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

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Image Credit: 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.

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Black metal shelf with mugs and drafting tools in a white room next to small potted succulent in white plant holder

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Things You'll Need

  • 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.

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Black metal shelving frame against a white background

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.)

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Carboard panel laying next to black metal shelving frame against a white background

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.

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Metal ruler laying flat on top of cardboard panel next to mechanical pencil against a white background

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.

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Metal ruler laying flat on top of cardboard panel next to mechanical pencil against a white background

Step 5

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

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Image Credit: Caroline Burke

Step 6

Repeat on the second shelf.

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Two rectangular cardboard panels against a white background

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

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Top-down view of black metal-framed shelf unit with two brown cardboard shelves against a white background

Step 7

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

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Blue handled paintbrush applying black paint to a rectangular cardboard panel against a white background

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

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Hand applying Gorilla Glue to a black metal shelving frame against a white background

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 holder

Your Scandinavian-inspired minimal shelving is ready for use!

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