When I received this IKEA hack from Kappy, I had no idea what a Noggle was, let alone Nouns NFTs. Some googling later, I learned a little about Nouns. I thought I’ll add an introduction to Kappy’s hack — a Noggle (Nouns Glasses) shelf — as many, like me, may have no idea what Noggles are. But before we get to the Noggle, we need to know the Nouns NFT.

It’s a collection of Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), each associated with a specific noun. Each Noun NFT is a one-of-a-kind digital asset that represents a specific word in the English language. The project aims to create a comprehensive collection of Noun NFTs that can be used in various applications, such as gaming, virtual reality, and digital art. But much more than that, funds collected from Nouns Auctions are used to build and support public goods, and fund projects and charities. As of writing, it has over 29,000 ETH (about $54 million) in its treasury.

Now moving on to the Noggles. The “Noggle” is a term for the square glasses you see on Nouns NFTs. According to Urban Dictionary, “It’s a play on the word “Goggles” but substituting the “G” with an “N.”

So, got it? Let’s get on to Kappy’s IKEA hack. He recreates the virtual into the physical. Here’s his finished Noggle shelf hack.

IKEA items used:

• KALLAX cube x 2
• STUBBARP x 1
• BILLY shelf (14”x10”)
• LACK shelf x 2 (11 ¾” x 10 ¼”) 

Other materials and tools:

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Level
• Jig Saw
• Drill
• Drill Bit
• Tape Measure 

Noggles (Nouns Glasses) Shelf Hack: 

Step 1

Assembly two KALLAX cubes following IKEA instructions. Add on the required wall mounts. 

Step 2

Once the KALLAX shelf is assembled, drill a ⅜” hole 11” from the side and 11” from the bottom. Do not drill through the cabinet. Drill only 1” hole.

Step 3

Assembly one STUBBARP leg to create the “bridge” of the Noggle (Glasses) by attaching it to the hole previously drilled in the KALLAX shelf. Screw the STUBBARP leg into the hole until the screw reaches the inside wall of the shelf. Do not penetrate through the frame. 

Step 4

Cut the BILLY board to a length of 13 ⅛”. The cut BILLY shelf board will be used for the eyes of the Noggles. (Glasses) Level and mark the wall based on where you would like to hang the Noggle Shelf.

Step 5

Here you’ll be aligning the right Noggle when looking at the wall. Attach a screw to the wall for mounting. Attach the right Noggle to the wall based on your alignment

Step 6

Align the Left Noggle to the wall, and mark based on where you placed your right Noggle. Attach a screw to the wall for mounting. Attach the Left Noggle to the wall.

Step 7

Align and attach the first LACK shelf as the upper Noggle arm as seen in the diagram.

Step 8

Align and attach the second LACK shelf to the side of the Noggle arm as seen in the diagram 

Step 9

Insert the cut BILLY shelves into the center of the KALLAX cubes, shifting them whichever way you want your Noggles looking ⌐◨-◨ 

Step 10: Nouns Glasses Noggles complete

Enjoy your Noggle Shelf! See my Google doc for the project.

~ by Kappy Lopez

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A treehouse bed spells adventure and is such a fun and unique way to transform your child’s bedroom. If you need ideas on transforming the IKEA KURA bed look no further than these DIY treehouse beds.

While it looks like a tough DIY, it actually isn’t too hard to construct. You’ll need some basic woodworking skills and tools like a drill and miter saw to create these fabulous treehouse beds.

In this post, we share 3 DIY treehouse bed ideas to inspire your own DIY projects. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy reading nook or a fun play area, these whimsical kids’ beds are sure to spark your imagination and delight your child.

DIY treehouse loft bed wrapped in cedar

We bought a KURA bed for our toddler a while ago. She’s just getting to the age where we think she’ll sleep alone. We looked over the KURA bed and decided it was kinda plain, so after looking at all the IKEA KURA hacks we decided on a treehouse bed for her.

The top bunk is the sleeping area with a mattress and the bottom is a play area for her. We used IKEA play mats for cushions on the bottom.

Supplies:

• IKEA KURA reversible bed
• IKEA TROFAST used as stairs/storage
• 1” GRK cabinet screws
• 8 ft cedar board V-plank 6pk (Home Depot) 3 packs
• 2×2 lumber (Home Depot)
• Corner braces
• Wood glue

Tools

• Drill
• Miter saw
• Level
• Clamps

(Disclaimer: Not a woodworker at all! It’s not perfect but think it turned out well.)

In my garage, I built a 2×2 frame for the front of the bed and then screwed it to the top of the KURA bed frame using corner braces.

Once the front was secured to the bed, I added in framing for the two sides.

The back of the bed was left as-is since it will be against the wall. Once the frame was attached I began adding cedar planks using cabinet screws. Some of the planks where a screw could not be used I just used wood glue to secure.

It felt shaky at first but once all the planks were installed, it was very solid. I didn’t use a finish on the planks — just plain ole cedar wood planks. They look great and smell even better.

We placed a step-up TROFAST storage unit by the side of the bed to serve as a stair/ ladder. And that completes it.

