The Ikea furniture pieces are not only beautiful and tough, but it is also easily adaptable to other uses or DIY projects that you have. With few tools and minimal knowledge, you can adapt any piece of furniture from the Swedish brand into something else, depending on your needs. We’ve found a nice project for you, that will require just one KALLAX bookshelf and a couple more things. Let’s take a look at it!
Consider creating a custom kitchen island using an Ikea Kallax bookshelf. This clever hack is perfect for anyone who loves the look and functionality of a kitchen island but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. To get started, you’ll need one bookshelf, some adjustable legs, and MDF. You’ll also want to invest in some shaker-style paneling and a professional wrap for the top of the island to give it a stylish and elegant look.
DIY kitchen upgrade – The ultimate IKEA KALLAX island hack
Before you begin, make sure to plan out your design on paper to ensure that everything fits together properly. To assemble the island, start by attaching the adjustable legs to the bottom of the Kallax unit. Then, use the MDF to create a sturdy base for the island. You can customize the size and shape of the base to fit your specific needs. Make this furniture piece works for you.
Once you have the basic structure in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Use the shaker-style paneling to cover the sides of the Ikea KALLAX unit and create a seamless, built-in look. Then, have the top of the island professionally wrapped with a marble effect or another material of your choice. This will give the island a high-end look that’s sure to impress. When it comes to the size of the island, be sure to leave enough room for chairs to sit comfortably underneath. You don’t want your guests to have to squeeze in or feel cramped while they’re enjoying a meal or a conversation at the island with this DIY project.
What materials do I need for the IKEA KALLAX kitchen island DIY project?
To make an IKEA KALLAX kitchen island, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Miter saw
- Drill and impact driver
- 2 x KALLAX shelving units
- 4 x caster wheels (optional)
- 2 x pieces of wood for the countertop
- Screws and bolts
- Paint or stain (optional)
Ideas to improve your new IKEA KALLAX kitchen island
If you’re looking to go for a boho-chic or bohemian vibe, consider adding some colorful and patterned textiles to your island. You could drape a woven tapestry or table runner over the top, or add some brightly patterned cushions to the chairs around the island. Another idea is to hang some macramé plant hangers from the sides of the island and fill them with greenery or flowers to add some natural texture and interest.
For a more neutral or minimalist look, consider painting your island in a soft gray or white shade that complements your existing kitchen decor. You could also add some decorative hardware or knobs to the doors of the Kallax unit to give it a more custom look. What about adding some open shelving to the sides of the island to display your favorite cookbooks or kitchen accessories? Sounds good, right?
No matter what style you choose, don’t forget to accessorize your island with some functional and stylish pieces. Consider adding a tray or bowl to hold fruit or snacks, or a set of colorful ceramic canisters to store your most-used utensils. With a little creativity and some careful planning, you can create a kitchen island that not only looks great but also serves as a functional and practical addition to your home.
The IKEA KALLAX is more than just another bookshelf
In your library, reading room or office, the KALLAX shelves can be a nice place for organizing books, files and documents, keeping everything neat and accessible. In the bedroom, it is quite useful as well: it can serve as a versatile bedside table without legs, providing a practical surface for your essentials. It can also be used to store bedroom necessities or even function as a nightstand. Make it even more amazing by pairing your bookshelf with the IKEA pegboards. Use the side surfaces as multipurpose spaces to hang those pegboards and keep all your things in place.
Apart from its storage capabilities, the Kallax also offers customization options to suit your specific needs. Elevate its style by adding legs as the CAPITA legs you can actually buy from Ikea. Join multiple units together for different shapes and sizes, or personalize it further with inserts like hanging organizers, clip-on baskets, and removable storage units. If you want smaller compartments, consider adding a shelf divider to the KALLAX, creating perfect storage solutions for various items. For even more versatility, you can segment a cube into four compartments of differing sizes with a shelf insert, providing a practical and attractive way to organize and display your belongings.
Some IKEA KOMPLEMENT pull-out trays could make a great improvement for your KALLAX. With these convenient additions, accessing and locating your belongings has never been easier. This nifty feature effortlessly pulls out, allowing you to effortlessly see and reach your items with outstanding convenience. There are over 40 different combinations of the KOMPLEMENT shelves.
The IKEA furniture pieces are so versatile they could work just well in another places
Don’t stick with what Ikea tells you their products are. Part of the magic of the brand is that its pieces are versatile, transformable, multifaceted, and adaptable according to the needs of each household. The RÅSKOG cart, originally designed for kitchen storage, can be easily repurposed to hold and organize your bathroom essentials. With its compact size and convenient wheels, it becomes a functional addition to your bathroom space. You can use the cart to store towels, toiletries, and even create a mobile vanity station by placing a mirror on top.
The BILLY bookshelf, known for its adjustable shelves and versatile design, can be transformed into a stylish shoe storage unit near your front door. Make it your new useful entryway shelf to store shoes, jackets, umbrellas, scarfs or whatever garments you need to take out when you come from outside and get into your warm, comfy home. Remember that the BILLY’s surfaces could be moved to whatever position you need, since it comes with several perforations to place then as required.
How to properly clean and take care of your IKEA furniture and DIY projects
Taking care of your Ikea furniture is of high importance if you desire to preserve its longevity and pristine appearance. You don’t wanna be purchasing furniture over and over again, right? Well, you better take care of your belongings: it’s your time and effort transformed into a furniture piece. By adhering to a few simple guidelines, you can safeguard your investment, ensuring it remains in impeccable condition for years to come.
To guarantee the stability and sturdiness of your Ikea furniture, meticulous assembly is crucial. Begin by thoroughly reading and following the provided instructions. Pay close attention to every detail and ensure that all screws and connections of the pieces are securely tightened. By doing so, you can prevent any potential wobbling or instability issues that may arise over time. Loose furniture is a bad assembled one.
When it comes to cleaning, opt for mild and non-abrasive cleaning solutions. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can potentially damage the surface finish. Instead, reach for gentle cleansers that effectively remove dirt and grime without compromising the integrity of the furniture. Regularly dust your furniture using a soft cloth or a microfiber duster to eliminate any accumulated debris and maintain its immaculate appearance. You can easily ask at Ikea for what do they recommend to clean any particular furniture piece.
To preserve the aesthetic appeal of your furniture, consider utilizing curtains or blinds to obstruct excessive sunlight from reaching the surfaces. This simple step will go a long way in safeguarding the vividness and allure of your Ikea pieces. Finally, avoid placing super heavy items (like marble sculptures, for example) over the surfaces. The Ikea experts also know what are the maximum weight any furniture piece can hold.