Vintage crate gets IKEA RAST drawers

Materials: IKEA items (2) IKEA RAST 3 drawer chests (plus accompanying hardware), 2 vintage crates, drill, wood glue, screws, saw, rubber mallet or hammer

Description: 1) Cut down the drawer parts (for four drawers or as many as will fit in your crate) to fit the width of your crate.

Less is More with Lack

Materials: LACK Side table on casters

Description: We streamlined our computer, TV, and high-end stereo system into one elegant system and wanted a simple, modern, unobtrusive way to display the amplifier and monitor.

The Lack side table perfectly fit the amp, is sturdy enough hold the 24"iMac, and has wheels so we can roll it away when not in use or position perfectly for TV or stereo use.

Faktum cabinets bed

Materials: 6 Faktum cabinets (2 80X58 cm, 1 30X58, 2 80X37, and 1 30X37)

Description: This is not a very new hack, cause we’ve seen many Malm, Stolmen or Expedit «structures» for beds here but I really can’t remember if I saw some with Faktum kitchen cabinets… ?

We used different depths of Faktum cabinets for this project. When you have small bedrooms, you are looking for any ideas that could provide place for storage, especially in a kid’s room, for both books, games, old clothes, new clothes etc… So, we first thought … Expedit, as often seen here…

But finally we chose Faktum cabinets, and the main idea is to provide a large depth, as deep as the bed in fact.

Billy-Benno library is the Ikea Hack of 2011!

First of all, a big thank you for voting. And yes, we have a winner! Congratulations to Chas for the awesome work on the Billy's, Benno's and miles of books. Chas' Billy-Benno library garnered 28% of votes, while Marloes' Rektangle vase bathroom wall came in at second, with over 23% of votes. A close fight to the end. The other favourite was Pippa's Skimmer soap dish, which pulled in 13% of votes.

This year's Ikea Hack of the Year kinda shifted things a little. No doubt, as some commented, repurposing/upcycling/whatever you call it is growing and does deserve a category of its own. Which may then leave "true-blue Ikea hacks" with a "purer" fight for the title. Definitely in the works for 2012. 

O'verlays for the winner !
Besides bragging rights, Chas takes home a $150 gift card to spend at O'verlays. I have a feeling that the decorative fretwork panels will fit in beautifully in their French country house.

If you're not sure what O'verlays are, check out the photos of their creations below and their website too.

See poll results.

Standing desk with "invisible" data storage

Materials: IKEA Lagan countertop

Description: I needed to improve my living room work place so I made a standing desk out of an IKEA Lagan countertop that I cut to the right size. The problem was that I needed room for four of my external hard drives and I did not want them to take any space on the desk and there weren't much other space I could use either. I did, however, have some space beneath the standing desk so I decided to hang them on the back of another IKEA board under the desk.

It turned out just the way I wanted.

~ Niklas Johansson, Stockholm, Sweden

Goliat drawer unit bench

Materials: 2 Goliat drawer units, thick foam, upholstery material, 2 sided sticky tape

Description: 1. Remove the casters from the 2 Goliat drawer units
2. Put them next to each other in a corner
3. Make a pillow case from upholstery material to cover the thick foam cut out to match the size of the surface of your soon-to-be bench
4. Make 2 similar foam cushions to lean on (back and side)
5. Stick the bottom foam cushion to the top of the drawer units with a 2 sided sticky tape to keep in place
6. Do the same with the other two cushions
7. Add an extra cushion or two for extra comfort and your useful bench is ready!

~ Marta

Spoka light controlled from Android phone

Materials: Spoka night light, Android phone, ATtiny microcontroller, bluetooth board

Description: It's about a simple idea: take a cheap 3 colours Ikea Spoka night lamp, hack it by replacing its original MCU and adding a cheap serial bluetooth device and then write a simple Android app to control the lamp remotely from your phone!

