Hackers Help: Help me configure my computer workstation and storage

Jules Yap·
Hackers Help
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Wall with MICKE
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We have:

  • 1 MICKE desk (Width: 47 1/4 “, Depth: 19 5/8 “, Height: 29 1/2 “)
  • TROFAST storage combination unit (Width: 39 “, Depth: 17 3/8 “, Height: 37 “)
  • 2 BILLY bookcases (Width: 15 3/4 “, Depth: 11 “, Height: 41 3/4 “)

What we are trying to achieve:

We would like a solution for using two or even all three of these IKEA items along a single wall of 85″. The rightmost 48″ of the wall have no obstructions so there is the option of mounting a hacked piece to the wall in that space. The leftmost 37″ has a window, the lower sill of which is 30″ above the floor.

The desk must fit along the 85″ wall. If only two items are used along the main 85″ wall, we have some additional wall space where the BILLY bookcases or TROFAST can go (whichever is not used on the main wall).

BILLY

TROFAST

Additionally, the MICKE has a drawer that is not functional so we would like to hack the drawer (or just remove it and hack other pieces to provide drawer-type space for items like cables, headsets, batteries, etc.) To continue using the desk as a computer workstation, we would like space (either on the floor or in a cubby) for the CPU/Tower which measures 20″ high, 9″ wide and 18.5″ deep.

Wall with MICKE

Finally, it would be ideal to maximize storage space. The TROFAST’s sliding plastic bins are currently used for clothing storage. shelf space, cubicles, or repurposing of the TROFAST’s plastic bins for storage of clothes and/or other items would be great.

The photos depict the wall being used and each IKEA piece. Please let us know if you need any other information. We look forward to getting ideas for an IKEA hack that makes creative use of the existing pieces while addressing our needs.

Thanks!

~ Luc

Jules Yap
Latest posts by Jules Yap (see all)

2 Responses

  1. I have more questions than answers. Do you have a budget? Are you willing to spend more to add material or just use these pieces? Do you have easy access to IKEA (and the AS-IS section). Do you have skills and/or tools and/or people with skills and tools to help you? Can the pieces be cut (e.g. Billy to match desk height) or do you want them untouched for future uses? Do you want a big desktop the whole length? Could the desk be positioned at 90 degrees to the main wall, with the back of chair against the curtains shown? In my area the resale of IKEA pieces is quite common. You might find a tall Billy or similar to use the vertical space, better than these pieces (and then you could sell your pieces to offset the costs).

    Reply

  2. Hi Luc

    It is quite hard for me to give you a good answer as this is quite complicated, especially when I am not in the room myself :).

    I can however give you a great visualizing tip…
    Whenever I have an arranging problem like this, I will get my pen and paper + a scissor and a ruler. I will then draw my room in the right measurements – though in a smaller scale so it fits on the paper. On another paper I draw my furnitures in the same scale and cut them out individually so I can move them freely around my paper room like a puzzle. That allows me to try out multiple arrangements fast without hurting my back by physically moving the furniture.Also you can draw the room as seen from the top or from the side.

    That being said I can tell how I think I would go about it.
    As a true scandinavian I would want to get the most out of the vertical space. I would consider some taller bookcases than the BILLY’s you have and use the wall space better in that manner. I am pretty sure the TROFAST boxes fit within a KALLAX/EXPEDIT, as I have seen it done before, so that could be an option. The BILLY’s you could keep on the other wall, but maybe reserve them for the ‘prettier’ things like the books and the figurines/collectables you have.

    Regarding the desk/computer-setup there are some things to consider when putting a desk in front of a window: For instance that desk-clutter and open windows are usually not a good combo, and the possibility of sunshine bugging your eyes. If this is not really a problem, I would definitely put the desk in front of the window and use the wall for maximum storage.
    If the desk is better off in the corner, you could install shelving on the walls, and if the room height allows it I would consider a shelf just under the ceiling along the entire wall, with box storage for items you don’t reach for daily.

    As for your computer tower, couldn’t you just remove the shelf in the left side of MICKE and put it there?

    Hope this was of any use, and good luck!
    /Pia

    Reply

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