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.

2)Break apart the 2nd crate for pieces (drawer faces) & pull out 5 good boards. Cut them down to the width of your crate. (Make sure they aren't too tall so they don't keep your drawers from opening.) Glue & screw these pieces to your four drawers (& save one piece to use as a "dummy panel" to cover any part of the crate that isn't so pretty--in my case the top of the crate was rough so I covered it with a dummy panel).

3) Drill holes in the dummy panels for your drawer pulls & install drawer pulls. (I used old faucet handles & zip ties as my drawer pulls, but the pulls that come w/ the IKEA RAST work great too.)

4) Take your in tact crate & add the drawer rails to the sides of the crate just like the RAST instructions show how to. (You will have to drill your own holes though instead of having the holes predrilled for you by IKEA.)

5) After all rails are inserted, insert your drawers into your crate, add any finishing touches, and enjoy your crate dresser! I used mine as one half of a craft table.

Note--you will have IKEA RAST pieces left over. If you have 2 more crates you can add a drawer to each of them for great bedside tables.

~ Sissy J (LoveSissy), Chicago

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.

1. Cut a whole in the top of the table so the iMac cables can run inside and be hidden. Cover with a standard computer desk grommet.

2. Cut a piece of matching melamine board to make a removable back panel. Cut a hole in the panel and cover with another grommet, allowing cables to come out the back. Line edges with thin felt so the panel fits securely in place but allows easy access. We bundled the power, speaker and cable line in a braided cable sleeve so they're neat and protected, giving a "tail" effect.

Voila! People love to see this and don't even understand how something so small and simple can work. Good-bye gigantic home electronics stations!

~ Gail Wilkins, New York, NY

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.

For that purpose, we put 37 cm depth cabinets BEHIND 58 cm depth cabinets, so that we have a very important place for storage at the bottom of the bed�

We chose 2 cabinets of 80 cm width with a 30 cm width one in the middle.
Then you just have to screw a slatted bed base on the structure, and a mattress, and�that's it!

We store clothes, quilts (behind), books, games, dolls, etc�it is a revolution when you have few space because of sloping walls !

See more of the Faktum cabinet bed.

~ Marie-H, France, Morbihan

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. ...

Read more on the Android phone controlled Spoka light!

~ trandi, London

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 BR�D 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 BR�D (yes, I named it after myself):

First, I cut the countertop in half. I used a piece of wood and two clamps to keep the saw straight, but you can skip this if you have a steady hand. IKEA sells a 49� version of the LAGAN counter top, and you can substitute two of them, but that will add $20.

After cutting, I used the sander on the cut edges to (a) smooth them, and (b) held the sander gently at a 45-degree angle to the top and bottom of each cut edge to replicate the bevel on the rest of the countertop. Then I examined the two pieces to see which face was the best, and used this for the top. I labeled each face lightly in pencil so I wouldn't get mixed up.

Next, I made a freehand cutout in the bottom desktop using a jigsaw so I wouldn't rub against the bottom desktop while standing if I leaned in. You can do this any way you like or skip it. I measured in approximately 9� from each end, traced a drinking glass to make the semicircle, and then drew a line between the two curves with a straight piece of wood. Go slow with the jigsaw, as the countertop is thick. I sanded smooth and beveled it with the random orbit sander and used sandpaper wrapped around the glass to sand the curves.

Next, I installed the 4 VIKA KAJ legs on the four corners of the bottom desktop. I measured in 3� from each face of the corner, and where the lines intersected, I centered the round leg bracket.

Next, I installed the CAPITA brackets. You can orient them different ways, but make sure the CAPITA bracket bottom bolt will not fall on the same spot as the VIKA KAJ legs when you attach the top desktop to the bottom desktop. To install the CAPITA brackets, first attach the side with multiple screws to the underside of the top desktop.

Once you have done this, set the top desktop gently on the bottom desktop with the CAPITA brackets facing down as in the photo. Measure where the bolts on the bracket fall relative to the edges of the bottom desktop to make sure the top desktop is centered on the bottom desktop. When doing this, measure the distance front to back and side to side. I had to make a bunch of small adjustments to get this right. When you like are happy with the position, use a pencil and trace around the four CAPITA bracket bolts.

Next, remove the top desktop and set it against a wall gently so you don't bend the CAPITA brackets. Drill holes using the drill bit size recommended in the CAPITA bracket instructions. Pick up the top desktop and set it down on the bottom desktop as before, inserting the CAPITA bracket bolts into the holes. I did not use the large black plastic washers on the bottom of the CAPITA bracket, as I assumed those were to prevent water from getting under the bracket. I suppose you can use it if you want. Tighten the nuts and washers on the bolts with the pliers and you are done!

Things to consider
The finished desk is height adjustable. I am 6� tall and the work surface is around 43� for me. I don't think this design will go much taller than that. If you are taller, you may want to consider using the CAPITA table leg that is a few inches longer, rather than the CAPITA bracket I used and is about the same price.

Also, I considered using a router to carve out shapes in the top face of the bottom desktop to hold pens and a coffee mug, but I haven�t done this yet.

Finally, you will need to use finish or oil on the wood surfaces periodically. IKEA sells BEHANDLA Wood treatment oil ($4.99), which works fine.

Happy standing.

~ Brad C., North Carolina, USA

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)

1. Assemble only 1 leg of the Frosta
2. Position the bottom 3 legs as shown. Make sure the long end touches the floor so that it doesn't topple.
3. Drill two holes in the sides (I counter-sinked my holes so screw doesn't stick out) of the bottom three legs and fasten screws in holes (at this point, make sure you make the stand lean back a bit. Because the weight of the top will lean it forward)
4. Now you should have two bits, the top and the legs. Position top bit on top of legs at desired height.
5. Drill holes at the side of the legs into middle stem that's attached to table top and fasten screws in those holes.

Voila! I use it for drinks, snacks, meals, remotes and laptop.

~ Eyescreamer, Australia

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.

Step one was to glue the sea glass on. Weldbond is non-toxic and it does get on your hands, so that's what I used. This was the most painstaking process.

After letting the glue dry for 24 hours, I used a sanded grout to fill in the space between the glass. I've had lots of experience tiling floors, so I used the techniques I learned there to apply and smooth the grout.

~ Calvin Gehlen

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