She Tried the IKEA EKET Hack Everyone’s Sharing… With a Brilliant Twist

Love a good BOGO deal? Two for one? I’ll take it! This IKEA DIY gives you two hacks in one. You get a sleek, modern TV sideboard and a built-in lamp.

Jules @japandi.styling was searching for affordable sideboards when she came across the viral IKEA EKET TV bench hack.

Now, social media is bursting with DIY ideas for every corner of your home, but you don’t want your space to look like everyone else’s.

You want something that’s truly yours.

This is where she added a little twist: a built-in lamp to the console.

The finished console hack looks great, and it’s really simple, even if you’re new to DIY. 

What You’ll Need

  • 2 IKEA EKET cubes (13 ¾” x 9 ⅞” x 13 ¾”) (Article number: 305.305.74)
  • 1 IKEA EKET with door and shelf (13 ¾” x 13 ¾” x 27 ½”) (Article number: 005.745.88)
  • 1 IKEA EKET with two drawers (13 ¾” x 13 ¾” x 13 ¾”) (Article number: 205.745.92)
  • 1 IKEA EKET with two drawers (27 ½” x 13 ¾” x 13 ¾”) (Article number: 805.745.94)
  • 2 IKEA  EKET cubes (13 3/4:” x 13 ¾” x 13 ¾”) (Article number: 605.305.77)
  • EKET connection hardware (Article number: 803.346.17)
  • IKEA MAGNARP floor lamp (or similar)
  • Basics — Drill, screw gun, pencil, tape measure

How to Create an IKEA EKET TV Sideboard with Built-In Lamp

a wall with a tv and a TV console made from IKEA EKET TV units. At the end is a built in lamp
Photo Credit Jules japandistyling | Instagram

1. Assemble and Arrange the EKET Units

The biggest part of this hack is assembling the EKET cabinets, which is easy to do with IKEA instructions. Place the cubes in the order you want. Of course, you can use more or fewer cabinets, depending on how much space you have for your finished sideboard.

2. Connect the EKET Cabinets

Use the EKET connection hardware to secure your units to each other and enhance the look of one continuous piece of furniture. There are 12 connectors to a pack, so you’ll have enough to use two between each unit.

3. Install the Lamp

This step is where Jules makes her hack stand out from the rest. She decided to add a lamp to the end cabinet, inspired by a picture she saw of something similar.

She chose the IKEA MAGNARP floor lamp, but opted to use a different shade. You can use an alternative lamp, but Jules says to make sure the wire is not built into the fixture.

Use the lamp base to measure where you need to create a hole for the pole. Drill the hole, then place the pole through it and screw it into the base. Drill holes in the back of the EKET to fish the cord through and plug it into the wall.

Cost of this IKEA EKET TV Console Hack?

DIY IKEA EKET sideboard with built-in lamp
TV sideboard using 2 types of EKET units and drawers A lamp is built into the furthest unit | Photo Credit Jules japandistyling | Instagram

Remember, this all started when Jules was searching for affordable sideboards. So, how much did she spend?

This piece is long (a little over 9 feet!), and buying something this size would cost a substantial amount, but not when you hack it.

The EKET cabinets and hardware come to about $330, which is a steal. The lamp adds another $35 to $60, depending on what you decide to use.

You get a statement piece that looks clean and polished. Plus, you end up with a mix of open and closed storage, which creates an optimal blend of form and function.

However, another great thing about this hack is that it’s super easy to adjust to your own needs.

  • Cost: Around $330 for EKET units + $35–$60 for lamp.
  • Time: 2–3 hours for assembly and installation.

Customize Your EKET Sideboard

You can add or subtract pieces, stack units, or go with a different color. Jules opted for the brown-walnut effect, but the EKET cabinets also come in dark gray or white. Some of the pieces even come in yellow, blue, or gray-green if you want to mix and match.

You can also choose a different style of lamp as long as it meets the criteria for fitting through the hole in the cabinet. If you want to adjust the height of your lamp, Jules suggests placing some boxes or something similar underneath the base inside the cabinet.

What do you think? Ready to give this EKET hack a try in your home? Would you make it bigger or smaller? How would you change things up to make this hack uniquely yours?

Follow Jules @japandi.styling for more great ideas and IKEA transformations.

Got an IKEA hack of your own? We want to see it! Submit your project here or tag us on Instagram @ikeahackersofficial


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