When I first started freelancing, I did all my work hunched over at the kitchen table.
It was not an ideal setup – I was cramped, uncomfortable, and lacked storage.
I knew I desperately needed to upgrade my workspace.
The problem was that fancy custom built-in desks were way out of my budget.
That’s when I discovered the magic of IKEA hacks.
I made it my mission to see just how functional and professional I could make an IKEA desk setup.
After gathering supplies and watching one too many DIY videos, I set to work transforming $100 worth of IKEA products into my dream workspace.
The first project I tackled was building a floating corner desk using an EKBACKEN countertop on top of two LACK wall shelves.
This gave me a huge workspace while conserving floor space in my small apartment.
Next I installed a SKADIS pegboard above the desk for optimal organization.
I attached a RAST nightstand underneath for extra storage.
And I topped it all off by screwing CAPITA legs onto a tabletop plank to create a handy floating shelf for my monitors.
The finished desk was absolutely perfect for my needs and style.
And the total cost was amazingly affordable thanks to hacking basic IKEA components.
I was hooked!
From then on, I loved finding new ways to customize IKEA furniture into functional pieces that fit my space.
Now as a seasoned work-from-home pro, I want to share my favorite IKEA desk hacks to help you maximize your own workspace:
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Rolling Storage Cart Desk
A simple way to create a DIY desk is by using an IKEA rolling cart as the base.
It provides storage and mobility.
Materials:
- RÅSKOG utility cart
- Custom tabletop (wood plank, countertop etc)
- Brackets
- Tape measure
- Drill
Measure the top opening of the RÅSKOG cart and cut a tabletop plank to fit snugly inside the dimensions.
Attach sturdy brackets underneath the tabletop that hook onto the RÅSKOG for support.
You can roll the cart right up to where you need a desk surface.
Then lock the wheels in place.
The open storage holds supplies and hides clutter.
When you’re finished working, simply roll it out of the way!
This gives you a portable desk perfect for small spaces and makes use of an inexpensive IKEA standby.
Floating Wall Desk
If floor space is limited, building a floating wall desk can be a great option to save room.
And it looks super modern and sleek too.
For this hack, you’ll need:
– LACK wall shelf
– CAPITA legs
– Custom tabletop (you can use a wood countertop, door, etc)
– Brackets
– Power drill
Start by attaching the CAPITA legs to the underside of your tabletop using screws.
Make sure the legs are spaced evenly so the tabletop is fully supported.
Next, measure and mark where you want the floating desk to be positioned on your wall.
Attach the LACK wall shelf using screws into wall studs for a secure base.
Then, use sturdy metal brackets to mount the tabletop to the wall shelf.
I recommend at least 2 on each side.
The brackets allow the desk to “float” seamlessly on the wall.
This is a great option if you want to conserve floor space.
And you can decorate the wall underneath for a polished look.
The DIY nature also lets you customize the size and style.
Definitely one of my favorite IKEA hacks!
Under Desk Drawer Unit
Maximize vertical storage under your desk by adding a drawer unit or cabinet.
This helps keep supplies and files organized and close at hand, without taking up valuable desktop real estate.
For this hack, you’ll need:
– RAST nightstand
– IKEA BEKANT desk (or any desk with empty space underneath)
– Tape measure
Start by measuring the dimensions under your desk to find a drawer unit that will fit nicely within the space.
The RAST nightstand works perfectly for many IKEA desks like the BEKANT.
It’s the ideal height and the three drawers provide ample storage.
Simply slide the RAST directly under your desk in the center.
No need to secure it – the weight of the desk will keep it in place.
Now you have handy storage for office supplies, electronics, files and more.
I like using drawer organizers to neatly divide everything.
This utilizes the empty void under desks for practical storage.
And it makes your supplies easily accessible while you work.
Try it if you need more space to organize your workspace.
Hanging Desk Shelf
Get decorative and functional storage with a hanging desk shelf.
Mount it above your desk surface to display plants, books, photos and other desk accessories.
