Anyone who thinks IKEA can’t look high-end needs to step back. This hack proves that you can find finesse in a flat-pack, as long as you know how to use it.
The EHNET series shows up a lot in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean it needs to stay there.
Anneleen, a talented DIYer, decided to transform three basic EHNET cabinets into a beautiful, elegant custom unit that looks high-end (but doesn’t break the bank).
This hack definitely takes some time and effort, but the result is well worth it. If you were to hire a custom furniture maker to build and install something like this, you’d easily spend thousands. However, you could complete this DIY for about $500 to $700 (and some elbow grease).
What You’ll Need
- 3 IKEA ENHET units (40cm x 30cm x 75cm)
- Wood battens
- Bendable plywood
- Polyurethane adhesive
- MDF as follows: (providing the hacker’s exact measurements, but you can adjust and change as needed depending on your available space — just make sure to make consistent changes to all the pieces and consider the size ENHET cabinets you use.)
- 2x shelves 151 x 25 x 3,8 cm; radius 15 cm
- 1 top panel 151 x 35 x 1,8 cm radius 22cm
- 1 bottom panel 148,5 x 30 x 1,8 cm radius 22cm
- 3 cabinet doors 75,8 x 39,6 x 1,8cm
- 1 fitting strip 66,4 x 5 x 1,8cm
- 1 fitting strip 76,4 x 5 x 1,8 cm
- Jigsaw
- Staple gun
- Clamps
- Wood filler
- Three door handles
- Hidden shelf brackets
- Laser level
- Basics — drill, screw gun, tape measure, pencil
How to Make This Chic Curved Cabinet from IKEA EHNET Units
1. Assemble the Cabinets
Put together the three EHNET unit frames according to IKEA instructions. Place them side by side to get the appropriate measurements for your support.
2. Build the Support and Position the EHNET Cabinets
Make the support frame for the three cabinets out of battens. Cut the bottom panel to fit (unless you did what Anneleen did and ordered all your MDF pieces to size). Attach the bottom panel to the support, then position the EHNET units and screw them together for stability.
3. Make the Rest of the Panels
At this point, if you didn’t get the MDF to size, measure and cut the pieces for your top panel, doors, and shelves. Also, use the jigsaw to cut a spacer strip that fits over the skirting board.
4. Install the Doors and Top Panel
Drill hinge holes in the doors (see the full tutorial for specific measurements), and install the hinges that came with the EHNET cabinets. Mount the doors, then add the top panel.
5. Create the Curves
This step really elevates this cabinet hack. Build a curved frame with wood battens for the end of the unit. Attach bendable plywood with polyurethane (PU) glue and staples, and clamp to keep it in place while it dries. Tip: Anneleen says to make sure you use a second person for this step.
6. Hang the Shelves
Drill wall holes for the hidden shelf brackets, and mark and drill corresponding holes in the shelves. Mount the floating shelves as desired.
7. Fill Holes, Apply the Finish, and Hardware
Use wood filler to fill and smooth out any visible holes and allow to dry. Then, apply the Beton Ciré finish in ‘Camille’ or the color of your choice (see the how-to video for tips on applying). Finally, install your door hardware and style your awesome custom unit.
Make It Your Own
If you don’t want to do the concrete texture, you can paint your unit or add a high-gloss lacquer.
A wallpaper backdrop behind the shelves and some trim along the side to separate it from the rest of the wall could create an interesting, artistic feature.
You can also change up the hardware style on the doors, make the piece longer or shorter, etc.
What do you think? How would you make this hack your own and put your personal stamp on it?
See the hack in action (and check out the full tutorial), and make sure to follow HOUSENDL @house.ndl for more great ideas (and check them out on TikTok)!
NEXT: Get inspired with more IKEA Cabinet and Sideboard hacks
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