Hack An IKEA FLISAT Sensory Table Into The Perfect Drawing Table

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IKEA is the home of plenty when it comes to decor with utility, and this includes furniture for kids. The FLISAT children's table offers the perfect element for a minimalist-style space, with the ability to add TROFAST storage boxes for hidden toy storage. But this surface has the potential to be so much more than a play station alone — it can be transformed into a creative drawing center by adding a wooden rod and a roll of paper on the side.

The finished product is a clean surface your little one can play on, or pull paper over and draw on with less mess and no need for an additional art cupboard. If you're looking for IKEA hacks to add clever storage to any kids' room, this is a great place to start as far as craft supplies are considered. If you already have the FLISAT, this is also a super affordable way to incorporate more hands-on activities into your living area.

To get started creating your own drawing table, you'll need to invest in a wood rod like the NEREBY birch rail from IKEA, J brackets like Swan Lake Garden Tools Heavy Duty Garage Storage Hooks, a drill, hardware to mount the brackets, a paper roll like IKEA's MALA product, and a strip of wood like the 1 inch by 2 inch by 4 foot spruce common board from Home Depot. You could also skip these steps and attach a MALA paper roll holder directly to the table. This is one of those kid's room decor ideas that help children learn, and it's so easy to pull off. With supplies at the ready, it's time to assemble.

Screw the hooks onto the short edge of the table, run the rod through your paper roll, and set it on the hooks. Cut the wood strip to fit the table and screw it on to the other side, leaving enough space to pull paper up through it. This will act as a cutter. Now, you have a nifty drawing table that doubles as a sensory play station. As you develop your version of this hack, consider which side your little one would prefer the roll, depending on whether they use their left or right hand. Finally, use the TROFAST storage boxes to keep pencils and crayons for easy access. The setup is complete, but there are also endless ways to customize this creation.

Personalizing your hacked IKEA FLISAT table is simple with a few creative touches. One of the easiest ways to make a big impact without going overboard is with a coat of paint. Prime the wood, let it dry, and apply one or two coats of your favorite color. It might be worth going with a semi-gloss or gloss finish for easy cleanup later. If you're artsy yourself, take your painting to the next level and add a mural to the top. There are also non-paint changes to make.

If you own a vinyl cutting machine like a Cricut, try creating custom peel-and-sticks with your child's name or favorite animals. Another way to transform this now drawing-equipped surface is to add a few supply cups to the side. Adhesive tabs like Velcro brand sticky-back fasteners keep them from toppling off. As you decorate the table, consider the best themes for kids' rooms currently, and draw inspiration from those. However you personalize this hack, you'll have one happy crafting kid on your hands and a multi-purpose table to enjoy together.