Building a custom Ikea desk from an Expedit shelf + Linnmon table top By: Jules Yap

Materials: 1 Linnmon table top, birch effect, 47 1/4x23 5/8" $19.99 1 Expedit shelving unit, birch effect (201.353.00) $39.99 1 Expedit wall shelf, birch effect (302.651.26) $19.99 2 Expedit insert w/ 2 drawers, high gloss white (201.982.17) $25.00 2 Vika Kaj adjustable legs, silver (601.053.01) $15.00 4 L-shaped brackets + corresponding screws, ~$10-15 1 flat plate/bracket, $1-2



Description: Instructions:

1. Build the Expedit shelving units. You're going to take a 2x2 Expedit shelf and a 1x—1 Expedit wall shelf to make a 2x—1 shelf. You can also purchase an already made 2x—1 Ikea shelf but check your local store for availability.

2. In essence, you build the Expedit as normal, using the same pre-drilled holes and screws, except you use the short sides from the 1x—1 on the top and bottom and the long sides from the 2x—2 for the sides of your new 2x—1 Expedit shelf.

3. If you follow this method, one shelf will have screws showing on the top, the other shelf will have it on the sides. I chose the one with screws on top to form one side of my desk, because the table top covers the screws.

4. Attach your 47" Linnmon table top to the 2x1 Expedit shelf. If you have a longer desktop, you can use both 2x1 shelves and use L-brackets to attach the tabletop to the shelves. I had to go with one 2x1 shelf on the right and 2 Vika Kaj legs on the left side instead. The Vika Kaj legs screw into the pre-drilled holes; the Expedit has three L-brackets attaching the table top to it: two in the back and one in the front. You can put an additional straight base plate or bracket on the outside edge of the desk toward the front of the Expedit shelf for additional security. I was not able to accommodate both Expedit shelves with the desktop I bought, so the second 2x1 is going to serve as a bedside table.

5. Optional: purchase Expedit inserts with drawers, or the door to create more discrete storage.

6. Enjoy!



The full post is here on my blog.



~ Kristina, Orange County, CA

More hacks on IKEAHackers.net

via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/building-custom-ikea-desk-from-expedit.html From Jules Yap

Mod Podge Magic: Malm Dresser By: Jules Yap

Materials: 1 Malm Dresser



Description: I had a Malm Dresser my parents bought me when I was in college. However, when I moved to another state and started a new job, I wanted a new look to my apartment.



Here's what I did!



1) First, I sanded down the dresser, primed, and painted it with "Sorbet Apple" green paint.



2) Next, I used Mod Podge to attach this funky hot pink and orange fabric to the drawers.



3) Finally, I used E600 glue to attach these cool Ring-pop candy looking knobs to the face of the drawers for a decorative element.



Although I had some difficulties trying to figure out how to attach the knobs, I am overall happy with this cheery addition to my bedroom!



See more of the mod podge dresser.



~ Christal

More hacks on IKEAHackers.net

via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/mod-podge-magic-malm-dresser.html From Jules Yap

Poang² By: Jules Yap

Materials: 2 Poangs and a shockabsorber



Description: Bolted two Poangs to each other and turned an armrest into the very needed third support-leg and another piece into a holder for the shock absorber. After all, the Poang is known for its comfort.. This shock absober is somewhat too hard, so if I come across a softer one...

Meanwhile, I got a very comfy two-seater.



~ farlakes, the Netherlands

More hacks on IKEAHackers.net

via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/07/poang.html From Jules Yap

"I gave it my besta shot" TV console By: Jules Yap

Materials: IKEA Besta



Description: Check out Josh's Besta TV console - very sleek, with wheels and plenty of air circulation for the gears. Love the wood top too.

See more of the Besta TV unit.



~ Josh Keaton, Southern California

More hacks on IKEAHackers.net

via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/07/i-gave-it-my-besta-shot-tv-console.html From Jules Yap

Hemnes Lift-top Coffee Table By: Jules Yap

Materials: Hemnes Table, lift-top hinge



Description: Lift-top functionality allows your coffee table to raise up and move closer to you, which is useful for eating on your coffee table. I wanted to add this to my new Hemnes.



I ordered a set of lift-top hinges from AliExpress for about $30 shipped from China (~3 weeks to arrive). Similar hinges are available in the US from woodworking suppliers, but they are very expensive for some reason.

The hinges are about 4" tall when closed, so I had to add some supports to provide an adequate mounting location for the bottom portion of the hinges. I made the supports from 1x5" board, cut with a jigsaw. To hide them from sight, I cut the supports 45 degrees at one end and ~30 degrees on the other. They are asymmetrical because I wanted to attach the hinge to the center of the tabletop, which required the bottom part of the hinge to mount closer to the edge of the table.



The 1x5 boards were attached to lengths of 3/4" square dowel, and the whole assembly was screwed into the top rail of the Hemnes. I doubled up the 1x5's because of the small 3/4" mounting area - probably overkill, but there was enough wood in a single board to do it.



The lift-top mechanism is surprisingly stable and smooth - the supplied springs make it almost effortless to lift as you pull towards you. It raises about 5.5" and comes toward you about 8". I had been concerned that the size of the tabletop would be an issue, but it seems fine so far.



The supports don't interfere much with the use of the bottom shelf of the Hemnes. You could also add a bottom to make a shelf or hidden storage area out of the supports. While I had the drill out, I also added some screws to stabilize the wobbly lower shelf of the Hemnes.



Total cost is just under $150 - I got the Hemnes on sale for $100.



~ Adam Berson, Hoboken NJ

More hacks on IKEAHackers.net

via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/07/hemnes-lift-top-coffee-table.html From Jules Yap

Double it! Malm console becomes a 10 people table By: Jules Yap

Closed - a console

Opened - a dining table!

Materials: Malm console, long hinges



Description: If you need a long slim console table that becomes a larger table when you need it, you can follow these easy instructions:



- Buy 2 Malm console tables;

- Build the first one;

- Take the spare legs of the second Malm and join them with the legs of the already built up table, through the hinge screwed in on the long side;

- Screw both the hinges on the two legs by the same side

- Take the spare desk of the second Malm and join it to the already built up desk table, screwing up the hinge by the long side and on the same side of the other 2 hinges (legs' ones)

- Done!

- When you need it, tip over both legs and table (180°) and you'll have a much bigger table, able to let until 10 people sit comfortably!



Ciao :)



~ Chiara, Rome

More hacks on IKEAHackers.net

via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/07/double-it-malm-console-becomes-10.html From Jules Yap