For this hack, you’ll need:
– RIBBA frame
– LUFSIG hanging planter
– Screws
– Stud finder
– Laser level (optional)
First, decide where you want to place the hanging shelf.
Find a wall stud using the stud finder.
Then take the RIBBA frame apart by removing the glass and backing.
You should just have the bare wood frame left.
Next, mark where to drill the screw holes into the stud.
A laser level helps make sure the shelf will be mounted evenly.
Secure it into the wall with screws.
Now slide the LUFSIG planter into the RIBBA frame and fill it with succulents or faux plants.
Don’t forget to water real ones!
The hanging shelf looks great mounted above a desk.
It adds beautiful greenery and extra display space while freeing up precious tabletop real estate.
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Floating Cabinet Light
Here’s a magical idea to illuminate your workspace in a snap.
Install a slim LED light strip inside a wall-mounted cabinet for a heavenly floating glow.
For this hack, you’ll need:
– STUVA cabinet
– LED light strip
– Power drill
– Screws
– Stud finder
– Light strip remote
First, choose a spot over your desk and use the stud finder to locate a wall stud.
Hold the STUVA cabinet against the wall and mark where to drill the screw holes into the stud.
Take the cabinet down and drill pilot holes in the back panel aligned with your stud marks.
Now hold the cabinet back up and screw it securely into the wall.
To install the LED strip, open the cabinet doors.
Clean the inner walls with rubbing alcohol.
Peel and stick the LED strip to the inside of the cabinet.
Make sure your power drill can access the bottom shelf area.
Drill a hole near the LED power cord and feed it through to hide wires in back.
Power on your new floating night light!
Use the remote to adjust brightness and colors.
This ambient glow sets a relaxing workspace mood.
The slim cabinet maximizes unused vertical space above the desk.
And you gain stylish storage too!
Corner Hutch Bookshelves
Take advantage of wasted corner space by building these hutch bookshelves.
All you need is an inexpensive LACK wall shelf and a bit of handiwork.
For this hack, you’ll need:
– LACK wall shelf
– Saw or jigsaw
– Wood glue
– Paint/stain (optional)
– Corner desk
Take the LACK shelf unit apart so you have the two side panels separated.
Use the saw to cut the panels to your desired hutch shape.
Apply wood glue and join the cut panels back together in an inverted “V” shape.
Clamp them until the glue dries fully.
Sand down any rough edges.
Paint or stain if desired.
Once dry, place the hutch in the corner on top of your desk.
The angled sides should fit nicely to maximize vertical storage.
Now you have beautiful bookshelves built right into your desk corner.
Store books, plants and decor on the extra display space.
It’s a great use of dead corner real estate!
Floating Desk Topper
For a two-tier stacked desk, try this floating desktop hack.
Get extra surface space for monitors, paperwork and devices without taking up more floor room.
For this hack you’ll need:
– OLOV leg risers
– EKBACKEN countertop or shelf
– CAPITA legs
– Mounting brackets
Attach a set of CAPITA legs under the EKBACKEN to create a free-standing second tier desktop.
Measure the exact width between the leg risers.
Cut the EKBACKEN to size if needed to fit on top.
Set it on the OLOV risers to make sure the depth matches your primary desk.
Now use strong metal brackets to secure the floating desktop to the wall, similarly to the floating desk hack.
This helps keep it super sturdy.
The result is expanded desktop real estate while maintaining leg room.
You can raise monitors and free up desk space below for papers, notebooks and other supplies.
Wall-Mounted Pegboard
Pegboards keep your most-used supplies neatly organized and easily accessible.
And mounting one on the wall frees up valuable desk surface space.
For this hack you’ll need:
– SKÅDIS pegboard
– Assorted pegboard hooks and baskets
– Stud finder
– Power drill
– Screws
First, determine placement on your wall and use the stud finder to mark where the screws should go.
Hold the pegboard up and drill pilot holes through the built-in mounting holes.
Screw into studs for secure support.
Now start loading up your pegboard with handy hooks, baskets and shelves to organize everything from pens and headphones to files and notebooks.
Get creative!
This is one of my favorite IKEA hacks because it looks great and keeps your desk clutter-free.
