.

This is actually the second one of these we’ve made; the first one lasted 6 years of heavy use (we sit on ours a couple of times a day) before it got cracks in the wood. The cracks could have been repaired, so the longevity is honestly pretty good. 

We wanted a way to keep the litter box furniture somewhat hidden, but all the hacks and built-ins I’d seen either required power tools we didn’t have or were really poorly ventilated and didn’t provide visibility for the cats using them.

They were also almost all side entry litter boxes which, in my experience, lead to so much mess. I had seen people use HOL for side entry litter boxes and figured I could make it a top entry litter box. I got an IKEA HOL storage box and a hacksaw blade, then went to the store with a measuring tape to find a plastic box to fit. 

I really like this solution because it’s so easy to clean the litter box; just flip up the lid, scoop into the bin, and close the lid. With the box we used, there’s even space for an extra box of kitty litter. The airy grid makes it really well-ventilated, which helps a lot with smell; of course, you can smell when the cats have just pooped, but the odor doesn’t stay trapped, so it really doesn’t smell if you use good clumping clay litter. The high-walled plastic box helps keep the litter where it needs to be, and the holes let most of the litter stuck on their paws drop back down into the box. 

We have always kept ours in the hallway; I know lots of people keep kitty litter in the bathroom, but I’ve always hated that because the clay litter gets pasted to the floor from the moisture in the bathroom.

The hallway is perfect, and the bench function is really handy in the hallway. It’s not a space you hang out in, so if it smells for a few minutes, it’s not annoying, and because the hallway stays pretty dry, it’s easy to vacuum up the loose bits of litter a couple of times a week (our vacuum charges on the wall in the hallway for maximum ease of use). Other than daily scooping, we usually vacuum out the box every month to get rid of the bits of litter that end up on the base of the HOL. 

I did some research into self-cleaning litter boxes and all kinds of other solutions, but honestly, this IKEA hack is the perfect solution because it’s simple, low-tech, and it really balances the pros and cons of cat litter box solutions in terms of smell, cat friendliness, keeping it hidden and ease of maintenance. It’s one of the interior solutions I’m most proud of and, weirdly, one that we get a lot of compliments on from friends who love the look and function. 10/10 would make it again!

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA HOL storage table 98 x 50cm (38.5 x 19.6 inches)

Other materials and tools 

• Hacksaw blade (if you have a jigsaw, that works too)
• Sandpaper (I think we used 400 grit, but it’s just to smooth the edges, so use what you have) 
• Hammer and Allen key for HOL assembly
• Felt furniture pads for the legs (optional if you hate your floors) 
• Sturdy plastic storage box with high sides that fits inside the HOL Max height 40 cm (15.7 inches) max depth 40 cm (15.7 inches) width up to you but from 40-80 cm (15 – 31 inches). Note that you might not be able to fit a bin if you chose a wider box, mine is around 65 cm (25.5 inches), and I can comfortably fit a bin and even a smaller box or bag of kitty litter.
• Small bin with a lid that fits inside HOL with your litter box. I recommend getting one that you can rest your cat litter scoop on so you have an even easier time cleaning the litter box later on. 

DIY top entry litter box instructions: 

The time needed is 30 mins with no power tools, a bit less with power tools.

The easiest way to DIY a durable top entry litter box.

Total Time: 30 minutes

1. Assemble IKEA HOL storage table

Construct HOL according to the IKEA instructions.

2. Add furniture pads

Add felt furniture pads to protect your floors.

3. Determine cat entry placement

Place your plastic storage box and bin inside the HOL storage table. Then place the HOL where you want it in your home to better gauge the placement of the top entry hole. I recommend putting the lid of the plastic box under the box as extra leak protection in case the box cracks at some point.

4. Determine size and location

Determine the size and location of the hole needed for your cats. We cut out 4 bars each way, leaving an 18x18cm hole (7″ x 7″), but our cats are old now and did fine with a smaller hole on the previous one we made when they were younger. We placed ours in the back corner so we can use the other side of the lid for sitting on to put on our shoes, but placement is entirely up to you. 

5. Mark cut positions

Mark on the HOL lid the placement of the hole and where you will be making cuts. 

6. Make the cut

Use the hacksaw blade to cut off the bars along the outside edge of your top entry hole. It’s a little odd to do, but you basically place the hacksaw blade in the hole before the spot you want to slice and saw it off. It takes a little while to figure out the right grip and pressure, but coming at it with a good angle helps; wearing gloves can help protect your hand where you’re holding the blade, but if you just make sure your skin isn’t moving where it touches the blade you’ll be fine. You can use a jigsaw for this, but it can also be done completely power tool free. Cutting with the hacksaw blade takes around 15-20 mins but can easily be done inside even a small apartment. 

7. Sand cut edges

Sand the cut edges of the hole to eliminate any splinters and harsh edges. You can really go hard and make this perfect if you want to.

8.Replace lid

Put the lid on the HOL, and you are done! 

Optional extra steps if you’re really looking to make it fancy:

• Add hinges. Depending on the placement of the HOL unit, the lid can easily be rested on the wall while cleaning the litter box, but you can add small hinges that make lifting the lid and scooping the kitty litter even easier. 
• Add castors. We keep ours in the hallway and like being able to sit on it to put on and take off shoes, so castors wouldn’t work, but if you are putting yours in a more hard-to-reach spot like under the stairs, then lockable castors added on to the feet might be a good idea. 
• Paint it. We like the wood color, but you could paint this basically any color to suit your taste. You could also use a wood finishing oil if you prefer that look. 
• Dual litter box. If you need 2 litter boxes, you could totally make two holes in the lid and have one box on each side
• Smaller box. If you have less space, you could use the smaller size HOL (50 x 50 cm, 19 5/8″ x 19 5/8″ inches). There won’t be any space for the bin but it wouldn’t take up as much space. 

~ by Béatrice T.

