It took some time but it’s here, my list of the top 10 IKEA hacks of 2016. I think there’s something for everyone on the list. Three hacks for parents with young kids, one for the guy or girl who works from home, two tool storage hacks for the tinkerer, even a swanky bag for the outdoorsy person.
Unlike previous years, I’ll not be running the polls to vote for the hack of the year. It turned out pretty bad last year with vote rigging and nasty comments going back and forth. I think we can all dispense with that. Let’s just enjoy the sterling work of each individual hacker and not pit one against another. We’ve had too much of that in recent times. I vote for peace of mind and appreciation for all.
Without further ado, I present the top 10 IKEA hacks of 2016.
RAST tool storage box
Liz solved the problem of having nowhere to store her tools by hacking a RAST chest of drawers. We’ve seen many RAST makeovers but this goes to a whole new territory. See details of the hack.
Storage cubby and reading corner
This one from Natalie is so easy to DIY. I can see how useful this KALLAX hack can be in all the lonely corners of the house. Storage underneath, seating on top. Lots of cozy reading time. See the Kids toy storage and reading corner hack.
Rolling LEGO station
Deconome’s version of the LEGO play table but this one rolls! And it has ledges for minifigures to stand guard. Love! LEGO table and storage on wheels tutorial.
Slim laptop desk IKEA hack
When it comes down to IKEA desk hacks, I absolutely adore Lauren’s EKBY ALEX desk. The warm wood wrap-around perfectly cocoons the otherwise ordinary drawers. Click to see slim laptop desk.
Ultralight FRAKTA backpack
This is one of the smartest hack ever done on the IKEA FRAKTA blue bag. I’d definitely recommend IKEA to come up with a backpack version of the FRAKTA. I mean it’s hard to lug 30 kgs on one shoulder, don’t you think? In the meantime, see how to make your own DIY ultralight backpack.
Industrial BILLY with hidden toy bed
If you’re tired of white particleboard, consider going for Medina’s industrial vibe. She totally transformed a white BILLY into faux metal. Get the details on the industrial style bookcase toy storage.
Tall and elegant glass cabinet hack
Karolina added legs to the MALSJO and suddenly, it became a whole new piece of furniture. Status elevated with a simple hack. More on the tall glass cabinet hack.
Radiator things
Not everyone likes their old vintage radiator. Jackie found a pretty way to cover it up with ALGOT shelves and gained a lovely plant center in the process. More on the radiator cover.
Sneaky ALEX drawers
Tool storage is having its moment on IKEAhackers. This is the second tool storage hack which I think is brilliant. Elizabeth didn’t have much space but she still found a way to make it happen. See her space saving solution.
IKEA KALLAX half cube drawer hack
This is one of those things you wish IKEA offered — a half cube drawer for the KALLAX. Till then, Daniel’s hack is the next best thing. See how to convert a half cube KALLAX drawer.
That’s all folks! If you have a favourite not listed here, tell me in the comments below.
xoxo,
Jules
Jules is the author of IKEAHackers.net: 25 Biggest and Best Projects".
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