She Used IKEA Cabinets to Build a Storage Bench — The Results Are Stunning

IKEA kitchen cabinets aren’t just for the kitchen; they turn up everywhere, from under the stairs to a bathroom vanity.

Celine @victoryxmatilda decided to give her METOD cabinets a makeover, creating a streamlined showpiece that gets everybody talking.

When it comes to IKEA projects, bench and storage hacks are plentiful. But at the same time, they each have a unique look, utilize different IKEA collections, etc.

It’s always fun to see how creators reimagine pieces into something similar, but do so in a variety of ways.

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DIY an IKEA Storage Bench With an Upscale Look

What You’ll Need

• 3 IKEA METOD wall cabinets (60 cm x 40 cm)
• 2 IKEA METOD wall cabinets (60 cm x 60 cm)
• 6 IKEA MAXIMERA drawers (20 cm x 60 cm)
• 4 IKEA UTRUSTA hinges
• Plywood for base, fronts, sides, and trim
• Furniture legs or cut plywood legs 
• Clamps
• Adhesive
• Sander
• Clear varnish
• Rotary bit for hinge holes
• Screws
• Foam padding
• Fabric
• Basic — screw gun, drill, saw, tape measure, pencil

1. Assemble the METOD Frames

Assemble all of your METOD components according to IKEA instructions, except for the drawer fronts. If you’re in the US, the equivalent IKEA line is the SEKTION range.

You can adjust your pieces to achieve the desired size for your space. Plus, you can tweak it to fit your needs, for example, if you want to add more storage or only make the bench seat if you’re filling a smaller area.

2. Cut Plywood Sides

Celine had all her plywood cuts made at the DIY shop where she purchased the wood. You could do the same, or make the cuts yourself.

The METOD cabinets are 37 cm deep. Celine made her plywood sides 58 cm deep. She also cut pieces to fit between the METOD cabinets.

She placed her cabinets away from the wall, creating a space of about 8 inches. The plywood sides extend slightly beyond the front of the cabinets (so when the doors or drawer fronts are on, they would be flush) and reach to the wall.

3. Secure the METOD Frames and Plywood Pieces

Place a cut plywood piece between each METOD frame, and use adhesive and clamps to hold in place. Screw everything together. Attach the 58cm side panel as well.

4. Make the Plywood Tops and Base

Measure the length of your bench seat, including all of the panels and sides. Do the same for the top of the door units. Cut your plywood to size, making the top pieces 58 cm deep. 

The top should reach beyond the front of the cabinet bases the same amount that the side panels do. Cut a piece of plywood for your base that is the total length of your METOD pieces and panels and is 58 cm deep.

5. Add Legs, Attach Cabinets to Base, Then Add Tops

Use furniture legs or make your own out of plywood. Celine made her legs high enough so that the base of her unit would rest right above her baseboards. Screw the base into the legs.

Get the base into position against the wall. Enlist some extra hands to place the bench unit and cabinets on top of the base, then secure with screws. Add your top pieces.

6. Make the Drawer Fronts and Doors

Celine used IKEA doors and drawer fronts as templates for her plywood components. Measure and cut four doors and six drawer fronts. Use a rotary-style bit to make the holes for installing the IKEA hinges.

You can use the same bit or whatever size you desire to create the holes in the drawer fronts and doors. Alternatively, you could add pulls or knobs, or keep the fronts flat and try out the UTRUSTA push-openers.

7. Add Trim, Prep, and Varnish

Add plywood trim pieces across the bottom of the unit to hide the legs and give everything a more built-in look. Next, sand everything down and make sure it’s free of dust. Finally, apply the clear varnish and let it dry.

8. Make the Bench Pad

Cut foam padding in your desired thickness to fit the bench seat. For the finishing touch, cover with fabric of your choice.

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Do You Need Extra Support for This IKEA Storage Bench?

Since there’s a gap between the METOD units and the wall, you won’t have full support underneath your bench pad.

Therefore, you could add a plywood brace between the bench unit and the wall if you think you need extra support.

This may or may not be necessary, depending on how you plan to use the bench. However, I’m the type that figures, the sturdier, the better.

Overall, this bench and storage combo looks amazing, and Celine did a fantastic job! Check out the hack in action and see how she did it, and make sure to follow Celine @victoryxmatilda for more fun ideas and inspiring DIYs.

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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