Half this to make an IKEA MOPPE alternative

Looking for an alternative to the IKEA MOPPE mini chest? Here’s how to DIY one.

I have an old LACK shelving unit (which is no longer sold), and I found no box or drawer options to fit in it.

Then, I realized the depth of the KNUFF magazine file was as wide as my LACK shelf.

IKEA sells the KNUFF magazine files in a set of 2, which are imbricated one into another. The slight variance in size makes it possible to create drawers.

The KNUFF magazine files used to be made from birch plywood, but recently, IKEA has rolled out a new version made from fiberboard. Fiberboard may not be as sturdy enough for this IKEA hack. Nevertheless, I have not seen the fiberboard version, so I can’t say if you can use it for these DIY drawers.

I decided to cut three unused KNUFF magazine files to create a customized hack of the IKEA MOPPE mini storage chest of drawers. A MOPPE dupe!

Materials:

• 3 KNUFF magazine file set — Each set comes with two boxes – 1 unit slightly larger than the other
• Paint
• Thin medium-density fibreboards (or re-use the cut part of KNUFF if you can cut more accurately than I did)
• Wood glue

Tools:

• Multi-tool for sawing (or maybe manual fine-cut saw)
• Drill + drill bits
• Hole saw (FIXA set)

Price:

Very modest for materials (glue, paint, potentially fibreboard pieces)

Time spent:

It goes quite quickly (especially if you have a sawing multi-tool), apart from waiting for glue to dry

Related: KNUFF transformable coffee table

Here’s how to make an IKEA MOPPE alternative

Step 1: Cut the KNUFF files at the point where they start to curve. (For the smaller unit, see my note in Step 2.)

Step 2: Cut one of the top /large sides of the small unit.

Note: If you carefully cut the small unit’s side and close to the edge, you can reuse the piece to make the drawer’s back. If you mess up like I did, you’ll need:

a) In Step 1, cut the smaller unit a little bit lower than just below the ‘wave.’
b) Use additional material (e.g., fibreboard) to cut a back for the drawer.

(See the detailed explanation of how this is done at the end of the post.)

Here are more or less all the parts after the cutting.

Step 3:. Cut the form in fibreboard to create the backs of the drawers (3 in my case)

 Step 4: Glue them to the back of the small units.

 Step 5: Using a hole saw, drill a hole in the drawer fronts so you can pull them out.

See Also

Ditch the Ugly Tissue Box with These 3 IKEA Tissue Holder Hacks

If you don’t have a hole saw, you can drill two holes and link them with a nice cord knotted in the holes. (pictured below) 

Step 6: Paint the IKEA MOPPE. Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure better paint adhesion, then wipe away the dust with a tack cloth or damp rag. I then applied a coat of primer to cover up the previous paint job. You may not need to if starting from unfinished.

Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen paint with a brush or foam roller in thin, even layers, allowing each coat to dry fully before adding the next. For the best finish, apply at least two coats of paint.

After the final coat is dry, apply a clear protective finish, such as polyurethane, lacquer, or furniture wax, to protect the finish.

Step 7: Then, glue the outer boxes (the large units) together to form the frame of a mini chest of 3 drawers. Fit the small unit (drawers) into the large unit (outer frame), and you’re done. Your IKEA MOPPE alternative.

I painted them white, but you can customize them further with a decoupage or fabric. I use the mini storage compartments for my small office supplies.

The chest fits well in my LACK shelving unit and suits my decor. It should also work for storing smaller items in BILLY bookcases or for makeup accessories on your dresser top. So many possibilities.

A detailed explanation of the difference between whether you can reuse the cut top or not:

If you can’t, in order for the small unit to slide perfectly into the large unit, you’ll have to cut it a little more below the start of the wave form of the KNUFF.

~ by Jerry, Belgium