~ by Phil Jones

KURA beds transform into tree house playland

I used the structure of the KURA beds to build two tree houses adjoining each other in a typical tree house style. The space below the beds is room to play. The houses are connected and are a source of endless play for children. Dual color interior exterior, the roof has missing planks to be able to see the moon …

See the hack below for more details on making a similar treehouse bed.

Edward’s IKEA Treehouse beds in 2 styles

For these beds, I was inspired by similar projects I saw on IKEA Hackers and on Pinterest. We have 2 boys, and each got his own treehouse bed. They’re sleeping on the bottom for now, but when they’re old enough, we’re going to move them to the top. For now, they’re using TROFAST frames at the ends as steps to get into the “play area” upstairs on the treehouses.

IKEA items used: 

• 2 KURA Beds
• 2 TROFAST Frames

I chose to finish it with Amber Bulls-Eye Shellac, since shellac is non-toxic, and there are no fumes while the finish cures. The room is ready for the kids to sleep in it right away.

The main project took me four afternoons – two to cut the wood, one for assembly, and one for finishing.

Parts (for each bed):

• 1 KURA Bed
• 7x Pine 2″x2″x8′ boards
• 3x packages of Western Cedar planking from Home Depot (14 sq ft per pack)
• Box of 2.5″ #10 wood screws
• 12x 4″ L-shaped corner brackets
• 1qt Shellac

DIY Treehouse Bed: Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: The plan

I first sketched out the plan for the tree houses. The two houses are almost identical except for the roof line. Treehouse Bed 1 has a sloping triangle roof, while Bed 2 is a classic pitched roof. It’s a matter of cutting wood so you can design it any way you want.

Step 2: Assemble the IKEA KURA bed

Assemble KURA reversible bed in the loft position. I left out the 3 white end panels (which don’t add any structural support) in order to give it the look of a house on stilts.

Step 3: Cut wood for the frame

Cut 2″x2″ to frame the treehouse above the bed. If you have the space, lay out the pieces to make sure you’ve got the dimensions and cuts right. Carefully label where each piece should go.

Step 4: Assemble the frame on the bed

Gather the cut pieces and assemble the frame onto the KURA bed. It’s best to do this section-by-section to avoid confusion. Also, pre-drill holes for all wood screws to avoid splitting the boards.

Secure the vertical posts first to the KURA frame with corner braces. Then screw on the horizontal beams to the vertical posts. Lastly, add the roof line.

Step 5: Add paneling

Cut cedar paneling for the front, side, and roof. Use a brad nailer and nail the cedar panels to the frame. (Good old hammer and nails will also work.)

Step 6: Finish the DIY treehouse

I used shellac on the cedar paneling. Lastly added trim around the windows and roof line.

The kids love it. Here are more photos. The forest wallpaper adds to the treehouse vibe.

Cut list

Here are the cuts I made, if you’re interested in making your own DIY KURA bunk bed tree house. Do note that the KURA bed may have undergone a change in size. (IKEA has been known to make size changes periodically.) So best to measure the bed you have and confirm the sizes before making any cuts.

See more IKEA KURA hacks:

• IKEA KURA bunk bed with storage drawer hack
• KURA bed to captain’s bed
• Toddler bed with slide and den

The post 3 DIY Treehouse Beds to build for your kids’ room appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I wanted a slatted headboard and wanted to DIY one that was easy and fast and looked good.  It took about 30 minutes to make and the cost was less than $200 with all the supplies.

The BJÖRKÖVIKEN door is made to fit the BESTÅ cabinet. It comes in 3 sizes which are handy for configuring a headboard to fit your space. Besides the birch veneer, it also comes in oak veneer with a brown stain, if you want a darker headboard.

For a shiplap kind of headboard style, you can try the SUTTERVIKEN door instead. The HEDEVIKEN door is pretty too with visible wood grains lined up in chevrons.

IKEA items used: 

• BJÖRKÖVIKEN door ($60) x 3

Other materials and tools: 

• Drill and screws (1/2” and 1”)
• 6 Metal mending plates
• 1/2” thick boards for legs (I cut mine to 38” long)
• Pencil

How to DIY a slatted headboard  

Step 1: Horizontal or vertical

Decide if you want the slats to be horizontal or vertical (I chose vertical for this one). 

Related: How to make a chic cane headboard

Step 2: Attach the doors together

Lay the doors out with their backs facing up. I attached them using the metal mending plates 3 on each side. Mark the screw holes through the mending plates using the pencil.  Drill the holes no more than 1/2 inch deep (use masking tape on your drill bit as your depth gauge). Connect the doors by screwing on the mending plates with the 1/2-inch screws. 

Step 3: Attach legs  

Measure the leg height off the floor (most headboards start around 24” off the floor, mark the boards at 24”).  Drill 2 pairs of holes above the mark on the legs (close to the top and bottom for attaching the legs to the back of your headboard.  Check to make sure you aren’t placing the screw hole on top of a plate.  Mark the screw locations for the legs on the back of the headboard.  Use the 1” screws to attach the legs.  I attached my legs at the door seams so I could use this with a double or queen mattress and not have the legs visible.

I take this in and out of homes for staging but if it were going to be stationary I’d use a French cleat instead of legs and hang it on the wall. 

