IKEA’s allure lies not just in its extensive range of well-crafted and affordable furniture but also in the potential for creativity it offers. With some innovative thinking and a bit of research, you can draw inspiration from the top IKEA hacks on TikTok and other online DIY communities to transform budget-friendly items into impressive, high-end replicas. One such viral hack has savvy home enthusiasts discovering how to create a sophisticated and modern console table from an unexpected item: the 11-inch BLANDA MATT serving bowl.
You might be wondering, how do you transform a serving bowl into a stylish piece of furniture? The secret lies in using a good amount of glue and a tabletop. By adhering multiple bowls together at their rims and bases, you form columns of stacked spheres that serve as table legs. Next, all that’s left is to add the tabletop.
This design approach is akin to converting this IKEA kitchen staple into a modern bedside table, but here it is elevated to function as a striking living room display. Without the need for cutting, shaping, or advanced woodworking skills, this project is attainable for any DIY enthusiast. Simply apply adhesive, then enjoy the creative process of painting and designing a piece that you’ll cherish and your guests will admire.
DIY a convincing high-end console table with IKEA dishware
To construct this table, you’ll need several BLANDA MATT bowls and a tabletop surface. Console tables usually measure up to 24 inches deep, so options like the LAGKAPTEN tabletop will fit within this range. Measure your space to determine the best fit. If you can’t find a suitable tabletop at IKEA, consider repurposing doors or other old items, or purchase fresh lumber from stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot and have it cut to size.
For the table legs, alternate the IKEA bowls between upside down and right side up to create a stacked sphere design. Console tables typically stand 28 to 32 inches high, so with each bowl being about 5 inches tall, you’ll need five or six per leg, depending on the tabletop’s thickness. For stability, begin each leg with an upside-down bowl so the rim rests on the floor. Use a strong, quick-setting adhesive like Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive on the bowl bottom, then stack another bowl on top. Continue applying adhesive to the rims and stacking bowls upside down to form spheres.
Keep alternating and gluing the bowls until you achieve the desired height. As you build, use a vertical level around the leg’s sides to ensure the bowls align perfectly in a straight column. Once the legs are constructed, apply wood filler to any gaps and sand them smooth for seamless connections.
Make this easy DIY console table all your own
After constructing the legs, attach the tabletop and start contemplating how to finish the design with color and texture. Lightly sand the surfaces to roughen the bowls’ smooth exterior, and add your favorite paint color or an appealing stain. Textured paints, like Rust-Oleum Stone Creations Spray, can enhance the aesthetic with faux stone and other natural effects. For the tabletop, consider using a matching paint or create a contrast with the legs. Contact paper is a practical option, providing realistic patterns across the surface.
Customization isn’t limited to the finishing touches. From the start, you can swap the BLANDA MATT bowls for different styles to create unique designs. Instead of using the 11-inch bowls, consider downsizing to the 5- or 8-inch versions for a different look and reduced cost. DIY enthusiasts have also successfully used the metal BLANDA BLANK bowls, or you might experiment with how the GRÖNSAKER bowls stack in an unconventional shape.
You can also add shelving to your creation. Reflect the tabletop design with a shelf at the bottom, providing a flat, stable foundation for additional storage. For those feeling particularly adventurous, incorporate more shelves between the spheres, crafting an artsy DIY console table that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
