Half-pint Effektiv holds computer and subwoofer for media desk

Materials: Effektiv cabinet, custom birch plywood table top

Description: Last year, we installed a large set of Effektiv cabinetry in the family room: shelving for games and books and drawers for videos and toys, etc. Two standard Effektiv wall cabinets across the middle created a 67" wide space for a desk, but Ikea has no good option for tables or desks 67" wide. So, we made a 67" wide birch-plywood "media desk" using this cut-down Effektiv cabinet for support. "Media desk" means that the cabinet contains and hides our media computer and the subwoofer part of the audio system. It also hides a large pile of cables, with the help of a Galant cable organizer.

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Pottery Barn inspired desk transformation

Materials: Effective Desk and wood file cabinets

Description: I was inspired by a desk set at Pottery Barn that I couldn't afford. I used my old (red/brown) Effective Desk and bought two solid oak file cabinets off craigslist for $75.

before

- I painted the Desk Top and the cabinets Benjamin Moore's Timid White
- I removed the Ikea legs and hardware from the desk and braced the back corner with some braces I fashioned from metal plates and $2 banister inserts from Home Depot. It is solid!
- The Desk Top just rests on the cabinets at either end.

I love how it turned out.

See more of the Effektiv desk transformation.

~ Nicole, BC, Canada

Back painted glass backsplash

Materials: Effektiv, Inreda

Description:
Our kitchen does not have a full splash and no matter how careful I am, I have spilled stuff all over the walls. I used to put a piece of cardboard paper around the stove everytime I cooked to protect the most affected area. We like the look of the trendy back painted glass backsplash but it is too expensive to have it custom made. We noticed that Ikea carries a lot of extra glass shelves for book cases and cabinets. All of these shelves are made of tempered glass; its resistance to high temperature and shock made it ideal for use in the kitchen area. The extra shelf of the Ikea “Effektiv” and “Inreda” series have a height of 14 inches so they fit well in between the granite and the cabinet.They are both priced at a steal of $10 a piece.

I googled the internet trying to find a paint that bonds well with glass. I found an outfit who sells glass primer paint online but you have to get it by a gallon and we only need a couple of ounces. We ended up buying from Michaels the Delta Permaenamel paint and Surface conditioner which is specially formulated for glass. We cleaned the surface really good, applied the Surface conditoner and painted it with two coats of Permaenamel. After the paint cured in ten days, we adhered the glass to the wall using a clear non corrosive silicone.

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Effektiv Hallway Bench

Materials: Effektiv low add-on unit and shelf; Effektiv plinth; electric drill; Ritva cushions

Description: This was an unplanned, rather simple hack, so I didn't think to take pictures until after I put it together. I made a hallway bench from Effektiv parts, to coordinate with some other pieces I already own.

Instead of assembling the plinth on the base of the Effektiv cabinet, which would've made the bench too high to sit on comfortably, I drilled pilot holes in the top of the cabinet and mounted the plinth as shown. Two Ritva cushions finish the bench. It provides the perfect height and support for both me and my 6 foot, 280-pound husband, and holds up to 8 pairs of shoes.

~ Nanners

Effektively hiding a cat box

Materials: Effektiv: base with legs, add-on unit (high), door; Metrik door handles

Description: Cat box hacks are becoming so common on Ikeahacker that this hardly counts as a hack. I thought I'd send it anyway, since I haven't seen the Effektiv used this way before.

It's the classic story (unsightly litterbox, small apartment) with a twist: my cat is messier than average, so she uses a CleverCat top-entry litterbox... which is great, but bulky.

It turns out the Effektiv office cabinet is the perfect size for this behemoth cat box, with enough space left over for storing spare litter, and even an electric air cleaner on a shelf! It was also relatively simple to make, just needing two holes, one of the shelves cut in two, and some angle brackets to keep the shelf steady. I can even add another unit on top if I need more enclosed storage later.

I have new respect for your apartment hackers and their hacks. I had to call in favours from three separate friends to borrow the tools and workspace to make this happen.

~ David Perry, Ottawa, Ontario

Classy built in bedroom

Materials: Effektiv, Hopen, Micke, Vika

Description: Once I figured out what I wanted to do this hack was pretty simple, knowing is half the battle. I used the Hopen 5 drawer units for the base Then I set the Micke drawers on top. On top of Micke I put an Effektiv cabinet with frosted glass doors. I mounted the Effektiv unit to the wall and screwed in two Vika legs under for extra support. Considering that I am going to be sleeping right next to this Ikea tower.

To add my classy details I used 2 rolls of damask printed wrapping paper from Target. On the glass drawers and doors I simply taped it on the inside. On the Micke drawers and on my wall I used Mod Podge (one of my favorite mediums) it can be found at any craft store.

~ Liz, CA