What was the hardest part about this hack?

Measure the legs well and make sure you are attaching them at the same height so the headboard is straight. 

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

Nope, gonna make another one only horizontal this time with the walnut ones.

~ by Noelle Ryan

See more IKEA Headboard hacks.

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From Duplo to LEGO, IKEA SMÅSTAD turns play space into a small LEGO room.

We IKEA hacked our two SMÅSTAD benches with toy storage with a wooden top and some ENERYDA cup handles, and our kids have been using it as a LEGO table. The drawer beneath is used for Duplo storage.

But our oldest is growing bigger and is now really into LEGO for the big kids. After receiving all of his Dad’s old LEGO bricks from his childhood, we needed good storage space for all the building blocks. So we thought why not convert the playroom set-up into a small LEGO room? A space where we could organize and (more) easily find the pieces by color and build old sets from still-saved instructions. But also have the space to be more creative.

IKEA used items: 

• SMÅSTAD bench with toy storage x 2
• KUGGIS boxes
• SAMLA boxes
• VARIERA drawer mat
• SMÅGORA shelf unit x 2 for the wall

Other materials and tools:

• Set of drawer slides
• Leftover furniture panel
• U-profile
• Corner profile
• Super wood clue

Tools:

• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Jigsaw

Our ideas for the LEGO room

1. SMÅSTAD bench into play table and storage drawer

We wanted to keep the old setup of the play area with the SMÅSTAD desk and drawer and needed a quick but practical solution for brick storage. We could’ve stacked some LEGO storage boxes on the table, but we thought this wouldn’t be practical, and not quite polished. 

2. An extra shelf for organizing LEGO bricks

Tossing a few ideas around we finally landed on this. We cut down the sides of the SMÅSTAD toy storage drawer, so there was a bit more space above it inside the desk. We finished off the cut edges with U-profiles.

Inside the desk, we fixed a shelf with drawer slides. The shelf was made of an old piece of leftover furniture panel.

To prevent boxes from sliding (and bricks scattering all over) we added a piece of VARIERA drawer mat on top.

After having to pick up one box of LEGO bricks that had fallen off the back of the shelf, we ended up adding a corner profile at the back of the shelf, to prevent further LEGO catastrophes.

3. Keep bricks contained

We filled both spaces with a variation of KUGGIS boxes and two SAMLA boxes (one with LEGO bricks and one with Technic LEGO). Also added an extra KUGGIS sorting bin for projects/half-finished builds. 

4. Display minifigs with IKEA BYGGLEK

The BYGGLEK LEGO box (26x18x12 cm) that fits nicely in the SMÅGORA shelf unit is now our mini LEGO brick room minifig station.

We like this simple but practical LEGO room. The hardest part was installing the drawer slides, but we picked the easy ones and it went well. The video below shows how the shelf pulls out from the bench.

You may also like my other IKEA hacks: HEMNES with plywood fronts for the nursery and my cube storage with plywood doors

~ by Marleen K.

What other ideas have you used in your LEGO room? Let us know in the comments below.

The post How we built a small LEGO room with IKEA appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I had an old brown IKEA BESTÅ dresser with 6 white drawers on metal feet that I was tired of. However, the chest of drawers was still in excellent condition, so I decided to hack it in the furniture style of the 70s.

Here’s how the storage unit used to look. I have an old model consisting of three 2-section BESTÅ benches fixed on top of each other. Each section is fitted with a drawer to create a 6-drawer dresser.

Materials used:

• BESTÅ chest of drawers
• Custom-cut wooden panels
• Slanted wooden furniture feet
• ÖSTERNÄS leather handles
• Wood primer
• White wood paint
• Wood glue
• Wood screws

Retro style IKEA BESTÅ dresser hack

I first measured the top, bottom, and side of the BESTÅ chest of drawers. Then I cut out custom wooden panels according to the measurements. Taking the panel for the bottom of the BESTÅ frame, I attached new slanted wooden feet. I added four angled legs to the side and two straight legs in the middle to support the unit.

Next, I painted the panels with cherry stain so as to make the wood grain visible. After the stain had dried, I glued the panels on and, where necessary, fixed them to the BESTÅ frame with wood screws.

For the front of the dresser, I coated it with primer and white wood paint so that you wouldn’t see the brown edges.

Next, I fixed the ÖSTERNÄS leather handles to the drawers. However, I flipped the leather inside out because the color of the inner leather was better matched to the cherry color of the tops.

Here’s the final result.

And a side-by-side comparison of the BESTÅ of the old unit and the updated one.

I did more or less the same 70’s style with the BESTÅ furniture I used as bedside tables (of which I don’t have the “before” photos).

Now my bedroom furniture is in a retro 70’s style.

~ by Annalisa Rizzo

See my other IKEA hacks:

• A flameless candle fireplace hack
• Padding for headboard

The post Revive the 70’s Vibe with this IKEA BESTÅ Dresser hack appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

If you’re planning a wedding, you know that the costs can add up quickly. However, with a little creativity and some IKEA hacks, you can save money without sacrificing style. IKEA has various affordable and versatile products that can be transformed into beautiful wedding decor. 

