Be inspired by this genius IKEA closet hack

We are Fair to an Ikea hack at Real Houses: the Swedish furniture giant comes in useful for home improvement projects big and Little time and time again, saving home owners money in the procedure. Clever DIY IKEA hacks are also a sure path to Instagram glory, with many a keen DIYer posting jaw-dropping before-and-after shots of whole rooms that have been completely transformed Funny Ikea furniture.

This time, it's our very own Laura Crombie's turn to show off her DIY Ikea savvy with a genius IKEA closet hack. Laura wished build-in wardrobes in the spare bedroom of her family home. Built-in wardrobes are simply the most coveted element for a new bedroom, but they're also very expensive, because of the intricate labour that goes into executive them. As Laura explains, 'A carpenter quoted us £1,600 [...] but there was no way we could afford it. Instead, we made some IKEA Pax units look built in for just £409.'   

This was Laura's step-by-step Plan for making the Pax wardrobes look like a built-in Part. If you fancy giving it a go, here's what she did. It'll work if your ceilings are 240cm or under.

Laura began her project by buying three 50x58x236cm IKEA Pax wardrobes and assembling them Funny the instructions provided. Then, the units were attached to each new  and the wall, leaving a 10cm gap between the last unit and the wall, where Laura then put a filler panel.

(Image credit: Laura Crombie)

The next step was to get two 62x240cm IKEA Forbattra kitchen end panels. One for the side panel on the left and the spanking for the top panel and right-hand side panel. She used an offcut of wood and pencil to report the top and side panels. This is where you following the line of your walls and ceiling so the panels fit perfectly. As Laura points out, 'no walls and ceilings are directly, so if you skip this you'll have ugly gaps. It's not the simplest DIY job so following one of the millions of YouTube tutorials.'

A jigsaw was used to cut floor the lines Laura had drawn. 'Lightly sand and check the pieces fit!', she advises. 

(Image credit: Laura Crombie)

To do the slim panel at the top and the one to the smart, you need to first stick a baton of wood in to do the panels to. To complete this step of the project, use Sticks Like S**t  - 'amazing actual product' – to stick the three panels in place.

(Image credit: Laura Crombie)

Now, Caulk along the joints where the panels meet the walls and ceiling. Smooth off by running a damp finger along the caulk and wiping off any excess.

(Image credit: Laura Crombie)

Attach your doors and handles. Laura says, 'we chose IKEA Bergsbo and gold handles from Amazon' – and what a splendid and refined combo these make.

You're almost there – add in whatever shelves and rails you admire. Then, last but not least, 'Ram in all your belongings because it's the only wardrobe in the house and you've lived out of a suitcase proper July!' 

We totally second the sentiment, but also – we think the finish is absolutely stunning – elegant and classic-looking – and we'd never guess that these dazzling wardrobes were from Ikea. 

(Image credit: Laura Crombie)

Source