26 Clever DIYs Where IKEA’s $13 Table Takes The Spotlight

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The IKEA LACK side table is as “IKEA” as it gets. Minimal. Particleboard exterior. “Honeycomb” interior. Easy to assemble.

Recently, IKEA reduced the price of the LACK side table from $14.99 to $12.99, making it a remarkably affordable candidate for customizations.

IKEA makes this simple side table in various colors, the most common being black, white, and wood veneer. Occasionally, IKEA may release limited edition versions in bolder colors and finishes. The side table is part of the LACK range, which also includes coffee tables, a TV stand, and wall shelves.

We’ll explore 26 unique and creative ways to hack and use the IKEA LACK side table in your home, some of which you may never have thought of before.

1. Table with Cube Base

DIYer Teadelena gives the side table a new look. She dropped the LACK legs and replaced them with another IKEA product—an EKET cube. Assemble the EKET cube and use an adhesive such as Liquid Nails to glue the edge of the EKET cube to the underside of the LACK side table. You can also finish the sides of the EKET cube with wood slats or trim if you want to further embellish it.

2. Arched Leg Tables

Inspired by coffee tables she saw, Kate decided to transform the table set to feature elegantly arched legs. She cut out arch shapes from 6mm MDF with a jigsaw and stuck them onto the bottom of the table and the sides of the legs. For the finishing touch, she primed the set with every IKEA hacker’s favorite primer and painted it with Rust-Oleum Furniture Paint. She let the paint dry completely and was done!

If you love this IKEA LACK side table hack but don’t have the woodworking tools for it, here’s an easier table hack using corbels.

3. Sculptural accent table

Briana’s extensive makeover elevates the square end table into a high-end sculptural side table that looks and feels luxe. She used round 8″ tubes to make the base, cut into 18″ sections. The legs are glued to each other and to the base of the tabletop. Once the glue had cured, she covered the entire table with the plaster of Paris. After the plaster had fully set, she sanded it down and sealed it with a few sprays of clear topcoat. The last step is to place it next to the sofa and move on to styling.

4. Make them into a Faux Fireplace

Annalisa Rizzo wanted to create a candle fireplace using two LACK tables that she already had. She originally used it as a TV stand but found that an IKEA hack could elevate the two tables into a faux fireplace and media stand.

5. Art Deco Coffee Table

We love Mark’s surprising take on the LACK. It goes Art Deco, bordering on maximalism. Mark made the decorative pieces from plywood, cut with a jigsaw. Each piece is then painted in glossy black paint and edged with a metallic paint pen. Mark painted the entire side table with the same black gloss paint to match. He then used the E-6000 adhesive to glue the decorative panels to the corners of the table.

6. Make it a Mirror Side Table

Mirrors are always a good idea, especially when they do double duty. Frank & Selli guide us through the straightforward process of hacking a DIY mirror table from a basic IKEA LACK side table.

7. A Craft and Sewing Table

There are many ways to build a craft table. This one from Brooke is one of the easiest I’ve seen, made from 12 LACK side tables. The space beneath the LACK table tops provided space for storage, which she organized with baskets and bins.

8. The TikTok Tile table

TikTok made her do it. The viral tile table caught April’s eye, and she had to try it out for herself. She used 2×2″ tiles, which were just right for the LACK table’s dimensions.

11. A Cat Hammock Side Table

A student project, but it does work. You’ll need to assemble two LACK tables together and add some cute feet if necessary. Then, within the space, hang a cat hammock from the four corners of the table. Cut MDF boards into the shape you want. Then use screws to install them and cover up all 4 sides of the table for kitty privacy. A cozy hideout for your cat.

12. Side Table turned Indoor Dog House

Rather than discarding an old red LACK table, Rafaela turned it into a cute dog house for her pup. She turned the LACK side table upside down and used peel and stick shelf liner to cover up the striking red color. She used a roll-on beach mat as a covering and a few nails to keep it in place. Pup loves it!

13. As A Homemade Flight Simulator 

Eric Ferguson built an incredible homemade flight simulator for his seven-year-old nephew using IKEA LACK tables. The secret lies in the tables’ hollow construction. Ferguson cleverly utilized the MDF shelf from a medium LACK coffee table to create the base and frame of the simulator. The main back piece came from an IKEA end table, perfectly suited for its hollow core.

14. As wall art

The LACK’s square dimensions are also great for displaying art. Think of the tabletop as a square piece of canvas, then create as you wish. You can wrap the tabletop in masking tape like how Mike did. Or use fabric. You can try decals too.

15. As a Mobile Kitchen Island

No space for a kitchen island? Stack two of the LACK side tables and secure them to each other. Then, add wheels. There you have it: a mobile compact kitchen island cart.

16. Kitchen Island on a Budget

Would you believe that this kitchen island is made from 6 IKEA LACK side tables? While the striped plaster boards may look dated, the concept is still as good as new. If you need an affordable renter-friendly kitchen island with lots of storage cubes, this is the DIY project for you.

17. As Ceiling Lights

Not your regular IKEA LACK table hack. Here’s a classy-looking light using the IKEA LACK side tables as a frame for the LED spotlights.

18. Hack it into a Bedside Table

Just one LACK may be too low as a nightstand, and two LACKs may be a tad too tall. So here’s how to cut them down to size and have a two-tiered LACK bedside table, with an additional shelf for your knick-knacks.

19. As A Headboard With Integrated Bedside Tables

Using a mix of IKEA LACK coffee tables, Kennet made a headboard to span the width of the bed, integrating bedside tables at the end. An all-in-one headboard solution.

20. As a Mobile Play Kitchen

I love this mobile play kitchen by Kirstin. It’s compact, can be easily transported from one room to another, yet has everything including the kitchen sink.

21. As a Train Table

Making a train table is not as hard as it seems. You only need 2 LACK side tables, an activity rug, tracks, and lots of trains!

22. As a LEGO Storage Box

This is genius! Martin made a series of LEGO storage drawers that fit between the LACK’s table legs. At playtime, the drawers are used as sorters.

23. As a Lightbox

For photographers, the IKEA LACK side table can easily transform into a useful lightbox.

24. As a Mobile Standing Desk

A movable standing desk from 3 LACK side tables. Add casters to roll it to where you need it to be.

25. As an Audio Rack

A classic LACK Rack Hack. If you have lots of audio equipment, you’ll love this sturdy rack with modern style and clean lines.

26. As a Patio Lounger

This is not an easy hack. Charles made this from multiple LACK side tables. He cut it in half, filled it with expanding insulation foam, and covered it with latex paint (for waterproofing). Then, he assembled it into an outdoor lounger. Add a few plush cushions, and done.

So, if you have an IKEA LACK side table or two stashed somewhere, all wobbly or scratched up; don’t throw them out yet. There are always ways to make them into something useful again.