We Really Feel Like You Need To Try This IKEA Hack: From Tray Stand To Modern Shelves

By  Caroline Burke Updated
Sammanhang hack Caroline Burke

We're always on the lookout for a good IKEA hack, so when we spied the Sammanhang tray stand we knew it had the potential for a fresh new look. The modern metal frame was just screaming to be transformed into some sleek Scandi shelving — think a small version of the Twin Bookcase by Mogens Lassen and you've got our inspo. With a few simple shelves, this basic frame can work beautifully as a minimal shelving display for your favorite trinkets.

Black metal shelf with mugs and drafting tools in a white room next to small potted succulent in white plant holderCaroline Burke for Hunker

Things Needed

  • Hardboard sheet or thin plywood — you'll need three pieces, 19 5/8 inches by 6 1/4 inches each

  • Black paint

  • Hacksaw

  • Tape measure

  • Paintbrush

  • Super glue

  • IKEA Sammanhang

Step 1

Assemble the IKEA Sammanhang frame as per the instructions.

Black metal shelving frame against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

Step 2

Cut out three shelves from a sheet of hardboard or thin plywood each measuring 19 5/8 inches by 6 1/4 inches. You can cut them yourself with a saw or ask your local hardware store to cut them for you. (Like we did.)

Carboard panel laying next to black metal shelving frame against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

Step 3

We need to remove the corners from two of the shelves so they fit snugly into the Sammanhang frame. To do this, take a ruler and mark a small horizontal line 1/4 inch from the top edge.

Metal ruler laying flat on top of cardboard panel next to mechanical pencil against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

Step 4

Next mark a line 1/4 inch from the side to meet with the first line. (This corner square is going to be removed.) Repeat these markings on all four corners of the shelf.

Metal ruler laying flat on top of cardboard panel next to mechanical pencil against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

Step 5

Take a small hacksaw and cut along the lines to remove the square corner shapes you've marked.

Sammanhang tray stand IKEA hackCaroline Burke

Step 6

Repeat on the second shelf.

Two rectangular cardboard panels against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

They'll fit nicely into the lower tiers of Sammanhang frame once the corners are removed.

Top-down view of black metal-framed shelf unit with two brown cardboard shelves against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

Step 7

Remove the shelves and paint them black with acrylic paint. You'll need two to three coats, depending on the opacity.

Blue handled paintbrush applying black paint to a rectangular cardboard panel against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

Run some strong super glue along the top of the Sammanhang frame before placing the top shelf on.

Hand applying Gorilla Glue to a black metal shelving frame against a white backgroundCaroline Burke for Hunker

You can slide the lower shelves in without glue.

Black metal shelf with mugs and drafting tools in a white room next to small potted succulent in white plant holderCaroline Burke for Hunker

Your Scandinavian-inspired minimal shelving is ready for use!

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