Interior design enthusiast Sophia Nikolaides has wowed social media with her latest IKEA hack, transforming her daughter’s bedroom from a bold, psychedelic space into a whimsical yet serene retreat. The dramatic before-and-after images shared on Instagram have garnered attention, with one commenter noting, “I was shocked at the purple. What a gorgeous transformation!”
Sophia’s clever renovation centered around IKEA’s popular PAX wardrobe system. She installed two 29 1/2″ (75cm) wide PAX frames on either side of a window, creating a built-in look. The clever centerpiece of the design is a double-duty piece that transforms from a desk to a window seat by simply lowering the tabletop.
How To DIY A Multi-functional Desk and Window Seat
To achieve this, she installed two sets of support rails on the PAX units and the wall between the wardrobes, creating a U-shaped configuration. These battens are set at two different heights – one for table height and another for bench seat level.
Sophia used “a lot of fixings”, as she puts it, to securely fasten the battens to the MDF boards on the sides of the wardrobe frames and the back wall. She used Gripit wall anchors for plasterboards for the lower back wall.
The 27mm tabletop can be moved between the two sets of rails, easily converting the space from a desk to a cozy window seat. For those looking to replicate this desk and window seat idea, Sophia recommends using a thicker tabletop if dealing with a heavier load or a wider gap between the wardrobes.
Custom Doors For 29 1/2″ (75cm) PAX frames
Faced with the challenge of IKEA not offering double doors for 29 1/2″ PAX frames, Sophia took a custom approach. She designed the doors and then collaborated with @cutcompany2, a bespoke carpentry company, to get them cut. The company crafted 18mm thick MDF doors complete with trim to fit the frames perfectly.
Finishing Touches: Paint and Trim
The entire structure was primed and painted in soothing Castell Pink tones from Little Greene Paint Company, creating a cohesive and calming atmosphere. To add a polished touch, she finished the tops of the PAX units with cornice.
Storage With Versatile Desk And Dreamy Window Seat
In her Instagram post, Sophia exclaims, “I loved doing this IKEA PAX Hack,” calling it her favorite IKEA hack ever. I picked up some bits on Marketplace and used minimal timber to keep the costs down.” She adds that while a few finishing touches are still needed, such as a cushion for the window seat, she’s “super happy with how it’s looking,” noting that “The extra storage is working out really well.”
The room’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. One commenter remarked, “The before pic is A LOT!” highlighting the striking change from the original trippy theme to the current serene atmosphere. Scroll to the last image to see what she started with.
Watch her Story Highlights for more information on the desk and window seat build, and follow Sophia on @1894home for DIY reno inspiration.
More Ways To Customize This Desk And Window Seat Idea
While Sophia’s IKEA PAX hack brilliantly creates a desk and window seat combo, this versatile setup can be adapted for various purposes. Here are some alternative ways to use this idea:
1. Dressing Table
Transform the desk into a stylish dressing table by adding a mirror and some elegant lighting. Install a large mirror on the wall above the desk, or opt for a freestanding vanity mirror. Add some chic table lamps or wall-mounted sconces to ensure ample lighting for makeup application and grooming.
2. Crafting Station
Use the desk as a dedicated crafting area. Store supplies in the PAX units and use the table for sewing, painting, or other hobbies.
3. Home Office
For older children or adults, convert the area into a compact home office with a larger desk surface and office supply storage in the wardrobes.
4. Kitchen Command Center And Dining Banquette
In a kitchen or dining area, transform this setup into a practical command center with a meal planning desk and the PAX units as a pantry or storage for kitchen gadgets. When it’s time to eat, convert the desk into a cozy dining banquette, perfect for casual family meals or coffee time.