IKEA cabinet effectively hides a litter box

It’s the classic story (unsightly litterbox, small apartment) with a twist: my cat is messier than average, so she uses a CleverCat top-entry cat litter box … which works great but is bulky. I live in a one-bedroom apartment, and my bathroom is too small for such a big kitty litter box. This IKEA hack lets me hide it and pile stuff on top of it.

What I like most is the top-entry design that keeps litter tracking to a minimum.

Materials: 

• EFFEKTIV: base with legs, add-on unit (high), door (The EFFEKTIV is discontinued. You can try to source pre-loved or try this on other IKEA cabinets like the BRIMNES or HAVSTA. Do measure the inside depth of the cabinet against the size of the litter box before attempting this.)
• METRIK door handles

It turns out the EFFEKTIV office cabinet is the perfect size for this behemoth cat box, with enough space left over for storing extra litter and even an electric air cleaner on a shelf! The air cleaner is a Honeywell “table-top” HEPA air filter. It does a pretty good job, although it’s not a miracle. The air filter can also be noisy on medium or high setting.

It was also relatively simple to make.

Firstly, I made two holes. The first is for the cat’s entry and exit. I drew the dimensions for the entry, aligning the bottom of the opening with the top lid of the cat box. Then, I used a jigsaw to make the cut. You can make a smaller opening to give your furry one a bit more privacy, but I have an older cat, and a large opening works better for easy access. If your cat isn’t as agile, a small step before the hole is helpful.

The second hole is for the air filter cable to pass through (and yeah, it could have been a smaller hole)

The next step was to make the divider shelf. I cut one of the EFFEKTIV shelves in two and used a few angle brackets to form the divider. Then I fastened the shelf to the side of the cat enclosure. I can even add another unit on top of the divider if I need more enclosed storage later. The divider comes in handy to store trash bags, pans, and other cat care items.

Later, I may try some sort of flap over the opening. It’ll give a neater finish and maybe help with the elimination of odors as well.

Cleaning up is easy as the double doors allow unobstructed access. I open the doors and scoop the cat poop. Once a week, I take the litter box out and vacuum up any stray litter. So far, I’ve not had any issues.

So far, the cat loves the new litter box. Litter scattering is to a minimum, and the air filter helps with any unpleasant odors. My cat’s not the most tidy, so I may add in a liner or litter mat to protect the laminate.

Lastly, I have new respect for IKEA hackers and their IKEA hacks. I had to call in favors from three separate friends to borrow the tools and workspace to make this happen.

~ by David Perry, Ottawa, Ontario

See more IKEA hacks for cats and other pet furniture hacks.

The post This top entry litter box IKEA hack stops cat litter in its tracks appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Fall is one of the most popular seasons. The mild weather and the natural wonder of changing leaves make it a favorite time of year for many people. As a result, decorating our homes with fall décor is an annual trendy pastime.

The popularity of fall decorating has led to the expansion of available décor options. Standard fall décor in classic colors is always a solid choice. But going outside of those standards has gained momentum as decorating styles evolve.

Thankfully, many alternatives are available for your autumn decorating desires, regardless of style or price point.

Symbols of Fall Decor

Pumpkins

Does it get any more quintessentially fall than a pumpkin? The lowly pumpkin may be the official fall symbol, making it an excellent element to exploit in all your autumn decorating plans.

Of course, using real pumpkins from the grocery store, garden store, or a local pumpkin patch is always on brand. However, there are some drawbacks – especially if you live in warmer climates where fall weather doesn’t kick in until after Halloween.

A rotting pumpkin is the last thing you want on your front porch or home.

Fortunately, there’s always an IKEA hack or DIY upcycled version of pumpkins to consider for your décor. Our favorite is the pumpkin lantern hack. It’s as easy as buying a REGOLIT paper lantern and painting it orange. Draw eyes and a smile if you wish. Simple, practical, and looks pretty when hung in a row.

The limited edition IKEA KUSTFYR range is a beautiful option, especially the glass pumpkin decoration pictured above. It’s a decor item that will last long after all the Halloween candy is eaten.

Leaves

Leaf peeping is a classic fall activity that appeals to everyone of all ages. The spectacular colors deciduous trees take on each autumn are breathtaking. And fall leaves are a beloved symbol of Fall to incorporate into your décor.

Real leaves can be collected and preserved to use for craft projects. And craft stores sell excellent faux versions to use in décor projects. Using leaves in wreathes is very fashionable throughout the autumn.

But there are less obvious ways to incorporate leaves into your fall decorating. Creating “leaves” from other materials, such as paper, book pages, and fabric, is crafty. Leaf stencils make it easy to paint leaves on your projects – such as picture frames and decorative signs.

Apples

Like pumpkins, apples are synonymous with Fall. If you live where apples can grow, you know how popular apple picking is as a fall activity.

So, incorporating apples in your autumn décor is a no-brainer and a nice break from all things pumpkin. Artificial apples are less common at home and craft stores but are available for your centerpieces and wreath-making.

Apples can also be made by upcycling small items such as yogurt or baby food jars with paint, a stem, and a couple of leaves. Indeed, anything small and round can likely be repurposed into apple décor with ingenuity and a few craft supplies.

Acorns

Like fall leaves, acorns are a natural element that accompanies decorating for autumn. Real acorns from oak trees are plentiful and easy to collect for craft projects.

Real acorns should be baked on low for 2-3 hours before using as a fall decoration. Then, they are a lovely way to fill bowls and jars for harvest-inspired décor.

Crafty people enjoy making acorns, too. Acorn shapes cut from fabric or felt are easy to embellish decorative pillows. And plush acorns are a three-dimensional craft to use throughout Fall.

Plaid

The most ubiquitous pattern of Fall is plaid, primarily found in wool and flannel fabrics. As cooler weather arrives during Fall, we turn to cozy fabrics to keep us warm. And often, those fabrics come in plaid.