From centerpieces to photo displays, there are many ways to sneak a little Swedish flair into your wedding. For example, you can use the IKEA MÅLA easel to create chalkboard signs or the KORKEN glass bottles as vases or table numbers. You can use IKEA frames to create a unique photo display or backdrop. 

Not only is IKEA wedding hacks budget-friendly, but they also allow you to add a personal touch to your wedding. With a little DIY effort, you can create one-of-a-kind decor that reflects your style and personality. So, if you’re looking for creative and affordable ways to decorate your wedding, scroll down for our IKEA hacks and ideas for your big day.

IKEA Wedding Hacks for Table Centerpieces

IKEA glass and candle centerpiece

Kim used tall and short IKEA glasses, candles, and lots of plumerias to make her own centerpiece. And that kept costs low.

The trick is to head to IKEA and get a collection of glasses, both short and tall — similar but with a bit of variety in sizes. Get the same color candles and tealights in different sizes as well. Then place the candles in the glasses, varying them until you get an arrangement you like.

She says it’s not anything super fancy … but we think it’s a perfect example of using IKEA as your craft store and not using everything for its original and intended purpose.

Light up with lanterns

Another idea is to use IKEA lanterns as centerpieces. You can fill them with flowers or candles, or even spray paint them to match your wedding colors. The IKEA BORRBY lantern is a wedding favorite and we can see why.

The REGOLIT paper lampshade is also a good choice. And it’s almost half the price of the BORRBY. Add some flowers to it and it’s just as beautiful a centerpiece as any. For safety, use battery-operated LED tea lights.

IKEA BRUNSTA Lampshade centerpiece

Redditor cjfb62 saw the BRUNSTA pendant lamp shade and the light bulb literally went on! She spray painted a metallic copper over the shade. Then added different kinds of faux plants from Michaels including ferns, ficus leaves, boxwood, and boom!

Backdrop Ideas

A backdrop can add a beautiful and memorable touch to your wedding ceremony or reception. And it doesn’t have to be just the walls. Any large expanse can be dressed up. Consider the walls, ceiling, and floor of your reception area and go big for impact.

On the wall

IKEA curtains are regularly used to create a wedding backdrop. Get a few panels of IKEA LILL curtains and hang them from a rod or string them up with twine for a whimsical backdrop.

Up on the ceiling

Hayley and Ben used IKEA paper lanterns, ribbons, and carnations to create a romantic atmosphere. Simple yet so elegant.

IKEA gives us a few ideas for unusual wedding decor. Interior designer Emma tied and shortened the SOLIG canopy nets and hung them dramatically above the wedding table. I’m thinking the idea can be taken further. Imagine filling them with fairy lights and having them in a cluster like a “UFO chandelier” at the center of the reception hall. It will be out of this world!

IKEA Wedding Table Setting Ideas

Table settings are an important part of wedding decor, and IKEA has plenty of options to choose from.

Shop IKEA fabrics

While it’s usual to use IKEA placemats and napkins to add a pop of color to your tables, you are certainly not limited to standard placemats and napkins. Sheri with the help of her wonderful mother and best friend transformed three sets of twin bed sheets from IKEA into 130 table napkins for the wedding reception. From that they also made jam jar covers (aka a jam jar cozy). So if the pattern and color of IKEA bed linens match your wedding color and theme, go for it.

IKEA ALVINE SPETS table runner

The ALVINE SPETS lace curtains should be on your wedding shopping list if it isn’t already. You can drape it over the table as a tablecloth or trim it and stitch it into a narrow table runner. Wrap it around the back of chairs for a romantic dining set-up. If you’re having a beach or garden wedding, try a wedding teepee.

IKEA Hacks for Wedding Favors and Gifts

Wedding favors and gifts are a great way to show appreciation to your guests. However, they can quickly become expensive. Here are some IKEA hacks to help you create unique and personalized wedding favors and gifts that won’t break the bank.

Personalized Candles

Candles are a classic wedding favor, but you can make them extra special with a personal touch. IKEA has various candle options that you can customize with your own labels or decorations. Here’s how:

• Purchase a set of IKEA HEMSJÖ unscented block candle
• Print out labels with your names and wedding date or a special message
• Stick the labels onto the candles using double-sided tape or glue
• Wrap the candles in tissue paper and tie them with a ribbon for a finished look

Green Gifts

A two-in-one hack that combines place cards with a little gift. Plant a small plant in a KORKEN jar to welcome your guest and take home.

Tasty wedding favors

GRUNDTAL containers are so useful (and cute) guests wouldn’t mind taking one home. Fill them with tea leaves or seeds or jelly beans — whatever best represents you and your spouse. Print out labels to stick on the clear glass and tie colorful twine around them to match your wedding theme.

Wedding terrarium hack in an IKEA spice jar

The RAJTAN spice jars inspired Natalie to DIY mini terrariums as wedding favors. She arranged an assortment of moss and faux flowers in the jar and finished them with printed labels and ribbons.

Ikea Hacks for the Big Day

The Big Day is here and you’ll want to ensure your guests have a great time. And that your wedding day runs as smoothly as it should.

