IKEA Hack: Turn Your Kallax Into a Bench With This No-sew Cushion

Kate Decorates
by Kate Decorates
$50
30 Minutes
Easy

We’ve had an IKEA Kallax shelving unit for a few years now. (Doesn’t everyone have an IKEA Kallax? I love these things.) It first held toy bins in our main level playroom, and then we moved it to the basement where it plays a similar role. I recently decided to turn it on its side, and then figured I’d make it into a bench to add some extra seating for the kids or adults, which is especially useful when we have play dates with multiple kids and families in our basement.


Well, I consulted my dear friend Google in an attempt to find a sturdy, Kallax-sized cushion, and guess what? Oh yes, they are available on Etsy…..for anywhere from $150 to $200.


I decided there had to be an easy way for me to make one for a fraction of the cost.

And I’m excited to tell you that I did make my own cushion, and it was so, so simple. My version cost me about $50, a trip to the fabric and hardware stores, and about 30 minutes of time.


Much better than the alternative, right?! The best part is that there was NO SEWING REQUIRED! (I can barely sew a button on a shirt, so this was excellent news.)


Here's what you'll need for this project:

  • One piece of MDF board, cut to the size of your Kallax
  • One piece of 3″ multi-purpose foam
  • About 3 yards of good quality fabric of your choice
  • Fabric scissors
  • A serrated kitchen knife
  • A heavy duty staple gun


For the full tutorial and more photos, visit my blog at KateDecorates.co: https://www.katedecorates.co/easy-diy/ikea-hack-turn-kallax-bench-easy-no-sew-cushion/

Kate Decorates
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Trudy Coyle Trudy Coyle on Aug 28, 2017

    Beautiful job, lovely bench. I sew so I'd probably do a sewn cover with a zipper so I could remove it for washing, especially in the grandchildren's room. Little finger smudges and such. Great idea for a no sew version though, turned out great.

    • Kate Decorates Kate Decorates on Aug 29, 2017
      Thanks, Trudy! Totally agree that it would be great to have a bench with a removable cushion cover so that cleaning it is easier. I need to learn to sew. :)
  • Barbara Barbara on Nov 29, 2017

    I have purchased several yards of wonderful material at either of my Local Walmarts and the price is great

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