She Turns An Old IKEA CD Rack Into Chic, Space-Saving Entryway Storage

Whether you're trying to conceal an out-of-place built-in or simply need a slim storage solution to maximize space, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune on a custom piece of furniture. In fact, you could DIY one yourself. Just like YouTuber Girl and a Drill did, when she transformed two IKEA CD racks into a stylish, shallow storage unit for her previously "area of death" entryway.

For Girl and a Drill, her problem was a wall built-in that covered old gas pipes. Instead of leaving it exposed, she designed a shelving piece that would neatly fit directly over the top and to the side of it, camouflaging the built-in in the process. She also had some IKEA CD shelves sitting in the garage, which she realized she could reuse for this project because as she noted, "... who even needs CD shelves these days." (And this was back in 2020.)

After sketching out her design and recording the measurements, she cut the CD racks to size. And with wood glue, screws, clamps, and brackets, she assembled a new frame, and fixed it in place onto the wall, right over and around the built-in. She then painted it, and built custom doors from strip wood and faux rattan.

If you're facing a similar design problem like Girl and a Drill, you can replicate her clever IKEA hack for a sleek and minimalist entryway drop zone, too. Though, of course, you can customize it how you like, and what best fits with your style and space. For example, for the finish, she used a rich blue chalk paint that gave the upcycled unit a bold and colorful look. The faux-rattan fronts were another custom touch, adding texture and a more relaxed, natural feel to the piece that also, color-wise, worked with the rest of the entryway, which had light, bright walls and trim. (Plus, rattan furniture and décor is coming back in style.)

This idea isn't just useful for hiding pipes in a small entryway, as demonstrated in the video, either. The slim design could also be a great DIY solution if you're struggling to find storage that fits a super-narrow hallway. One commenter even pointed out that it could solve the problem of finding a shallow bookcase for a tight space. Although this hack was originally meant a way to disguise an awkward feature in an entryway, it can work as a hidden storage solution for anywhere in your home.