TROFAST Makeover: DIY Kids’ Corner Desk from IKEA Storage
TROFAST Makeover: Children’s table from the TROFAST system
We wanted to create a space-saving and cosy corner for the children’s bedroom – with storage space, a small work surface for painting or craft projects, and plenty of room for creative ideas. To do this, we turned a simple IKEA TROFAST shelving unit into a corner table. We’ll show you how to use paint, wooden panels and a bit of DIY skill to build a really lovely, personalised space for your kids.
Materials for the corner desk
- 1x IKEA TROFAST shelving unit with boxes
- Limmaland TROFAST film
- Furniture varnish
- as required: furniture primer
- Sandpaper (fine grit, e.g. 180)
- 2x MDF boards – 15–20 mm thick: 44 cm x 120 cm (floating tabletop) and 44 cm x 99 cm (top on the TROFAST)
- 1x wooden strip approx. 30 cm long
- 1x angle bracket (wood or metal)
- 1x flat metal plate (to join the two wooden panels, approx. 15–20 cm long)
- Screws, wall plugs, washers (suitable for the wall and material – it’s best to seek advice at a DIY store)
💡 DIY tip: Use a paint-mixing service
Do you have a favourite colour in mind that would go perfectly with your piece of furniture? Or would you like to match the colour of your corner table to the film on your TROFAST boxes? Many DIY stores now offer a handy paint-mixing service: Simply bring along your Limmaland film, a colour chart or a favourite item – the machine scans the colour and creates the right shade for you. You can also select and mix your desired colours online with many suppliers, so you get the exact colour for your project.
Tools
- Cordless screwdriver or drill
- Paintbrush and paint roller
- Dust cloth or damp cloth
- Folding rule, pencil, marker pen, spirit level
- Sanding block or sander
1. Preparing the TROFAST unit and panels
Unscrew the slats from the boxes. Sand the entire TROFAST shelving unit thoroughly and then remove any dust. Apply a coat of primer to the TROFAST shelving unit and the two MDF panels as required, and leave everything to dry according to the instructions. Depending on the colour your furniture was previously and the colour you wish to paint over it, you can also skip the primer
2. Painting – how to get a really nice finish
Now it’s time for the coloured paint. It’s better to apply 2–3 thin coats rather than one thick one, to avoid any drips. Use a paint roller for large surfaces and a brush for edges and corners. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly (following the paint’s instructions). Once everything is dry, screw the strips back onto the boxes.
Would you like to know more about what to look out for when painting your furniture? We’ve summarised the most important tips and tricks for you.
3. Secure firmly: Fit the wall bracket
Place the smaller wooden board on the TROFAST shelf.
Then screw the screws into the wooden strip so that they protrude slightly at the back
Position the wooden strip against the wall so that it supports the larger board (the ‘floating’ tabletop) flush with the wall.
Tip: Mark the screw positions with a permanent marker, press the strip lightly against the wall, and then drill at the marked points. Next, insert the wall plugs and screw the strip securely in place.
4. Joining everything together: Fitting the panels together cleverly
Place the large panel on the wooden strip and align it straight. Now attach the bracket to the other end of the panel, between the wall and the panel, to ensure the structure is stable.
Move the TROFAST shelf slightly so that you can see the joint between the two panels from below Place the flat metal plate at the joint between the two MDF panels and screw it tight – this will securely join the panels together.
For the final finishing touches, be sure to check out our perfectly fitting TROFAST films, which you can use to spruce up the boxes in no time at all. Now all you need to do is decorate the table and your DIY children’s corner table is ready!
Alternative: TROFAST table top from IKEA
If you want to place the desk against a straight wall and the DIY project is too much of a faff, the matching table top from IKEA for the TROFAST shelving unit is ideal. You can easily fit it between any two TROFAST units. Here, a customer has given the desk a particularly lovely makeover by painting the tabletop and shelving unit, and decorating the TROFAST boxes with Limmaland film.
Even more TROFAST hacks for your home
Fancy some more creative hacks? Discover loads of inspiration, practical guides and creative ideas for the popular IKEA TROFAST shelving system.
