This IKEA Hack Is Super Cheap. But The Result Looks Great!

#1

You probably recognize the "Kallax" shelves from IKEA. You have to see what this family did with their plain IKEA shelves.

Here's the empty living room corner that needed a bit of attention. It's just screaming for a shelf, right?

#2

The family took a rough plan and a few measurements with them to IKEA. They decided on three single Kallax shelving units because they were the most affordable and flexible.

#3

They got everything put together and put them against the wall to see how they look when they noticed their mistake - someone must have forgotten to measure a few centimeters. The three shelves next to one another were about 3 cm too wide, meaning the last one hung over the door frame. Everyone agreed, it can't stay like that!

#4

Then someone had a great idea: If you turn the last shelf sideways, it fits perfectly. There is a bit of a gap behind the other two because they have to be pulled forward to meet the other one, but no one cared about that. Ideas start pouring in about how to best use this new surface.

#5

There are so many possibilities with the new shelves. The kids want a chalkboard? Alrighty then! Tape the edges, what a good idea to use old CD's to form cut-out corners.

#6

Paint the surface with chalkboard paint. Two coats are better than one, then the surface will be a bit more robust and kid safe.

#7

Let the paint dry completely and then remove the tape.

#8

Drum roll please ... beautiful shelves, inclusive chalkboard!

#9

Everything fits perfectly in its place. Photo albums and important papers, enough space for odds and ends, a few decorative pieces, and of course ...

#10

The beautiful new chalkboard. Still blank, but not for long. Well-done to this creative family!

It's always interesting to get a peak in someone else's living room. You can always learn something new about ways to do up your own place too.