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How To (Seriously!) Upgrade a Basic $40 IKEA FJELLSE Twin to a Beautiful Cane Bed

updated Apr 30, 2019
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(Image credit: IKEA)
Serena & Lily, but really had no reason to buy one. I did find myself itching to try to make one. And where else do you turn for good hacks? IKEA of course. This project is quite easy to pull off — all it takes is a trip to the big blue Swedish store, followed by a hardware store run and then some patient DIY moves.
(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

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What You Need

Materials

Tools

  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Clamps
  • Staplegun

Instructions

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

1. Spray paint all the pieces before you get started.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

2. Assemble the headboard section of the bed, as instructed, but omit two of the vertical slats. There should just be one remaining slat in the middle.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

3. Flip the bed over and stretch out the cane so it cover the entire headboard. It helps to have a second set of hands to help you while you stretch the cane across the frame.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

4. Staple the cane to the wooden frame, making sure that the cane stays taut and smooth. Trim off an excess trim.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

5. Optional: If you want to raise the bed a little bit, and add another detail, drill a hole in the bottom of each leg for decorative feet.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

6. Put a little wood glue in the hole, then tap in the tee nut. Say hi to my dog Grim who is watching you right now.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

7. Screw in the legs.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

8. Assemble the rest of the bed as instructed.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

9. Measure and cut the molding to fit the bed side rails, then use wood glue to attach them to the bed.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

7. Clamp or tape them in place and let dry completely.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

8. To add finials, drill holes into the top of the headboard posts, add some wood glue, then screw in the finials.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

9. And lastly, if they bother you, camouflage the black screws with a little white paint.

(Image credit: Dabney Frake)

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