From plaid pillows and throw blankets to plaid napkins on your table, there are many ways to add plaid around your home. Crafting with flannel shirts is an inexpensive way to create plaid décor. You can wrap glass candleholders with flannel for a cozy touch or add a flannel ribbon to guest towels for Fall décor in the powder room.

There are even plaid-style stencils available which make painting plaid easier than ever! This approach is ideal for anyone who wants to add the look of plaid to one-dimensional projects, such as signs or even small pieces of furniture.

Feathers

Decorating with feathers has become very popular recently, particularly during Fall. Adding feathers to fall flower arrangements is an easy way to get in on this trend. You can also use feathers for other fall crafts, such as wreath-making.

If you’d rather not use real feathers, you can create artificial feathers from fabric or felt. More realistic faux feathers may also be made by using twine and string.

School Supplies

While not as commonly used in Fall decorating as other elements, the concept of “back-to-school” is always associated with the fall season. Vintage school supplies, such as old typewriters, globes, and wooden school desks, are a unique way to decorate for the season.

Upcycling ideas for school supplies can be as simple as a vase filled with colored pencils or a garland made with vintage flash cards.

The start of the school year also coincides with football season. Incorporating elements of football is a unique way to celebrate Fall. Adding these nostalgic pieces (such as school colors and football jerseys) to your decor can be a meaningful way to welcome the fall season.

Thanksgiving

While including some of the standard symbols of Fall (pumpkins, leaves, etc.), there are Thanksgiving-specific symbols to remember. Cornucopia, turkeys, and Indian corn are often added to fall décor to accentuate the holiday table.

Finding Supplies for Fall Decor

There are numerous sources of fall décor, depending on your style and budget.

IKEA

Perhaps the go-to source of fall décor is IKEA. The Swedish Furniture Store’s HÖSTKVÄLL collection is an impressive selection of beautiful fall décor in muted autumn shades. 

Craft Stores

Craft stores offer plenty of basic or simple fall decor options towards the end of summer. But they will also provide many Fall decorating supplies, like previously mentioned items. Craft stores are great if you enjoy personalizing your seasonal décor or making some of it yourself.

Thrift Stores

Head to a thrift store or two for a thriftier and possibly less conventional approach to fall décor. While traditional décor options may be on their shelves, the thrift store is where upcycling dreams begin. Perusing the houseware section is a great place to look for items that can be upcycled into autumn decorations.

Books are a great place to start for paper crafts. Picture frames can become a unique and unorthodox wreath on your front door. And there may be something completely unexpected you can upcycle into a pumpkin, apple, or acorn.

The thrift store is also great for looking for ancillary décor pieces, such as figurines that complete your mantel or dining room table centerpiece. 

Nature

The outdoors, including your backyard, is a great place to seek out natural elements evocative of Fall. And if you’re on a budget and have access to natural areas, you’ll be able to find free decorating supplies.

Leaves, branches, acorns, and tall dried grass are perfect for fall décor. You can add them to vases, bowls, and wreaths. Or you can incorporate them into craft projects, such as using branch pieces as stems on a fabric pumpkin.

Recycling Bin

Let’s not overlook the recycling bin, which is often a forgotten source of DIY supplies. Your recyclables might be helpful when creating DIY fall décor from jars to cardboard.

Clear glass bottles are a great item to upcycle into vases for florals and dried stems, such as pampas grass. And they are easy to spray paint in autumn colors to highlight your seasonal décor. 

Thin cardboard, such as cereal boxes, is ideal for creating cardboard leaves. Deconstructing the box turns it into heavy cardstock where you can trace and cut out leaf shapes for many decorative craft projects.

Making The Most Out of Your Fall Decor

One of the best parts about fall décor is that you can continue to use it or repurpose it for many months. This is beneficial for your bank account and efficient in terms of décor storage during the rest of the year.

Some pieces of Fall décor can be used as Halloween decorations. Artificial pumpkins, in particular, can be temporarily decorated as jack-o-lanterns in October. Wooden signs painted for Fall can be turned over and decorated for Halloween or winter holidays. Decorative signs serve double duty and are an excellent way to stretch resources.

Natural elements, such as acorns and pinecones, can continue to be used during winter. For example, artificial snow can be added to a bowl of pinecones.

Ultimately, there are many ways to celebrate the fall season in your home and on your porch. Much of the décor can be personalized for your preferred style and taste, and you may be able to reuse it for other holidays and seasons, as well.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. 

The post Easy and Affordable Fall Decorating Ideas appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to organize your kid’s books and craft supplies, look no further than this IKEA MOPPE toddler bookshelf and craft storage box hack.

With a few simple steps, DIYer Kristina of @BonnyundKleid shows us how to transform this wooden mini chest of drawers into functional and stylish craft storage and kids’ book bin. Her stylish yet easy IKEA hack has received close to 60,000 likes on Instagram.

Kristina shares on her Instagram caption the craft bin was built for her oldest child’s nursery. The craft bin is placed beside his craft table for easy reach to art supplies. “When he’s standing right next to his little craft table, he’s got everything ready to go,” she explains. “Children will use what’s visible. What’s hidden in boxes or closets is usually forgotten. That’s why I like this so much because it basically invites children to be creative.”

To make this for your child or your own craft room, you will need.

Materials:

• MOPPE storage chest of drawers
• Furniture feet x 4
• SUNNERSTA containers
• SUNNERSTA hooks
• Containers with lid
• Paint

Tools:

• Drill
• Hole saw

How to IKEA hack a toddler bookshelf craft storage bin:

1. Remove the drawers from the MOPPE chest.
2. At this step, you can choose to paint the exterior of the bin in your desired color. Kristina painted it white using a foam roller. Tip: If the wood exterior feels rough, lightly sand it with a sanding block to smoothen the surface.
3. Then lay the MOPPE chest on its front so that the backing board is facing upwards.
4. Drill a hole at each corner to fit the furniture feet. Screw the feet into the holes and lock them with the supplied bolt and washer. Tip: If you find the backing board too flimsy for the furniture feet, add wooden strips on both sides to reinforce the board before adding the feet.
5. Alternatively, you can add wheels to the bottom of the MOPPE craft bin to make it easier to move around. You can find wheels at your local hardware store or online.
6. Next, using a drill, create holes in the front of the mini drawer. These holes are slots for kids’ scissors, pencils, or other tools. Make sure the holes are large enough to fit the scissors your child will be using.
7. Once the holes are drilled, slot the drawers back into the MOPPE craft organizer.
8. Hang the SUNNERSTA hooks and containers around the MOPPE organizer where you think it is best for your child. You can use the hooks to hang scissors, tape, or other tools, while the SUNNERSTA containers are perfect for storing markers and crayons. Drop in the right-sized plastic bins for extra storage and group small items together.

