Upgrade Your IKEA Step Stool with These Easy and Creative Hacks

The IKEA BEKVÄM step stool is undoubtedly one of the most popular items in the Swedish furniture store. It's made from solid aspen wood and was tested for a maximum load capacity of 220lb.

It's well-designed and sturdy, and assembly is a breeze. Though simple in design it is definitely an iconic IKEA piece and instantly recognisable. (Which is probably why so many want to hack it!)

It stands at just over 19 inches (50cm), making it a handy little helper for getting to those hard-to-reach items. Staining or using wood oil is recommended instead of painting it since paint can make it slippery.

IKEA BEKVAM step stool hacks

In some markets, IKEA has introduced an alternative BEKVÄM stool called the TENHULT. The TENHULT is made from bamboo, a durable and sustainable material. Size-wise, the dimensions of the TENHULT step stool are almost similar to the BEKVÄM. However, its price is higher than the solid aspen BEKVÄM. Nevertheless, if the BEKVÄM is unavailable at your IKEA, try the TENHULT instead.

IKEA hacks abound for the little BEKVÄM step stool. Our readers' favorite year-on-year is the Learning Tower Hack. It is still one of the most visited and bookmarked hacks on IKEAhackers.

Another great idea is to turn the step stool into a mini play kitchen. Or combine 2 BEKVÄM step stools to create the perfect child seat.