Use TikTok's IKEA Shelf Hack To Create An Easily Customizable Bed Frame

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When picking out a new bed frame, the options are endless and the prices vary, which can make it challenging to decide on one. While you can research the most affordable bed frame, or check which furniture stores have the cheapest beds, sometimes they're not the sturdiest nor may they fit your interior's style. Instead of settling for a lesser option, you can easily DIY an affordable bed frame. TikTok user @elorium8 made a bed frame using different IKEA shelves that she connected. The shelving units have open cubbies for storage, which she used to place wicker baskets inside. Incorporating the baskets elevated the bed's appearance, giving it personality instead of looking hollow and awkward.

Using IKEA shelving units prevents you from assembling a 40-piece bed frame where you install individual wood panels. Instead, you'll use joining brackets to connect the units, which saves you time. The shelves needed for the DIY project are from the KALLAX collection, including a tall four-shelf piece and a short, two-shelf unit. Sometimes DIY projects can be challenging, but this one is beginner-friendly and you can complete it in one day. Here's how to use the IKEA shelf hack to create a bed frame.

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Building a bed frame using Ikea shelves is simple and can take just a day to complete. The time-consuming tasks will be assembling each unit, but the setup is a breeze. You'll need two IKEA KALLAX shelving units in size 16 ½ x 57 ⅞ inches, two smaller KALLAX shelving units in size 30 ⅜ x 16 ⅛ inches, an IKEA TROFAST shelf frame, a saw, joining brackets, and a drill.

First, assemble the KALLAX shelving units according to their instructions in the room you will create the bed frame. Then, begin setting up the bed frame by placing the taller unit on its side and the smaller unit perpendicular to it. The small unit will cover one of the long unit's cubbies. Next, blocking the right cubby, put the second long unit in front of the short unit so that it's parallel to the first long unit. Complete the rectangle by placing the second short unit in the empty space. You'll then have an unobstructed rectangular opening in the middle.

You'll want to measure the space in the middle to cut down the TROFAST frame using a saw so that it fits inside. Once it's cut, assemble it, and place it in the space. Finally, connect the KALLAX shelving units with joining brackets — two per unit — and admire your new bed frame. You can also add baskets, bins, or decorations to your cubbies.

We mentioned how buying a pre-made bed frame can be expensive. If you're working on a budget, you still want something durable, long-lasting, and attractive. We know sticking to a price point is vital, so we broke down TikToker @elorium8's DIY project. The larger IKEA KALLAX unit costs $64.99, the smaller KALLAX unit costs $39.99, the TROFAST frame costs $39.99, and the joining brackets cost $12.99 from Amazon. The total cost for the bed frame project is $262.94 before taxes and shipping, which is on the lower end of the bed frame price spectrum. Plus, it offers extra storage space, especially for smaller rooms. Of course, the price will differ if you need to purchase materials you don't already have, such as a drill, a saw (hand or electric), and any baskets or bins.

One thing to keep in mind is the size of the bed frame. It measures 120 x 190 centimeters, which is a bit smaller than a double-size bed. Yet, you can always purchase more of the small KALLAX shelving units to extend the frame. You'll also need extra TROFAST units to occupy the larger space in the middle. It'll take more time, but it's not impossible to complete. You can also check out other DIY bed frames if you're looking for a larger size.