Easy IKEA Bookcase hack-15 min Teen bedroom organization idea

Does anything feel better than organizing your kids room?? Check out this easy 15 Minute IKEA Bookcase Hack for our Teen’s Bedroom.

reveal image of ikea bookcase hack in teen bedroom showing bookcase and decor

The Ikea bookcase design goal:

It was time to for a more grown up look in our youngest teens bedroom. He already had an Ikea bookcase filled with “stuff”, but the clutter had to go. With a goal to get things more organized, the bookcase got a simple and affordable makeover.

The stylish storage solution:

Ikea hack #1: When I saw the IKEA Kallax door inserts in the white oak effect, I couldn’t resist giving them a try. And since I already had the billy bookcase and the Ikea Seagrass baskets , I only needed to buy 2 doors. ($15 each) .

image of ikea bookcase before makeover , filled with books and toys
image of ikea bookcase hack with doors and drawers and ikea handles

Note: You can use any bins that will fit, but the natural seagrass pairs well with the white oak. Both the new doors and baskets pop against the dark bookshelf.

closeup image of the Ikea kallax door
closeup image  of ikea seagrass basket

What you’ll need for this Ikea hack:

The only actual tool you’ll need is a Phillips screwdriver (or as I like to call it, an X-ee head screwdriver. Cue my husband’s eyeroll LOL)

If you’ve ever put together an IKEA piece, you know that it’s important to read the instructions carefully before you begin. In order to ensure nothing is missing, I like to organise the hardware in little piles beforehand.

Before beginning the build, I removed all the books then wiped everything with a clean cloth.

image of woman removing books from bookcase
image of woman wiping shelves in bookcase

How to attach Ikea Kallax bookcase doors:

First, I inserted the bendable cubby liner and attached it with the screws provided.

Secondly, while the doors were laying on the floor, I popped in the hinges then lifted them up to be flush with the cubby liner.

closeup image of woman screwing hinges into bookcase cubby liner
closeup image of woman screwing hinges into bottom of bookcase cubby liner
closeup. image of                   attaching hinge to door

Thirdly, I attached the doors with the remaining screws. That’s it!

Pairing down the bookcase “stuff”

To finish the doors, I twisted on the tiny Ikea knobs which I kept until I found something more fun. (which I eventually did as you’ll see below:)

With my son’s help, I cleaned out and organized his books and basket stuff so he knew exactly what he had at a glance.

image of baskets in cubbies
image of woman closing right left door of ikea bookcase

How to personalize the ikea bookcase:

If you follow me on Instagram, you likely know that one of my favourite ways to personalize décor is to switch up handles. HomeSense & Winners alway have a unique selection to choose from in the organization section. I found these similar wood number handles here.

Depending on the age of the kiddo, there are some really cute animal wood handles online.

image of 6 pack of rae dunn cabinet knobs
close up image of homesense sticker showing price reduced from $15 to $2

Bonus tip:

Always check the clearance sections! These Rae Dunn knobs were on for $2!! I’m saving the extra knobs for our other son’s Ikea bookcase.

For a peak at his current set up, check out eldest son’s Teen bedroom makeover.

closeup image of 2 knobs -keep and stuff - circled
image of woman attaching new handle
image of woman closing ikea bookcase door with 2 new handles that say keep and stuff

DIY Ikea bookcase hack: Total time

I was surprised at how quickly I was able to complete this project (15 minutes total!)  In fact, it took me more time to haul out all the junk then it did to actually install the new doors. 🙂

closeup reveal image of ikea bookcase hack showing 2 new kallax doors on top and 2 seagrass baskets on the bottom

I ended up passing along some of the stuff he’d grown out of but I just couldn’t part with a few books from his younger days. My son loves his “new” bookcase and I love that all the clutter is tucked behind those beautiful new doors and baskets.

Here are some more clever Ikea Billy bookcase hacks to check out.

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If you liked this 15 Minute IKEA Bookcase Hack, you might also like these other Organization and DIY ideas.

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