And there you have it – a simple and functional kids’ bookshelf that also doubles as a craft supply storage for toddlers. It can also be used solely as a Montessori-style book display.

Easy DIY toddler bookshelf

Yvonne Mäder turns a MOPPE mini chest into a toddler bookshelf. She says, “My toddler’s books used to be a mess. Normal bookcases never did the trick of holding all the different sizes of books. At the same time, as they were too big for kids’ books, it was hard to keep the books in order.”

Chancing upon the MOPPE chest of drawers, she had a moment of inspiration. The MOPPE storage box has shelf dividers that form three compartments. When the MOPPE chest is turned on its side, each compartment can hold a few books.

It’s barely an IKEA hack, but it is a very effective book display. “This makes it very easy for toddlers to take out and put back the books without them all falling like dominoes,” she adds.

If the book collection grows, it is possible to add a shelf to divider the tall compartments to fit two or more rows of shorter books. Use construction adhesive like Liquid Nails to stick angle brackets on the sides of the divider. Then cut short strips of wood to fit the space and glue the shelves down.

She admits that it isn’t quite large enough to store all her children’s books. But it’s a good small bookcase for her kid’s current favorite books.

More ways to hack the MOPPE mini chest

The MOPPE chest can be further hacked. You can paint or stain the MOPPE frame as you like. And don’t discard the mini drawers. They can be used as storage bins in your workspace or craft room. When the toddler outgrows the bookshelf, slot in the drawers, and the MOPPE can be used as a storage unit again.

You may also like these IKEA hacks for toddlers:

• Toddler Closet ideas and hacks: Grow with IKEA
• Toddler-sized bunk bed with slide and den
• Unexpected IKEA item makes a fantastic toddler clothing rack

The post This clever IKEA hack combines a toddler bookshelf and craft storage box appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used as a footrest, extra seating, or coffee table. It typically has a padded top and may have storage space inside. Ottomans come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, making them a popular choice for any room in the house.

This post on DIY ottoman tutorials features three easy and affordable ways to create your own ottoman using IKEA products. With time and effort, you can create a custom DIY ottoman that perfectly matches your decor and meets your needs. So why not try your hand at one of these IKEA hacks to add a stylish and functional piece of furniture to your home?

How to make an ottoman, the easy way

Tori of Va Va Room shows us how in her IKEA hack project. It’s a relatively simple project that can be completed over a weekend, even for a beginner DIYer. This is an easy method to get a budget-friendly ottoman that looks good and performs perfectly as extra seating.

You’ll need some essential tools, such as a hammer, a staple gun, and a hot glue gun, as well as some materials, including foam padding, fabric, and wood board. The basic steps involve adding foam padding, upholstering the ottoman with wadding, and making an ottoman cover. This DIY ottoman will need some sewing by hand or machine.

DIY ottoman with IKEA KALLAX cube

Materials:

• IKEA KALLAX cube
• 25 mm pins
• 3mm hardboard
• Foam pad
• Wadding
• Upholstery fabric

Step 1: Get an IKEA KALLAX cube

Tori started with the KALLAX cube she scored from the As-is corner. If you’re buying new, it will cost $34.99 each.

Step 2: Cover up the side

Her advice is to get a 3mm hardboard to cover up the side of the stool. The preferred size is 0.81mm X 0.41mm x 3mm. Get the store to cut the board into two for you, and you’ll end up with two panels of just the right size to cover up the sides.

Step 3: Secure the board

Tori used a hammer and pins to secure the hardboard to the side of the KALLAX cube. She left one side open for storage, but that did not happen. “But it could if you’re nifty with sewing!” she explains.

Step 4: Add foam padding for the seat

The next step is to measure and cut a piece of 1″ foam for the seat top. Use hot glue to stick the foam down to the top of the KALLAX shelving unit.

Step 5: Staple wadding to the cube

After that, she stapled wadding all over the cube, cutting away excess and tucking in the seams before stapling them down.

Step 6: Make the DIY ottoman cover

Moving on to the upholstery. Her fabric of choice is a 100% cotton furniture upholstery fabric with subtle stripes.

She used an old sheet to cut out a template of the cube. Then, she laid the template on the fabric and cut it out with a bit of a margin. Drap the fabric over the cube — inside out — and start pinning, pulling the fabric smooth and taut.

Remove from the cube and start sewing. You can sew with a machine or by hand. Pull the ottoman cover over the cube once all the sides are joined and the edges seamed. The cover is removable.

And this is how amazing it looks when done.

DIY ottoman from a crate and old jeans

I made a handy rustic ottoman using an old pair of jeans and an IKEA KNAGGLIG box. Not only does it look fantastic, it is a footstool, extra seat, and handy magazine store all in one. Being on casters, it’s nifty, too; the kids love to whizz around the living room on it. You can personalize your ottoman by stenciling your family name on the side of the crate and using an old pair of your favorite jeans for the upholstered seat.

The choice of material is up to you. We are a denim family, but it could easily be converted into a faux leather ottoman or farmhouse cotton tufted ottoman.

I love the industrial/rustic vibe of this ottoman. I have it in my living room, but it would also be great for a man cave or teen bedroom.