Seating Chart Idea

When it comes to seating arrangements, you want to make sure that your guests feel comfortable and know where to sit. An easy way to create a seating chart is by using a MULIG clothes rack and hanging a large poster with the table seating arrangement. Write guests’ names or design it using software like Canva and print out the poster at your local printing centers like Office Depot or Staples. Then make holes at the top of the poster and use S-hooks to hang the poster on the frame. This IKEA wedding hack also works as a wedding signage leading to the wedding venue.

Table numbers

You can use small IKEA picture frames like the TOLSBY as table numbers and place them on each table. Unfortunately, the popular IKEA TOLSBY frames seem to be *gasp* discontinued. Here are similar double-sided standing photo frames on Amazon.

Share Your Story

As guests arrive, ease them into the celebration by sharing your wedding photos or key moments in your relationship journey. Display the photos in a unique and creative way by using an IKEA wire memo board like the KORSMON or SÖSDALA. Clip photos and notes on the hooks and add some greenery or flowers to the frame for a touch of elegance.

Set a box for cards and well-wishes

A guestbook is a great way to remember all of the people who attended your wedding. Instead of a traditional book, use an IKEA SOCKER greenhouse for a wedding card box. You can choose to spray paint the greenhouse frame if you wish. Then print out vinyl letterings for the front. If you don’t have a Cricut machine, you can get them designed and printed on Etsy. It’s also a good idea to add a card slot to one of the “roof” panels if you wish to keep the box locked (especially if gifts involve cash). Ask your guests to write a note on pre-prepared cards and drop them into the box. This creates a beautiful and unique memento you can display in your home.

Kids activity station

If you’re expecting a lot of younger ones at the wedding an activity station for kids will be much appreciated by parents. Fill a KNAGGLIG crate with activity bags — which you stuff with coloring books, puzzles, and fun treats for kids.

Bridal bathroom helper

Make one or more of the essential bridal bathroom helpers to ensure no accidents in the bathroom. It takes only 3 minutes to make one. And the bride’s life will be so much easier on the wedding day. Read this post on how to cut an IKEA wedding bag.

Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but with the help of IKEA, you can create your own DIY wedding decorations. Incorporating these IKEA hacks into your wedding will not only save you money but also add a personal touch to your special day.

Did you use any IKEA hacks at your own wedding? Share them with us. We’ll love to add yours to this list.

The post IKEA Wedding Hacks: Clever Ways to Use Their Products for Your Ceremony and Reception appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

DIY LEGO storage solution that look 100% better than plastic bins!

We are working on converting our garage to a TV/ Playroom and we thought our old storage of LEGO collection in Tupperware drawers was super ugly.

Then we stumbled upon a LEGO storage idea when we found these IKEA HELMER drawers. They not only look 100% better — but they actually work sooo much better for organization and finding what you need.

The label on each drawer helps identify what’s inside. And since we can’t see through them, the storage solution looks neat and tidy. Our play area doesn’t appear like a LEGO war zone anymore. We also love the bright red pop of color.

IKEA item used:

• 4 HELMER drawer units

DIY LEGO storage with IKEA drawers

It’s a very easy DIY to hack these LEGO storage drawers. Here’s what we did.

Step 1: Assemble the IKEA drawer units

First, assemble the 4 HELMER drawer units (which is probably the hardest part of this IKEA hack). We pushed them together to create what appears to be a whole storage unit. As the HELMER units are placed on a carpeted area of the playroom the casters are pretty much locked. They don’t move much.

You can customize the number of HELMER units to fit your space and your LEGO collection. We used 4 storage units in a row but you can also position the units back to back to create a LEGO table that your kids can sit around.

Step 2: Top it with a plank

Next, measure the surface area of the 4 units combined. At the hardware store, get an inexpensive plank of wood in the same size. We added an overhang of approximately 1″ in front and 2″ on both sides. Try not to have too much of an overhang as kids may lean against the edge of the board causing it to flip over.

We kept the table top simple but we’ve seen many DIY LEGO tables with LEGO baseplates glued onto the table surface. To add or not add the baseplates will depend on how your kids play with the bricks.

Step 3: Stain and seal the table top

We stained and polyurethane covered the top of the plank so we can use it as an end table/ display area for our kids’ LEGO creations. The plank is just placed on top of the metal cabinets and we did use any glue or screws to secure it down. You can do so if you feel the need to secure the top. Use construction adhesive to glue the board to the drawer units. Alternatively screw the board down from inside the drawer unit up to the board. (Use a drill bit suitable for metal to drill through the cabinet first.)

Step 4: Organize LEGO bricks into drawers

Lastly, sort the LEGO bricks by categories and put them in different drawers. Label the drawers with the label paper supplied.

Kids love our DIY LEGO storage unit.

~ by Rachel Howard

What’s the best way to label LEGO bricks?

