IKEA hack: Billy bookcase to mini-mudroom

Who’s ready for a super easy Ikea hack? With all the great buys in that place, Ikea hacks are an awesome (and budget friendly) way to get your DIY on. So when my buddies at HomeRight asked me to join in on an Ikea hack challenge, I was all “heck yeah!” And then I proceeded to try a half dozen attempts that all went up in smoke. It’s all good though, because I finally figured out my groove and decided to create something for my little niece – a mini-mudroom. In under an hour you can create this with just a few tools and a little bit of power tooling. Ready? Let’s do it!

So here’s what you’ll need:

• a piece of 1×12 (I used a scrap – it only takes a couple of feet, give or take a few inches)
• sand paper
• paint – I used Sherwin Williams Extra White
• HomeRight FinishMax (that’s an affiliate link, btw)
• an Ikea Billy Bookcase
• a couple of baskets

Start by assembling the bookcase, but leaving out the adjustable shelves. On the very bottom, add baskets (I used two that I already had) and then install an adjustable shelf above that. Next measure from the bottom of the top shelf to the top of the bottom shelf, so you can get your measurement for the upright center board. Also measure the depth. The depth of this shelf was 10 1/4 inches, so I used my table saw to rip down a 1 x 12 board down to that width. Then my upright measurement was 25 3/4 inches, so I cut it with my compound miter saw. Sand all the edges well to prep for paint.

Next I used my HomeRight Finish Max, because I wanted the board to have a smooth finish like the rest of the bookcase. I gave it two coats on one side, let it completely dry, then gave it two coats on the other side. Once it was completely dry, I centered the board upright and then adhered it with good quality wood glue. I added a Command Hook on each side and I was done.

In less than an hour of hands on work, the entire thing went together. That’s why we love Ikea hacks, right?

*Thanks to my friends at HomeRight for partnering with me on this post. All ideas, words, photos and opinions are 100% my own.*