Alternative assembling/hanging of LACK zig-zag shelves

Materials: Lack zig-zag shelves, L-brackets, hardware

Description: This hack comes from Italy!
So, my partner and I bought 4 LACK zig-zag shelves, 2 red and 2 black ones, with the idea of stacking them all on the same wall, with alternating colours, but then changed our mind about it. Only 1 shelf went on said wall as originally planned, and we used the other 3 in alternative ways.

The red shelf, we turned into a holder for my partner's keyboard (pic above). We have this small guestroom he uses as his "study" and we wanted a floating shelf to hold his keyboard so it wouldn't take any space on the floor. That's where the remaining shelf came in handy! We assembled it in a different way (see picture), and to do so we drilled additional holes in the shelf so we could join the two Z-shaped parts together as we needed, using a couple more of those small wooden Ikea pegs.

Then we hung it to the wall and put 3 L-brackets under it for support. We needed the L-brackets because that wall is basically a plaster wall, unable to securely lodge the nogs, otherwise we would have used invisible nogs instead of the brackets.

So now we have the perfect keyboard-holder, with enough legroom under it to sit and play comfortably and shelves on each side to hold the loudspeaker and other stuff (and you can see a redecorated LACK square table on the side, too!).

Two shelves, the black ones, went to form a pretty decorative "shelf system" on another empty wall of our living room.

We hung the one on the left first, using the nogs that came with the shelf. Then we added some L-brackets under each horizontal section of the shelf to hold it in place and provide additional support. We didn't want the brackets to show so we made sure that the vertical "stem" of the bracket was hidden behind the vertical section of the shelf.

Once we had the first LACK in place, we proceeded to hang the second one. We divided it into 3 smaller L sections so it was easier to handle and we could drill the necessary holes into the wall more comfortably, assembling the next bit once the previous one was in place.

We started from the bottom, to form the larger bottom shelf, then proceeded upwards until the whole thing was securely in place.

We used some flat metallic brackets to join the two shelves at the bottom. Because our wall wasn't even, an irregular gap formed between the two shelves in the point where they connect to each other, so we carefully laid out a sheet of black adhesive "vinyl" paper over that part of the shelf, including the front edge, so it would cover the gap and create an even, seamless surface

We're really happy with the result!

~ Daniela, Rome, Italy

SPONTAN Magnetic NOT Markerboard

Materials: SPONTAN Magnetic board, sandpaper, chalkboard paint

Description: I am bad at reading the fine print. Let's just start there.

I saw the smooth SPONTAN magnet board at IKEA and assumed that because it was smooth it was a marker board as well as a magnet board. Well... you know what happens when you assume, right?

So I couldn't get the marks off the board and pretty much decided the board was junk. All I wanted was a write and magnet combination. Then I realized I had chalkboard paint in the basement left over from another project.

This hack is SUPER easy. Even a caveman could do it.

I lightly sanded the magnet board down and put three coats of chalkboard paint on it. That's it. I waited 24 hours between coats just to make sure it had enough time to dry between coats.

Works (an erases even) like a charm now!

See more of the magnetic chalkboard.

~ Crystina, Saint Paul

Antiqued Mirror Wall

Materials: Alg mirror packs, eco paint stripper, bleach, spray paint, mirror glue, small and large wood trim, paint, silver leaf

Description: Antiqued mirrors bring in texture, light, and provide privacy from awkward window. The photo does not show the final blue silver trim attached that covers the gap, but even incomplete, it's pretty.

1) If needed, apply frosted window film and plywood (painted white on the inside) to cover the window
2) Use paint stripper to remove paint off the back of mirrors
3) Antique by spraying mirror backs with bleach and when ready to stop the reaction immediately rinsing with water (the bathtub shower works great for this)
4) Spray paint the back of the mirror. (Gold was used, but a really daring color might be fun)
5) Measure for outer (large) trim and miter corners by making a 45 degree cut. Cut only the top and one side first. (This compensates for any discrepancies in size later.) Paint.
6) Screw bottom outer trim into wall at studs using a level to make sure it is straight
7) Nail one side of the trim using a level to make sure it is a true 90 degree angle
8) Apply mirror adhesive/mastic to wall and apply the bottom row of mirrors only, butting them up to the side
9) Use tape for extra support until the glue has set
10) Repeat each row and allow for the glue to set
11) Repeat again until done
12) Measure for top and bottom, cut, paint, and apply (only bottom needs to carry weight)
13) Measure and cut trim for inside (small) trim which will be glued on to cover any boos-boos or gaps
14) Apply silver leaf and paint to contrast with the outer trim (Photo is a "before" and you can see the gap.)
15) Glue on and tape for support while drying
16) Smile

