The IKEA FLISAT children’s table is a pretty clever little thing. Featuring removable white covers and integrated TROFAST tubs, it easily transforms between a desk and sensory table setup. It’s perfect for sensory play for toddlers or even older kids.
The tubs can be filled with an array of tactile materials like rice, pasta, chickpeas, or sand to engage young hands in exploring different textures. Add water for even more sensory exploration and imaginative play scenarios.
1. Simple mod turns the IKEA FLISAT into a Play & Craft table
Lauren has a straightforward yet practical hack to turn the FLISAT table into a play and craft table with more storage and better organization.
Materials:
- FLISAT table with TROFAST tubs
- ONSKLIG change table containers
- Wood bracket
- Pine
Attach two 8mm pine wood brackets (using screws or nails) to one side of the table. Line these up to the joint in the table—pre-drill to prevent splitting.
Next, screw one length of 40mm x 19mm pine wood (cut to 445mm) onto the brackets and slide on your containers! Your table is a play station or storage unit for craft materials, LEGO, etc.
IKEA Sensory Table Hacks: Alternatives to the FLISAT
While the FLISAT stands out as IKEA’s dedicated sensory table option, there are other affordable ways to create similar play spaces from existing IKEA furniture. They may not be as well-integrated as the FLISAT, but they work, and kids probably won’t care that their activity table doesn’t come with tapered legs.
2. IKEA Storage to an Activity Table
The creative minds over at @mabelsplayroom came up with an ingenious way to repurpose the IKEA TROFAST storage unit as a temporary sensory table solution. They placed the TROFAST shelving facing up and discovered that the removable bins dropped perfectly into place.
This allows the TROFAST to work double-duty as both a storage unit and sensory play set, and it’s also a budget-friendly option for those who already own the unit. With some quick thinking, the versatile TROFAST can be adapted to enrich a child’s learning even more.
3. Crate as a Sandbox
As if the TROFAST sensory table hack couldn’t get any better, @mabelsplayroom discovered the TROFAST storage bins are the perfect size to nest inside the KNAGGLIG crates. This lower table height makes it ideal for sensory play with young toddlers. The affordable price point means any parent’s budget can accommodate this simple, practical setup.
We love that the modular design allows for quick and easy clean-up when playtime is over, simply by removing the bins and crates from the play areas. Between sessions, the stackable crates stow away neatly until the next time. This ingenious solution maximizes the potential of affordable IKEA pieces while bringing developmental enrichment to little ones.
4. Affordable IKEA LACK Sensory Table
Medina Grillo turned the cheap IKEA side table into a sensory play table for her son. He loves playing with rice, sand, and pasta but has never had an organized play space for sensory activities until now. This IKEA hack is best for dry-play items.
1. She sawed off the two back legs and cut one-third of the table top off so it can attach to the wall (you don’t have to do this part, but her kid’s playroom was getting overcrowded, so she reduced the size of the table and mounted the back of the table to the wall.)
2. She then sawed two rectangular squares on the table.
3. Secured two plastic buckets with screws and hot glue in the holes.
4. Lastly, painted and sealed it with Mod Podge.
How have you hacked an IKEA sensory table? Show us!
Read the full article with 6 FLISAT sensory table ideas on IKEA Hackers.
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