IKEA HACK: Shelving Unit to TV Stand

Ikea Hacks are the best, I am sure you agree with me 😉 I have done so many over the years! Like this “His, Hers, Ours Home Office” as an example. Here’s a simple project turning a generic Shelving unit to a TV Stand. The Kallax into a TV unit that will create a modern and simplistic look to your lounge.

Lovely Srah will take you through the entire process, step by step, so you can do it yourself in a few hours next weekend!

How to turn a Kallax into a TV Unit

Hi Infarrantly Creative friends! It’s Sarah from Sarah M. Dorsey Designs and I’m back to share a simple TV stand using an Ikea shelving unit. Several months ago, I saw this project on Ikea Hackers.

I loved the simplicity, added durability, and warmth that the wood added. Here’s my spin on it!

Supplies:

• Shelving unit (I used Ikea Expedit, which is now discontinued, Ikea Kallax is similar)
• 1/4 Birch Plywood
• Liquid Nails
• Wax (to seal the plywood)
• Primer/Paint
• 2×4 (for the base)
• Legs (x4) (I used the legs from a thrifted chair)
• Table Saw
• Clamps
• Drill
• Sander

How to Hack the Ikea Kallax into a TV Unit

Step 1 – The Plywood

Step 2 – Protection

Once you’ve cut the plywood to fit, protect the wood with clear wax, stain or polyurethane.

Step 3 – The Base

Next, move onto the base. Measure your base and determine alignment – ours lined up with the outer vertical sections.

Rip the width a 2×4 pine board to 2.5″ inches and cut to make a box.

Create pocket holes (we used the Kreg Jig) and join the base together.

Sand any rough edges with 120 grit sandpaper.

Step 4 – The Legs

Prepare to attach the legs. We repurposed legs from a $6 thrifted chair (a great way to save money!)

The anchor included with the chair was placed into the new base.

Step 5 – Finish the base

Screw the legs into the base and paint it to match the shelving unit.

Attach the base to the shelving unit with liquid nails and use screws from underneath, going through the base and shelving unit.

Finally, the 1/4″ birch plywood was installed.

Using liquid nails formulated to join wood, adhesive was placed all over

Tip: apply the adhesive about 2″ from the sides to avoid it seeping out when compressed.

The plywood was clamped in place with cardboard between the clamp and wood to protect the surface.

Clamp until the adhesive has set.

Once dry, fill it up with your favorite accessories!

The plywood will help prevent scratches from baskets sliding in and out.

The legs makes it the perfect height for watching T.V.

I found a diving helmet (formally an ice bucket), minus the top at a thrift store for $1, it makes the perfect planter for succulents!

This was a super fast project, complete in about one evening!

Total cost was about $90 ($60 shelving unit, $6 legs and $24 birch plywood) I hope you’ll give it a try!

p.s. Here’s what I’ve been up to this past month!

We recently finished renovating our entry, see the before and after here (more info on: installing herringbone marble tile, custom built-ins, free gallery wall printables, stencil and roman shade)