~ Vika

Rusch Clock Face, Background

Materials: Rusch clock, knife, scissors, magazine paper, glue

Description: Place the clock face down on a soft surface. Using a knife, push in the three "knobs" in the spaces on the back of the clock (do not break them). This should loosen/pop out the glass. Remove the insert carefully so as not to rip out the double sided tape.

I riffled through several magazines and cut out images from ads and articles. For the first clock (I put it in the kitchen), I traced the insert of the clock over a white piece of paper. I cut out the bottles from a nail polish ad, and glued the images where the numbers should be. I used a flower image for the clock center. Don't forget to cut a hole in the center of the flower. I have a hard time reading time so I wrote in some numbers to remind myself ha ha.

For the second clock (I put it in the bathroom), I cut out some magazine images and glued them over the numbers on the insert. I left a couple of number in there b/c again, I suck at reading time. Each clock only cost $1.99.

~ JustHackIt, New York

Hoop art

Materials: Needlework hoops, Ikea fabric scraps

Description: Repurposed needlework/embroidery hoops painted and used as frames for beautiful Ikea fabric leftovers. (All frames were charity shop finds.)

See more hoop art.

~ Tilly

Turn an Ikea Poster into Canvas Art

Materials: Poster of NY, Mod Podge, Blank Canvas, Sponge Brush

Description: I am having the hardest time finding art for my house. I just can't find what I like!! However, I did find this poster at Ikea for about $10. I am not crazy about poster frames or glass frames in general for art, so I turned this poster into a hanging canvas.


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Books, budgets and Bekvams

Materials: Ikea Bekvam Spice Rack

Description: It's a well known fact that I love blogs like I love my own children. A lot. And I see and get a lot of ideas. The "Miscellaneous" folder on my desktop is always full to the brim with inspiration, potential blog posts, things that I'm "going to do". But Ikea Bekvam Spice Racks as bookshelves? That had me clearing my diary and driving to Ikea the following day! Got kids? Cash strapped? Listen up.


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Art/Chalkboard from IKEA Scratch-and-Dent Pieces

Materials: 2 cabinet doors from IKEA's scratch-and-dent section

Description: I found two great cabinet doors in the scratch-and-dent section at my local IKEA. They were begging me to take them home!

One of the doors had two glass panels, and the other had one glass panel and one wood panel.

I've been looking for some way to display my son's artwork, so I had an idea.

I painted the bottoms of both pieces with chalkboard paint. I wasn't so sure about painting over the glass, but it worked well.

I put some artwork behind the glass pieces, and then the chalboards at the bottom are for doodling and my son's daily "to do" list.

The cabinet doors look great in his room and they are useful!

~ Laura Stephens, United States

Frame-holder for kids drawings

Materials: Nyttja-frame, wooden square bar, saw, glue, paint, cardboard, cutter knife

Description: A re-built Ikea Nyttja frame made a great drawing holder for our kitchen wall. The frame has the size for A4 papers, and fits most of the drawings produced by our kids.

I saw and glued a thin square bar onto the backside of 3 of the sides, left one short end open. I removed the back of the frame, and pulled out all the metal holders. I wanted to keep the acrylic front, and fixed it with contact adhesive. Painted the bars black to match the frame. To finish it I made a new back piece of black cardboard, and had made a hole for hanging before gluing it on to the back of the bars.

As the frame is up on the wall, the drawings can be pushed into it from the side where I left it open. And the drawings can be changed as often as they get produced!

See more of the Nyttja changeable artwork frame.

