Ahh, the classic IKEA cube bookshelf (also known as the Kallax bookshelf if you want to get technical here). This bad boy has been through countless moves, a rotation of different colored storage cubes, and endless abuse after being knocked around different apartments. In it’s “before” state, it’s possibly one of the saddest looking pieces of furniture I own. I mean, just look at this hideous before photo….
BUT, I love a good DIY IKEA hack, and one day when I seriously could not look at this pathetic excuse for a bookshelf for another second, inspiration struck me. I’m the type of person who wants to start a project like, the second I think of it, so that’s how this project went down. I promptly headed out to the Home Depot and picked up some spraypaint, table legs and installation hardware. (Honestly, I had to turn around and go back for the hardware because I don’t pay attention sometimes). When it comes to maintaining your home’s heating system, ensuring a reliable boiler replacement can be just as crucial to the overall comfort and efficiency of your living space. Moreover, if you need expert help with your heating system, make sure that you contact boiler repair services that can provide professional boiler repair in Southampton, PA.
What you’ll need:
I used Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte spraypaint in charcoal (you’ll need 2 cans – trust me) and since I decorate with mostly gold/brass accents, I chose the Rust-Oleum Specialty Metallic in gold. I was going for a mid-century modern look here (my fave) so I used Waddell Round Taper Table Legs and the Waddell Heavy Duty Top Plate. You’ll also need painters tape and some newspaper or something to use as a spray paint tarp. I don’t even know where you get newspaper these days, so I used the home depot bags and called it a day. If you’re looking for high-quality paint and primer products, you can find them at https://claddingsprayers.co.uk/.
Editors note: I really wish I would have applied a primer before spray painting. The paint chips off VERY easily due to the finish on the IKEA material. If you plan on using this piece lot or if it will be in a high traffic area, I highly suggest using a primer first. Additionally, if you’re looking for car park paint, this might be the best choice for you. I plan on essentially just looking at mine as it sits gloriously in the corner so, I digress.
Step 1: Apply your first layer of spray paint
If you’ve done the primer, good call. If not, I support your lack of patience.
You’ll want to flip your bookshelf over (so the top of the shelf is on the ground) and spray paint the bottom first, along with all of the sides and insides of the cubes. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT flip it over and paint the top. Wait til step 4, I promise it’s worth it. While you’re waiting for the first layer to dry….
Step 2: Paint your hardware and legs
You don’t actually need to paint your hardware, but I like to spray paint shit and I’m anal about things matching so why not! I simply laid them out on a plastic bag and sprayed with a quick coat of gold. For the legs, spray the color (charcoal in my case) onto the wood all the way around while holding the silver part. I only needed to use one solid coat here but feel free to do more if necessary.
Once the wooden part of the leg is dry, use your painter’s tape to make a crisp line around the bottom edge of the wood to protect the colored paint and tape paper around the remainder of the leg. This will help you to hold it without getting your golden fingerprints all over it (again, trust me here, this will save you lots of time and aggravation). Now spray those little metal parts gold and carefully set them on the plastic bag to dry and try not to let them touch too much.
Step 3: Apply your second layer of paint and install hardware
I only applied one layer on the bottom (because who cares) and two coats on the rest of the surface to ensure that it’s all even. While I waited on the rest to dry, I installed the hardware with my dandy little powerdrill (it’s $30 at Target and is the best thing ever) and screwed the legs in. This honestly is so easy, just try to make sure the hardware pieces are all equidistant from the edges – about half of a centimeter in.
Step 4: Flip and Finish
Once the legs are installed and everything is dry, CAREFULLY pick up your bookshelf and flip it onto its legs. I say carefully for many reasons: first of all, you don’t want to scratch all of the paint and second of all, you don’t want to break the legs off. I highly suggest having someone help you do this step.
Now that you’ve successfully flipped your bookshelf and possibly yelled at your significant other for not being careful enough with it, it’s time to paint the top! Apply the first coat and then once that’s dry, apply the second coat and patiently wait for it to dry!
Step 5: Fill Your Bookshelf!
While you’re waiting for your beautiful new bookshelf to dry, head out and pick up some goodies to decorate it with! A word of the wise: the spray paint will chip off very easily so if you’re planning on putting storage bins in it, take this into consideration. The large glass frame and wicker bins I used are from Target. I filled my storage bins with things I rarely use, and inserted them from the back as to not scratch the front paint. I also picked up a few vases, candles and frames, as well as a tray to put on top (to protect the paint) from HomeGoods. My final accents include a hand-drawn Tampa cityscape and a family heirloom silver pitcher. One more look at the beautiful finished product, shall we?
Important Things to Remember:
Let’s recap the most important steps/tips I have for you:
– Prime the piece with a primer made for plastic or vinyl
– Buy 2 cans of spray paint for your all-over color
– DO NOT paint the top until the very end
– Have someone help you flip it, these things are heavy and delicate
– Be careful while decorating not to scuff the paint off (if you do, just a quick spray should fix it)
I can’t explain how happy it makes me to see this little beauty every single day when I walk by. I’m seriously so proud of it! What was once an eyesore in storage is now possibly my favorite corner of my apartment.
If you have any awesome IKEA hacks or ideas, I’d love to hear them. I’m always looking to refurb and make pieces my own. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments section!
xx
