This Clever LACK Table Flip Turns It into the Perfect C-Shaped Side Table

This hack gives a whole new meaning to the idea of looking at something from a different perspective.

When Jerry R.’s bedside LACK table wasn’t quite tall enough, she flipped it on its side to create a C-shaped side table on wheels.

The idea is pretty ingenious, and the C-shape makes it easy to roll the table under the bed or sofa. I love the fact that she simply turned the table on its side and thought, “Yeah, this will work.” I mean, why buy a new table when you can transform the one you already have?

But if you don’t have a LACK table and an old KOMPLEMENT shelf lying around like Jerry did, don’t worry. Luckily, these IKEA staples are easy on the wallet, coming in at about $15 each.

What You’ll Need

• 1 LACK side table (21 ⅝” x 21 ⅝”)
• 2 KOMPLEMENT shelves (19 ⅝” x 22 ⅞”) or similar wood panels
• Wood glue
• Contact paper of your choice
• 4 wheels
• Basics — tape measure, screw gun, drill, screws
• Extra wood (optional, depending on wheel height)

How a Simple Twist Made the LACK Table the Perfect C-Shaped Side Table

1. Flip the LACK and Add Panels

Turn the LACK table on its side and fix the KOMPLEMENT shelves or panels into place with wood glue. One goes on top of the LACK’s top legs, and the other goes on top of the bottom legs. (If using a second KOMPLEMENT shelf on the bottom, you might need to trim it slightly.) 

Reinforce the top panel with screws, screwing through the corners and ends of the legs. Jerry screwed from the top, but planned to cover the panels with contact paper, which would hide the screws.

Alternatively, you could screw from underneath. You could do the same with the bottom panel, too. Although Jerry only used glue. Since you’ll be adding wheels, the LACK legs won’t rest directly on the floor so screws shouldn’t get in the way. 

2. Add Wheels

The wheels are a nice touch for extra mobility. Jerry added two wood braces underneath the bottom panel because her wheels were smaller. However, if you get larger wheels, you could potentially screw them directly into the panel.

Make sure your screws aren’t too long, though, so they don’t bust through the top. Keep in mind how much height the wheels add to your table, so you don’t end up with ones that are too big.

If you’re rolling the C-shaped side table on hard flooring, you can also try these adhesive mini casters on the underside of the LACK leg itself.

3. Apply Contact Paper or Paint to Finish Things Off

Sand and paint the table to suit your style. Or, use Jerry’s method and apply wood-grain contact paper to the panels. If you don’t like the wood look, use any pattern you want, paint, or leave it as is.

If you choose not to cover the panels, at least consider covering the exposed edges of the shelves and LACK due to the sideways orientation. You’ll likely want to cover them in some way, whether using adhesive paper or paint.

More ways to hack the LACK C-shaped Table

Overall, Jerry said this hack was very easy to do. One idea is to add an extra shelf, like the MOSSLANDA picture ledge, inside the C-shape to store cables or small items. However, Jerry prefers leaving the area open so she can fit the table over the bed when she rolls it into place.

Add A Dash of Style To Your C-shaped End Table

If you’re handy with a saw, you could skip the KOMPLEMENT shelves altogether and cut wood to size. Then you can stain it however you like for a cool wood on white effect. The LACK also comes in a black-brown or a white-stained oak finish, so you have some options.

There are plenty of LACK hacks out there, and this one shows that this IKEA classic works from any angle. What do you think? Want to share an IKEA hack of your own? We’d love to see it!

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