Not long ago, we blogged about using IKEA kitchen cabinets for a DIY storage bench in our kitchen. We just spotted a kindred idea in the November issue of Better Homes & Gardens. Textile designer Bonnee Sharp appears to have used an IKEA Lack shelf with IKEA legs to make a storage bench.
The dimensions of the IKEA Lack shelf unit makes it so that legs are necessary. You could also use an IKEA Expedit shelf without legs since it has a wider trunk.
Either way, this is a clever idea for any room in the house that could benefit from some extra seating and some extra storage. To see Bonnee's inspiring home, with lots of fun ideas, click here and to see her Studio Bon Textiles website click here.
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We did a similar thing at my parents house several years ago but we painted the shelf the same color as the walls and it looks like a built in window seat.
This is not recommended by IKEA. In the past they have displayed Lack shelves this way and have since instructed their stores not to because of the hazard of it breaking. The sides are not intended to hold weight distributed between just the outside points.
If this is going to be attempted by anyone, please place a support in the center for extra stability. Take note in the future of the construction of IKEA products. Many of their products have a board-on-frame construction, which means that it's little more than veneer and cardboard holding it all together.
Great look to hide away stuff!
~Tracy @
http://www.dailydecorator.com
Anirtak - Good looking out. If you put support in the middle, there should be no problem (I would recommend if you have BIG friends and family). This would be perfect for a childrens play room since they do not weigh much. If people are really worried - some shorter legs will do but I still see no big risk.
anirtak is right.
Unless you mount the legs at the exact corners and in the middle where there happens to be a structural support, once you put some weight on these the legs will blow right through the outer veneer because those things are mostly hollow.
The way this one is shown w/out a center support and the legs in from the ends - once someone's beefy husband takes a seat or a couple kids jump on it - that thing will be history.
I agree about the legs. I have them on a tv stand of similar construction from ikea and one of the legs snapped off one day and took a chunk of veneer and particle wood with it. You really need to do something like this with a piece of solid wood furniture.
i like this idea and would definitely add middle legs like suggested.
also anyone know where to find a similar pouf/ottoman? i like the texture of that one!
I did this a couple of years ago putting a total of 10 legs on for maximum support. The bench is in my entryway with the Mongstad mirror overtop. We get tons of compliments on it!
I bought the lack shelf during a Wacky Wednesday for around $50, but the legs ended up costing more than the unit at $20 for 4 legs for a total of $110 for everything!
Around here, they've discontinued the lack bench/shelf in black brown but have a similar one by expedit, I think.
I'd like to do this for my landing strip. Does anyone know the cheapest way to find a cushion that matches? I am also looking for a cushion for two window seats in my new apt. Was hoping to find some groovy fabric, but I don't know how to sew and don't have a sewing machine.
Thanks!
PS Do you think the Expedit bench would be stronger since it doesn't need legs?
I have had mine for seven years now (with middle legs) and no problems. Of course we're not huge people. My son uses it the most.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23272520@N05/3032907833/in/photostream/
love it.. i like it low, so i'd nix the legs.
You could also attach a slim square of wood between each leg and the Lack unit. That would distribute the load over a wider area, and allow you to attach that piece of wood to the ends of the unit, where most of the structure is. Just paint it to match - shouldn't be too visible.
What do you think about stacking 2 on top of each other instead of legs? Are windows are high enough this might work, but I wonder if it would look weird.
i'm using it as a shoe storage/sit while we put our shoes on at the foot of our bed!
Can you paint these shelves?
love this idea...i just bought the 1x5 expedit and am looking to make a cushion for the top--any tips on where to buy foam or anyone have a pattern?? would you do one long cushion or 3-4 pillows to set on top?
I need that fabulous poofy pillow stool!
Where's it from?
xo!
So, to be clear - by 'support' in the centre, you mean by adding a leg/legs in the middle, underneath?
Would love to know the wall color...thanks.
melisjl22@yahoo.com
Love this! Where did you get the cushion, and the cushion cover from though?
thanks! :)
I have the same bench and I would love to know where you found the long cushion? Thank you!