An IKEA MAGASIN Bread Bin Is For More Than Food Storage. 8 Alternative Uses

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IKEA fans know that with a little creativity and time, the Swedish store's products can pull double-duty in their home and become something completely new. These hacks are often surprising, but some standout projects involve IKEA's MAGASIN bread bin, which people are turning into functional tables, cabinets, and other forms of storage. From the bedroom to the living room, this IKEA favorite can add space to your home in a number of ways.

Selling for $29.99 in stores and online, the MAGASIN bin is designed to house bread and pastries. It features a clean, modern wooden slat design, which makes it perfect for crafting into a variety of styles. The box is constructed of beech wood, so it makes a durable base for a table or other piece of furniture. Measuring 15¾ inches long, 10¼ inches wide, and 6¾ inches high, it's perfect for stylish hidden storage, even in small spaces.

Adding on hairpin legs, additional shelves, paint, and other accents make this item a must-have. You might even think some of these hacks are the best thing since — dare we say it — sliced bread. Next time you're browsing IKEA and see this classic bread box, consider trying out one of these clever designs. Most of these projects rely on two bread boxes, so go ahead and grab a pair — you're going to need them once you see what you can do.

Keeping your electronic devices on the counter to charge all the time risks them getting bumped or just looks unsightly. If you want an option that can keep them out of sight, try making a charging garage. This popular hack involves a bread box like the MAGASIN, then you can add a shelf or just keep it with one level. You'll need to drill holes in the back to thread the cords through or a surge protector through, then you can set in your phones and tablets to charge away. Try staining and stenciling it for an extra touch. 

This hack uses two MAGASIN boxes turned on their sides glued together, then fitted with a set of hairpin legs. One option is SmartStandard 6-inch legs, but there are numerous options on Amazon and Etsy. You can use a strong glue, such as Gorilla Glue, to attach the legs. Once you're done, you've got a standing side table with two separate storage compartments complete with handle. It makes a perfect side table to hold your remote, coasters, and other living room needs. Though you can easily stain or paint the wood, keeping it natural allows it to blend with nearly any room design style.

In addition to the small side table you can create with the IKEA MAGASIN bread box, you can also make the box into a mid-century modern style sideboard as shown by easyalex on Instagram. With both bread boxes spaced out and turned on their side, you'll cover the top of them with a sturdy shelf. Follow that with a second piece of wood cut into a shelf for the middle, then add a sleek set of hairpin legs at the bottom. The effect is a cool ribbed-looking sideboard with a lot of storage.

If you're stuck with a bathroom sink you hate, you can use IKEA MAGASIN boxes to give ugly pedestal sinks a stylish upgrade with a genius hack. You'll use a jigsaw to cut a wood top to fit securely around the base of the sink, so measure carefully. Raise up your new sink cabinet to the proper height by adding a set of legs, then a tension rod to hang hand towels. You've now managed to not only cover up your pedestal sink, but you've created a design that adds storage while looking built-in.

If you're pressed for storage in a small space such an an RV or camper van, mounting a bread bin to the ceiling or wall lets you create overhead storage cabinets for less than a set of custom cabinets would cost you. You'll just need to drill through the top of the bins then use hardware to brace it securely. These types of spaces rely on a lot of hidden storage and this is a clever hack for carving out vertical space. You could even make a whole row of cabinets for storing all of your essentials.

Similar to the other bread bin side table hacks, you can upgrade the design by adding a tiered shelf. No need to cut wood though, as an IKEA STOLHET cutting board is perfect. As it's a raised design, you can glue it on top of your side table for a sleek storage shelf that's perfect for hiding plug wires. You could also go one step further and drill holes in the back of the finished shelf to thread chargers through.

Do you love the style of a classic roll top desk? You can glue an IKEA MAGASIN bread bin to the top of an old small table you need to repurpose, then you can easily make a child-sized roll top secretary desk to keep your kids' school supplies organized or stash crafting materials when not in use. Use a good sturdy glue such as No More Nails and let it bond tightly.  To streamline the look, paint the table and bread bin the same color. 

For those who have the patience and skill for painting individual slats of the IKEA bread boxes, there's the rainbow design side table. It features two stacked boxes along with gold hairpin legs. It can be used as a bathroom cabinet if you seal the wood, or the colorful painted cabinet could be an ideal piece for a child's bedroom. Inside the cabinet there's ample storage for small books, toy cars, and action figures, just be sure to secure it to the wall for safety.

It's time to raise up those bread boxes to new heights in design, literally. Following the same instructions as the side tables, you can create a fashionable wall-mounted cabinet with sliding storage doors. The only difference is, instead of the legs, you need to securely attach it to the wall with a set of strong anchors and screws. You could even attach a set of hooks into the back of the inside to use it as mug storage, though it works as just as well holding stacked boxes of medicine and other items.