Ikea Hack Craft Table (& Craft Paint Storage!)

When we started out reworking our office space to also be a crafting space, I knew I wanted a craft table to work at.

I already had an Ikea tabletop that I had been using as my desk, so I decided it was the perfect project for an Ikea hack craft table.

We have a limited floor plan for the amount of things I wanted to use this space for, but I had planned it out so that this table would fit in this corner by the railing. This area is open to the family room and kitchen below.

I had been hunting for a stool just like this for a few months (that didn’t cost a ridiculous amount of money) and found this one with my friend Kathy a few weeks ago. Someday, I may try to get the paint off the back, but I figure it just makes it more authentic. I have a second stool tucked in (and I am on the hunt for a third) so that the girls and I can work on project together.

I wanted to have a place that wasn’t the kitchen or dining room table that could handle paint, hot glue, etc.. This stainless steel top is perfect to hold up and clean up easy. And being out of the main living area, I can leave a project and come back to it without it being in the way.

I also wanted a table that was not desk or counter height. I wanted to be able to use it standing at a comfortable height. Since, I am on the tall side, this desk was completed at 40” high.

It is also the perfect spot for my newly organized craft paint storage. I went “shopping” in my garage for something to use to store my paint, and this caught my eye. When I brought it in and started filling it I was so happy with how well it all fit. It is a little heavy because this is a vintage toolbox made from thick wood, but the handle makes it easy to move it around as needed.

Most of the time, when we work on a project – it is both Hubby and I. I must admit, this one was all him.

I told him what I was trying to accomplish, he came up with a design and made it happen.

He is sweet like that.

We already had some legs from when it was my old desk. He used the legs as a template to make plywood brackets to attach to the existing screw holes in the corners of the underside of the table. He then attached 4 x4’s at each corner using screws drilled in at an angle.

He used 2 x 4’s in an “X” pattern between the corners. This provided needed stability without blocking leg room. He notched the 2 x 4’s with a jigsaw where they met the 4 x 4’s, screwed through them and then added an “L” bracket for extra support.

Where the 2 x 4’s crossed, he notched them out half way down so that they linked together flat. If this is a little more complex for you, you can also just set one on top of the other and attached them with a screw.

He then added locking casters to the bottom. When the caster are unlocked, I can easily move the table. I want to also be able to use it for taking photos and I can move it around as needed due to light.

I am so happy with how this desk came out. Now that all of my crafts supplies are organized, I am ready to get some projects done!

To see how we have updated this table further, please visit our post Craft Table Organization Tips.

Thanks so much for reading!