She Built a Custom Kitchen Island From IKEA Cabinets — and It Still Looks Amazing Years Later

My kitchen needed extra counter space, but custom kitchen islands were way out of budget.

So, I turned to IKEA and used six kitchen cabinets (uppers) to build my very own island.

It’s been years since I first put it together, and honestly? It’s still one of the best decisions I ever made for my kitchen.

Here’s how I pulled it off.

How I Created a Kitchen Island from IKEA Cabinets

1. Creating the Kitchen Island Base

I started with four upper IKEA kitchen cabinets. Instead of using them separately, I screwed them together—back-to-back and side-to-side—to form a solid block.

Your choice of these kitchen cabinets is entirely up to you. Mine are two 80cm wide and two 40 cm wide, giving me a 120cm (4 feet) long kitchen island.

On one side, I placed shelves in the 80cm cabinet frame; on the other side, I installed drawers.

For extra strength, I added a few 4×4 beams across the bottom. This little reinforcement made the whole structure sturdy enough to handle daily life in a busy kitchen.

Then I screwed on the CAPITA legs to prop the entire kitchen island unit up to the right level.

2. Add A Countertop

On top, I placed a multiplex plate, securely screwed it to the cabinets, and then gave it some personality. I went with a mosaic finish—something colorful and unique—and protected it with a glass plate.

To give it a finished look, I framed the edges with simple wood molding. It instantly turned a pile of cabinets into something that looked custom-built.

3. Add Features To Optimize Storage

This wasn’t just about looks, though. I wanted the island to be functional, too:

Waste bin storage – I tucked a FILUR bin (without the lid) into one cabinet, trimming the rim so it fit perfectly.

Recycling station – Another cabinet got a set of hooks inside to hold our plastic recycling bags (Belgium has special bags for this).

Smart storage – The other four cabinets each serve their own purpose, holding everything from extra pots and pans to kitchen gadgets.

4. Practical Add-Ons To The Island

The short ends of the island weren’t wasted either. On one side, I added a towel bar (the model I used is discontinued, but IKEA’s FINTORP bar is a great substitute).

On the other, I created a home for my little step ladder—because with a tall kitchen, I’m constantly reaching for things up high.

Years Later: Still Standing Strong

I wish I had progress photos to share, but this project was done years ago—long before I thought of documenting it. Even so, I can say it’s aged really well. The island has become the hardworking centerpiece of my kitchen, and I still love how personal and practical it feels.

I originally built it out of necessity, but it ended up being one of my favorite hacks. And since I recently found some fresh bathroom inspiration on this site, I figured it was only fair to share my tried-and-true kitchen hack in return.

Got an IKEA hack of your own? We want to see it! Submit your project here or tag us on Instagram @ikeahackersofficial. 

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