This is just the beginning, imagine the possibilities once the phone has direct control over the colours and their respective intensities. You can make it light up in sync with some music, you can make it change colours depending on some e-mails you receive or your Facebook status, etc. ...

Stereo holder out a CD/DVD wall shelf

Materials: LERBERG and wood

Description: The Lerberg can also be used to house a music system.

~ Gianfranco, Italy

Christmas candle holder out a CD/DVD wall shelf

Materials: LERBERG and glass or wood

Description: Make a candle holder from the Lerberg CD shelf and mirrors.

~ Gianfranco, Italy

Leksvik Pine CD Cabinets and Ikea Pine Shelves = Kitchen Cabinets

Materials: Leksvik Pine CD Cabinets + Set of 5 Ikea antique pine shelves

Description: 1. Saw off the bottom of both units to remove base.
2. Fix both to the wall.
3. Use a whole shelf vertically on the left (against the wall) to give a more finished effect.
4. Fit shelves screwing them from the inside of each cabinet.

The antique pine actually marries quite well with the oak of the Ulriksdal kitchen units.

Sorry about the mess in the kitchen. I'm not looking for a design award, just sharing an idea.

~ Annette, France

VIKA BRÅD STANDING DESK

Materials: The materials for this desk are 100% IKEA! One stop shopping:
1 x LAGAN Countertop (96 7/8” x 25 5/8” x 1 1/8”) - $59.00
4 x VIKA KAJ Leg, adjustable ($15.00 x 4) - $60.00
2 x CAPITA Bracket, stainless steel ($15.00 x 2) - $30.00
… and if you are just starting with a standing desk, get a barstool to take sitting breaks as you build up your tolerance for standing. I recommend:
1 x STIG Bar stool with backrest (29 1/8”) - $19.99
Total Cost w/chair (pre-tax) = $168.99
Time to build: 3-6 hours (once you have the materials)

Tools
Circular Saw
Drill (w/screwdriver bit)
Jigsaw
Pliers
Measuring Tape
Random Orbit Sander and/or sandpaper

Description:
Like other standing desk hackers who have submitted ideas, I had a sore back from sitting at a desk all-day and wanted to try a standing desk without shelling out $800+ for a geek desk, which is functional, but industrial looking. I wanted it to look good, and also wanted stability. I love the paper filled fiberboard that IKEA sells for desktops, but I really needed a wood worktop surface and a desk stable enough to free-stand away from a wall. It also had to be simple, so I could take it apart easily, bring it to my office, and reassemble it without much effort. My budget was $200.

Behold… the VIKA BRÅD (yes, I named it after myself):

Hacker help: How do I hack a table like this?

Description: Hi! I'd like to realize a hack from Ikea product to obtain a table like that in the photo. Someone has to give me tips to make it happen?

Thanks!!

~ Tiziana

Another Frosta Side table

Materials: Frosta Stool

Description: We needed something to hold our drinks while on the couch. We live in a small apartment so we didn't want a coffee table that takes up floor space. But didn't want to pay $199 for the STOCKHOLM side table.

I saw a few Frosta hacks on this site and I thought I'll do my own one. Only costs $14.99 (AUD)

Materials:
Frosta Stool
Cordless Drill
Drill bits

(No extra materials required. Just the frosta including screws)

Coffee haters Zorb lampshade

Materials: Regolit

Description: Instead of gluing on coffee filters, I sewed on muffin cases.

I used a running stitch around the support canes, quite loose. The muffin cases were scrunched up a bit, and I tried to avoid being precise.

The only tricky bit was that I had to wear a t-shirt to avoid getting my arm stuck/ sewn inside the shade.

It took about 400 muffin cases and about 4 hours.

~ Emma

DUKTIG bunkbed for dolls

Materials: DUKTIG doll bed, paint, metal brackets, material & stuffing optional

Description: Name brand doll beds for the 18in dolls are expensive. I had already found the DUKTIG bed to be a great deal. As the doll collection expanded, so did the DUKTIG collection. Short on space in a room that the girls share, we decided the dolls needed bunkbeds. The beds will not stay on top of each other on their own so we used a metal bracket.

