While you're certainly not limited to IKEA, they're the best source for some seriously hack-able furniture. If you're looking for some fun projects this weekend, grab and IKEA catalog and check out these awesome IKEA hacks.
IKEA Technology
The best IKEA hacks help you find a new home for your technology. Here's how to make everything from a Linux server cluster filing cabinet to a wall-mounted desktop PC.
- Create a DIY CPU Housing with an IKEA Helmer Filing Cabinet - CPU cabinets can get a little pricey, but with a Helmer Filing Cabinet you can make a DIY version on the cheap.
- DIY Filing Cabinet Linux Server Cluster - Alternatively, if you want to take it up a notch, you can build an entire Linux server cluster right into a filing cabinet as well
- Build a Cheap Laptop Stand with Spare IKEA Parts - When you need to elevate your laptop, there are plenty of expensive solutions. Here's a cheap DIY option that makes use of scraps you can pick up at your local IKEA.
- Hang Your PC Tower on the Wall to Save Floor Space - If you've got a big desktop, one solution is hanging it on the wall. This IKEA hack will help you save a bunch of space by doing just that.
- Turn an IKEA Shelf and Picture Ledge into a Monitor Stand - A monitor stand makes a nice little home for your keyboard, mouse, and whatever else you might have lying around on your desk. Here's how to make one with an IKEA picture shelf.
- Turn an IKEA Door into a Computer Desk - If you need a place to work, apparently an IKEA door is as good as any desk.
For Your Entertainment
Does your media center have a built-in home theater PC? Is it made out of upcycled furniture? These IKEA hacks take advantage of all the awesome things you can do with TV-centric IKEA furniture.
- Double Your Media Storage by Combining Two Ikea TV Units - IKEA's LACK TV Unit is a great piece of minimalist furniture for your living room, but it fails to offer a lot of storage. Here's a quick trick to combine two LACK TV Units to double your storage easily.
- Create an Enclosed Entertainment Center out of Old Furniture - When your IKEA furniture gets old, you can turn it into something new rather than tossing it. This hack lets you combine a bookshelf and a table to create and enclosed media center
- How to Build a Hidden Home Theater PC Inside Your Entertainment Center - If your sick of set top boxes and home theater PCs cluttering up your home theater space, why not just build the computer right into the furniture?
In the Bedroom
Need a place to sleep and store your stuff or just some clever bedroom lighting? Check out these hacks to get you started:
- Turn Two IKEA Chest of Drawers into a Bed - While it might not be the world's most comfortable bed, it's probably the most efficient. If you've got a small space—say, in a guest room—and need to really pack in both your furniture and your storage, this storage bed hack can do the trick.
- Create an IKEA Bed with a Hidden Storage Compartment - If you'd prefer a proper bed but still want that added storage, you can combine two different IKEA beds to make an even better, storage-friendly option.
- Make a DIY Frosted Wall Light from Ikea Parts - Bedroom lighting isn't the easiest thing to tackle. If your apartment's like mine, your bedroom doesn't even have any lighting to begin with. Here's a neat hack to add a frosted wall light that will look great and make it easy to read before bed.
Got any great IKEA furniture hacks of your own? Let's hear 'em in the comments.
You can contact Adam Dachis, the author of this post at [email protected]. You can also follow him on Twitter and Facebook.