Whoever coined the phrase “less is more” surely wasn’t talking about storage.
I mean, the more ways to organize your stuff, the better, because it helps you maintain a tidy, stress-free home.
However, it’s also understandable that you want to preserve your paycheck as much as possible.
That’s why storage hacks get so much buzz, and IKEA pieces are at the heart of many of these DIYs. Some popular items turn up more often than others.
For example, you’ll find plenty of KALLAX hacks out there because this IKEA powerhouse is extremely versatile.
You can turn it into a room divider, kitchen island, or pretty much anything else you can think of.
In this case, hacker Kayleigh Sherbourne @do.it.yourself.mum uses two IKEA KALLAX units to create one massive, storage-packed wardrobe system.
What You’ll Need
- 2 IKEA KALLAX units (one 4×4 KALLAX and one 2×4 KALLAX)
- Paint and primer
- 12 mm MDF
- 9 mm MDF
- Timber for framing
- Barn door hardware
- 3 Brackets to secure the unit to the wall
- MDF strips for trim
- Door handles
- Sander
- Basics — screw gun, drill, tape measure, pencil, saw
Turn Two KALLAX Into One Giant Wardrobe
1. Assemble the KALLAX Units
Put together the KALLAX units according to IKEA’s instructions. Kayleigh opted to leave some interior shelves out of one of the bottom units because she planned to use it for hanging space.
Attach the KALLAX cabinets with screws. Position two side-by-side vertically on the bottom, topped with one unit horizontally on top.
2. Add Framing and Attach to the Painted Wall
Paint the wall area that will be behind your wardrobe the same color you plan to paint the KALLAX. Then, create framing for the top and bottom of the wardrobe using timber and secure it in place with screws.
Use the three brackets to attach the unit to the wall. Make sure to use appropriate hardware and anchors so that the wardrobe is sturdy and secure, with no danger of tipping.
3. Trim Out the KALLAX and Paint
Add MDF strips to the top and bottom of the KALLAX, wrapping it around the sides. Also, add a strip across the place where the bottom and top units meet.
This trim work gives the entire piece a built-in look that makes it appear even more custom and polished. Sand the unit, clean it to get it free of dust, and prime and paint. You’ll add a finishing coat later.
4. Make the Door and Paint Again
Use the 9mm and 12mm MDF to create a barn door for the wardrobe. Paint the door, then apply a finishing coat to everything.
Use hardware of your choice to hang the barn door (make sure the paint’s dry first), and install complementary handles. You can find fittings at your local home improvement shop or order online.
5. Install Accessories
Add any accessories you want to make your wardrobe work for you. Kayleigh used baskets, clothes rods, and drawers. Make sure to measure well so you can get fittings that suit the dimensions of your finished KALLAX closet.
A Large Wardrobe for Less
One of the biggest positives of this massive unit is that you get tons of storage and something custom for an affordable price. If you were to buy a wardrobe this size (approximately 60 inches wide by 88 inches tall) with all the different elements, you’d likely pay at least $600 or more. It’s especially impressive because of the height.
Thanks to Kayleigh’s skill and the fact that the KALLAX is only $79.99 and $149.99, she could pull this off for about $300. She certainly makes it look easy, that’s for sure.
Kayleigh was so happy with how her KALLAX wardrobe turned out that she even offered to make one for someone for free!
Talk about loving what you do!
See how to recreate this giant KALLAX wardrobe makeover and follow Kayleigh Sherbourne @do.it.yourself.mum to see more amazing furniture makeovers and builds.
Got an IKEA hack of your own? We want to see it! Submit your project here or tag us on Instagram @ikeahackersofficial.
NEXT: See more IKEA KALLAX hacks
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