~ Lilla a

Dignitet display

Materials: 3 dignitet curtain wire kits

Description: As a frantic hoarder of tickets, postcards and other bits of general stuff, I was looking for a practical, attractive way to display (and rotate) treaured mementos.

The Dignitet curtain wire system provided the perfect solution. Simple.

~ Shel, London

Ikea cardboard clock

Materials: Ikea clock

Description: I had an old Ikea clock in my flat. I disassembled it and put the small mechanism into a card board box from the trash...

Besides, I glued ice cream sticks on the needles for the ecological style!!

See more of the cardboard clock.

~ Petitbill, France

Blinding!

Materials: Lindmon wooden blind, wood glue

Description: Put the blind into the shut position so that all of the slats are lying flat, and lay this on the floor. Decide the size you would like your notice board to be: I opted for the easy size which is a square the same dimensions as the width of the blind, meaning no cutting or sawing needed. Gently cut the string at the top of the blind to remove the metal and at the bottom to remove the thick bottom slat, being careful to keep the rest of the slats in place.

Next, remove one slat to use as a measuring stick to decide the number of slats needed, and then remove any extra slats by sliding them out the side of the string.

With the spare slats removed, create a frame and glue together using 'No More Nails' or similar, as shown in pic.

Next, use a couple of extra slats to position down the middle to add support to the frame. Unfortunately I don't have a picture: excitement must have got the better of me!

Once the glue is dry, simply glue over the top of the frame and position the slats on top, ensuring all the edges are flush. Leave the string at the top and bottom hanging and then tie up when the glue is dry. I tied the string into a loop and use it to hang the board onto the wall.

Enjoy placing your photographs, ticket stubs, invitations etc in between the slats or attach with drawing pins. The wood is nice and light so easy to get pins in and out of.

See more of the Lindmon noticeboard.

~ Helen, Bellanaleck, Co. Fermanagh

Cat safe planter

Materials: Rationell Variera, Kardemumma, wire, plants

Description: Why only use your Rationell Variera for plastic bags in the kitchen? I hang it on my wall in the living room. Now my cats can't reach the plants in it. I also put one of my speakers it.

For the upper plant I made a sort of a rack out of wire so it don't flatten the one below.

The pots for the plants I've used are the smallest Kardemumma, they exactly fits.

~ Marinka

Hultet-framed Clock

Materials: 18" Hultet dish, Discontinued Ikea clock, drill, wire, dowels

Description: I needed a nice clock for my bamboo-themed bathroom, but nothing seemed quite grand enough. My boyfriend happened to have an old round wall clock he had purchased from Ikea a few years ago (I forget the name of it now, it has since been discontinued). As fate would have it, I had also recently purchased a few bamboo Hultet dishes to hang in the bathroom as decoration. I got the idea to frame the too-small clock with one of the 18" dishes...but how to do this while still being able to access the battery on the back of the clock?

1. Figure out where to drill your holes based on where the hanger is on the back of the clock and where it aligns with your dish.

2. Flip the dish over and drill two holes from the back. The two holes should be an inch or two higher than the location of the clock hanger.

3. Using a malleable wire (like frame-hanging wire)string it through the clock hanger. Thread the two ends of the wire through the two holes you just drilled.

4. Using a small dowel or stick (I just used a leftover Ikea dowel), tie the wire to the dowel and used it to tighten the wire until the clock hangs in the center of the dish.

5. Once you have the clock in place, figure out where the top of the clock is and lean the dish upright against a sturdy surface, oriented with the clock upright.

6. Slowly and carefully drill another small hole in the "lip" of the back of the dish.

7. Thread a loop of wire through this hole. This is for hanging it on a nail in the wall. Secure the wire with another dowel or stick.

To replace the battery, simply unwind the wire holding the clock to access the back.

~ Stephanie S, Berkeley, CA

IKEA LACK Tables become wall art

Materials: 3 LACK side tables, at least 3 yards of fabric

Description: My roommate and I were perusing IKEA and saw a nice wall art display at IKEA. The store display used actual frames of some kind. Problem was, IKEA didn't sell those types of frames in their store (I don't even know why they displayed those frames in the first place). They did have fabric though, so we picked out a pattern that we liked.

