The IKEA LACK side table is as “IKEA” as it gets. Minimal. Particleboard exterior. “Honeycomb” interior. Easy to assemble.
Now available in two sizes: the classic 21 5/8″ square for $14.99 and a smaller 13 3/4″ version for just $9.99. The LACK duo can even be nested together to save space.
IKEA produces them in staple colors like black, white, and wood veneer, with occasional limited editions in bolder finishes.
The LACK side table is part of a larger family that includes a coffee table, TV stand, console table, and wall shelves — all designed to work together or stand on their own.
But it’s the unpretentious side table that has become the favorite among IKEA hackers.
The IKEA LACK side table can be used in a multitude of creative ways, some as simple as peel-and-stick contact paper and others needing a little more DIY skills.
We’ll explore 36 unique and creative ways to hack and use the IKEA LACK side table in your home. Some, perhaps, in ways you’ve never thought of.
IKEA LACK Side Table Hacks Anyone Can Try
1. Slide in a C-Shaped Side Table
A quick flip and a little elbow grease turn the basic LACK into a modern C-shaped side table. Jerry R. added wheels to the bottom for increased mobility, and the shape makes it easy to slide under the bed to save space.
2. Build a Budget-Friendly Craft Table
Need a large craft table without spending a fortune? Brooke came up with a genius solution using 12 IKEA LACK side tables as the base. The open space beneath each tabletop is perfect for storing baskets, bins, and supplies — keeping everything organized and within reach.
3. Cover up a Linen Nightstand
Elevate a LACK side table and give it a touch of elegance with this idea from Yurie M. They watched this Southern Living how-to guide so they could wrap a table in linen and get a soft, glamorous look. The addition of a drawer provides another level of luxe (and storage).
4. Succulent Centerpiece
This LACK side table doubles as a planter thanks to a lush succulent centerpiece. The hack from Janie is a great way to incorporate plants into your space in a functional way.
5. Give Your LACK some Metal
Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest splash — and this one proves it. Ayse Balci of @interiorundco gave the affordable IKEA LACK side table a sleek, high-end makeover using chrome adhesive film. The result? A minimalist chrome cube that’s racked up over 276,000 likes on Instagram — and counting.
If you’ve got an old LACK table lying around, scratched or scuffed, this is the perfect way to give it new life with serious style points. No complicated tools or heavy lifting required — just a bit of patience and some shiny film.
6. From Tables to Ottomans
Kick your feet up and relax in style and comfort with this simple DIY makeover. Genevieve turned two LACK tables into cushy, stylish ottomans with foam padding and a classic black-and-white fabric.
7. Wrap It in Rope
You’ve heard of a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Well, this sisal rope side table is a LACK in disguise courtesy of this clever hack from Jessa. Depending on how you style it, it would be right at home in a rustic cottage, modern farmhouse, or Boho lounge.
8. Baseball-Themed Side Table
Hit a home run with this LACK and baseball card combo. Matt took a bunch of his old baseball cards (not the valuable ones, of course) and created a collage on top of a plain LACK to give it some personality. After gluing the cards into place, he sealed the table with an epoxy resin.
9. Quick and Easy Storage Shelves
Turn LACK tables into shelves to increase storage and maximize organization anywhere you need it. Stacking multiple tables takes full advantage of vertical space. This hack is also a great way to create a custom, built-in look for your closet without draining your wallet.
10. Give Your LACK an Artsy Vibe With a Stained-Glass Effect
If you’re thinking that this stained glass LACK table looks like a work of art, it’s because it is. Artist Ana Gaines loves to recycle materials to create gorgeous masterpieces.
For this project, she made over a side table using a bunch of old windows. She painted the pieces, arranged them into a stunning picture, and finished everything off with grout and a wooden frame.
11. Pair the Tabletop With a Cube Base
DIYer Teadelena gives the side table a new look. She dropped the LACK legs and replaced them with another IKEA product — an EKET cube. Assemble the EKET cube and use an adhesive such as Liquid Nails to glue the edge of the EKET cube to the underside of the LACK side table. You can also finish the sides of the EKET cube with wood slats or trim if you want to further embellish it.
12. Give the Feet Some Arches
Inspired by coffee tables she saw, Kate decided to transform the table set to feature elegantly arched legs. She cut out arch shapes from 6mm MDF with a jigsaw. Then, stuck them onto the bottom of the table and the sides of the legs. For the finishing touch, she primed the set with every IKEA hacker’s favorite primer and painted them with Rust-Oleum Furniture Paint. She let the paint dry completely and was done!
If you love this IKEA LACK side table hack but don’t have the woodworking tools for it, here’s an easier table hack using corbels.
13. Hack It Into a Sculptural Accent Table
Briana’s extensive makeover elevates the square end table into a high-end sculptural side table that looks and feels luxe. To make the round base, she used these round 8″ tubes, cut into 18″ sections. The legs are glued to each other and to the base of the tabletop. Once the glue has cured, she covered the entire table with plaster of Paris. After the plastic has fully set, she sanded it down and sealed it with a few sprays of clear topcoat. The last step is to place it next to the sofa and move on to styling.
14. Make them into accent tables
Youtuber Jorge shows us 2 different bases for the LACK table, turning them into a home decor piece. One has the slatted base recessed below the tabletop. The second has the base going along the top of the table, creating a more robust square coffee table.