1) paint pieces (optional)
2) lay headboard & footboard on firm surface & hammer the bracket into place securing the two beds together.
3) assemble side rails
4) you can use the bedding provided or you can spruce it up.

~*~*~*~*~ a more skilled woodworker could drill holes in the top of one headboard/footboard and the bottom of the other, then use a dowel pin to secure the beds together. This would provide a seamless look, and allow the beds to be taken back apart into single units.

~ Sonya, Virginia, USA

Bunk Bed to Loft Bed

Materials: Tromso Loft Bed, Hacksaw

Description: The Tromso Loft bed was too tall for the kids room and I always loved the idea of have a loft bed over another bed in an L shape and then adding a dresser underneath, kind of like the bed from Room & Board that cost $1400.

I decided to literally "Hack" the bed in half.

~ chris dichiaro, brooklyn, ny

Sea Glass GRONO Lamp

Materials: GRONO Table Lamp, Sea Glass, Glue, Grout

Description: My wife has been collecting sea glass for a year or so. We go to specific beaches where the glass can be found and she spends hours sifting through sand and rocks to find all the good pieces.

By far the most abundant sea glass is white. Since we have a lot of it, I came up with the idea of making a lamp with some of the less rare pieces.

On a recent trip to Ikea, we found the GRONO table lamp in frosted glass that looked perfect for the project.

Flying fishes

Materials: Titta finger puppet

Description: Some finger puppets, a peace of cord, branch and a lot of time to make it into decoration for babies.

See more of the finger puppet mobile.

~ Christine Koblizek

Glowing drinking straw

Materials: SOMMAR

Description: Why just use them for drinking? They can be very useful in an other way.

See more of the straw lampshade.

~ Christine Koblizek

Varde sink cabinet becomes breakfast bar

Materials: Varde Sink Cabinet, Vika Amon countertop

Description: I wanted to build a breakfast bar that also had storage inside it instead of just being hollow. We had a useless wall between our kitchen and family room that I decided would make a good spot for the bar. I took that wall down completely to start from scratch.

For reference, the dimensions of the bar were to match the dimensions of the Varde sink cabinet - 52" long, 23.5" wide. First, I framed out the base for the bar using 2x4' and other lumber. The very bottom layer is 2x4' nailed into the joists in the basement.

Next, immediately above those I placed 12" tall, 1" wide wood pieces for the outside frame. I used metal L-brackets, nails, screws, and wood glue to make sure this frame was very sturdy.

Third, I completely cut the legs off from the Varde sink cabinet because I wanted it to have a solid foundation instead of just four small legs holding it. I then installed the Varde cabinet on top of the 14" frame I had built, again secured with wood glue, nails, and screws.

Fourth, I covered the three sides in quarter-inch thick oak panels with a cut-out for the cabinet doors. I did this for a few reasons. First, the Ikea wood pieces are not real wood and would not take a stain. Second, I wanted the bar to look uniform from every angle and the Ikea cabinet was not like that - it is angular as you might see in the pictures.

Fifth, I installed a cheap Ikea countertop called Vika Amon. It came with screw holes already so it was very easy to install. Note: I would have greatly preferred to use the Vika Byske table top with the rounded corner to make it look more like a breakfast bar, but my local Ikea said that was a closeout item, they had none in stock, and would not be getting any more.

Sixth, I stained the three sides with a dark oil-based stain and polyurethane. Finally, I added white trim pieces to the bottom so that it matches the trim in the rest of the room.

Total cost: $35 for table top, $169 for sink cabinet, approximately $100 for lumber/nails/stain/polyurethane/trim.

Not pictured: The sink cabinet does not come with a middle shelf - it is just one big space inside. I bought a 10" white shelf and installed it to give the cabinet inside two levels.

