The Lack side table is under $10 at IKEA; If you want to try an IKEA Lack table hack of your own, you’ll love this collection of projects!
If you are into IKEA hacks, there’s almost no better item to try than IKEA’s Lack table. At under $10 for an entire table, there’s almost no risk in purchasing one or more and trying a side table hack of your very own.
The Lack side table comes in five colors (sometimes they add a fun color just because) which gives you a lot of possibilities for projects to try.
Table of Contents
IKEA Lack
Just because the Lack is cheap doesn’t mean you want it to look that way, right? That’s where some well planned IKEA hacks come into play – and there are tons of ways to hack the Lack side table and turn it into the home decor piece you really want. Some of these IKEA Lack hacks look a bit more upscale and others are just really fun.
Choosing an IKEA Side Table to Hack
If you take a peek at the list of IKEA end tables they have online, you can see immediately why hacking the Lack is so popular. It’s not just the fact that it’s cheap, but it’s also because the table essentially forms a large box.
The top is completely square at 21 5/8″ x 21 5/8″, while the legs are 17 3/4″ long. The fact that a Lack is (almost) square makes it really easy to stack, and very straightforward when it comes to cutting, gluing, or screwing.
I can see why an IKEA Lack hack is one of the first IKEA hacks that people try. It’s great for beginners – no expertise required except for a basic knowledge of tools!
Tools for an IKEA Lack Hack
This post shows what your Lack side table looks like inside. Basically the top has a special honeycomb type construction that means it’s not solid wood but it can still hold weight. The legs are hollow except for small pieces of particle board at the top and bottom. Now you know why the table is so lightweight!
Because the Lack isn’t solid, you’re going to want to use a finishing blade on a regular miter saw to cut the the legs. I recommend figuring out where you want your cut, marking it, and then placing a piece of painter’s tape all the way around the leg.
You’ll cover the mark but you’ll still be able to see it if you used a black marker. Cutting the leg at the tape mark gives you a clean cut and keeps any splintering from happening.
Cutting the Top of a Lack
When you cut the top, I recommend drawing your shape first – let’s use a rectangle as an example. Draw the rectangle and then drill into the four corners (doesn’t matter what size). Don’t drill down through the bottom.
Use a jig saw to connect one drilled hole to another. Again – don’t go through the bottom; only the top layer.
Use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut out that portion of honeycomb. Then repeat the process above on the underside, measuring so that it exactly matches the rectangle you made on the top (obviously a measuring tape will be required). Sand the cut edges to finish.
IKEA Lack Hacks
Are you ready to hack a cheap-yet-attractive IKEA side table into the DIY of your dreams? I’m excited for you to see what I pulled together; just scroll down and let me know which IKEA Lack table hack is your favorite!
IKEA Lack Table Hacks
The Lack side table is under $10 at IKEA; If you want to try an IKEA Lack table hack of your own, you'll love this collection of really unique projects!
Closed End Table
In this IKEA Lack table hack, you’re going to create an end table with sliding doors. It’s easier than it looks!
Upholstered Ottomans
Who knew that a couple of IKEA end tables could be turned into expensive looking ottomans? This idea is genius.
Pleather Upgrade
I love the pleather that Chelsea added to the top of this IKEA side table – and the upholstery nail trim makes it look even more sophisticated.
Wooly Willy Table
This could be my favorite IKEA Lack hack of all time – turn one into a huge Wooly Willy game, complete with iron fillings for the hair.
Upgraded Legs
This IKEA side table got a major improvement with decorative wood legs and trim. I especially love the turquoise touches!
Play Table
Add two bins by cutting out sections of the table. You can put whatever you like in them, this one is shown outside with sand and toys.
Bottlecap Table
Finally, there’s something to do with your bottlecap collection! I love this revamped Lack top, made with grout.
Corner Shelf
Grab four IKEA end tables for an interesting display bookshelf for your living room. All you'll be doing is stacking with a few legs left out.
Around the Corner Table
Have you ever needed to put a table in an oddly shaped location? The Lack table is perfect for this situation since you can cut it! This one is cut to accommodate a corner that just out.
Wall Shelves
This tutorial turns an entire Lack side table into a shelf – using the legs for the displays. This is nice because it's a paint free project!
Bamboo Veneer Flowers
Monica used bamboo veneer to create these large silhouettes – making a bold statement on her two IKEA end tables.
Music LED Visualizer
Okay, this DIY project takes some skills, but imagine the lights moving as music plays! This is way more intense than the other projects, but it's such a cool way to change up a Lack I had to share.
Dog Bed
This is a puppy bed made for a king (or queen)! You can use the Lack table as your frame and create any shape headboard you like.
LEGO Table
Keep Legos off of the floor (and from permanently mangling your feet) by making a table that doubles as a play center and storage.
LEGO Table with Sliding Bins
Here is another idea for a LEGO table. This one has you attach a slide out tub to hold loose LEGOs. I also like the color coded storage above these tables!
Hide The Litterbox
Give your cat a little privacy by putting fabric on all four sides of the table. Attach it with Velcro so it can be removed and washed as needed.
Chalkboard Table
“Real” chalkboard tables are expensive! You’ll just need a Lack and chalkboard paint to make one on your own.
Hidden Storage Table
Create a hinged storage table to hide away mess, or, in the case, to store retro gaming supplies! You will need 2 Lack tables for this project.
Overlay Embellishment
Overlays are a great way to give a new look to a piece of furniture, and they work with the Lack really well.
Wood Paneling
Use two Lack tables to create a coffee table with inside storage. You can add the wood paneling as-is, or paint it to match your decor.
Map Upgrade
I love maps on everything, and that includes this map and decoupage table revamp in this Lack hack. If you want to avoid the wrinkles, mist the map with water before Mod Podging it down.
Platform Bed
Make a platform bed that is lightweight, portable and inexpensive. For a queen size mattress, you will need 12 Lack tables, and you don't even need to connect them together!
Light Table
Add a light to the inside of an IKEA side table to turn it into a fun toy that the kids will love. Plus adults can use it as a tracing table!
Stacked End Table
Take two IKEA Lack tables and stack them to create a table with a lower shelf. Great as an end table or a nightstand!
Dog Diner
My dogs push their bowls around the kitchen floor when they eat – it would be nice to have them stay in one place. This IKEA Lack table hack went straight to the dogs!
Want more IKEA hacks? Visit our collection of 8 IKEA coffee table hacks to see some great projects!
Aisha
Sunday 16th of June 2019
Hi! Thank you for sharing these ideas. Would you have the link for the stenciled lack?
David
Monday 11th of June 2018
These are really cool. I just did a #diy #ikealackhack project recent. It's geared more towards photographers that do photogrammetry, but could easily make an interesting serving table too since it uses a lazy susan. Could even add some internal lighting as well. https://www.provideocoalition.com/ikea-lack-photogrammetry-turntable/
Sophie - BLOG JOLI PLACE
Sunday 3rd of May 2015
Hi ! I'd like to ask you if it is possible to change the url of the ikea hack picture sending to my article about customizing an ikea lack table.
the one you're using is not available anymore :) you'd be very kind to replace it by the following url : : http://www.joliplace.com/diy-personnaliser-la-table-basse-lack-ikea/
Thank you very much best sophie
Amy
Sunday 3rd of May 2015
Done and thank you Sophie!