Easily Turn A Budget-Friendly IKEA Staple Into A Unique Shelving Solution

Leave it to IKEA to give us a super-simple solution to update ho-hum shelving. Or rather, leave it to the artistic creators who know how to look at the retailer's furniture and market items to find unique, unexpected hacks that fix everyday problems. In some cases, all it takes is to literally turn them on their head to give IKEA products an all-new, budget-friendly purpose. And you can look no further than the HÄSTVISKARE magazine file for the perfect example. Stand it up to hold your papers and periodicals, or flip it on its side to make a floating shelf unlike any you've ever seen.

While this is among the more creative IKEA shelf hacks, it's also one of the easiest. All you need are screws, wall anchors, a drill, and a level to turn magazine files into functional corner shelves in only a few minutes. Measure and mark where you want to install the shelves. Hold them in place, butting the bottom and back against the wall to leave the file's cavity accessible from the front. Use a level to keep the shelf straight. Then drill pilot holes through the holder and into the wall to mark the mounting point. Install wall anchors if needed, and screw the shelf to the wall. And that's it! The cardboard HÄSTVISKARE may not be as strong as a wood shelf, but providing an innovative space for lightweight decor is still one of the best ways to repurpose the magazine holders around the house.

Though the HÄSTVISKARE's wood look blends with a natural aesthetic, you can check out IKEA's many other magazine files to tweak this budget-friendly shelving solution's style. The TRUMMIS magazine file, for instance, may be pricier, but the handmade rattan adds authentic character to elevate the appeal. From a structural standpoint, you could also upgrade to higher-quality materials. The metal wire DRÖNJÖNS magazine file comes in durable powder-coated steel, and the KUGGIS magazine file offers a strong PET plastic build.

The decorative possibilities for these affordable shelves don't begin and end with the photos and curios you place on them. Add contact paper, fabrics, and other wraps to inject color and texture, or simply apply some paint to the shelf. You may have to take extra steps, like sanding and priming the surface when working with plastic, but any of the IKEA magazine files can take a color update one way or another. Then, it's just a matter of deciding how to use the shelf.

IKEA's magazine files work well as charging stations, or you could have them hold books in the living room or mail in the entryway. Under-cabinet shelving in the kitchen can help organize utensils, and you can add it to the pantry to store spices and packets. Once you discover the flexibility these pieces can supply as shelves, you may even want to try turning IKEA's file organizers into beautiful side tables to make it a balanced look in the room.