Flat File Storage: Ikea Hack

admin — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 11:55:18 +0000

I’ve wanted flat file storage for so long. When you hoard paper like I do, and you’ve got large pieces of art paper, you want a place to put them. I looked into buying flat file cabinets like the ones that architects use for blueprints, and they are super expensive. Plus, they’re heavy and humongous. I then looked at cabinets for construction and poster paper that are used for schools, and they were also expensive. They make large stackable trays for paper, and I thought I could do that, until I found out each tray was around $100. Not able to find an inexpensive or used solution on Craigslist or eBay, I decided to make my own flat file storage with the help of some Ikea parts. I figured out I could buy table tops – the most lightweight and cheapest ones Ikea makes – and make a flat file shelving system out of it.

The table tops I bought were the Linnmon. They are about 24″ x 40″, which is a great size for papers up to 24″ x 36″. And the white tabletops are only $5.99 each. I got six of them.

Then I attached Ikea Capita legs to them. These legs are usually used for bathroom cabinets. The 4″ legs are $10 for 4. I needed six sets, one for each table top. For the bottom table (the one that would be the base), I actually used the 8″ legs, which are $14 for a set of 4, because I liked the look of it being higher. I also bought an extra set of them so I could attach 6 legs to the bottom, so there would be extra support.

After putting the Capita legs on each table top, I put some Liquid Nails on the bottom of each leg and stacked the tables on top of each other. Just a dab of Liquid Nails was enough.

It was easy as that, and a lot cheaper than buying a traditional flat file cabinet. I also love that it’s at a comfortable height so I can work at this table standing up. Here’s the finished product. That thumping you hear is the sound of me giving myself a pat on the back.

storage solutions – Jonathan Fong Style

Flat File Storage: Ikea Hack