She Bought an IKEA Bookcase — Then Turned It Into the Cutest Kids’ Art Desk

Where there’s imagination, there’s usually a mess, and that’s not always a bad thing.

Jeannine Bietau @modernity.focus said she originally picked up the new IKEA BERGIG bookcase for books. But inspiration struck, and she simply had to turn it into this cute, functional art station for the kids’ room.

The BERGIG book display unit is now a charming, kid-friendly art desk that keeps the mess (mostly) contained and the creativity flowing.

Turn a Bookshelf Into a Kids Art Desk

What You’ll Need

• 1 IKEA BERGIG bookcase
• Large IKEA SKÅDIS pegboard
• IKEA SKÅDIS containers
• IKEA curtain rod set
• MDF boards
• Timber for bracing
• Masking tape
• Sander
• Multi-tool
• Basics — saw, screw gun, drill, tape measure, pencil

1. Assemble the BERGIG

Put together the BERGIG bookcase according to IKEA’s instructions. (Or try and score one in the as-is section, it’s always worth a peek!)

2. Make the New Desktop

Cut the MDF to size to create a desktop for the BERGIG, rounding the corners and sanding everything nice and smooth. You also need a piece of MDF to act as a front facing below the desktop.

You’ll be placing the desktop a few inches higher than the bookcase’s bottom shelf. Therefore, you’ll use this facing to cover the gap.

Cut blocks to use as braces. Position three in the back and two in the front. Secure the braces in place, attach the facing piece, then the desktop. Jeannine seems to wedge the facing and desktop into place.

However, I think you could attach the facing through the back of the front braces to avoid seeing screw holes. You could also use wood glue or a heavy-duty adhesive to add extra reinforcement and maintain a nice, smooth surface.

3. Add the Pegboard and Containers

Cut the SKÅDIS pegboard with a saw to create two pieces for the back of the bookcase. Attach it with screws, and add assorted containers to use for pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, and other supplies.

4. Install the Paper Roll

Jeannine used a basic IKEA curtain rod set to hold the roll of art paper. Mount the brackets to the top of the bookcase.

To keep the paper from unrolling too quickly, cut a slit in the top shelf using the multi-tool. Use painter’s tape to mark your cut and cut through it to prevent splitting. Feed the paper through the slit.

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A post shared by Jeannine Bietau | Interior, Garten & Mama-Alltag (@modernity.focus)

This Kids Art Desk Hack is A Win!

This desk is absolutely adorable, but that’s not the only reason Jeannine loves this hack. She lists out these extra benefits of her brand-new kid-sized art station.

• It’s small-space friendly, fitting into small children’s rooms.
• Provides ample storage in the bottom drawer.
• You can complete the hack in a few hours.
• Kids get creative freedom for hours of painting, crafting, and other activities.

I love that you have flexibility when it comes to adding organizers and even your own sense of style. Paint the desktop or the whole bookcase, or use different color pegboards. Getting to incorporate special, personal touches is one of the best things about doing DIY projects.

Can you think of anything else you’d do if you decided to recreate this hack at home? 

If you love the idea of an art station for your kids, but you don’t have room for a desk, don’t give up. There are all sorts of ways to encourage kids to stretch their imaginations, like an art wall. 

Maybe you’ve already come up with the perfect idea. If so, share it with us! And make sure to follow Jeannine Bietau @modernity.focus for more beautiful ideas for your home.

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NEXT: Ideas for your next IKEA Kids Art Desk