How to Upcycle IKEA Bread Bins into a Stylish Cabinet

Looking for a creative and budget-friendly DIY project? Transforming IKEA bread bins into a chic cabinet is a fantastic way to repurpose items and create a custom piece of furniture for your home. This simple guide will walk you through the steps to upcycle these everyday items into something truly unique.

What You’ll Need:

• Grab adhesive
• Hemway Furniture Paint – we recommend the elegant Sage Green for a fresh look.
• Masking or painter’s tape
• Paintbrush – we used a Hemway Oval Brush for smooth application.
• Furniture feet
• Screwdriver
• Hemway Clear Lacquer – for a durable, protective finish.

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare and Assemble the Bread Bins

Start by arranging the bread bins to determine how they’ll stack. Once satisfied with the arrangement, apply a generous amount of grab adhesive to the bottom of each bin. Stack them carefully, ensuring they’re aligned. Press firmly to bond them together. Clean away any excess glue. Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions for a secure hold.

Step 2: Attach the Furniture Feet

Once the adhesive is dry and the bins are securely bonded, turn the assembled unit upside down. Position the furniture feet at the corners, ensuring they are evenly spaced and level. Using a screwdriver, attach the feet firmly. This will not only add height but also give your cabinet a polished, professional look.

Step 3: Protect Areas You Don’t Want Painted

Use masking or painter’s tape to cover any areas you want to keep paint-free, such as hardware or edges you wish to leave natural. Taking the time to tape carefully will result in cleaner lines and a neater finish.

Step 4: Paint Your Cabinet

Using the Hemway Oval Brush, apply the furniture paint in even strokes. The Sage Green colour creates a modern, fresh aesthetic, but feel free to choose a shade that complements your space. Apply one to two coats, allowing sufficient drying time between each layer as recommended on the paint’s packaging.

Step 5: Apply a Protective Lacquer

Once the paint has completely dried, apply a clear lacquer to seal and protect the finish. The Hemway Clear Lacquer will enhance the durability of your cabinet, preventing chips and scratches while adding a subtle sheen. Allow the lacquer to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the masking tape carefully to reveal crisp, clean edges. Inspect your cabinet for any touch-ups needed, and ensure all parts are secure.

Enjoy Your New Cabinet!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully upcycled IKEA bread bins into a stylish and functional cabinet. This versatile piece can be used as a bedside table, a bathroom organiser, or even a unique storage solution in your living room. Not only have you created something beautiful, but you’ve also given new life to an everyday item. Happy upcycling!

Who is The Carpenter's Daughter?

Vikkie (AKA The Carpenters Daughter) is a passionate DIY enthusiast and content creator known for her hands-on approach to upcycling and home improvement projects. Combining creativity with practicality, she inspires her audience to transform everyday furniture into unique and stylish pieces. Through her blog, videos, and tutorials, she shares expert tips and step-by-step guidance, empowering people to embrace sustainable living and give new life to old items with furniture paint. Her work highlights the beauty of upcycling, proving that with a little imagination and effort, anyone can create something extraordinary.