How a Hand-Me-Down EXPEDIT Became a Stylish TV Unit with Storage
Creating a unique and practical TV unit with storage from a secondhand IKEA EXPEDIT (now known as KALLAX) is a great way to upcycle and add a personal touch to your living room.
“For too many years, we used an old leftover piece from a big multimedia unit for our TV,” explained Siegried. “Each time we watched TV, we were watching the clutter, and it cluttered my mind.”
Recently, they renovated their bathroom and found a hand-me-down EXPEDIT that they previously used in an upright position. Recognizing an opportunity, they transformed it into an attractive TV stand that neatly stores all their books and the printer.
Siegried says the hardest part of the hack was convincing the boyfriend. “But now he is happy with the result, and so am I.”
Nevertheless, the DIY project did not all go smoothly. “I had to downsize my original plans,” Siegried adds. “I wanted something that allowed us to house a printer behind doors. At first, I wanted to install doors that go down or up or a sliding panel. But they would be in the way when we use the printer. The solution we came up with made it much easier to access and close the printer again.”
Besides the DIY aspect of the hack, Siegried also wanted to use what they already had lying around, upcycle, or buy thrift. The only things they bought new were the door magnets and one of the GNABBAS baskets.
Here’s how you can transform an old EXPEDIT into a functional TV stand with hidden storage for your printer and other items.
IKEA items used:
1 EXPEDIT (an old fifth-hand one. This hack works with the KALLAX, too)
1 EXPEDIT insert with two drawers (came with the EXPEDIT)
3 GNABBAS basket for KALLAX
Other materials:
Leather belt from the thrift store
Door magnet from a hardware store
Cornice, leftover from renovation
Back panels that I kept from old IKEA furniture
Shelf pins (universal ones)
Wallpaper
Wood paste filler
Paint
Nails & screws
Degreaser soda based
A strong adhesive (I used Tec 7 and wood glue)
Tools:
Box cutter
Jigsaw
Crosscut saw
Screwdriver
Drill
Putty knife
Paint roller & brush
Scouring pad
Making an EXPEDIT TV unit with a large storage compartment
1. Prepare the Large Compartment
Remove one of the upright panels to create a larger compartment for the printer. (This step is optional, but a larger compartment is helpful for storing a subwoofer or other electronic equipment.)
Fill all holes with wood paste and sand for smoothness.
2. Add A Shelf
Measure and cut an old furniture panel to size for an extra shelf above the printer. Use painter’s tape to ensure a clean cut. Insert shelf pins into the sides of the EXPEDIT cube to prop the shelf.
3. Finish the base
Measure, cut, and attach cornices to the bottom of the TV stand, filling any gaps with wood paste.
4. Cover the Back with Panels
For this step, they used back panels from old IKEA furniture. If you do not have old panels, you can cover the back of the KALLAX with plywood or thin MDF boards. Measure and cut the back panels to size with a box cutter.
Secure the back panel with small nails. Drill a hole through the panel for the printer cables. Cover the back panels with wallpaper or paint them.
6. Create the Front Panel
Modify one of the GNABBAS baskets by cutting out the bottom and creating a door to conceal the printer.
Measure and cut the GNABBAS basket, folding the sides to the back to create a door. Install the door magnets by screwing them in place on the EXPEDIT and attaching the metal plate to the GNABBAS panel.
7. Clean and Paint
Degrease the EXPEDIT with a scouring pad and soda-based cleaner for better paint. Then, paint itXPEDIT with a primer and two layers of durable paint.
8. Finishing Touches
Measure and cut the leather belt to the desired length for the drawer handles. Attach them to the drawers using screws. Insert the drawers and place the GNABBAS baskets in the remaining compartments.
9. Final Assembly
Position your new TV unit with storage in the desired spot in your living room. Install all electronics, such as your TV and printer, and organize cables neatly.
Decorate the top of the stand with plants or other items to add a personal touch. Take a moment to admire your handiwork and make any necessary adjustments.
Time and Project Cost
The project was relatively quick and easy — they did it in two days. The longest part was waiting for the paint to dry. It is not a high-level IKEA KALLAX hack but involves more than just painting.
Siegried’s advises newbie hackers, “See what you already have for a hack. That way, you boost your creativity and keep your hacks low-cost. You may have to adjust the results slightly, but it will be beautiful and practical. The total cost of the hack was €12,46 ($13.35) for one GNABBAS and the door magnets.”
If you had to purchase all the materials, including paint and wood, the cost could be around €45 ($48), not including the EXPEDIT. By using materials you already have, you not only save money but also engage in a creative and sustainable upcycling project.
Anything to improve?
The duo is happy with the results of their IKEA hack. The front panel to hide the printer is more robust than they initially thought, and access to the printer is easy and unencumbered.
The only thing they would change would be the handles if they find prettier ones in the future. “It is okay for now; it will look fancier if I use other ones than the leather. The ones I want would cost more than everything together, so I wait until I find some secondhand,” Siegried says.
With countless TV stand hacks available, they hope their unique approach will inspire others to reuse their old IKEA furniture and have fun, giving them a new purpose.
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