~ Brian, Delaware

Powder Room by JANEJIRA

Materials: kitchen cabinet

Description: Get the expensive floating vanity look without paying high dollars! I used the kitchen cabinet here, and installed sideways. Best of all, I found the cabinet and doors on the clearance section, so I paid something like $20 for the whole vanity! The handle was a leftover from a kitchen project.

Ledswax

Materials: 100% IKEA

Description: This is the first try out of a new combination of Leds and a candle light all based on Ikea materials.

Hi-Fi Stand for little monitors

Materials: Capita, Lack (X2)

Description: This is a slight variation to this hack.

I bought a couple of Lack shelf, and used a couple of Capita legs, but the 16cm version (in that hack they are smaller). Total: 12€ per stand.

~ Andrea Maschio, Italy

Minecraft-inspired window seat/stools

Materials: Solsta Pallbo stools, Hampen Rug

Description: I wanted a window seat in my spare room that could double as spare stools for when visitors come around.

With limited space, the Solsta Pallbo stools were small enough to do the trick. I realised their shape and colours (2 dark grey and 3 natural) made them ideal for turning them into Minecraft (computer game) blocks for added interest.

Ideas: An Organized Micke Desk

Materials: Almhult cutlery tray

Description: I bought a micke desk (width 55 7/8; depth 19 5/8; height 29 1/2). However, the drawers became cluttered. While walking through Ikea to get some inspiration and pick up a few items I found the Almhult cutlery tray ($2.99). I pick up two of these and trace my steps back to the work station exhibit to find a Micke desk to see if these trays would fit, and they did with space at the side. As you can see from my photo they are five compartments that allow you to store all your needs to have an effective work station.

~ Liza, New York

Ikea Rolling Dog Bed v2

Materials: Ikea chair (Solsta Olarp), Poang footstool lambswool cushion, Ikea large wheels

Description: I purchased the Solsta Olarp chair and the Poang lambswool footstool cushion in the "As Is" department (about $25.00 and $19.99). Any small chair will do (depending on the size of your pet!)

This is a pretty easy hack...

Rolling Dog Beds

Materials: Ikea Ektorp Bromma Ottoman, Ikea wheel kit (2), Poang sheepskin stool cover

Description: I made 2 of these. The ottomans were without covers (except the base of one of them) as they were purchased in the "As is" department (about $45.00 @), so were the Poang footstool lambswool cushions ($19.99@).

NOTE: PLEASE MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE! These instructions are what worked for me (twice), but I can also "adjust on the fly". Please read through thoroughly before you start. It's worth it!

TOOLS: Sewing machine, Scissors, Staple gun (1/4" staples), hammer (to finish staples), saw to cut feet off ottoman.

MATERIALS: You will need about 94" of Velcro (fuzzy side only, no hook side) and 2' of both hook and loop Velcro, 3/4" wide is fine. Also, 3 yards of 55" wide upholstery fabric, thread to match. 2 Packages of Ikea large wheels. Wide tape to temporarily hold fabric in place (optional).

Hang more than curtains with a Kvartal Curtain Rail

Materials: Kvartal curtain rail, saw, drill, hammer, desk

Description: Vintage desks are beautiful, but not always functional & standard "add your own hanging file folder kits" didn't fit my desk. I had a Kvartal rail piece left over & it was a perfect fit!

1) Measure the width of the drawer, add 1" to that measurement, & cut 2 pieces of the Kvartal rail to that size. (I used a chop saw, but a hand saw or tin snips should also work.)

2) Drill a hole in each side of the drawer for the rail to sit in. Make sure the hole isn't too big or the rail will be loose. I used a drill to start the hole & then my Dremel to finish it, but you could continue with larger drill bits until you have the right size hole.

3) Insert the rail into the holes & use a hammer to gently knock it into place (it should be a snug fit).

4) Repeat this process to add a rail to the back of the drawer. (Use your hanging file folder to decide where to position the back rail).