15. Art Deco Coffee Table
We love Mark’s surprising take on the LACK. It goes Art Deco, bordering on maximalism. Mark made the decorative pieces from plywood, cut with a jigsaw. Each piece is then painted in glossy black paint and edged with a metallic paint pen. To match, Mark painted the entire side table with the same black gloss paint. He then used the E-6000 adhesive to glue the decorative panels to the corners of the table.
16. Make It a Disco Side Table
Get ready to disco with this throwback furniture hack. This IKEA hack is as easy as busting a move on the dance floor. All you need to do is add some mirror mosaic tiles, and voilà! You’ll have a groovy and glamorous mirrored side table fit for a cameo on Saturday Night Fever.
17. Reconfigure the Assembly
JP Strate figured out an alternative way to assemble two LACK side tables together. The table top from the second LACK goes under the legs. The legs from the second table are shortened and glued together to form a square base for the LACK to sit on. Almost like a floating side table.
Another way to reconfigure the assembly is to shorten the legs, so it looks less cube-like. Add furniture legs of your choice under the table and it will make a lovely modern side table.
18. The TikTok Tile Table
TikTok made her do it. The viral tile table caught April’s eye and she just had to try it out for herself. She used 2×2″ tiles, which were just right for the LACK table’s dimensions.
19. Use the Side Table for Extra Seating
If you’re in need of extra seating in your living room, try this ottoman hack. Wrap the tabletop in foam and the fabric of your choice. Embellish with nailhead pins if you want to up the glam factor. They also work as a cocktail ottoman, snack table, or to display your latest magazines.
20. A Rustic Coffee Table That No One Will Believe It’s IKEA
What a difference the slab of extra thick stained pine wood makes. When cutting the tabletop, Ad recommends a 1″ overhang on all sides. Center it on the LACK, making sure that the overhang is balanced on all sides. Attach the wood top to the original table via screws from the bottom. And voilà, a rustic IKEA coffee table.
IKEA LACK Side Table as Pet Furniture
21. A Cat Hammock Side Table
A student project but it does work. You’ll need to assemble two LACK tables together and add some cute feet if necessary. Then, within the space, hang a cat hammock from the four corners of the table. Cut MDF boards into the shape you want. Then use screws to install them and cover up all 4 sides of the table for kitty privacy. A cozy hideout for your cat.
22. Side Table Turned Indoor Dog House
Rather than discarding an old red LACK table, Rafaela turned it into a cute dog house for her pup. She turned the LACK side table upside down and used peel and stick shelf liner to cover up the striking red color. For the covering, she used a roll-on beach mat and a few nails to keep it in place. Pup loves it!
A Table on the Walls
23. As a Command Center Chalkboard
A quick reminder of to-dos before you leave the house. All you need is the top of the IKEA LACK side table, Chalkboard Paint, and picture hangers for this easy DIY chalkboard.
24. As Wall Art
The LACK’s square dimensions are also great for displaying art. Think of the tabletop as a square piece of canvas, then create as you wish. You can wrap the tops in masking tape like how Mike did. Or use fabric. You can try decals too.
IKEA LACK side table in the Kitchen
25. As a Mobile Kitchen Island
No space for a kitchen island? Stack two of the LACK side tables and secure them to each other. Then, add wheels. There you have it: a mobile compact kitchen island cart.
26. Kitchen Island on a Budget
Would you believe that this kitchen island is made from 6 IKEA LACK side tables? While the striped plaster boards may look dated, the concept is still as good as new. If you need an affordable renter-friendly kitchen island with lots of storage cubes, this is the DIY project for you.
27. As Ceiling Lights Above Your Kitchen Counter
Not your regular IKEA LACK table hack. Here’s a classy-looking light using the IKEA LACK side tables as a frame for the LED spotlights.
IKEA LACK Side Table in the Bedroom
28. Hack It Into a Bedside Table
Just one LACK may be too low as a nightstand, two LACKs a tad too tall. So here’s how to cut them down to size and have a two-tiered LACK bedside table, with an additional shelf for your knick-knacks.
29. As a Headboard
Using a mix of IKEA LACK coffee tables, Kennet made a headboard to span the width of the bed, integrating bedside tables at the end. An all-in-one headboard solution.
IKEA LACK Side Table in the Kids’ Room
30. As a Mobile Play Kitchen
I love this mobile play kitchen by Kristin. It’s compact, can be easily transported from one room to another, yet has everything including the kitchen sink.
31. As a Train Table
Making a train table is not as hard as it seems. You only need 2 LACK side tables, an activity rug, tracks, and lots of trains!
32. As a LEGO Storage Box
This is genius! Martin made a series of LEGO storage drawers that fit between the LACK’s table legs. At playtime, the drawers are used as sorters.
It Works in the Studio
33. As a Lightbox
For photographers, the IKEA LACK side table can be easily transformed into a very useful lightbox.
34. As a Mobile Standing Desk
A movable standing desk from 3 LACK side tables. Add casters to roll it to where you need it to be.
35. As an Audio Rack
A classic LACK Rack Hack. If you have lots of audio equipment, you’ll love this sturdy rack with modern style and clean lines.
Try It in the Patio
36. As a Lounger
This is not an easy hack. Charles made this from multiple LACK side tables, cut into half and filled with expanding insulation foam, and covered with latex paint (for waterproofing). Then, assembled it into an outdoor lounger. Add a few plush cushions and done.
You may have an IKEA LACK side table or two stashed somewhere, all wobbly or scratched up, don’t throw them out yet. There are always ways to make them into something useful again. And if you do, do share them with all of us.
See more IKEA LACK hacks.
Updated July 2025. First published in Nov 2015.