Published on October 1st, 2015 | This video shows you how to turn seven standard SEKTION kitchen cabinets from IKEA into a platform bed with storage underneath. It’s a perfect solution for anyone with limited closet or attic space. The approximate cost of this project was $480, roughly broken down as follows: $40 – Paneling, carpet, knobs I’ve had a number of questions about the specific cabinets used. Keep in mind, you can do this project with any brand or style as long as they are wall cabinets. and look at their SEKTION wall cabinets. The cabinet sizes are shown in the video at 0:34. I selected the cheapest doors (Häggeby white). NOTE: The smallest step is actually a TUTEMO open cabinet (IKEA article #802.783.53) laid on its side. This cabinet measures 9 x 14 3/4 x 15. It’s not the exact size shown in my design, but it’s the closest I could get. The bed has been tested with three full-size adults and two dogs so I’m not worried about weight capacity.
The “steps” are very strong and do not sag under my weight (and I’m a big guy). Really, don’t worry about weight. If you live in a rented apartment and are worried about drilling holes in the walls, think hard about building this bed. If you can’t (or don’t want to) spackle holes before moving out, should you really be considering such an aggressive DIY project?? You can certainly adapt my design to be free-standing; just make sure it is well-supported underneath. Keep in mind that the entire structure will need to be disassembled to move (so don’t glue everything together!). One minor detail that I omitted from the video: I installed four plastic furniture glides under every cabinet (one in each corner) to keep them off the floor by approximately 1/4″. These will prevent the cabinets from scratching the floor, and prevent the doors from rubbing on the floor. If you have carpeting, you may need to build up the cabinets even higher to prevent the doors from rubbing on the carpet.
Several people have asked if this could be made free-standing so they don’t have to attach it to the wall. If you want to structurally incorporate the cabinets in the design, as I’ve done here, I recommend attaching it to the wall because the wall provides a huge amount of stability. If you want to build a bed like this without attaching it to the walls, start with a freestanding bed frame such as this and add the cabinets to enclose it.I challenge even the most reluctant shopper to go to IKEA and not buy something completely random for their home. IKEA do many things well, indeed they’ve built a furniture empire on the back of their simple flat-packed furniture and no frills decor designs. But as with any brand that size, you can’t get everything right and this has certainly resulted in some dud items over the years. Here are a list of items you should avoid purchasing from IKEA, and not just because you can’t be bothered putting them together yourself.
If it’s a good nights sleep you’re looking for, avoid IKEA mattresses. While there’s no complaining about the prices – which range from $90 to $1000 – the mattresses regularly receive complaints for being too firm. A review based on 224 consumer experiences, gathered from 68 sources, found IKEA’s latex, foam and spring options warrant disappointing owner satisfaction grades, from B- to D. The industry site said: “A main complaint for IKEA spring mattresses is sagging and development of body impressions which can cause discomfort and back pain.” that IKEA mattresses should be avoided at all costs. IKEA mattresses may be preventing you from getting your beauty sleep. “The key to a great shopping experience with IKEA is to focus on basic items or staples in the room, such as sturdy office furniture and chairs,” says Pourny. Controversially, he says shoppers should avoid mass-produced and bland accessories. “You can add more of your individual personality with a few flea market finds,” he says.
“That way you’re creating a space unique to you.” Experts recommend putting more personal touches on your decor style. These may be good at storing all of your mothball jumpers, but they’re potentially deadly. Earlier this year, IKEA had to recall 29 million Malm dressers in the US after they were linked to the deaths of six toddlers. They weren’t recalled in Australia because they don’t fail Australian safety standards and can be secured to a wall, but the product’s reputation has undoubtedly been tarnished. Other IKEA products that have been recalled in Australia include a high chair and Roman blinds. IKEA recalled 29 million Malm dressers in the US last year after they were linked to the deaths of six toddlers. A $1 hot dog from the cafeteria Sure it’s good value, but at what cost to your immune system? Use your own judgment on this one. The $1 IKEA hot dog, for the brave or really hungry. In saying all of this, many IKEA products have been best-sellers for years and popular among those who want inexpensive Scandinavian simplicity.
Here are some IKEA favourites that you should not avoid. IKEA’s best selling item of all time is the humble Billy bookcase. It’s cheap, it’s simple and it’s customisable – perfect for when you finish a book series or buy another crate of vinyl. The Billy bookcase is IKEA’s best selling product of all time. From ceramics to melamine to very low-priced glassware, IKEA do kitchens well. If you’re catering for a lot of people, their large sets are ideal and won’t break the bank. Similarly IKEA pots and pans are great for a share house as they’re cheap yet still functional. IKEA glasses are good for catering. IKEA has a huge range of assemble-yourself-desks, but this was a stand-out from the 2017 catalogue. Great for those working from home on their latest masterpiece. The Knotten Standing Desk. This brand icon recently celebrated its 40th birthday. While IKEA have a lot of stylish armchairs, make sure you check you’re getting what you’ve paid for.