How to Turn IKEA Kallax Shelves Into a Bed (with Storage)

Hacking IKEA furniture has not only become a pastime, it’s also a social media trend. Now, there’s a new way to use some of the brand’s famous pieces.

People on TikTok are making beds out of IKEA shelves because they’re an affordable, easy way to create underbed storage units. Most are using the brand’s KALLAX model because, unlike the popular Billy bookcase, these units are comprised of open cubbies with no backing.

The bed makers assemble two of the larger units (57-7/8 inches high) and lay them on their sides, parallel to one another. Then, two of the smaller units (30-3/8 inches high) are built to act as the head and foot of the bed.

The units are then attached to one another with hinges. A piece of plywood or bed slats are placed on top. All you need is a mattress, and then Boom! You’ve got an Ikea shelf bed.

@mrskavanagh_home

Like ❤️ IKEA kallax storage bed hack 😅 #lifehacks #hack #ikea #storage

♬ drivers license - Olivia Rodrigo

Materials Needed:

• 2 IKEA KALLAX Shelf Units, 30.38 x 57.88 in

• 2 IKEA KALLAX Shelf Units, 30.38 x 30.38 in

• 1 LURÖY Slatted Bed Base

• Screws

Steps:

• Gather your materials.
• Lay the two long KALLAX Shelf Units on the ground lengthwise parallel to each other.
• Place the two square KALLAX Shelf Units in between the longer ones on either end to form a large rectangular frame.
• Use screws to attach the shelves together at all four corners.
• Place the LURÖY Slatted Bed Base on top of the shelf bed.
• Place your mattress on the bed frame.

Not only is the bed affordable and easy to make, but you can also put cloth baskets in the cubbies to create even easier storage. This hack is particularly perfect for those who live in small spaces with limited storage options.

A similar IKEA KALLAX bed hack comes from TikToker @alasia.ellis, who uses three KALLAX beds instead of two. Her hack also doesn’t involve using any screws.

@alasia.ellis

Here’s the tutorial you’ve all asked for!! (don’t mind my voice) #greenscreen #DoTheScottsSlide #bedroom #fyp #bed

♬ original sound - Alasia Ellis

Materials needed: 

• 3 IKEA KALLAX Shelf Units, 30.38 x 57.88 in

• 1 Plywood Sheet

Steps:

• Gather your materials.
• Lay two long KALLAX Shelf Units on the ground lengthwise parallel to each other. The distance between them should be a few inches smaller on each size than the width of your mattress.
• Place the third KALLAX Shelf Unit upright at the head of where you want your mattress to be.
• Place a piece of plywood on top of the shelves to form a bed frame.
• Place your mattress on top of the plywood.

If you don’t need a new bedframe, here’s another KALLAX IKEA hack. TikToker @mandy.paulino used some serious skills (plus pine planks, hinges, corner braces, paint, and furniture legs) to turn the KALLAX Shelf Unit into a gorgeous cabinet with doors for her home. The minimalist design would look great in any home.

@mandy.paulino

I mean... obsessed or what?😍 #IkeaHack #kallax #kallaxhack #homedecor #home #interiordesign #ikea #ikeahacks #Diy #furnitureflip #furnituremakeover

♬ Buss It - Erica Banks

Not into the IKEA KALLAX bed hack? What about a mudroom hack? TikToker @dianahomeedition used some furniture legs and handles to turn her KALLAX shelf into a chic bench for her home’s mudroom. It’s a great way to keep shoes out of sight while offering somewhere to sit.

@dianahomeedition

IKEA Kallax makeover into a bench for our mudroom - the full process! Hand saw? Never again! 😅 I love how this looks!! #homedecor #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #diyhomedecor #furnituremakeover #ikeamakeover #ikeahack #mudroominspiration #bohohomedecor #mudroomideas #bohohomestyle #kallax #ideasdecoracion #mudroom #mudroommakeover #mudroombench #mudroominspo #bohohomedecor #bohohomestyle #farmhousedecor #vestibulo #farmhousestyledecor #bengaleiro #kallaxhack #kallaxdiy

♬ Flowers - Miley Cyrus

Finally, if you’re looking for KALLAX IKEA hack to help with storage in your home, check out @houseproject_36‘s idea for under-stair storage. By attaching small wheels to the bottom of a KALLAX shelf, she created an easy rolling storage cart. She took things a step further by cutting another KALLAX unit to fit in the remaining space under her stairs before covering the entire thing with wooden panels to make it look professional.

@houseproject_36

Understairs Storage IKEA Kallax Hack Part One! More details on my IG highlight 💥 #progressnotperfection #ikeahack #ikeahacks #ikeahacksdiy #kallaxhack #kallax #understairstorage #storagesolutions #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomeideas #thriftydiy

♬ original sound - houseproject_36

These aren’t the only IKEA hacks that have gone viral on TikTok. People have also been converting cabinetry into greenhouses, and last year, a woman created fake built-ins with Billy bookshelves.

If you need an affordable bed, and you’re handy with an Allen wrench, it’s time to IKEA. Whether it’s the IKEA KALLAX bed hack or another IKEA hack, there are plenty of ways to repurpose this piece of furniture to fit your needs.

[Via PopSugar]