IKEA Moppe Mini Chest Hacks

For those IKEA MOPPE fans that were devastated after hearing it was discontinued, the good news is the MOPPE mini chest is back.

The small, cute, and crafty mini storage chest comes in two slightly different sizes and styles. One is six identical drawers in two columns of three drawers, and the other has three rows of varying-sized drawers.

Before the MOPPE, IKEA had a similar mini chest of drawers called the FIRA. The FIRA had 3- to 9-drawer configurations and was also a favorite for DIY projects. You can also adapt the IKEA FIRA hacks for the MOPPE storage chests.

These mini chests of drawers make an ideal storage solution for smaller items that tend to clutter up. You can use them as a single unit or build a stackable storage unit by adding multiple units for all your odds and ends. This is especially useful in the craft room and for organizing craft supplies when you lack storage cabinets or drawer storage. Pop a few chests on your shelves or your workspace for extra storage!

It's the perfect arts and crafts project for arts and crafts lovers as they come in untreated wood that can be decorated however you want to fit into your room's decor.

IKEA MOPPE Mini Storage Chest

The IKEA storage mini chests are made of untreated wood that you can decorate or paint to add a personal touch. Waxing, oiling, or glaze painting the drawers is recommended to increase the durability of the mini storage box.

The chest of drawers is made of recyclable birch plywood, and the backing and drawer bottoms are made of fiberboard. To care for and clean the drawers in their natural state, use a dry cloth to wipe the chest. Use an eraser or fine sanding paper to remove any marks and scuffs.

Hacking the IKEA MOPPE mini chest of drawers

Originally designed as a desk storage organizer for paper, pencils, and stationary, you can use them for many different ideas.

These mini organizers are the ideal storage drawers for makeup to declutter your vanity stand or bathroom counter—no more digging in deep dresser drawers to find that eyeliner. The MOPPE makes an ideal makeup box to organize and store all your makeup, brushes, accessories, and more.

If you enjoy a great cup of tea and need a great space to organize your herbal tea bags or perhaps your coffee pods for that new Espresso machine, you gifted yourself. These mini chest drawers are the perfect way to get organized with this tea box hack.

With this IKEA MOPPE hack, you will be the talk of your social circle by creating an antique-looking apothecary cabinet. As we said, these are ideal for stacking and building into a larger chest of mini storage organizers that look like a million bucks but can be done on a small budget. It's also an excellent gift for that handyman in your life as a tool organizer for his workshop.

You can also combine the MOPPE with other IKEA furniture, like the MARIUS stool, to create a handy side table or nightstand. Or screw in 4 furniture legs for a kids' book display.

Another great way to IKEA hack the MOPPE is to repurpose them as lightboxes. They make great wall lights or stand lights for a splash of color and some strategically placed ambient lighting.

How to paint the IKEA MOPPE drawers?

As the MOPPE is untreated birch, it may be a little rough. Use fine sandpaper or a sanding block to sand the surfaces to be painted. Dust off, then prime the surfaces with a water-based wood primer. Don't forget the dividers between the drawers. In some cases, you may find the primer lifting the wood grain slightly. If so, lightly sand again to ensure a smooth finish. Next, apply the paint of your choice to the surface of the mini chest and front of the MOPPE drawers. The MOPPE is forgiving and will take craft or interior wall paint quite readily. 

Pro Tip: Do not paint the mini drawer's outer sides, and bottom, as it will make the drawer hard to slide in and out of the MOPPE unit. 

For more IKEA MOPPE inspiration, read on to find out you can easily makeover IKEA's smallest, cutest storage system.