Materials: 2 small Vika Hyttan table tops, 1 large Vika Hyttan table top, 9 Vika Fintorp legs, 3 flat plate brackets from hardware store, screws.
Description: My objective for my home office was to have two workspaces. One with a computer on it, and another that I could turn around to use that would be free of clutter.
For the clutter free workspace, I wanted as big a table as possible, so I went with the large size Vika Hyttan with the Vika Fintorp legs which is assembled according Ikea's instructions (no hack, although you do have to drill holes for the legs for some reason).
For the computer workspace which would be against the wall I wanted for visual and functional reasons one that was wider and not quite as deep. Such a tabletop doesn't currently exist that would match the other one I chose.
Putting two small Vika Hyttan tables side by side wouldn't work since my computer would be in the middle of the table and the legs would be in the way.
So, I decided I wanted to combine two small table tops to make a workspace that would be the size I wanted.
To do this, I enlisted the help of my father who is much less inept with tools than I am. He also has a drill.
1) We put the two table tops upside down on the floor side by side.
2) We installed the leg first on the join as shown by marking where the holes should be with a pencil and then drilling the holes. We placed the leg the way we did in order to have as much support as possible in the middle of the joined area. You have to be very careful in this step to make sure that the tables are properly lined up.
3) We installed the brackets I bought from Home Depot the same way.
4) We double checked the tabletops were positioned together perfectly and then tightened all the screws.
5) We had a couple of cold brewskis and admired our work.
Because the table tops are so thick, in order for downward pressure to break the join it actually would need to pull them apart first which it's far too solid to do, particularly with the added support of the leg across join. Although I wouldn't dance a jig on the table it is perfectly solid and doesn't move around at all.
I also think it looks great, and functionally it's amazing. Perhaps one day Ikea will release a wider/thinner version of the Vike Hyttan and render this hack obsolete, but for now this makes for a pretty cost effective, attractive, and functional office set up.
~ Tom, Toronto, Ontario
This office is absolutely beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering lately if some people really get to work in such fancy offices!!!!
wow!
xx
Great idea! It's a beautiful and roomy home office, too. Nice to have a separate table for the computer, with space to spread paper out on either side.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Can you post the approximate cost of this hack? Curious...
ReplyDeleteNice job on the stability. Would you believe I have been searching the web all night for desks like this (I really like the Besta Burs, but it's a little too thin when you have a decent size monitor), a workspace for one-two people but not divided.
ReplyDeleteThe other lovely thing about this desk is it's flexibility, should you ever move and need to break it into two.
Great job.
CeeJay
Lovely post - I get e-mails every day about Ikea hacks and this one was really striking. It (a) was so well documented (in words and photos) and (b) actually created such a lovely outcome. Beautiful concept and execution. Bravo. Enjoy your office!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Chicago, IL USA
Where did you get those chairs in front of your clutter free desk?
ReplyDeleteYummy!
ReplyDelete@TipTop? Noticed the windows if correct! I hate those little squares that barley open. Nice hack btw.
ReplyDeleteI love this office setup!! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteWow! Desk computer, laptop, and iPad. I got only laptop:)
ReplyDeleteI understand the clutter free look but you have no storage. Looks great but impractical for me.
ReplyDeleteHey - glad everyone likes my hack! To answer some questions in the comments:
ReplyDeleteTotal cost was $130 x 2 for the small table tops, $150 x 1 for the big one, 9 x $10 for the legs, so about $500, plus $20 or so for the brackets and extra screws from Home Depot.
The chairs in front are Karlstad Swivel chairs from Ikea. Great quality and very comfy. The office chair is a Herman Miller Mirra.
Hah, yes indeed it is in the Tip Top Lofts in Toronto, well spotted. Please don't murder me in my sleep.
It is indeed short on storage, although my solution is to have less stuff that requires storing (always), I will be getting some kind of cabinet to go under one of the desks for files, etc...
If you have any other questions, fire away. Really glad many of you found this useful or inspiring.
Tom
I would suggest 2 things..
ReplyDelete1) using longer braces with more fasteners. Especially along the front.
2) When installing the braces, raise each end up off the ground by about 1 inch.. this would add some small positive angle that would flatten out when the table were turned upright putting the brackets in continuous tension. Tesion adds rigidity and strength.
Another thought would be to use cables and tensioners to give the ability to dial in the tension.
Where did you buy this desk chair plz?
ReplyDeleteWhat stand are you using for the macbook?
ReplyDeleteNice setup!
Please tell me where you got that picture behind your desk. The one where the police are escorting a donut truck.
ReplyDeleteIf ever you decide to do a room makeover and don't want those Vika Fintorp legs anymore, I will take them of your hands. ren_chicky@hotmail.com
ReplyDelete