For this Lack Side Table IKEA Hack we transformed a basic LACK side table into a fun and colorful piece with character and charm.
Back during my single days when I was working in Dallas I practically lived right down the street from an IKEA. I went there every now and then but I had no idea how good I had it and definitely didn’t take advantage of it.
If I am being honest most of the time I only stopped by there on weekend mornings just to grab a cinnamon roll. Have you ever tried an IKEA cinnamon roll? They are so delicious. Now the closest IKEA is about 45 minutes away which is not bad, you just have to make a day of it. But really by the time you walk all the way through the place on a Saturday, it’s not hard to do.
The great thing about IKEA is you can get pretty inexpensive furniture there and because of that there is the growing trend of IKEA hack projects.
This past weekend Brent and I did our first IKEA hack using the Lack side table with casters. Lack IKEA hack – try saying that five times fast. We were looking to get an inexpensive table that we could paint to bring subtle color to our neutral master bedroom.
All my furniture in my first apartment in college was from the Lack collection at IKEA. Now I remember why. That stuff is cheap. But man oh man is it plain and boring.
So in today’s post we are sharing how we transformed the basic side table from IKEA (on the left) into a piece of furniture with character and charm (on the right).
Lack Side Table IKEA Hack
SUPPLIES
Shop the products we used for this project in one place.
- Lack side table with casters from IKEA
- Paint
- Foam roller
- Sanding Sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Yard Stick
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- RUST-OLEUM Ebony Interior Wood Stain
- Kreg Jig R3 Pocket Hole Jig System
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1. The first thing I did was to use a sanding sponge to sand all sides of the top piece of the side table.
2. Next, I used a foam roller to apply paint to the top.
I used Slow Green from Sherwin Williams. I like the appearance of the light color contrasting with the dark wood.
3. While the top was drying, I assembled the base of the side table.
4. I used a yard stick to mark the shape I wanted to create with the paint.
5. Next, I marked on the base with painter’s tape the areas I intended to paint.
I used two layers of tape to make sure I had plenty of space to catch any stray paint in case my hand got a little shaky.
I then sanded with the sanding sponge again and used a foam roller to paint all the areas above the tape. As soon as the paint was applied, I removed the tape.
6. We bought the Lack IKEA side table with casters but didn’t want to use to the casters because we wanted the side table to sit higher off the ground.
We built our own custom base that was very similar to the nightstand in our bedroom that Brent made.
After Brent cut the pieces of wood to the right dimensions using a table saw, I used a pocket hole jig and a drill to make holes for the screws that hold the base together.
If you are interested in building the base we made, be sure to download the free plans above with all the dimensions and measurements you need.
7. The IKEA Lack side table with casters comes in three colors.
We choose the black/brown finish. We found that the Rust-Oleum ebony stain was a very close match to the color of the table.
I stained the outside of the base and the areas of the inside that would be visible.
8. Once the stain was dry I flipped the table over and flipped the base over and set it on top of the table. Then I took a ruler and measured to make sure the base was centered on the table.
I used the pocket holes I drilled earlier to attach the base to the bottom of the table with screws.
Finally, I flipped the side table back over and attached the top of the table using the hardware that came with it. And just like that my new side table was complete!
In just a few simple steps we turned the inexpensive and plain as it gets Lack side table with casters into a unique piece of furniture worthy of styling. Yay for a Lack Side Table IKEA Hack!
We put our new side table next to our hanging reading chair and it fits perfectly! We love how the asymmetrical shape on it brings just enough color and interest to our bedroom without overpowering any of our other furniture. I also love that now I have a place to set my coffee and a lamp to provide some light while I am reading in one of my favorite chairs in our house. It really completes this little corner.
My favorite part is always styling the projects. I love all the little details on this side table, sweet and simple.
This Lack Side Table IKEA Hack project is a fun one because the possibilities of shapes and colors you can paint are endless!
I hope this post has inspired you to head to IKEA and make your own or at very least go get a cinnamon roll.
PIN FOR LATER
I love furniture hacks! This is definitely one I have to try. I’ve been on the hunt for low bedroom nightstands and wanted something with a bit of “attitude”. Your Lack hack certainly fits the bill and it looks like it will be relatively easy and fun to do. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Linda! It was definitely a fun project. We would love to see how yours turns out. (:
-Courtney