Everything has a perfect place on the wall!
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Rotating C-Clamp Bookshelf
Free up desk space by attaching a small rotating bookshelf near your work surface.
It adds space-saving storage right where you need it.
For this hack you’ll need:
– IKEA BEKANT desk with C-leg frame
– Lazy Susan turntable
– Cabinet with removable shelves
– C-clamps
First, remove the door and a shelf from a small cabinet.
Attach the lazy Susan turntable to the bottom.
Find a suitable spot on the C-leg desk frame near the edge.
Clamp the top of the cabinet into place.
Now you have a rotating mini-bookshelf, perfect for desk essentials!
Spin to easily access everything.
And the c-clamp attachment frees up valuable desktop real estate.
This unique hack provides compartmentalized storage that’s effortless to reach.
A rotating bookshelf by your desk is super convenient.
Wall Mounted Power Tower
This power tower hack is perfect for organizing charging cables and power strips off your desk surface.
Get electronics up and out of the way while keeping them easily accessible.
For this hack you’ll need:
– SKADIS pegboard
– BROR shelving unit
– Multi-outlet power strip(s)
– Extension cord(s)
– Cable hooks and baskets
First, securely mount the SKADIS system onto your wall in a place convenient to your desk.
Make sure it lines up vertically.
Then assemble the BROR shelves as separate tower units.
Place them side-by-side in the SKADIS system.
Mount power strips on the backs of each tower using adhesive strips or screws.
Run extension cords up through the interior shelves.
Use the pegboard accessories to neatly route and organize charging cables.
Everything can stay plugged in and ready to use.
This is one of my favorite ways to manage the cable clutter that comes with multiple devices.
And it looks so clean!
Your desktop stays open while electronics charge on the wall.
Suspended Computer Shelf
This hack provides handy open storage right above your desk to hold monitors, laptops, printers, and other electronics.
Materials:
– LACK wall shelves
– Sturdy brackets
– Screws
– Stud finder
Mount the LACK shelves horizontally on the wall above your desk using studs for support.
Attach sturdy metal brackets underneath to hold up the depth.
This creates a floating computer shelf that looks great and clears up desk space.
Keep cords organized with clips along the back.
Rotating Cube Storage
Utilize awkward corner space with these rotating storage cubes.
They’re perfect for organizers, files and desk supplies.
Materials:
– SAMLA plastic storage cubes
– Lazy susan turntable
– Corner desk
Place a lazy susan on your desk corner.
Set the SAMLA cubes on top and fill them with supplies.
Spin the cubes to easily access everything while keeping your corner organized.
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Hanging Desk Drawers
Add portable storage drawers that mount under your desk and hang out of the way when not needed.
Materials:
– Sunrise cabinet hangers
– ALEX or RAST drawers
– Screws
– Desk with overhang
Screw the hangers to the bottom of your desk’s front overhang.
Slide your drawers onto the hangers.
Now you can stow the drawers out of your way, or pull them down when you need extra storage.
Let me know if you need any other ideas!
I’m happy to help maximize your IKEA workspace.
Rotating Desk Drawers
Here’s a unique way to add compartmentalized storage that makes use of awkward under-desk space.
Install rotating drawers on caster wheels in the open legroom area.
For this hack you’ll need:
– ALEX drawers
– 4 swivel casters
– Power drill
– Drawer slides
First, lay the drawers down with the bottom facing up.
Attach a caster wheel to each corner using screws.
Then flip the drawers over and slide them under your desk in the legroom space.
Use drawer slides attached to the desk underside for smooth gliding.
The rolling drawers give you easy access to hidden storage space!
Spin them to reach school supplies, office accessories, snacks and more.
Close legs when you need foot room.
It’s brilliant because you get to use the open void that normally goes unused.
And everything stays neat and organized.
With a little DIY creativity, you can customize an IKEA system into the perfect productivity command center.
I hope these ideas inspired you to get your desk organized and tailored to your needs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
With smart features like extra hidden storage, wall mounts and space-saving builds, your dream workspace is totally achievable on any budget.
