IKEA Kids DIY: Transform Furniture for Fun Projects
Discover how to repurpose affordable IKEA furniture into creative play spaces for children. This beginner-friendly DIY project allows adults to transform basic items like the DUKTIG play kitchen or SKÅDIS pegboard into personalized play kitchens and art stations. Perfect for parents looking to create engaging play environments while enjoying a relaxing, creative project. With minimal tools and materials needed, these transformations offer high-value play spaces at a fraction of the cost of specialty children's furniture.
What You'll Learn
Basic furniture upcycling techniques like sanding and painting
How to customize IKEA pieces for children's use
Safe mounting and assembly methods
Design planning for functional kids' spaces
Creates engaging play spaces that foster imagination
Provides an affordable alternative to expensive specialty children's furniture
Offers a creative outlet and stress relief for adults
Encourages family bonding when kids help with appropriate steps
Materials and Tools Needed
Everything you need to get started with this project
Tools
Materials
Safety First
Wear gloves when sanding to protect your hands from splinters.
Use safety glasses when drilling or screwing to protect your eyes from debris.
Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when applying paints.
Ensure finished projects are stable and secure to prevent tipping when children use them.
Read IKEA instructions carefully for any specific safety precautions.
Keep small parts like screws and hooks away from young children during the project.
Video Tutorial
IKEA DUKTIG Play Kitchen Transformation
Watch this step-by-step tutorial on transforming a basic IKEA DUKTIG into a colorful, personalized play kitchen for kids.
Project Steps
Step by Step Guide
Play Kitchen Transformation (DUKTIG)
Purchase the IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen ($39.99) and inspect for damage. Unpack all pieces and review the assembly instructions before beginning your customization.
Sand the Kitchen Surfaces
Sand all wooden surfaces with 120 grit sandpaper, then finish with 180-220 grit for smoothness. Focus especially on edges where children will be touching the play kitchen frequently.
Paint the Kitchen
Apply non-toxic paint in bright colors kids will love. Consider painting the base one color (like blue) and the upper cabinets another (like red). Allow each coat to dry completely (usually 24 hours) before applying a second coat if needed.
Art Station Creation
Purchase the IKEA pegboard ($15.99) and plan where it will be mounted on the wall. Measure carefully to ensure it will be at an appropriate height for your child.
Mount the Pegboard
Use a level to mark where you'll mount the pegboard. Drill holes and use wall anchors if mounting on drywall. Secure the pegboard with screws, ensuring it's firmly attached to the wall.
Organize Art Supplies
Add pegboard accessories like bins and hooks to hold art supplies. Organize materials by type—crayons in one container, markers in another, paper in a third. Consider color-coding containers for visual appeal and easy clean-up.
Tips and Tricks
Creativity Tips:
Use painter's tape to create geometric patterns or stripes on the play kitchen
Add a chalkboard area to the play kitchen with chalkboard paint for writing menus
For the art station, arrange bins in rainbow order for visual appeal and learning
Consider adding contact paper 'backsplash' to the play kitchen for easy cleaning
Relaxation Tips:
Play soft music while sanding or painting to enhance the calming process
Take breaks between steps to stretch and reset your focus
Involve kids in choosing colors or testing features to make it a bonding activity
Set up your work area away from distractions to fully engage with the creative process
How to Use
Displaying Your Creation
Place the play kitchen in a common area like the living room for easy access during playtime
Mount the art station in a well-lit area to encourage creativity
Keep play food and utensils nearby in baskets for quick setup
Consider rotating accessories seasonally to maintain interest
Encouraging Use
Suggest play scenarios like 'running a cafe' or 'creating a masterpiece'
Join in the play yourself to model engagement
Praise effort and creativity, regardless of the outcome
Keep the area tidy and inviting for the next play session
Activity Idea: Craft Challenge
Provide specific materials at the art station and challenge kids to create something based on a theme (e.g., 'make a robot', 'design a greeting card').
Educational Benefits
These simple IKEA transformations offer significant developmental benefits:
Imagination & Creativity: Custom spaces inspire pretend play and artistic expression.
Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating play kitchen items or art supplies builds dexterity.
Organization Skills: Learning to tidy up the art station or kitchen.
Problem Solving: Figuring out how to 'cook' or create with available tools.
Decision Making: Choosing colors, themes, or play scenarios.
Emotional Expression: Art and pretend play provide outlets for feelings.
Cost-Effective Learning: Provides rich play value without high expense.
Project Variations
DUKTIG Cafe Counter
Modify the play kitchen to resemble a cafe counter, adding a small awning or menu board.
SKÅDIS Tool Bench
Use the pegboard setup to organize toy tools instead of art supplies, creating a mini workshop.
Combined Kitchen & Art Nook
Place the art station pegboard above or next to the play kitchen to create a combined creative zone.
Common Problems and Solutions
Common Problems & Solutions
Thorough sanding is crucial. Use a quality primer designed for laminate or smooth surfaces before applying paint.
Ensure accessories are properly clicked into the pegboard holes. Avoid overloading heavy items on small hooks.
Use an electronic stud finder. If studs aren't ideally placed, consider mounting a horizontal wooden cleat to the studs first, then attach the pegboard to the cleat.
Double-check all IKEA assembly steps were followed correctly. Consider adding L-brackets to secure it to a wall, especially if toddlers will use it.
Use plenty of containers and bins. Label them clearly. Establish a simple clean-up routine after each art session.
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View Project →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to sand IKEA furniture before painting?
Yes, especially for pieces with a laminate or foil finish. Sanding (and priming) roughens the surface, allowing the paint to adhere properly and preventing chipping.
What kind of paint is best?
Use a water-based, non-toxic paint (like acrylic or chalk paint) certified safe for children's items. Apply a non-toxic clear topcoat for durability.
Can I use contact paper instead of paint?
Yes, contact paper is a great no-paint option for adding color or patterns, especially for backsplashes or countertops on the play kitchen. Ensure edges are well-secured.
How do I make the play kitchen more realistic?
Add small battery-operated LED lights for 'oven' or 'microwave' lights, stick-on hooks for utensils, or even a small tension rod for a curtain under the sink.
Are these projects renter-friendly?
The play kitchen modification doesn't affect walls. Mounting the pegboard requires drilling; use appropriate removable wall anchors and patch holes upon moving if necessary.