The LACK side table is as IKEA as it gets. Minimal. Particleboard exterior. “Honeycomb” interior. Cheap.
The LACK goes for $14.99, which makes it the perfect candidate for pimping, sawing, painting. Despite its unmistakable IKEA look, hackers have found ways to disguise the IKEA LACK side table all over their homes. Let’s take a look at these 16 smart use of the IKEA LACK side table.
IKEA LACK side table for the landing space
- As sliding doors for a small closet space
Anne-Marie hacked this for her bedroom but I think it can work equally well for a closet door, especially if you have a small landing space. The doors fold up into a neat stack on the side. See how it’s done.
- As a Command Centre Chalkboard
A quick reminder of to-dos before you leave the house. All you need is the top of the IKEA LACK side table, Chalkboard Paint and picture hangers. Check out this easy DIY.
Living room
- As an ottoman for extra seating
Wrap the IKEA LACK side table in foam and fabric of your choice. Embellish with nailheads if you want to up the glam factor. See the complete tutorial.
- As a rustic coffee table that no one will believe it’s IKEA
See how a slab of extra thick wood changes the LACK. See more.
- As wall art
The LACK’s square dimensions are also great for displaying art. You can wrap the table top in fabric, like how Dave did. Or you can try decals too.
IKEA LACK side table in the Kitchen
- As a kitchen island
Would you believe that this chic kitchen island is made from 6 IKEA LACK side tables? Well, anything’s possible with a bit of ingenuity and some power tools. Get a good looking kitchen island for very little money. See the tutorial.
- As ceiling lights above your kitchen counter
Here’s a classy looking light using the IKEA LACK side tables as a frame for the spots. See more.
Bedroom
- As a bedside table
Just one LACK may be too low for the bed side, two LACKs a tad too tall. So here’s how to cut them down to size and have a two-tiered LACK bedside table. Click for instructions.
- As a headboard
Using 10 LACK tables, Ioanna made a headboard to span the width of her bed and then some. It also has enough space for her alarm clock and bedtime essentials. Click to see the complete tutorial.
IKEA LACK side table in the Children’s room
- As a mobile play kitchen
I love this one by Kristin. It’s compact, can be easily transported from one room to another, yet has everything including the kitchen sink. See how it’s done.
- As a train table
Making a train table is not as hard as it seems. You only need 2 LACK side tables, an activity rug, tracks and lots of trains! Click for more information.
- As a LEGO storage box
This is genius! Martin made a series of LEGO storage drawers that fit between the LACK’s legs. At play time, the drawers are used as sorters. See more.
Studio
- As a lightbox
For photographers, the IKEA LACK side table can be easily transformed into a very useful lightbox. See how it’s done.
- As a mobile standing desk
A standing desk from 3 LACK side tables. Add casters to roll it to where you need it to be. Click for tutorial.
- As an audio rack
If you have lots of audio equipment, you’ll love this sturdy rack with modern style and clean lines. See more.
Patio
- As a lounger
This is not an easy hack. Charles made this from multiple LACK side tables, cut into half and filled with expanding insulation foam and covered with latex paint (for waterproofing). See the details.
You may have an IKEA LACK side table or two stashed somewhere, all wobbly or scratched up. But don’t throw them out yet. There are always ways to make them into something useful again. And if you do, do share them with all of us.
Happy LACK hacking!
Updated Dec 2018. First published in Nov 2015.