Who doesn’t love kicking back and putting their feet up after a long day?
But if the whole point is to relax, shouldn’t it be as easy as possible? At least, that’s what this hacker thought when it came to their IKEA POÄNG chair and footstool.
Paul said, “The chair is very comfortable, but the POÄNG footstool is very large and blocks access to the chair. Getting in and out is very inconvenient.”
I get it. When I finally get a chance to unwind, I don’t want to waste any time.
Paul’s hack makes it easy to step in and out of the chair quickly and prop your feet up in seconds. I could see this adjustment being especially helpful if you’re working in a smaller space where every inch counts.
What You’ll Need
- 1 IKEA POÄNG footstool
- Hand saw
- Drill
- Four hinges with screws
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
Making the IKEA POÄNG Footstool More User-Friendly
1. Rebuild the Stool Frame
Take apart the stool frame, cut the horizontal braces, and move them to the bottom of the stool. Reattach the braces at the bottom, overall, making the stool slightly narrower than the POÄNG chair.
2. Cut the Cushion in Two
Time to turn one big foot rest into two. Cut the cushioned part of the stool into two pieces, measuring to ensure they fit comfortably on your reimagined frame (and your feet). Use a sewing machine to finish off your new, smaller cushions.
3. Add Hinges
Attach the new cushion pieces to the stool frame so that a little bit of the sides overhangs the frame. This helps add some sturdiness to the footrests when you’re using them.
Use two hinges for each side. Now you can lift and lower the footrest for easy access to the chair.
Improving on the Popular POÄNG Chair and Footstool
The IKEA POÄNG chair is a favorite of IKEA fans thanks to its gentle bounce, sleek curves, and comfort. The simple design is versatile enough to fit in plenty of different spaces, whether in a cozy living room or busy home office. However, even something with lots of appeal can benefit from a few changes, so you’ll find lots of POÄNG chair hacks.
The matching POÄNG footstool is meant to complete the experience by giving your legs a place to rest. The chair-and-stool combo creates a comfy relaxation station, but as Paul discovered, the stool’s size can sometimes create a problem.
In tighter spaces, it can be especially tricky to maneuver around the stool to sit in the chair, which is why clever modifications like Paul’s hack can make such a difference. What do you think?
A Smart Solution for Small Spaces
This modified footstool makes the pieces more adaptable to small spaces. Instead of having a bulky piece of furniture sitting permanently in front of the chair, the footrests simply move out of the way when you need them to. It’s a small change that makes the entire seating setup more convenient.
Before You Cut Your POÄNG Footstool in Half
Thinking about giving this hack a try? Before you dive in, take careful measurements before cutting anything. The goal is to make the frame slightly narrower than the chair and to ensure the pieces line up properly during reassembly. Paul suggests checking out makerworld.com for 3D-printed guides to help you accurately cut the wood and drill the holes.
When attaching the hinges, make sure they’re evenly spaced and securely fastened. Sturdy hinges allow the cushions to open and close smoothly while still supporting the weight of your legs.
Personalizing the POÄNG Footstool Hack
One of the best things about DIY furniture tweaks is the opportunity to customize them. After cutting the original cushion in half, you could swap out the fabric for something new. A different color or pattern can refresh the look of the entire combo.
How about adding some extra foam to make your footrest even cushier than before? You could even paint or stain the modified frame, giving the finished project a polished, intentional appearance.
Or add on a desk to make it the ultimate WFH setup?
Or maybe you’ve already worked your magic and have a hack to share? We want to see it!