5) Hang your file folders & enjoy! Notice that the file folders hang length wise (instead of the traditional across) in a vintage desk drawer.

~ Sissy J, Chicago

Fast & Easy Ribbon Ruffle Lampshades to match Ofelia Blanket

Materials: Ikea Jära Lampshade (diameter 34cm), Satin ribbon (double sided, for example 75mm wide ribbon appr. 15metres), hot glue gun, hot glue (reserve more than 12 stick so you won't run out in the middle of project)

Description: Time needed, about 1 hour.

One of the most beautiful items I have seen in Ikea is Ofelia ruffle blanket. I wanted to have some lampshades to match Ofelia blanket, so I decided to try making them by myself.

The first edition, "try out", I did for my living room in purple with Ikea Ollsta (diameter 38cm) and 20 meters of 38mm wide satin ribbon. It was surprising how easy and fast it was!

Kid's Bench

Materials: Molger Bench

Description: I purchased the Molger Bench thinking it would be perfect for my young boys to use for putting their shoes on, however once I assembled it, I realized that the seat was way too high for them. So instead of returning it, I took the top seat off and attached it to the back. The lower shelf of the bench turned out to be the perfect height for them. The beauty of this is that when they get bigger it can be converted to the original bench!

~ Aya, Bellevue

LEKMAN Windows home server

Materials: LEKMAN Box x2 - Normal computer build items

Description: I was needing some place to put my windows home server that was out of the way, and just putting the case on the EXPEDIT shelf I had did not look good plus there are very few computer cases, if any that will fit in the space. So one day I decided to gut my home server and mount everything in the LEKMAN box.

I mounted the hard drives on the left side and the power supply and DVD drive in the bottom for stability. Since I am not using a high power CPU hence no need of a real heavy CPU cooler I mounted the Main Board on the right. Still need to add some LED's but the holes are already there so I will do that later.

Grundtal Wine Rack

Materials: Grundtal double towel bar

Description: Stainless steel wine rack made from Grundtal 80cm double towel racks. Racks are screwed to a welded metal frame made from 1" x 1/8" steel strip. The base width of the Grundtal towel racks is inconsistent, to conceal this there is a 1" wide steel strip on top of the towel rack bases - the screws go through this cover strip, through the Grundtal mounting holes, and into the steel frame underneath. The screws are 10-32 machine screws, they thread into tapped holes in the steel frame. The frame and cover strip are finished with an 80 grit flap wheel on a grinder and then clear coated. You could also finish with a hand sander or paint the steel.

Robust changing table

Materials: BEKVAM kitchen trolley, wood boards

Description: We needed a small changing table for our newborn. Since both of us are students with limited income, we decided IKEA was the place to find a suitable changing table. The only one small enough to fit in our bathroom was SNIGLAR, but I thought it looked weak and rickety. Another piece of furniture caught my eye - the BEKVAM kitchen trolley. It's really robust!

Split Level Jerker Desk

Materials: Jerker table, Grundtal lamp

Description: How do you make the best desk in the world better? Buy a second hand one from the internet as a parts desk and add it on to yours. I took the top of a Jerker table and made a split level for my 24" monitor and bookshelf speakers.

LAMPAN shade drilling

Materials: LAMPAN lamps

Description: I do the lighting at a local contra dance (a type of American folk dance). To avoid the use of the hall's ugly fluorescent lighting I use a number of incandescent lights, including IKEA LAMPAN and torchieres.

It's evolved over the years, but currently I attach the LAMPAN to some pillars using bungee cords. These lamps have to be put up and taken down before/after each evening's festivities. The lamps extend horizontally from the pillars, so the tops of the shades point out into the hall, towards the dancers.

RIBBA Digital Photo Frame

Materials: RIBBA photo frame, old digital photo frame, screwdriver, sticky tape

Description: I had an old, ugly digital photo frame lying around - It surely wasn't cheap and had been given to me as a present. But it was just too ugly to have it in my living room. Time to change that.