IKEA item used:

• IKEA KNAGGLIG box
• IKEA RILL casters

Make a rustic ottoman

1. First, build the KNAGGLIG crate according to IKEA instructions and add the RILL casters to the base.
2. Using a black Sharpie, stencil your name or your favorite quote to the crate if you wish.
3. Darken and seal the untreated wood with wax.

4. Make an upholstered lid. Cut plywood to size and stick down a piece of dense foam.
5. Cut off a leg of your jeans and cut open down the seam. Cover the foam with the jean securing it with a staple gun. Glue the jeans waistband round the edge.

6. Fix two batons of wood to the underside of the lid to prevent it from slipping.

See more of the denim ottoman on my blog, Pillar Box Blue.

~ by Claire Armstrong

Upcycled DIY pallet ottoman from an old mattress

If you have an old foam mattress you no longer need, upcycle it into a delightful DIY ottoman.

I wanted a pouf for my living room but couldn’t afford one. And I had an old IKEA foam mattress sitting behind my couch, taking up space.

I was going to dump it when I thought of using it for this project. It was a win-win. I had my pouf ottoman and “got rid” of the spare mattress in one project. 

IKEA items used: 

• MALFORS foam mattress
• Bedsheet
• Fabric by Kristine Mandsberg
• IKEA FIXA drill/screwdriver

Other materials and tools: 

• Pallet wood
• Scrap wood
• Jigsaw
• Pruning saw
• Hammer
• Staple gun
• Staples
• Marker
• Nails

DIY Pallet Ottoman tutorial

1. Cut the pallet to size with a jigsaw.

2. Cut scrap wood to size and nail it to the bottom of the pallet, creating a frame to staple the fabric to.

3. Measure the top of the pallet and cut the foam mattress to fit. I used a pruning saw for this as the mattress was very thick. I used a double layer of foam for comfort and sturdiness. 

4. Place foam on top of the pallet and position the bedsheet on top so there’s enough fabric to go under the pallet. This will be stapled to the bottom and form an under-layer.

Draw a rough outline of foam on the sheet and then flip the whole lot on the floor, mattress on top, pallet on top of the mattress. I had help from my cats for this step!  

5. Staple the sheet to one side of the pallet, then pull tight and staple to the opposite side. Do the same for the remaining two sides. Tuck in and trim fabric for the corners (this can be a bit tricky!). 

Related: Chic cocktail ottoman

6. Flip the ottoman over and make sure the fabric is tight and even. Do the same for the material you will use as the final covering.

I used the stunning pink fabric with hands and birds by Kristine Mandsberg, which I got in IKEA several years ago. I had been using it as a backdrop to my bed but changed my decor, and it sat in the cupboard for years before being used for this ottoman.

7. The final step I have yet to do is to find and attach feet to the ottoman. However, it functions perfectly without them. 

How long and how much did it cost?  

It takes about 8 hours total and costs €5 for the staples! I had everything else at home.

What do you like most about this DIY Ottoman?  

The fabric I used is like a piece of art, and the ottoman is sturdy and comfortable enough to be used as extra seating.

What was the most challenging part about this hack?

Folding the fabric for the corners!

What to pay special attention to?  

Corners!

I’m delighted with how it turned out. And I’ve received many lovely compliments and a request to make some for others! 

~ by Ruth O’Sullivan 

The post DIY Ottoman: 3 easy ways to make one appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Wineke, from the Netherlands, appreciated the sound quality of the IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth Speaker but is not entirely fond of its appearance.

The IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp has a unique and unconventional appearance that may be endearing to some. Depending on one’s perspective, it may resemble Darth Vader’s helmet or a mushroom house from The Smurfs.

“It’s a great outdoor speaker, but the looks? I changed it from — as my husband says — a German helmet into something sweet.”

She crocheted a nice hat for the little speaker, leaving holes for the original handlebar to pass through. Wineke made the hat from synthetic material, so it can still be used outdoors.

As it exudes the 70’s vibe, she may eventually hang a few glass pearls at the edge of the hat.

The cost was low, using whatever she had in her stash, probably about 2 euros worth of yarn. And it took about 2-3 hours to make to finish the project.

Pattern-wise, she freely flowed and followed the form. She did give a few hints. “I started with yarn for a crochet nr. 4, set up ten chain stitches, then two series of double crochets. But to be honest,” she laughs, “I don’t even know (the English) names for the stitches I used.”

So, what is it about this speaker lamp that it deserves a hat?

Light and Sound in one surprisingly compact package

While not as renowned as the SONOS-SYMFONISK, IKEA’s low-priced Bluetooth speakers are worth a second look, as they may surprise you in sound quality and function.

The most affordable is the IKEA VAPPEBY range, which includes an ultra-portable $15 waterproof speaker designed for use in the bathroom or shower. Another option is the peanut-shaped VAPPEBY which not only plays music but also functions as a night light.

The latest addition to the range is an innovative product that combines the functionality of a speaker and a lantern in one. The concept is not new and will draw a comparison to the SYMFONISK speaker lamp. However, the portable VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp is 1/3 the price of the former and works as a regular Bluetooth speaker, unlike a SONOS speaker streaming music over Wi-Fi. Rechargeable batteries power it, so it doesn’t need to be connected to power to work.

“We see VAPPEBY as an essential companion for the balcony, in the garden, or wherever it is needed. Sound and light go hand in hand when creating magical everyday moments with friends and family. Two different light modes, long battery life, and good durability, will help set a proper mode”, says Stjepan Begic, product owner at IKEA of Sweden.

Surround sound for outdoors

The VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp is designed for indoor and outdoor use with an IP65 water-resistant rating. This means the portable speaker lamp is water splash-resistant and can withstand a drizzle.

Portable audio with light

The VAPPEBY speaker lamp is designed for portability and ease of use. It stands 10″ tall and weighs less than 4 lbs. Use the supplied USB-C cable (USB power adapter sold separately) to juice up its built-in rechargeable batteries and bring it wherever you go. 