There are several effective ways to label LEGO bricks by category, depending on your organizational preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Color-coded labels: Assign a color to each category of LEGO brick, and attach color-coded labels to your storage containers. For example, blue labels could represent bricks used for buildings, while green labels could indicate bricks used for landscaping.
2. Pictures or Icons: Print out pictures or icons that represent each category of LEGO brick, and attach them to your storage containers. This can be especially helpful for young children who may not yet be able to read labels.
3. Category Labels: Use categorical labels to organize your LEGO bricks, using words that correspond to the function of the part. For example, “Bricks” to represent regular studded bricks, while “Plates” for flat plates.
4. Numerical Labels: Use numerical labels to categorize your LEGO bricks, assigning each category a number. For example, “1” could represent bricks used for buildings, while “2” could represent bricks used for landscaping.

Ultimately, the best way to label LEGO bricks is the one that works best for you and your collection. For detailed labelling, you can try these sets of printable LEGO labels. Experiment with different labeling methods to find the one that makes the most sense for your needs.

The post How to DIY a super organized LEGO Storage System appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

I’ve just finished a large DIY grid mirror for my house entrance. I made it with 28 IKEA picture frames and 28 LÖNSÅS mirrors. The result is wahoo!

IKEA Materials:

• IKEA LÖNSÅS mirror x 28 – use as many as you need to fill your space and form a square or rectangle
• KNOPPÄNG picture frame (8×10″) x 28

Other mirror options:

The YLLEVAD mirror is an affordable option. With the need to buy so many frames, this can help keep costs low.

Another IKEA mirror option is the FISKBO which is slightly pricier than the YLLEVAD. But it has a thicker frame, which may be overpowering when laid in a grid. The plus point of the FISKBO is the color range. If you want a grid mirror in a color other than black — the FISKBO offers you a choice of blue, pink, and white.

Other materials:

• Glue
• Wood strips
• Screws
• Wall fasteners

DIY industrial grid mirror hack

Step 1: Insert mirrors into frame

Open up the back of the picture frame and remove the plastic protection and back panel. You won’t need these anymore. Insert the LÖNSÅS mirror in the picture frame and close the frame accordingly. Repeat 27 times!

Related: IKEA HOVET mirror and 6 little hacks to make it better

Step 2: Glue frames together

Place the mirrors in the grid formation you want. Then, run a line of glue down the long side of one picture frame. Press the frame with glue against the next mirror frame. Finish each row (of 4 mirrors, in my case) and then glue the rows together to get a large 4×7 grid of mirrors.

Step 3: Reinforce the grid structure

Let the glue dry thoroughly. Then carefully flip the mirror grid over, with mirrors facing downwards. You may want to lay a piece of cloth on the floor to protect the frames and mirrors. Measure the width of the row of mirrors and cut pieces of wood to size. Screw the wood pieces across the row of mirrors into the sides of the frame. Repeat on each row. Then measure the length of the grid mirror and cut wood accordingly. Screw the vertical wood pieces to the horizontal wood pieces to consolidate and reinforce the whole grid of mirrors.

Step 4: Secure to wall

I placed my DIY grid mirror against the wall and used two metal fasteners to hold the mirror to the wall. Done! (This step may be optional depending on the size of your industrial grid mirror and whether there’s a risk of it being knocked over.)

~ by Christine 

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Building a cat litter box bench can be a great way to hide your cat’s litter box while also providing a functional piece of furniture. Using IKEA furniture is a good starting point as you’ll save time constructing a bench from scratch. IKEA has a few benches that are particularly popular for the cat litter box bench hack.

Here are two of our favorites. You’ll also need some raw materials like plywood, cat accessories like a litter pan and litter mat to complete your DIY litter box bench.

1. Litter Box Bench with IKEA outdoor storage box hack

I used the IKEA NÄMMARÖ Storage Boxes to make two cat litter boxes to be placed at the patio. The cat litter box also double up as a bench seat.

If you have the older ÄPPLARÖ storage box, you can use that too. The NÄMMARÖ range replaces the ÄPPLARÖ and looks similar. It’s made of durable acacia hardwood and is pre-treated to be better protected against moisture and stains. So what better choice than this for a cat litter box.

Here’s a before-after. Other than the cut out on one side it really isn’t obvious that it’s a cat litter box.

IKEA items used: 

• Two units of the IKEA NÄMMARÖ Storage Box

Other materials and tools: 

• Sheets of Plywood
• Bondex
• Saw
• Staple Gun
• Outdoor cat/dog mat

How to build a cat litter box bench

Step 1: Measure the inside of the bench

I started by measuring the inside of the storage boxes and then bought the necessary plywood to line the interior.

Step 2: Cut plywood to line the inside of the bench

Next, I cut the plywood to size and painted the pieces with dark Bondex so it would not be seen from the outside, the gaps between the NÄMMARÖ slats.

Step 3: Fix plywood to inside of bench with staple gun

Then, using a staple gun I fixed the plywood to the storage box, making sure there were no gaps for air to make a draft.

Step 4: Cut an opening on one side of the bench for cat to enter

In one of the sides of each box, I cut an opening for the cats to enter, making sure that there were no sharp edges or places for the cats to cut themselves.

Step 5: Line the interior

Lastly I finished it by lining the interior with some cat/dog mats and a litter box.

~ by Ildebrando Aires (Sintra, Portugal)

2. Easy to Clean IKEA STUVA / SMÅSTAD Cat Litter Box Bench

I’ve been perusing IKEA Hackers for a good way to disguise my cat litter box but nothing quite fit what I wanted. I was wandering through IKEA and noticed the STUVA bench/cabinet. So starting with the STUVA bench and my existing semi-homemade litter box I got going.