On the way out we saw the LACK side tables on clearance for $5 each, so we decided that it would probably be less expensive to just wrap fabric around the tables rather than trying to find actual frames at a craft store.

We used a staple gun, clamps, at least 50 staples, at least 6 small nails, and at least 3 yards of a medium density wire.

To staple the cloth to the back of the table we stretched the cloth and clamped it on opposing sides. Using the staple gun we spaced the staples in the back about an inch apart. We repeated the process for the other opposing sides. Don't forget to cut off any excess fabric. To not have lumpy corners of fabric, cut the fabric at a 45 degree angle on the corner you're working with. Then pound in two nails two-thirds up the way on the back. Wrap some wire between the two nails and make sure the middle of the wire can extend to the top (or about the top 1/3) of the frame, to ensure it will hang properly.

And voila, art for the wall.

~ Dave T., Santa Monica, CA

Nyttja frame becomes a notice board

Materials: Nyttja wooden frame

Description: Before, to note to buy or to do list, I used a piece of durable plastic (right). It wasn't pretty to look at.

So I was looking for another and cheap way to write my list on. I had two Ikea wooden frames, the inset at the back was damaged, I couldn't use it as a frame anymore.

I painted the frames in gray and pasted the durable plastic on the frame. Then I hung them up simply and I really like them more than before.

~ Laura V., Liège

Cute bulletin board

Materials: IKEA Tyst placemats

Description: I wanted a very large cork bulletin board for my new workstation, but they are so ugly! Plus a large one is expensive. I bought these Tyst cork placemats which proved to be much cheaper ($10 for two 4-packs). And much cuter!

1. Paint the backside of the cork - I mixed colors to match a rug in the room. If you paint it first, you'll get a nice, clean, unpainted edge after the shapes are cut.

2. Use a computer to draw a shape, print it out, and used it as a pattern. Draw the pattern on the front side. BEWARE: the Tyst product description says it's 13x17 inches, but it's really 12.5x16.5! So be sure your shape will fit on the placemat.

3. Cut the shapes using an Xacto knife. Don't use scissors - they can leave the cork with a jagged edge.

4. Attach to the wall with adhesive tabs. Tip: If the tab won't stick to the cork, a piece of tape on the back of the cork will give a nice smooth spot for the tab to stick to.

~ LuluRoo, Sacramento, CA

How to cover a brick glass wall with SNÖVITA gift wrap rolls

Materials: SNÖVITA gift wrap rolls, aluminium rolls, double-sided tape

Description: I changed (temporary) apartment... and I had the problem to cover a brick glass wall which separates my little bedroom from another one. I didn't want to use paints or wallpaper but something smart and low cost.

A friend gave me the idea to cover first the wall with aluminium rolls to block the light. So I unrolled aluminium along the wall, fixing it with double-sided tape.

Then, I took three SNÖVITA gift wrap rolls (5m length) and I unrolled them over aluminium, fixing in the same mode and paying attention to avoid folds.
I chose a creamy-white vertical lines pattern to lighten the bedroom.
And this is the result! Very low cost but perfect for me and my roommate!

Total Costs: 6.5€
- 3 * 1€ (was a special offer!) SNÖVITA gift wrap rolls (5m length) = 3€
- 2 * 1€ aluminium rolls = 2€
- 1 * 1.5€ double-sided tape = 1.5€

See more of the SNÖVITA wall separator.

~ Enrica, Milan (Italy)

Art on a cabinet

Materials: Leftover Cabinet Door, wood burning tool

Description: Buy some leftover cabinet door panels in the as-is section for $1-5.

Use a wood burning tool to burn a design onto said panel.

Art.

Done.

See more of the art on a cabinet.

~ A Nest for All Seasons, Hershey, PA

Custom wall sized clipboards

Materials: Side panels of IKEA floor display bins

Description: Find an IKEA display bin that is missing the bottom. Buy all 4 of the side pieces.

Hang them on your wall.

Buy clothespins.

Clip photos and cards and whatever else you want on your boards.

Sounds simple? it is. ...but Pottery Barn charges $159 for one, so buy yours at IKEA for a song.

See more of the custom clipboards.

~ A Nest for All Seasons, Hershey, PA