The built-in LED bulb has two different light modes. Pressing the light switch at the back of the lamp will dim the lamp down by 50 percent. The handle means you can hook it up and hang it on a branch to diffuse a pleasant glow. Perfect for garden parties or balcony dinners.

Dimming the lamp at 50% or turning the LED lights off will save battery power and provide up to 13 hours of wireless music streaming.

Sounds good?

The lamp shade works as a speaker dome to deliver 360-degree sound, a decent audio experience for its price range. It may not be the best Bluetooth speaker, but its sound quality is suitable for casual listening and outdoor use, but audiophiles may find it lacking in bass and depth.

The VAPPEBY also boasts the feature of Spotify Tap, which allows users to connect music from their phone or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. With a tap on the power button instead of wireless earbuds or headphones, you can stream your favorite music from where you left off. Additionally, a second button press will bring up another recommended selection tailored to your music tastes.

Overall, the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp is an excellent option for anyone looking to add music and light to their outdoor space. Its unique design and features make it stand out from other outdoor speakers. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

FAQ on the IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth speakers

The post Spotify Tap and a Hat for IKEA’s affordable Bluetooth speaker appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Summer is coming to an end, and it’s time to start thinking about heading back to college. From textbooks to dorm decor, there are countless items you’ll need to make your college experience a success.

The question is: where to start?

IKEA is undoubtedly the go-to place for dorm room essentials, though we’re a little biased. In the yellow and blue box, you’ll find affordable items for your dorm room, bathroom, and common spaces like the kitchen and living room.

But don’t take our word for it. We searched TikTok for the most relevant back-to-college recommendations and IKEA hauls tailored for dorm life.

So whether you’re moving into a college dorm or an off-campus apartment, read on for the top recommendations, according to TikTokers, on what to pack for college.

Dorm Room Essentials from IKEA

1. Get new curtains

Curtains can immediately liven up a standard all-white dorm room. Sara has a handy IKEA hack for hanging new curtains on the old dorm curtain rail system which are often tracks with sliding rings. She recommends using IKEA curtain hooks like the SYRLIG or RIKTIG to hook onto the rings and clip on the new curtains.

2. Create a makeup station

Every morning you’ll need a space to prep before heading out the door. Ruthie repurposes the ELLOVEN monitor stand with drawer as a compact makeup vanity. The drawer already has compartments so it’s easy to keep primers, pencils, and everything organized. For larger items, she uses a plastic box from Target behind the IKEA TYSNES mirror. With the combination of the ELLOVEN stand and TYSNES mirror, she got herself a functional compact vanity that works beautifully.

3. Add a headboard

Elevate your dorm bed with this easy headboard hack. Discovery of Design took two IKEA rattan doors, painted the frame, and hung them up behind her bed using Command Strips. Instant cozy! IKEA has also introduced a new version of the IVAR doors. It has felt panels instead of cane webbing, which will be so cool as a headboard or hung above the desk as an inspiration board for notes, photos, and to-do lists. Use Command hooks to hang them up if your dorm has a no-drilling into walls policy.

4. Gather lots of storage organizers

Since storage space is always an issue, Kylie prepared for the many possibilities. She’s moving into the college dorm armed with lots of organizers, baskets, and bins. And we took notes:

• NOJIG organizers: Smaller ones as desk and drawer organizers. The larger ones will go under the bathroom sink for shampoos and body wash.
• SAMLA boxes: One as a medicine box and the other for cleaning products
• RINNIG kitchen utensil rack repurposed as bathroom holder for toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, hand soap, etc.
• SKUBB hanging organizer and SKUBB shoe boxes to organize the closet space.
• FNISS trash cans: Get two – one for your room and one the bathroom shared with your roommate.
• SPRUTTIG hangers

5. Don’t forget to eat well

Some good utensils, ceramic bowls, and flatware will make eating in your dorm feel a lot more posh. Ditch plasticware for the affordable OFTAST series. The smaller bowl is best for cereal. The plate and serving bowl is great for salads and pasta.

Complete your common kitchen with other necessities like a cutting board, 365+ drinking glasses, and cleaning tools like a scrubber and a NYSKÖLJD drying mat.

6. Take a deep breath

According to Kalia, the air in dorms is usually bad. With so many people living in close contact, indoor air quality can quickly deteriorate. Will the UPPÅTVIND air purifier help? We don’t know for sure, but IKEA claims it can minimize harmful allergens like tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen.

7. Easy to haul Laundry Bag

The laundry room is often never near your room. Enter the PURRPINGLA bag — a toughie made for hauling dirty clothes to the washing machine. It holds a ton and has a draw string to keep things out of sight. When not in moving mode, it can stand on its own and serve as a laundry hamper.

8. SUNNERSTA rail and containers

Holly’s idea is to hang the SUNNERSTA rail with hooks and containers to the door to create an entryway catch-all. She and her roommate each get a container for keys and all.

9. Shower caddy

The RÅNEN is a simple plastic basket that works well as a shower caddy, making it easy to store bathroom essentials in one convenient basket. Sturdy enough to hold large bottles of shampoo, body wash, and more.

10. Tech support

Don’t forget to add a laptop or tablet stand to your #ikeahaul. Get a KLIPSK bed tray to add a bit more style to lounging in bed. Slot your tablet or phone in the groove and have a dinner and movie night. The BERGENES phone stand is also a must-have to prop up your mobile. One more thing to add to your tech list — power strips with USB ports.

11. Creature comforts

A self-care session may be just the thing you need after a long day in college or after pulling a series of late-night study sessions. Wrap up in a ROCKÅN bath robe, bunch your freshly shampooed hair in the STJÄRNBUSKE hair towel, slip on a face sheet mask and sink into soft plush pillows. You’ll feel miles better after that.

12. IKEA tool set

Be sure to grab the IKEA FIXA 17-pc tool kit before you leave the store. It will come in handy in case you need to assemble furniture and fix things around the dorm.

