Bespoke Looking Bookcase for IKEA Prices

This IKEA bookcase hack has saved us over £2k!

We bought 4 x Havsta units from Ikea.

Once built, we screwed them together and placed where we wanted them in the room.

The units didn't come with a back so to create a more "in built" look we added some MDF to create a "wall" at the back.

We added batons around the side and top which we would use to board up to create a faux wall.

We used MDF to start to build up the "wall" around the side and top of the shelving units.

We used Decorators Caulk to hide the joins. We also added coving to match the rest of the room to give the impression it was part of the original wall.

We added a thin baton down in-between where each unit joined to hide the join between them. This made the units look united and not separate units stuck together!

We added a baton across the bottom of all the units too, this created a "plinth" that they all "sat" on.

Then we were ready for spraying.

We invested in a sprayer for applying the paint. It took a little getting used to! Spend 5 minutes practising first, there is a knack to it! It's easy once you get it though!

We then went through spraying the entire unit. It didn't take long. We did a couple of coats.

Make sure you prepare the room as the paint dust gets everywhere and remember to wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling it all!

Once it was all sprayed and dried we used a clear paint varnish to seal the paint and make sure it wouldn't chip. We used a matt one which was brilliant, you can't even see it.

In hindsight - we should probably have used a primer first. Would definitely do this next time.

Time to add the leather handles, they finish it off so well.

All done! A bespoke looking bookcase for a third of the price!

I hope you enjoyed seeing this Ikea hack. If you like my style, then have a look at my instagram account @thenewfrontwall for more Inso and ideas!

Jo x