This is the end result of my IKEA cat litter box bench hack. Discrete and it works perfectly well. Cats seem to love it too.

Here’s what I used:

• IKEA STUVA Bench (it’s now named SMÅSTAD)
• OPLEV door mat
• Litter box
• Pet door (Optional)
• Motion activated light (Optional)
• Activate charcoal deodorizer (Optional)

Cat litter box bench DIY

I traced the cat door on the side of the bench I wanted the cats to enter and used a dremel (a jigsaw would be much better) to cut the hole. The cat door was snug enough that it holds itself in place. Then I traced the opening on the drawer part of the STUVA bench.

You could definitely clean of the edge of the cuts but I opted to leave it since it’s not seen unless I’m cleaning the litter box and raw wood is the least gross thing you’ll see then. Edge banding would be a good choice if you want to seal up the raw edges.

The OPLEV door mat fits almost perfectly in the bottom. I had to trim a little off. There’s enough room in the bench that the cats have a couple steps to clean the litter off their feet and the mat catches it. The litter box is a plastic storage box I picked up at Home Depot. (Edit: The storage box is a 68 Liters. It’s about 23″ x 16″ x 14″. It’s a fairly large box and I trimmed the top so it would fit under the bench part of the STUVA.) I used the dremel to cut a hole for the entrance. The high walls keep things tidy and they’re a lot cheaper than store bought litter boxes.

Not pictured is the motion activated light that’s stuck to the inside-top of the bench and the activated charcoal deodoriser. The drawer makes it really easy to clean and then tuck out of the way.

Hack Update:

I picked up a STUVA/FOLJA combo ($10 cheaper than the STUVA/FRITIDS) and the OPLEX mat to do a copycat project. The FRITIDS box that is on casters has different (closed) handles now, so I opted for the FOLJA box. I might cut in some round ventilation holes where the screw holes for the FOLJA box pulls are, since we can’t get the FRITIDS box pictured with the open handle at the top of the box front.

I do have an old cat door, but I thought the flap might deter our younger cat from using it and make our older cat feel trapped if the “kitten” snoops in, so I decided to put access holes on both sides for an escape route.

Also, I plan on finishing the exposed particle board with something and probably caulking all interior seams before papering with Contact Paper on the interior for ease of cleaning and to protect the raw particle board inside the seams. I had looked for oval picture frames to finish the outside of the access holes, but then ended up grabbing two letter “O” wall decor plaques at Hobby Lobby to dress it up and cover the raw edges. Got a 56qt clear Sterilite tote for about 6 bucks since I thought it might let a little light in.)

~ by Jordan

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

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

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

Here’s what I did:

IKEA items used: 

• 2x NATTGIBBA laundry basket ($110)

Other materials and tools: 

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

How to DIY a 3-section laundry hamper: 

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

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

Repeat with the other long, short, short panels.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attaching the fabric laundry bags

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

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

How long and how much did it cost?

1 hour, $115.

What do you like most about the hack?

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

What was the hardest part about this hack?

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

What to pay special attention to?

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

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

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

~ by Scott

See more IKEA hacks for the laundry room

IKEA laundry hamper hack: From 2 to 3 sections

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

Chinese apothecary cabinet: How to make one affordably

5 fresh laundry room ideas for front loading washer

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

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

Montessori Bookshelf for IKEA Kura

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

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA KURA bed

Other materials and tools: 

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

How to add Montessori bookshelf to IKEA KURA bed 

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your IKEA Montessori bookshelf.

~ by Ugur

IKEA Montessori Kids closet

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

Hack a Learning tower with IKEA step stool

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

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

DIY Pikler Triangle

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

IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen with working sink

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

IKEA FLISAT sensory table

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

Kids Self-Care Vanity

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

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

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

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

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

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

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA BESTÅ cabinets

Other materials and tools: 

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

How to hack the IKEA BESTÅ sideboard  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Add furniture legs to IKEA BESTÅ sideboard

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

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

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

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

~ by Karolina @hokuspokushome

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

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

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

In this post:

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

Planning your Kitchen Pantry Organization

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

Add Additional Storage Space:

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

Consider Storage Capacity:

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

Group Pantry Items Together:

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

Prioritize Ease Of Use:

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

Shop Different Systems:

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

Think Outside The Box:

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

Use Every Corner:

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

Pantry Organization Ideas with IKEA products

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

Fit a Pull Out Pantry Organizer in IKEA kitchen cabinets

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

Track Your Pantry Inventory With IKEA Memo Boards

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

Use Jars And Tins For See-Through Storage

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

Install Shelf Inserts To Expand your Pantry

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

Organize Drawer Space With Dividers

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

Grab And Go With Organized Baskets

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

Buy Hooks And Clips For Simple Storage

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

Know What’s in Your Pantry With Labels

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

10 Best IKEA Pantry Hacks

Make a pantry cabinet

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

Keep it open

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

Mix and match open and closed storage

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

Use a wardrobe

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

DIY an accent cabinet

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

Add shelves to a nook

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

Make it affordable

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

Place a glass cabinet on top of the counter

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

Opt for a freestanding pantry

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

Create a pantry in unexpected spaces

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

How To Shop IKEA for Pantry Organization Solutions

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

Use Filters To Shop For IKEA Pantry Organization Products

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

Browse IKEA Storage Solutions And Products In Other Categories

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

Digitally Design Your Dream Kitchen With IKEA Online Planners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use a Kallax shelving unit

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

IKEA item used:

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

Other materials and tools: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The project costs us $841 + tax.