Did we miss anything? Let us know what are your top IKEA dorm room essentials in the comments below.

The post 12 Top Dorm Room Essentials from IKEA, according to TikTok appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

BILLY may be the king of built-in bookcases but don’t be quick to dismiss the other IKEA bookshelves that can work just as beautifully.

Matthew’s choice is the LIATORP half-panel-glass-door combo. The delicate shapes and details of the IKEA LIATORP series evoke a sense of country living. The door is beautiful with its grid glass panel.

A search on the IKEA website offered up very few items in the LIATORP range, a sure sign that it’s on the way out. Nonetheless, the LIATORP doors are still available, making them the perfect finishing touch to Matthew’s custom DIY bookcase.

IKEA items used:

• LIATORP Panel/glass door, white, 44×198 cm   

For styling

• TJENA, storage box with lid, white 32x35x32 cm   
• TJENA, storage box with lid, white 25x35x20 cm    
• TJENA, storage box with lid, black 25x35x20 cm   
• TJENA, desk organiser, white, 18×17 cm   
• KVARNIK, storage box with lid, gray, 25x35x20 cm   
• KVARNIK, storage box (round, set of 3)   
• RISSLA, box (set of 3)   
• STILREN, vase, 22 cm   
• GODTAGBAR vase   
• FEJKA artificial potted plant, 9 cm   
• CHIAFRÖN plant pot, 9 cm

Other materials and tools:

• Laminate board, white   
• Inside wooden corner moldings   
• Covers-profile wooden moldings   
• Wood glue   
• White paint for wood   
• Miter saw 
• Plunge saw    
• Cordless Screwdriver

IKEA LIATORP doors on custom bookcase

Build the custom bookcase frames

Matthew first constructed cabinets out of white laminate boards, spanning the width of the wall. The two LIATORP doors were fitted into the two center cabinets. He attached the door panel to the frame using the supplied hardware. For details on how to build a bookcase from scratch, the Internet has many tutorials.

Secure bookcases to each other

He then secured the bookcases to each other and built two bridging shelves above the LIATORP sections.

Add trim and molding

Use trim and top molding to cover up the edges and create the built-in bookcase look.

Paint everything

Lastly, he caulked all the joints, sanded and painted the entire built-in with white paint for a uniform expression, and blend the white laminate board with the doors.

Start styling

To organize the shelves, he used IKEA storage boxes and storage organizers to reduce visual clutter peeking through the door panels. The bookcase added lots of storage in his living room, even a space for the TV. Complete the display shelves with decorative items.

Open section for the cat tree

In one of the sections, he left it open for a cat tree.

Make extra shelves for the LIATORP Bookcase in 3 easy steps

I have a LIATORP storage bookcase. It has 2 fixed solid pine shelves for stability and 4 adjustable shelves but I wanted extra shelving for my books. The problem was, IKEA does not sell extra shelves for the LIATORP.

Hunting around IKEA, I found the BERGSHULT shelf a reasonable match in style to the LIATORP shelf. The BERGSHULT shelf is longer in length and slightly shorter in depth. But once the books are on the shelf you won’t see the difference. 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 the LIATORP

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

Step 2: The LIATORP comes with wood supports for the original shelves. I won’t be replicating these. Instead I will be using regular shelf dowels. However, the dowel pin holes in the LIATORP frame are smaller than my pins. With a 5mm drill bit, I expanded the holes in the LIATORP sides to fit the shelf pins. I had spare shelf supports from another project, so I used those, but any type of shelf support pins will do.

Step 3: Insert the pins and place your new shelf on top. (The towels were to help slide the bookcase in place, it’s a heavy item!) My new storage shelves are the two at the bottom.

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?

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

~ by Eleanor

Can LIATORP doors work on BILLY bookcases?

Apparently yes. Erik, who previously gave us a discreet computer cabinet, does it again with this BILLY-LIATORP fusion.

(Ed: The size of the BILLY frame and LIATORP doors may have changed over the years. Please verify the latest measurements before attempting to merge these two products.)

He says, “IKEA is one of my favorite places, being a Swede, it’s one of the few places to grab a Flavasoft for a decent price. I needed an inexpensive way to hopefully make my office look nice, clean, and a little bit stylish.

I liked the look of the white LIATORP bookcase with doors but they did not come in black-brown and are also very expensive compared to the BILLY system. Then, I essentially mated some As-is LIATORP doors to a BILLY, creating the look of the LIATORP for an inexpensive price.

Spray painting to color match

I found all of the following in the As-is Section, but this could be assembled with raw components as well. The LIATORP glass doors are much more elegant than the traditional BILLY doors, I found these for $10 each in the As-is section in new condition. They come in white and not in the Black-Brown finish that I needed. I used a quality espresso-colored spray paint and gave them one light coat.

Followed by a heavier coat in a Black with Satin finish. I feathered it in a manner that the brown lightly shows through in places giving it a black-brown appearance.

The center desk is a GUSTAV Desk in black brown The desk is normally US$299 but I found one in the As-is for considerably less, There was a good chip knocked off one of the front corners, but I rotated the desktop, to place the damaged edge away from view.

Installing LIATORP doors on BILLY bookcases

The base of the bookshelves are standard BILLY shelving units. I used the black shelf units with various amounts of damage but was easily hideable with the doors. The black units I found were preferable to the black-brown which were more expensive.

The LIATORP doors are a bit larger than the BILLY Doors, so I had to use three sets of brass hinges from the hardware store for each bookcase. I let the doors hang over the edge of the BILLY frame. Then I fastened the brass hinges behind the door and against the outside of the BILLY, they remain out of sight and work functionally.

The bookcases do need to be fastened to the wall as the glass doors make them front heavy and prone to tip. Use fasteners suitable for your wall to secure the unit to the wall.

In the future, I am going to add some glass BILLY bookcase shelves, LED lighting, and a small bit of crown molding to the top of each unit to give it a bit more detail.”

