DIY A $1,600 Anthropology Nightstand For Way Less With This IKEA RAST Hack
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If you've been eyeing up an Anthropology nightstand but don't want to splash the cash, you're not alone. As it turns out, having a high-end nightstand doesn't always have to be such a blow to your wallet, thanks to a nifty hack by @popofcolorproject on TikTok. Rather than splashing the cash, you can DIY your own version using IKEA RAST dressers and some epoxy resin flowers, among a few other materials. As a result, you'll end up with a stylish nightstand for a fraction of the cost if you purchased it yourself, not to mention it's also a great way to incorporate resin art into your home very naturally.
All you'll need for this DIY is one or two IKEA RAST dressers (depending on how many you want to make), which are available on the IKEA website for $59.99 each, some Dixie Belle chalk paint in a taupe green color and some adhesive for the resin, a paint sprayer and paintbrush, polyacrylic Minwax sealant, wood primer, and some brass handles from Home Depot for $49.95 each. You'll also need some epoxy resin flowers, which you can make yourself using clear resin and molds. If you don't already have the equipment, you should be able to purchase some molds for $13.18 each from Temu, alongside some clear resin. The more molds you have, the wider the variety of flowers you'll be able to have on hand and the more you'll be able to make.
Start prepping your IKEA RAST drawers
For this hack, you'll need to start by prepping your drawers with a coat of primer and leaving it to dry. While it's drying, you can make a start on crafting your epoxy resin flowers, of which you will need enough to partially cover three drawers for each dresser. Just like with any resin project, make sure you do it outdoors or somewhere with plenty of airflow, such as a garage with your garage door open, and use gloves, goggles, and a respirator. Once you create your resin mixture, pour it into your flower molds and leave them to set, the time of which may depend on what brand or product you use. For this reason, it's always best to research and double-check.
Once your resin flowers have fully cured, you can remove them from your mold and place them on your drawers to create a stunning floral design, starting from the outside and working inwards. When you feel it's perfect, glue them on before going in with your spray paint gun to add a nice, even coating. Just make sure that the resin is fully adhered before going in with your paint; otherwise, it could be a messy job to fix. When everything is dry and set in place, finish it by attaching your handles and adding a lick of sealant to your painted wood. As a result, you should be left with a high-end Anthropology nightstand for a fraction of the cost!
Customize your IKEA RAST Anthropology nightstand
Although this hack uses green shades for the paint, there are other ways to customize and decorate your nightstand to meet your own style. For example, when it comes to the paint finish, you can use beige and neutral tones for a more rustic look, while pastel shades can help to give off a more relaxed yet high-end feel. You can also paint it to suit the rest of your interior, helping it to slip right in if your room already uses a specific color theme — but that's not all.
If you don't want to use flowers, you could instead opt for other mold designs to customize the overall look further, such as this vintage option from Temu for $4.75 or a bird-themed mold from Maika Daughters for $23.99. However, if you have something different in mind, there are plenty of other alternatives. In addition, you have the option to switch out the handles; instead, opt for a vintage knocker off Amazon for $21.50, or utilize some bronze drawer knobs for between $3 to $5 on Etsy. On the other hand, there is always the option to choose something more modern too. Now, all that's left to do is put it in the correct place and admire your nightstand from afar.