This TikToker Uses IKEA Parts To Recreate A High-End Shelf For Less. Did He Nail It?
It's no secret that many products on the market seem a bit overpriced, and that's exactly what's fueling the DIY trend. You've probably seen social media videos where DIYers create their own versions of high-ticket items. Take Pottery Barn, for example, as their products are gorgeous but come with a pretty hefty price tag. This has inspired a range of DIY duplicates, from decor like a Pottery Barn light up bat wreath dupe to high-end Pottery Barn Christmas candles. But it's not just about small decor items — some savvy DIYers are tackling bigger projects, like recreating luxury furniture pieces. One fabulous reinvention was done by adrianvvlogs, who took on making a display bookcase inspired by a Pottery Barn design.
His goal was to recreate Pottery Barn's Temple Street Display Bookcase, priced at $349. To do this, the vlogger embarked on an IKEA adventure to hunt for suitable parts for his project. He shared that the total cost of the items he picked up was around $130 — a significant savings, less than half of the original piece he was inspired by.
How to use IKEA parts to make a high-end shelf
To create a DIY bookcase, he used the IKEA LAGKAPTEN black-brown tabletop, which costs $69.99, and four MOSSLANDA picture ledges, which are $14.99 per piece. Just a heads-up, though: the picture ledges don't include screws, so you'll need to pick those up separately.
Start by mapping out your design on the tabletop using tape or chalk for guidance. To secure the ledges firmly, combine the use of wood glue with screws. First, apply wood glue to the marked areas and place the ledges, then screw them in for extra stability. A level can be handy to ensure the ledges are perfectly aligned as you install them.
The IKEA-inspired shelf does resemble the Temple Street Display Bookcase, but there are notable differences, too. Material-wise, the Temple Street Bookcase is made of steel, giving it a sturdy, minimalist feel, while the IKEA version uses fiberboard for both the ledges and tabletop, giving it a bulkier look. Interestingly, their weights are pretty close: the original bookcase tips the scales at 44 pounds, while the DIY version with the tabletop and four shelves comes in at 42 pounds and 13 ounces. When it comes to dimensions, the DIY is smaller than the Temple Street Display Bookcase. The tabletop's dimensions are 78 3/4 x 23 5/8 inches, while the bookcase's dimensions are 30 x 84 inches.
Issues and alternatives to the DIY shelf
Right off the bat, a key concern with the DIY version is its safety. The inspiration comes with mounting hardware, which probably secures its top part to the wall. Meanwhile, the DIY bookcase's design simply leans against the wall, posing a risk. If you were to accidentally bump into it, it might topple over. To mitigate this, add door stops at the base or find a way to mount the unit to the wall securely. Regarding its size, the DIY bookcase falls short in height and is narrower by about 6 inches compared to the original. A good solution would be to purchase a plywood or MDF sheet and have this cut to match the dimensions of the original bookcase. Not only does this give you more liberty when it comes to your bookcase's size, but it's also cheaper.
To achieve a look closer to the original, the IKEA MALMBACK is an excellent alternative to the MOSSLANDA, thanks to its steel construction. However, these are priced at $16.99 each, making them a bit pricier. You can also look for more budget-friendly options, like these 8-inch shelves that come in a set of two for $20.99 on Amazon, or if you have the tools for it, make your own shelves using metal sheets. Another approach is to create your own frame with steel square tubes and attach shelves to this frame, mimicking the original's design more closely in terms of both materials and structure.