Other workstations you may be interested in:

• An almost 100% IKEA Home Office makeover
• How to make a computer table from a door
• Gorgeous Bestå work station with lots of storage

The post These IKEA Doors complete this impressive DIY Built-in Bookcase appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The hype surrounding the Barbie movie may inspire you to create a Barbie Dream House for your child. (Or yourself, I understand that totally).

This hack involves transforming an IKEA BILLY bookcase into a convertible Barbie doll house. By adding some paint, carpet, and a few pieces of furniture, you can create a custom and very pink doll house that oozes signature Barbie style. It’s a sweet home that can be used for endless storytelling and role-play.

It’s a great way to repurpose old furniture and create a unique and personalized toy for your child. Incorporate as many play areas in this DIY dollhouse as you need and add another bookcase if you wish to further expand Barbie’s dream home. (Rooftop pool area with a slide?)

If you don’t have an old bookcase ready for upcycling, search Facebook Marketplace for a pre-loved one.

How to build an affordable dream house for Barbie

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 BILLY bookcase, white
• 1 BILLY extra shelf, white
• 2 saloon hinges
• 2 IKEA table-runners (GULLIRIS and MÄRIT here)
• 1 roll of self-adhesive foil
• circa 1 liter of paint (optional)

STEP 1: UNBOXING, SANDING AND MEASURING

If you want to paint your dollhouse later on, it’s good to sand the different IKEA parts directly after unboxing.

Take exact measurements. My measurements are calculated for a house according to the size of a BARBIE doll, as laid out in the plan above. If you want to build a house for toys with a different size, you might have to adjust your measurements. This is my vision for Barbie’s dreamhouse. You can adapt it to suit your style and how your kids play.

If you keep the frame of the original bookcase untouched and build a roof on top instead, you can convert the dollhouse back into a bookcase when your child outgrows the Barbie phase.

A) vertical boards

Reposition the anchor holes (8 mm and 5 mm) in the side walls 20 centimeters further down (respectively 19,8cm if you prefer to have some scope for putting in the dividing wall later on). Also, mark the depth of the holes on your drill.

On one of your side walls mark a cut edge 13 centimeters further down, and when sawing keep the excess piece in order to construct the terrace of the house.

Mark windows in the side walls as well as maybe a door in the dividing wall (= extra shelf) where and however you like them.

Also, mark a cut edge on the backboard 20 centimeters further down.

Don’t forget to mark a new dent on the backboard for fixing to the wall.

If you want to put in the dividing wall on the second floor of Barbie’s house, it’s a good idea to move the new dent sideways.

B) Horizontal boards

As you move the original top board further down to contain the construction of the shelf, one of the two middle shelf boards is going to be your convertible roof. Mark its cut edge at 69 cm, if you opt for a 13 cm terrace.

STEP 2: DRILLING AND SAWING

Drill 2×4 new anchor holes (20cm respectively 19,8cm further down, 8mm and 5mm in diameter, mark the depth of the original holes on your drill).

Saw the 13cm cut edge on one of your side walls, save the excess piece.

Saw the 20cm cut edge and the new dent on your back wall.

Shorten your new roof to 69cm by using the saw.

Saw windows and doors wherever you like them.

And last but not least, use the excess piece of your back wall to construct two lining disks for your saloon hinges as you are going to fixate them against the manual later on.

STEP 3: BUILDING

Build the outer frame of the BILLY bookcase following the steps in the IKEA assembly manual.

STEP 4: MODIFYING

Take the 13cm excess piece of your shortened side wall and fix it in its corner as a floor plate for your new terrace. I used screws and glue, just to be sure.

By the way, hot glue and a cutter knife are your best friends against all kinds of unwanted holes or gaps!

STEP 5: MAKE IT COLORFUL

Paint your row house as well as the middle board and the extra shelf in the desired colors. Better buy too much than too little paint, as you might have to touch up some scratches later on. First, clean up the surfaces with a damp cloth and let them dry. Then start with a coat of Primer, followed by the top coat of your choice. Naturally, we chose pink.

Use self-adhesive foil to embellish the floor of your row house’s middle board. The foil also makes for easy clean-up.

After having painted and pasted everything, build the middle board into the vertical middle of the row house according to the IKEA Manual. Use the 8th respectively the 10th (counting from the bottom) predrilled attachment holes in the side walls.

If you rather not paint, you can use realistic background decals to cover up the walls for a chic modern design.

STEP 6: INTERIOR FITTINGS

Turn your extra shelf into a dividing wall by attaching it to your chosen framing horizontal boards. I predrilled holes and used screws to do so.

STEP 7: CARPETS

You can make beautiful carpets out of IKEA table runners (GULLIRIS and MÄRIT in my case). I used glue to keep the cut edges from fraying.

Use double-faced adhesive tape to attach your new carpets to your desired floors.

STEP 8: SALOON HINGES FOR A CONVERTIBLE ROOF

The last step is the trickiest one, as you have to mount the saloon hinges to your higher side wall and your new roof board. This step is not found in the IKEA manual.

In order to find the right angle best try out all constructing possibilities according to my pictures, then use the two lining disks you sawed out of the back wall’s excess piece to get the perfect fit for the saloon hinges.

When the roof is in place, it creates a triangle space large enough for a loft bed. For more access, flip the roof over and play.

STEP 9: Furnishing the Barbie Dollhouse

The last part is the most fun — filling the house with fabulous furnishings and accessories. First is to shop for Barbie-sized dollhouse furniture or you can DIY your dollhouse miniatures and decorations, if you’re handy.

We used the bottommost shelf as the living room with a sofa, coffee table, and other toy furniture pieces. The second level has a kitchen and dining table with seating. Next to it, we situated the bathroom room with a tub. The roof is Barbie’s room with an “outdoor terrace”. We’re still debating whether to add closets for Barbie’s clothes, which are way too many.

Your new doll house is complete. This only leads to the question: Do we make one for Ken?

~ by XaosPrincess

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