How to Make IKEA Expedit Shelves Look Built-In
If you want the look of built-in bookshelves in your home, you can turn a standard bookcase from IKEA into the shelves of your dreams. Use Expedit bookcases of various sizes to make a set of shelves that look built-in but aren't. This project is ideal if you are a little nervous about using power tools or building anything from scratch, as the only building required is assembling the bookcases per IKEA's instructions. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Expedit shelves
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- L-brackets
- Ladder
- Adhesive-backed hook and loop closure (Optional)
- Scissors
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the wall space where you'll be setting up the shelves. Knowing the dimensions will allow you to purchase the right number of Expedit shelving units. As of 2011, the shelves come in units that measure 17-3/8 inches by 72-7/8 inches high, 31-1/8 inches wide by 58-5/8 inches high and 72-7/8 inches square. The units are all the same depth at 15-3/8 inches. You can turn the shelves horizontally or vertically, depending on your needs. For example, if your wall is 9 feet high and 6 feet wide, you can stack two of the narrow shelves horizontally on the large square shelving unit for a built-in look.
-
2
Assemble the shelving units per the instructions included in the package.
-
-
3
Push the first shelving unit against the wall. For example, if you are using a large, square unit as the base for your built-in shelves, press it flush against the wall.
-
4
Attach an L-bracket to the inside top edge of the shelving unit on the left and right sides. One flat edge of the bracket should press against the inside of the bookcase, and the other edge should be flush with the wall. Use screws to secure the brackets to the shelving unit and the wall. The brackets will prevent the shelves from tipping over.
-
5
Cut hook and loop closures into 2- or 3-inch-long strips if you will be placing another shelving unit on top of the first one. Press one half of the closure on the top of the shelving unit, in the four corners and in the center.
-
6
Press the other half of the hook and loop closure onto the bottom side of the unit that will go on top of the first one.
-
7
Set the second unit on top of the first. Line up the hook and loop closures so that they meet. If your wall is wide, instead of high, push another unit against the first one. Line up the sides and edges of each unit to make them flush and even.
-
8
Use the L-brackets to attach the second unit to the wall. This is especially important, if you have stacked the second unit, to prevent it falling on you. Use four brackets in each corner on the stacked unit, and two, one in each upper corner, on a side-by-side unit.
-
9
Continue stacking shelving units and attaching them to the wall until the entire space is covered.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Expedit shelving units come in a range of colors so select a shade that matches your wall color or other details in the room.
The type of screws or mounting hardware you will need to secure the bookcases to the wall depends on the type of wall you have. Use hardware designed for your walls. If you have studs behind the walls, use those as anchor points for the most stability.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
