From Super Storage to Playtime Magic, These 15 TROFAST Hacks Do It All!

You know those ink blot tests where you look at a big splatter and say what it looks like to you? I think they’re fascinating, like looking at clouds. You might see a butterfly where I see a truck, and your friend could see the Mona Lisa.

That’s what I think of when I look at these IKEA TROFAST hacks. One item gets reimagined into all sorts of different things, depending on what the creator envisions. Of course, with the TROFAST series, you get a few different configurations to hack out of the gate.

There’s the step unit, simple shelving, and even the bins, all of which amount to some pretty clever DIYs. Whether you need more storage, toys for the kids, or even a funky studio, these hacks have you covered.

IKEA TROFAST Storage Hacks

I’m always up for a little more storage in my life. Anything that helps me streamline my space and keep things running smoothly gets a big thumbs-up from me. If you could use some more organization, check out these TROFAST storage ideas.

1. Rolling Drawer Storage

Open dresser drawer with divided compartments containing folded colorful clothes and socks, on a wooden floor.
Photo Credit David Rietveld

A rolling drawer is an easy way to add more storage under your bed. I’m all about taking advantage of every inch of space, so this idea from David Rietveld grabbed my attention. You can adjust it as you see fit, either adding more dividers or keeping it as one big open drawer for storing larger items.

2. Storage Stairs

Tiered wooden step shelves with woven baskets in each cubby, white frame with dark brown tops, in a storage room.
Photo Credit Scott and Nettie Hartnett

We have a TROFAST step unit in my son’s room that holds his LEGO bricks. He always jokes that he has stairs, and apparently, he’s not the only one who thinks that way. Scott and Nettie Hartnett came up with this stair storage hack, with added reinforcement, to access the loft space in their tiny house.

3. Movable Art Storage

Wooden cabinet on wheels with open door, stacked white plastic bins inside stored tools and supplies in a narrow corner.
Photo Credit Cogito

Bring your creativity with you wherever you go with this art storage on wheels, a clever idea from Cogito. They turned a TROFAST into a storage door, attached it to another TROFAST, and added casters.

4. Closed Cabinet Storage

Left: pink child’s wardrobe with a rounded window-like panel in a playroom setting.
Photo Credit Honeytnr | Trofast Storage Unit IKEA

The TROFAST frames are open-style units, but what if you prefer closed cabinets to keep clutter out of sight? Honeytnr shows off a few ways to add doors, creating decorative hidden storage.

5. Under-Table Drawers

trofast bin affixed under table as a drawer
Photo Credit Kim and Billy

The TROFAST bins are just as hackable as the furniture. Kim and Billy used sliders with the bins to create drawers under the table. I love this idea for creating storage for homework supplies under the kitchen table, or adding a spot to hold linens, silverware, and other essentials.

IKEA TROFAST Hacks for Kids

IKEA offers toys, educational products, and a full line of children’s items that provide enrichment and fun. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create unique furniture, toys, and other kid-friendly projects that elevate your child’s space.

6. Travel Play Kitchen

Toy kitchen playset on a table with a metal pot of felt vegetables and various plastic utensils and accessories for pretend cooking.

Need a way to keep the kids entertained when you’re relaxing in the hotel room? Check out this adorable travel play kitchen! It’s also great for moving the fun from room to room and keeping everything contained in one place.

7. Children’s Art Table

trofast kids art table
Photo Credit Pratik Anne

This multifunctional craft table for kids from Pratik Anne includes plenty of storage for art supplies and an attached paper roll. The height is perfect for kids to draw, paint, and create, holding everything they need within easy reach.

8. TROFAST Sand and Water Table

Toddler playing with sand at an outdoor blue sandbox table, using a yellow shovel and other sand toys.
Photo Credit Helen Magré

One of my son’s favorite things to do when he was little (and he still loves it today) is to dig in sand. He also loves anything to do with water, whether it’s swimming or splashing around in puddles.

These are natural play magnets for kids, which is why a sand-and-water play station is such a huge hit. Helen Magré created a DIY version that delivers plenty of sensory exploration.

9. Fun Play Center

Miniature wooden train set on a raised play table with red and blue storage bins underneath.
Photo Credit BR Richan

BR Richan turned TROFAST pieces into an interactive play table that’s practical storage on the bottom and all fun and games on top. You could use it as a LEGO table, train table, puzzle station, or whatever else your child loves to play with.

10. LEGO Storage and Desk

Wooden toy storage shelves flank a small table with two red-and-blue chairs; LEGO LAND on the wall with a few LEGO bricks on the table.
Photo Credit Michelle | That Mommy Blog

I am forever on the hunt for the perfect LEGO storage because my son has so many of the little bricks; they seem to multiply exponentially. We actually ended up using a TROFAST unit to do the job, but I really like this LEGO storage-and-play table idea from Michelle (That Mommy Blog). The hack incorporates a building zone that can also double as a desk.

More Clever IKEA TROFAST Hacks

Looking for something else you can do with your old TROFAST unit? Or maybe you’re ready to tackle a DIY project and want every idea you can get. Well, here are five more TROFAST hacks to inspire you.

11. Large Workbench

trofast work bench
Photo Credit Pam Kueber | Retro Renovation

Tidy up the garage, shed, or hobby shop with this TROFAST workbench hack by Pam Kueber Retro Renovation. Use different color bins to color-code storage for tools and supplies. It’s also easy to create different configurations with various shelving units, so you can design a workstation that suits your specific needs.

12. TROFAST Changing Table

TROFAST changing table corner
Photo Credit Beth Lemon

Beth Lemon (PROJECT: project) used the TROFAST to design a cute and colorful changing table with storage. It’s super simple, and yet, so effective! The primary feature is a secure changing pad on top. (Look for pads with raised sides.) 

13. Hardworking Craft Table

IKEA TROFAST craft table with storage
Photo Credit Kerensa | Boo and WonderMom

A large craft table with plenty of storage is a dream come true for avid crafters and sewing fans. This TROFAST hack from Kerensa (Boo and WonderMom) provides ample space for your favorite projects and plenty of storage to keep all your supplies organized.

14. TROFAST Bin Studio

White modular shelves filled with colorful stacked magazines arrange a geometric wall installation; a striped column and striped-taped table legs sit in a bright gallery space.
Photo Credit Rosandro

Rosandro created one very funky studio hacking TROFAST bins into everything from drawers to book cubbies to lights! It certainly gives the place a unique look, and the bins diffuse the LED strip lights into a warm, cozy glow.

15. Kid’s Desk and Workstation

A classroom study area with two blue rolling chairs at a wooden desk, green storage drawers, and a pink chair by the wall.
Photo Credit Tim Krieger

Lots of storage and a large surface turn into one hardworking desk and workstation by IKEA hacker Tim Krieger. A desk out of TROFAST units is a pretty popular hack. IKEA even created a dedicated TROFAST tabletop for its collection because so many people loved turning the units into a desk.

Feeling inspired? Where will your imagination and DIY skills take your TROFAST? If you try one of these hacks, perhaps with your own unique twist, share it with us! There’s always room for more ideas!