Does your bedroom wall have quirky features that get in the way of your design dreams?
If you figure you’re just stuck with them, this Reddit post is about to bring you new hope.
Leave it to an IKEA hacker to turn an awkward wall into a focal feature. Tjveld @reddit was puzzled over the chimney bump-out in their bedroom because it made it impossible to fit a standard headboard.
Instead of fighting it, they found a brilliant workaround, literally.
Check out how they created the ultimate headboard, disguising the tricky bump-out and adding hidden storage to boot.
An IKEA Headboard Hack That Makes the Most of an Awkward Wall
What You’ll Need
- 4 IKEA METOD cabinets (or equivalent SEKTION 12″ wide cabinets)
- 1 NORDLI headboard
- MDF/Plywood panels
- Oak board
- Varnish
- Primer
- Paint that matches the wall
- Heavy-duty adhesive
- USB Outlets
- Junction Box (depending on your electrical needs)
- Basics — screw gun, drill, saw, screws
1. Assemble the METOD Cabinets, Stack Them, and Back Them
Put together the four METOD cabinets according to IKEA’s instructions. (METOD isn’t available at IKEA US, but the ENHET or SEKTION could be possible alternatives.)
Stack two on each side of the bump-out, placing the top one upside-down on the other, and screwing them together. Add a sheet of MDF or plywood to the back of the stacks to add further reinforcement.
2. Position the Cabinets and Add Wood Panels
Place the stacked cabinets so that everything lines up with the width of the headboard. Then, add MDF or plywood sheets across the entire setup, including the chimney bump-out and both METOD towers. This gives you one continuous flat surface that becomes the foundation for the NORDLI headboard.
3. Attach the IKEA Headboard
Install the NORDLI headboard on your new wall. Make sure the top of the headboard lines up with the tops of the stacked METOD cabinets.
4. Prime and Paint If Needed
The hacker was able to get black METOD cabinets and a black NORDLI headboard to go with their black wall. They painted the bottom of the wood panels to match the wall to make everything look polished and built-in.
To achieve the built-in look that the OP showcases, you’ll need paint to match your wall. Therefore, if you need to paint, first sand and prime the cabinets and headboard, then paint them in your desired color.
5. Set Up Electrical
The hacker had an outlet on the wall behind the cabinets, so they added a central junction box to run to USB outlets they installed on either side of the headboard (under the side shelves).
The OP provides a helpful diagram of their electrical setup. They were able to keep all of the wires and cables hidden.
6. Add the Oak Boards
Cut the oak board to size so that it spans the length of the headboard and fits around the bump-out. The OP ordered their board to size from Woodsyles and used a warm varnish. You could also just make your own and stain it whatever color you wish.
Attach using heavy-duty adhesive. The cut pieces became perfect toppers for the two side shelves that come with the NORDLI. The hacker shared, “The clean oak detailing makes it look way more high-end than it costs, and it turned an awkward wall into one of my favorite features of my apartment.”
Ways to Hack This Storage Headboard
METOD cabinet hacks turn up all over the house, from the hallway to the bedroom, but IKEA USA uses the SEKTION system instead of the METOD. You can still recreate this hack with SEKTION cabinets that fit the dimensions of your space.
KNOXHULT is another possibility, featuring a lower price point because it doesn’t offer the same flexibility and customization options as the other IKEA kitchen series.
However, these are qualities that don’t necessarily matter as much when it comes to creating a DIY headboard.
What do you think? Would this clever headboard hack solve your tricky wall situation?
Have you come up with a creative solution to conquer design dilemmas in your home? If so, we’d love to see it! Share your hack, and your brilliance might be featured next!