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 for IKEA Kids DIY
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 for IKEA Kids DIY
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
Maintaining Your IKEA DIY Projects:
Wipe surfaces regularly with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and spills
Check all screws and mounts monthly to ensure stability
Touch up paint as needed in high-use areas
Reorganize supplies regularly to keep the spaces inviting
Activity Idea: Play Kitchen Restaurant
Encourage children to create a 'restaurant' with their play kitchen. They can write menus on paper (or the chalkboard area if you added one), take orders, and 'prepare' meals for family members. This activity builds language skills, math concepts, and social interaction.
Educational Benefits
These IKEA DIY projects offer numerous benefits beyond just creating play spaces:
Upcycling skills - Learn to repurpose items rather than buying new, promoting sustainability
Creativity development - Express yourself through customization choices while creating something useful
Stress relief - Engage in focused activity away from screens and daily pressures
Cost savings - Create specialized play spaces for a fraction of retail prices ($100+ for similar items)
Design thinking - Plan a project with specific user needs in mind
Tool familiarity - Build comfort using basic tools for future home projects
Problem-solving - Overcome unexpected challenges during the transformation process
Personal satisfaction - Experience the pride of creating something functional and beautiful
Project Variations
IKEA KALLAX Play Store
Transform an IKEA KALLAX shelf unit into a play store by adding a small countertop extension and bins for pretend groceries. Paint the frame in bright colors and add signage. Base cost: approximately $20 for a small KALLAX unit plus paint and accessories.
IKEA FLISAT Table Craft Station
Convert an IKEA FLISAT children's table into a dedicated craft station by adding pegboard sides for hanging supplies and storage bins underneath. Paint the table top with chalkboard paint for dual functionality. Base cost: approximately $30 for the table plus modifications.
IKEA MICKE Desk Puppet Theater
Repurpose an old IKEA MICKE desk by adding a tall backdrop board and curtain rod to create a puppet theater. Paint a scene on the backdrop and add storage underneath for puppets and props. Base cost: approximately $25 for paint and fabric if you already have the desk.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Making Math Learning Blocks
Common Problems & Solutions
Ensure surfaces are thoroughly sanded, and consider using a primer specifically designed for laminate or wooden surfaces before applying your final paint color.
Use appropriate wall anchors for your wall type, and ensure screws go into wall studs when possible. Add additional mounting points if the board still feels unstable.
Check that hinges are properly aligned and not clogged with paint. Sand down areas where paint has built up too thick, particularly around moving parts.
Break the project into smaller steps—sand one day, paint the next, and add accessories another day. This makes the process more manageable and enjoyable.
Test paint on a small, inconspicuous area first. Remember that colors often dry darker or lighter than they appear wet, and multiple coats may be needed for true color.
For pegboards, ensure you're using the correct hooks designed for the specific hole pattern. For wooden pieces, pre-drill holes slightly smaller than screws to prevent splitting while ensuring a tight fit.
Recommended Tools for IKEA Kids DIY
Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Jigsaw
A cordless jigsaw for cutting custom shapes in wood or MDF for kids' furniture modifications, with variable speed for precision.
Ryobi P215 18V ONE+ Drill/Driver Kit
A lightweight 18V drill for assembling IKEA parts or adding custom features, with two-speed settings for versatility.
Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush
A 2-inch angled paintbrush for applying paint or stain to finished furniture, ensuring a smooth, safe surface for kids.
Craftsman 8-Piece Wrench Set
A set of wrenches for tightening bolts on IKEA furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IKEA items are best for beginners to transform?
Start with simpler items like the DUKTIG play kitchen or SKÅDIS pegboard, which require minimal structural changes. These pieces are designed to be assembled easily and have surfaces that can be customized with basic tools and techniques.
How long do these projects typically take to complete?
Most IKEA transformations take 2-3 hours of active working time, spread across 1-2 days when including drying time for paint. The complexity increases if you're adding custom elements like shelving or hooks, but most projects can be completed in a weekend.
What type of paint works best on IKEA furniture?
Water-based acrylic paints work well on properly sanded IKEA furniture. Look for non-toxic, low-VOC options, especially for children's items. Some crafters also have success with chalk paint, which often requires less surface preparation.
Do I need to disassemble IKEA furniture before transforming it?
It depends on the piece and your planned modifications. For items like the DUKTIG kitchen, it's often easier to paint pieces before assembly. For pegboards or shelving units, you might transform them after basic assembly but before mounting or adding accessories.