Transform An IKEA Bench Into A Hidden Litter Box

Litter boxes can be a real eye sore in the midst of your perfectly-curated home décor. But there's a DIY for that! IKEA has several bench or cabinet options that can be transformed to hold a litter box while keeping it from sight.

The SMÅSTAD bench comes with a price tag of $99.99 and is typically used to store toys. Since it's made from sawmill scraps and particle board, it's easy to cut and modify as a hidden cat litter box. For this hack, you'll have to cut a hole into the side of your bench. Choose whatever side works best for your room's layout. Since this bench has a pull-out drawer, you'll have to use your jig saw to cut a hole into the drawer as well. You can use your initial hole to trace an outline for the hole you'll cut into the drawer. 

Make sure you properly sand the cuts you make or place some self-adhesive rubber window seal around the hole so that your cat won't snag its fur or injure itself. Once your holes are cut and sealed, you can place a litter box inside. You'll need a litter box that is less than 35 inches long and 20.5 inches wide to fit into this bench. Now you have a litter box that looks like a bench. The SMÅSTAD's pull-out drawer makes your litter box super easy to access and change. 

IKEA has a variety of other cabinets, benches, and storage units that can work with this hack. You just want to make sure that the piece you choose is wide enough to fit your litter box and that your cat has enough space to comfortably get in and out. Litter boxes are typically around 20 inches wide. 

You can even avoid having to cut through these pieces altogether by choosing a piece where you can opt to not install the side panel of your piece while ensuring that it is still structurally stable. 

One great option is the MACKAPÄR storage unit, which costs $99.99. The IVAR cabinet is another lower-priced cabinet at $130 that can be transformed into a litter box. Its untreated pine exterior makes it easy to paint or stain, and its handleless doors make it a simple option that fits into any aesthetic.

There are a few extras you can add to your IKEA hacked litter box to make it fancier for your cat and easier for you to maintain. First, you'll want to add a litter catch mat to the bottom of your box that's easy to shake out. An OPLEV doormat works great for this and costs just $12.99. 

Instead of cutting an open hole, try installing a pet door. This can help with odor control and making sure that the litter is completely out of sight. If you're using the cat door, you'll use your jig saw to cut your hole into your piece according to the specifications of your door. 

Adding an inexpensive motion-activated light so that your cat can see when they have to use the litter box is another option. You can also install some Command hooks to hang your cat litter scoop neatly in place. Take your DIY creation one step further by painting it the color of your choice, or your cat's choice.