IKEA Hacks: How to Transform Your Furniture With 3D Printing
When it comes to furniture and furnishings, Swedish giant IKEA still reigns supreme. One trend that has emerged around the brand in recent years is the concept of IKEA Hacks. But what is exactly? It’s actually quite simple: the idea is to hack into Swedish furniture by transform it from its original function. The user modifies it to add functionalities, improve it, personalize it or simply change it completely. The reason we’re talking to you today is that 3D printing can play a key role in this concept. In fact, many 3D files are currently available for download to “hack” your IKEA furniture. Whether it’s extra storage, legs for your LACK table or lighting fixtures, there’s no shortage of ideas! Let’s take a look at a few of them to whet your curiosity.
As you no doubt know, 3D printing is renowned for its ability to manufacture bespoke objects. It’s an ideal method for imagining personalized pieces, responding to specific needs and constraints. In the interior design and decoration sector, it’s a popular technology because it can produce objects tailored to individual tastes. It can also be used to create unique stools or washbasins for your bathroom. And as part of our famous IKEA Hack, it can be used to design pieces that can be added to the brand’s furniture to add function and ultimately create a totally personalized solution. In fact, there’s a website where you can find lots of ideas and download the 3D files of your choice.
The LACK coffee table with a 3D-printed base
IKEA Hacks: An Increasingly Popular Concept
IKEA furniture has become so universal that it’s highly likely you’ll have one in your home. And it’s on this idea that the concept of IKEA Hacks was born: we all have a table, a chair, a lamp bought in one of the Swedish stores that we’d probably like to change to avoid finding the same one in the neighbor’s home. That’s where 3D printing comes in.
Among the most popular designs, for example, are the extra compartments in the RABBLA Box storage box: you go from a simple rectangular box to an organized, customizable solution. Continuing with boxes, it’s hard not to mention the SAMLA, a plastic storage box that has been repurposed to store and protect 3D printing filaments.
The SAMLA box ‘hacked’ as a storage box for 3D printing filaments (photo credits: IKEA Hackers)
In the kitchen, ideas abound! Whether it’s a solution to grind pepper faster, or parts to improve food storage, there’s no shortage of choice. There are a number of 3D files available for redesigning your worktop or storage space, typically an ÖRTFYLLD spice jar holder.
Finally, many concepts have emerged around the LACK coffee table, that famous piece of furniture available in several sizes, very easy to assemble and offered in several colors. 3D files include new leg designs for the table, and components to transform it into a box for your 3D printer (see cover photo)!
Photo Credits: IKEA Hackers
As you can see, there’s no shortage of ideas, and these IKEAS Hacks, which can be made using 3D printing or other manufacturing techniques for that matter, are sure to gain in popularity. It’s also a concept that reduces waste and encourages the reuse of our furniture. At a time when over-consumption is raising serious questions in terms of the environment, this kind of initiative comes just at the right time. In any case, don’t hesitate to share your ideas for 3D-printable IKEA Hacks!
What do you think about using additive manufacturing to improve the functionality of IKEA furniture? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here for the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*Cover Photo Credits: EugenioFructuoso/Thingiverse
