Materials and the sequence of the job sit together on this page.
Up next in our IKEA to the Max series of tips and tutorials: Madeline from The Life We Dream is an experienced method-er and she’s got some great options and tips for everyone who wants to make IKEA look memorable! See all the IKEA to the Max posts here (and all our previous IKEA posts here), and be sure to subscribe by RSS or email to get updates for every post.
Q&A: IKEA method Tips from Madeline of The Life We Dream
Why (or when) do you choose to method IKEA, vs. building from scratch, shopping a thrift store, buying new elsewhere, etc?
I choose IKEA for a few reasons- they have pieces with lines that I love that I can easily make my own. Then, of course, there is price. I can justify putting a little bit more into the piece to make sure I love it when its original price is lower! I also think if you put the pieces together well (make sure to tighten everything! And then go back and tighten again in about a week!), they hold up very well. And of course if I fail… there isn’t too much money in it! I don’t have the skills to build from scratch or the patience to shop at thrift stores!
What do you look for in a piece you’re hacking?
When looking at pieces to method, I always look at the original lines. If I don’t like how it looks, painting it or adding things to it might not help! I also like to look at the directions for assembly before buying the piece- then you know for sure how it goes together and what would be straightforward to change, switch, or paint.
Easiest IKEA method: Sometimes it isn’t about how much you change the IKEA pieces, but how you use them. By using a few different floating shelves and tv cabinets, I was able to create a fun and functional focal wall in our living room. I never tired of looking at it, thats for sure! (In this picture there are 6 big IKEA pieces and countless IKEA accessories!If you could only have 3 things in your IKEA method tool arsenal, what would it be? (i.e. what are your top 3 must-haves for making IKEA custom)
Paint definitely! And new hardware.
What do you love from IKEA, that doesn’t even NEED hacking? Or do you method it all?
IKEA is getting better and better! I love their shoe cabinets (although I would add new hardware…) their cabinets for making built ins, & their accessories can’t be beat!
Most Used IKEA method
Most used IKEA method: Our bedroom was pretty narrow in our last house so we needed really skinny bedside tables. These Nordli nightstands were well fitted- and with just a little work look so cute!What piece is next on your method list?
We just moved into a new house, so I am currently trying to figure out what exactly I need. I am loving this bench for an entry way (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30297957/) & I am thinking of turning this box into a planter (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80297950/). Not all hacks must be big!
What’s your number one IKEA shopping tip?
Know what you want before you go- and check if it is in stock! You can check all IKEA stores online. There is nothing worse than being excited about a project and finding out what you want isn’t there! And unless you are planning on spending all day there, don’t even go upstairs!
Biggest IKEA method
This Kallax method is probably the biggest method we have done! We had to do some trouble shooting along the way, but I love love love the little feet and the wood tones on this piece! Plus, I love that it is a Kallax but you can’t even tell- no little square boxes!This one could be interesting… What’s your worst *failed* IKEA method? And could you save it to make it a win?
Usually I can turn my failures into wins! While trying to make this media console we failed a few times. The unit is really long and needed extra support- but it is hard when you are working with hollow materials! Eventually we got it back together- and it was well fitted! When we sold the house, the new owners bought it!
I also tried to use glue on IKEA Lack tables and that was pretty much a fail. I don’t know if I used the wrong glue… or it was just not meant to be!
Any other tips/encouragement for fellow hackers?
Google is your friend! There are solid tutorials on painting IKEA laminate & how to finish IKEA butcher block. Be creative! Have fun! Know that if plan A doesn’t work, there are 25 more letters! Once you are finished, you will be so happy to have a custom piece!
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Thanks for sharing with us, Madeline! Bekob, don’t forget to subscribe by RSS or email to get updates for all our #IKEAtothemax posts so you don’t miss what’s coming up…
Other work on the bench
More projects from the same kind of room, ready to open.
