Reading Bench

I Modify IKEA

Posted by Ulysses Press

About

Designed by: Charlotte Rivers
Turning the KALLAX shelving unit on its side and adding a comfortable padded seat creates a great little reading bench,
which still has storage for books and toys underneath. If you had
a corner spot, you could even make two to create L-shaped seating



6 2-INCH (5-CM) SCREWS 


TIME: 2–3 HRS
DIFFICULTY: ADVANCED

Share

You Will Need (7 things)

  • IKEA® HOME FURNISHINGS KALLAX Shelving Unit WITH FOUR COMPARTMENTS BIRCH EFFECT, $59.99
  • MEDIUM-DENSITY Fiberboard (MDF): 151⁄2 X 571⁄2 INCHES
  • 1 1-INCH HIGH- DENSITY Upholstery Foam : 151⁄2 X 571⁄2 INCHES
  • Fabric : 291⁄2 X 71 INCHES
  • Scissors
  • Staple Gun AND STAPLES 

  • Power Drill

Steps (7 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    Begin by assembling the KALLAX shelving unit following the assembly instructions. Turn the assembled unit on its side.

  2. 2

    Next, lay your MDF board out on a flat
surface. Place the foam on top of the board and the fabric on top of the foam. Position 
the fabric so it is centered over the foam.

  3. 3

    Carefully turn the MDF board/foam/fabric
sandwich over. Now, begin to pull the fabric
around to the back of the MDF and secure it using a staple gun. Go slowly, checking you
are pulling the fabric taut to avoid wrinkles.

  4. 4

    At the corners, fold the fabric in neatly, as if wrapping a present, then staple in place.

  5. 5

    Once all the fabric is secured, lay the seat pad face down on the floor (ensuring that the floor is clean) and place the KALLAX shelving unit on top. Be sure to line up the shelves with the seat pad.

  6. 6

    You will see that there are a number of existing holes down one side of the shelving unit. You can use these holes to secure one side of your seat pad to the shelves using a drill and three 2-inch (5 cm) screws.

  7. 7

    When it comes to securing the other side, you will need to drill yourself three holes down this side and then screw in the remaining three 2-inch (5 cm) screws. Your reading bench is now ready to use.