IKEA Hack: Lack Foam Storage Table
With many of us looking to make our living spaces more clutter-free, innovative storage solutions are growing in popularity, particularly furniture with hidden storage. The most famous is arguably the ottoman footstool, found in homes throughout the UK. But where an ottoman isn't suitable or is too large, an upgraded IKEA Lack table may be the answer.
Why a Lack storage table?
The Lack tabletop has a suitable depth to become a storage space. By hollowing out the inside, you create a handy spot for small items and household trinkets, or a storage point for phones, iPads and eReaders. For such delicate items, line the inside with a very thin foam sheet such as polyethylene foam. For more specialist storage, pre-cubed foam inserts or packaging foam can be placed inside.
Hollowing out the tabletop
To create a hinged-top Lack storage table, you'll need eight wooden batons 55cm long, 7cm deep and 10cm thick. Turn the table upside down, remove the legs, and lay the batons towards the edges. Draw around them and remove them, then take a Stanley knife and cut around the inside line to hollow out a large square of the underside panel – this becomes the storage area. Do this neatly, as the square piece is needed later, then remove the honeycomb innards.
Adding a hinged lid
Cut the batons to size so they fit snugly into a square around the inside of the table. For the square under-sheet you removed, cut the remaining four batons to fit towards its edges – this becomes the lid. So the top and bottom batons align, overhang them around the edges of the under-sheet, and check that the lid and tray align when closed with enough room inside. You'll then need two small door hinges: measure an equal distance apart on one side, cut around the hinges and hollow out about 1cm of the relevant batons so the table closes correctly, affix the hinges to the corresponding pieces, then glue all eight batons in place and leave overnight. Decorate the table with white spray paint to match the outside.
Lining with foam
Finally, measure the total inside space and order pre-cubed or packaging foam for more delicate items. We recommend a closed-cell foam sheet around 3mm thick, cut and affixed inside the tray with a Stanley knife for a general storage table, or we can supply it cut to size. For more IKEA-hack storage ideas, see our guides to the foam bench and foam home storage.
For any queries about foam for IKEA-hack activities, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn an IKEA Lack table into storage?
Yes. The Lack tabletop has enough depth to be hollowed out into a handy storage space for small items, trinkets or technology, and a hinged lid lets you open and close it. The inside can be lined with foam to protect delicate items.
What foam should I use to line a storage table?
A very thin closed-cell polyethylene foam sheet (around 3mm) lines the tray well, while pre-cubed foam inserts or packaging foam protect more delicate items such as phones, tablets and eReaders.
How do you make a hinged Lack table lid?
Cut out the underside square, frame both the tray and the removed square with wooden batons so they align, fit two small hinges (hollowing about 1cm so it closes), then glue, leave overnight and spray to match.
