Black Home Bar with KALLAX

I decided to hack a home bar in black for a sleeker and more modern look. The original light wood finish of the KALLAX bar was nice but felt a bit out of place. By painting it black, I knew it would transform the overall aesthetic and vibe of the space, especially after I added mood lighting.

IKEA items used:

  • KALLAX Shelving unit x2
  • LACK TV bench x1
  • LEDBERG LED spotlight x4
  • KALLAX Insert with 2 drawers x2
  • KALLAX Insert with door x2

Other materials:

  • Plywood board
  • Black paint
  • Wood filler

How to make a black home bar:

kallax bar with lack tv stand as countertop
Photo Credit: Hamood
kallax bar with lack tv stand as countertop
Photo Credit: Hamood

1. Removed the legs of the LACK TV bench. I attached one of the KALLAX shelf units with the LACK TV bench horizontally, with an overhang on the front to form the bar counter. The back of the LACK TV sits flush with the KALLAX shelving unit. I used long screws to secure the two pieces. I drilled down from the LACK to the KALLAX and also from the KALLAX to the LACK through the top panel.

close up the kallax shelving unit
Photo Credit: Hamood
close up the kallax shelving unit
Photo Credit: Hamood

2. Then, I closed the front part of the KALLAX home bar with a plywood cover. Added putty to seal the lines and screw holes.

black metal bar in high gloss black
Photo Credit: Hamood

3. Next, I painted the whole thing in black after filling the holes and sanding the plywood. I sanded down the IKEA furniture pieces lightly to allow for a smooth paint application. Then, I applied two coats of high-gloss black paint with a paint roller. To get into all the nooks and crannies, I used a paintbrush for full coverage. The transformation was dramatic – the black made the bar appear polished and tied both pieces of furniture together.

black metal bar in high gloss black
Photo Credit: Hamood

4. I cut another piece of backing for the second KALLAX. It is also painted black. Let the paint fully dry.

black home bar with mood lighting
Photo Credit: Hamood
black home bar
Photo Credit: Hamood
black home bar
Photo Credit: Hamood

5. After the paint was dry, I placed the two KALLAX units in place. Then, I used 3 meters of RGB LEDs to create mood lighting, sticking the strips on the inside of the LACK and under the counter.

A DIY bar using the IKEA KALLAX shelving unit and LACK TV bench
Photo Credit: Hamood

6. Used four LEDBERG LED spotlights inside the top four of the shelves units for bottle display and drawers and door for the bottom four for storage.

A DIY bar using the IKEA KALLAX shelving unit and LACK TV bench
Photo Credit: Hamood

7. And it’s done. I didn’t secure it to the floor, and it’s been stable enough. I would advise putting heavier items and bottles at the bottom row instead of the top row of shelves to maintain sturdiness.

My black home bar tied in nicely with the black accents in the living area as well. Don’t mind the mess behind the bar area; it is still a work in progress. All the glassware and accessories really stand out prominently against the dark backdrop. Friends and family commented on how the black bar elevated the whole room. It was an easy and affordable way to refresh my home bar area with a modern twist.

~ by Hamood

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