🛠 How to Transform Your Dressing Table for Under $25

Hej hej! Welcome to this week's newsletter, where we're dishing out DIY tips as sweet as a Swedish cinnamon bun. Let's dive in!

Today’s estimated read time: 4 minutes and 58 seconds

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAY:

• How to Transform Your Dressing Table for Under $25

• Master cutting with a jigsaw!

• A new idea that might give you some inspiration.

Hey there, it's Anna from Our Home Styling. I’m excited to be guest posting here today!

I want to share with you the steps that I took to transform a basic dressing table into a sleek, stylish piece using just a few items.

Let's Elevate Your IKEA Dressing Table!

For this DIY project, we will repurpose the IKEA Malm dressing table by using an IKEA Rodeby Arm Rest and adding chic handles.

Here's the breakdown of the process:

Materials needed:

• IKEA Malm dressing table

• IKEA Rodeby Arm Rest

• Paint (we used leftover paint from our paneling)

• Strong adhesive (we recommend PinkGrip)

• Door handles (we got ours from Amazon)

• Basic tools: saw, sander, pencil, and a drill

Note: The paint we used was from Coat Paints in color Ambrose, but feel free to use any color you have lying around or prefer.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Cutting the Rodeby Arm Rest: Cut the IKEA Rodeby Arm Rest into three strips, each 10 cm wide. I used a Bosch jigsaw for this, but a hand saw also works.

2. Sanding: Lightly sand the cut pieces for a smooth finish. I used a Black & Decker mouse sander, but you can use a hand sanding block or sheet.

3. Painting: Apply a coat of your chosen paint. I went with a stunning shade from Coat Paints called Ambrose.

4. Gluing: Attach the strips to your dressing table using PinkGrip adhesive. I tried a couple of other well-respected glues, but PinkGrip won out due to its ability to bond different finishes and fabrics. You can find this on Amazon.

5. Sanding (Again!): Once the glue has dried, give it another quick sanding to ensure all the edges are level.

6. Attaching the Handles: Decide where you want your handles to be, mark the spots with a pencil, and drill holes. Then, screw your door handles on.

And voila! You have successfully elevated your IKEA dressing table for under £20. It's a straightforward process that doesn't take long but can make a difference.

This IKEA hack was such a rewarding project. The added handles not only elevated the look of the table but also increased its functionality. I was thrilled with how it turned out!

If you loved this DIY project and are eager for more, make sure to hop over to my website Our Home Styling, and check out my ebook Styling Your Home On A Budget.

Thanks for allowing me to share! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

THE NORDIC EYE 🇸🇪

Hej hej! Urban here 👋

Today I want to talk about a few tips that will help you master cutting with a jigsaw!

When working with a jigsaw, you've likely noticed the upward orientation of the blade's teeth. This design allows for an upstroke cut, which can often lead to more tear-out on the wood. But, don't fret; there are practical solutions to help you manage this.

When you're dealing with a material such as plywood, particularly when it has finished surfaces of a higher grade, it's smart to have this high-grade side facing downwards while cutting.

This strategy can help maintain the integrity and appearance of your material. Another useful tip to prevent jagged edges is cutting through masking tape. This trick can help you achieve a smoother edge for a more professional finish.

You might wonder why the teeth on a jigsaw blade point up. The reason is safety. If the teeth were to point downwards, they could catch on the material and cause the tool to lift, posing a significant safety risk.

It's true, you can find blades with downward-facing teeth, but these demand more weight for safe operation.

Pro tip: The 'good side down' rule isn't exclusive to plywood. If you're working with any type of wood or plastic where one side has a higher grade finish than the other, remember to keep the high-quality side facing down during cuts.

Safety reminder: No matter how proficient you are with a jigsaw, always remember that safety comes first. Wear eye protection at all times and ensure your hands are safely away from the blade. Don't force the tool with your arms—let it do its job. Safety should always be your top priority in all DIY endeavors.

- Urban

Just a friendly reminder to always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when tackling your DIY projects. Wearing safety glasses, gloves, ear guards, and other appropriate safety equipment can truly be a game-changer in ensuring your safety. Let's make sure we're enjoying our creations without risking our well-being. Happy crafting and stay safe, friends!

Follow Urban at @thenordiceye

IDEA OF THE WEEK 💡

THE IDEA: IKEA Dresser as a Kitchen Island: Add a wooden countertop and some casters to create a mobile kitchen island. It provides extra storage and a handy prep surface for cooking. Has anyone tried something similar? Let us know!

THE INSPIRATION: 👇

THAT’S A WRAP. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

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