TROFAST: Using IKEA storage boxes without the frame

The hack is part of a whole guest room design which is part of a new second floor. I needed some neat storage for my sewing materials but had only 12” of depth due to the positioning of the attic pull-down stairs. We built a Murphy bed, wardrobes and cupboards with shelves and the IKEA storage boxes integrated into the design.

Materials:

  • Trofast storage boxes in varying sizes (without the frame)
  • Aluminium angles
  • Screws
Trofast IKEA Storage Boxes
Photo: IKEA.com

Tools:

As the whole floor is open plan we hung a sliding wall which is also built into the cupboards creating a whole neat wall of doors.

Murphy bed in position
Murphy bed in position
Murphy bed closed
Murphy bed in stealth mode

Here’s how we hacked the IKEA storage boxes into our built-in

  1. We started with and positioned the Murphy bed, then created the rest of the build around that.
  2. We used aluminium angles to support the boxes after I decided what I wanted to go where.
  3. We cut the aluminium angles to the right length to fit the depth of the cabinets. Smoothened the cut edges with a flat file.
  4. Then we measured where we want the TROFAST boxes to fit and marked the spots for the screws.
  5. We also added some extra angles to allow for altering the placement of the TROFAST boxes and for a shelf for my pattern files.
  6. Next, we screwed in the aluminium angles, parallel on both sides of the cabinets. Use a level to make sure your angles sit properly.
  7. Attach all the angles before slotting in the IKEA storage boxes.

The result is a highly organised storage, that is easy to access, for what was before, a mess that was difficult to find anything.

TROFAST IKEA storage boxes used in a built-in TROFAST IKEA storage boxes used in a built-in

TROFAST IKEA storage boxes used in a built-in

Scroll down to see additional photos of the other cabinets surrounding the sewing storage area and Murphy bed.

built-in surrounding the IKEA storage boxes built-in surrounding the IKEA storage boxes built-in surrounding the IKEA storage boxes built-in surrounding the IKEA storage boxes

~ by Pauleen Ward Brown


Other ways to use TROFAST boxes in your sewing area

TROFAST ikea storage boxes in a sewing table

A sewing table made from GORM (discontinued, similar to HEJNE) with a made to measure frame for TROFAST storage boxes. Read more.

Trofast craft table

Use 2 Trofast Frames, 2 Trofast Wall Unit and plenty of bins to make an extra large crafting table. Read more.