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

~ by Julia K

IKEA HEMNES sideboard to DIY kitchen peninsula

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

IKEA ITEMS AND OTHER MATERIALS:

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

TURNING THE IKEA HEMNES INTO A KITCHEN PENINSULA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE HACK?

The colour.

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

WHAT TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO?

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

LOOKING BACK, WOULD YOU HAVE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY?

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

~ by Bridgee Dunn 

Peninsular kitchen integrated with dishwasher

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

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

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

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

What I needed was:

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

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

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

Preparing the supports for the countertop

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

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

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

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

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

The final result of our IKEA kitchen peninsula hack

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

~ by Krene

Need more hacks and ideas for kitchen islands?

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

The post How to build a kitchen peninsula with IKEA appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

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

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

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

1. BRIMNES headboard tissue box retainer

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

IKEA items used: 

• 1 x BRIMNES headboard

Other materials and tools: 

• 2 x 3″ angles bracket

How to add a tissue box retainer to the BRIMNES headboard

1. Take the middle (removable shelf) out.

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

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

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

~ by Vincent Trepanier

Related: Freestanding BRIMNES headboard hack

2. IKEA BRIMNES bed frame hack

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

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

How to wallpaper an IKEA bed frame

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

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

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

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

Related: Plain white headboard to bold stripes

3. BRIMNES headboard with flip top

Related: How to attach a headboard to the BRIMNES bed

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

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

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

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

4. IKEA BRIMNES floating bedside shelf hack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IKEA KALLAX shelf to Console Table Desk hack

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

Items used:

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

KALLAX desk step-by-step process

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

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

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

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

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

What was the hardest part of the hack?

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

~ by Ramon Gil

Console table hack for tapered small space

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

Materials: 

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

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

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

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

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

The shelves were then screwed together.

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

~ Alda, Iceland

LACKing a Console Table

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

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

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

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

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

So far it works superbly for our narrow hallway.

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

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

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

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

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

20 fabulous IKEA TARVA Dressers Hacks to try at home

1. Use Wood Stain Hacks To Create A Modern Dresser

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

2. Combine Trim With Trendy Handles For A Simple Hack

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

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

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

4. Hack TARVA Dressers With Paintable Wallpaper

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

5. Give Your TARVA Dresser A Geometric Makeover

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

6. Make Your Own Coastal-Themed TARVA Dresser 

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

7. Elevate Your TARVA Dresser’s Drawer Pulls

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

8. Angle the legs for a lighter look

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

9. Go bold with Overlays 

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

10. Craft A Woven Raffia Styled TARVA Dresser

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

11. Use it as a base for a built-in 

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

12. Overhaul a drawer dresser into a rolling desk

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

13. Go tall with a TARVA hutch

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

14. Turn Your TARVA Dresser Into A Grasscloth Dresser

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

15. Craft A Fluted TARVA Dresser With This Hack

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

16. Amp Up Your Walk-in Wardrobe With Drawers

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

17. Turn Your TARVA Dresser Into A Changing Table

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

18. Hack the TARVA into a drinks cabinet

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

19. Transform Your TARVA Into A Television Stand

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

20. Create Drama with a two-toned piece

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

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

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

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

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

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

Materials 

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

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

Tools

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

How to DIY a toddler clothing rack

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

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

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

Reassemble rack 1 without the middle horizontal piece.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonus points

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

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

~ by Lin Zi

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

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

Materials:

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

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

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

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

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

• 10mm Dowel rod £5

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

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

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

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

Total cost of materials £109.50

Tools/Consumables:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making the playing surface

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

Attaching arm rests to the table frame

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

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

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

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

Securing the playing surface to the table frame

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

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

Adding dowels to the table top

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

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

Adding the arm rest frame

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

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

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

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

Staining

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

Adding LED strips and power bank (optional)

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

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

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

This took 2 weekends in all and cost £109.50

What do you like most about the hack? 

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

What was the hardest part about this hack? 

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

What to pay special attention to? 

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

Looking back, would you have done it differently? 

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

Nevertheless, so far it has had a positive reception.

~ by James Culhane

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUPPLIES

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

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

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

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

Tools

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

How to DIY a large apothecary style sideboard cabinet

1. Preparing the MALM dresser frame

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

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

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

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

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

2. Making Apothecary style drawer fronts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Locate and predrill the holes for the hardware pulls. 

3. Staining the Apothecary drawer fronts

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

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

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

4. Finishing the Apothecary sideboard cabinet

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

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

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

THE COUNTERTOP

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

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

~ by Peter Graham, Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada

Watch the build process of my DIY apothecary cabinet hack.

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