Ikea Children's Table - 4 Simple Hacks
The IKEA FLISAT table ($99) is such a great item for the kids’ playroom and for snacks/mealtime. It’s the perfect size - not too big for toddlers and not too small for pre-schoolers/younger kids.
The design is clever and practical - the top table panels can be removed and underneath the panels you can place TROFAST storage tubs ($4 each, purchased separately).
But best of all, there are so many amazing hacks for this little beauty. A quick look online and you’ll find plenty of inspiration to get extra use out of your table. I’ve trialled some of these hacks and created a few of my own to share with you ❤️
HACK 1:
Reversible Chalkboard
Flip the table tops to create a chalkboard side for drawing. Simply flip back to use as a regular table.
Needed:
- Vinyl Adhesive Chalkboard Roll $3 Kmart Australia
- Scissors
- Cutting board
- Sharp kitchen knife or craft cutter
- Chalk for drawing
S T E P S T O F O L L O W
Click/swipe through the reel for the "how-to":
HACK 2:
LEGO Play + Pack Away
You’ll notice I haven’t covered the entire table top in LEGO base plates. That’s because you want to be able to flip the table tops over so that you can use the untouched side whenever you don’t want LEGO. I’ve cut and measured the plates so that when the table top is flipped over, the plates sit neatly inside the groove that holds the TROFAST Storage Tub ($4) underneath.
Needed:
- You can use either the official LEGO base plates ($10 each x 3 at Kmart Australia), or compatible plates, such as the Construction Block Base Plates ($3 each) x 3 from Kmart Australia
- Double Sided Table 40mm $15.59 roll Bunnings Warehouse Australia (any decent double sided tape will work)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Whiteboard marker
S T E P S T O F O L L O W
Click/swipe through the reel for the "how-to":
HACK 3:
Water Play
There are so many amazing posts for sensory play & activities using this FLISAT table (check out @Flisatfun on Instagram).
This is just a really really simple one that’s great on a hot day.
Needed:
- Ikea Australia TROFAST $4 storage tubs x 2 (these are the ones designed to fit inside the table)
- Plastic animals
- Water
- Sometimes we add bubbles too
Steps:
Fill the tubs with water and plastic toys. Tell yourself you’ve delivered an amazing sensory activity for the kids ✔️🤣
S T E P S T O F O L L O W
Click/swipe through the reel for the "how-to":
HACK 4:
Art Station
This is my fave. I saw something similar on IKEA hackers using a wood bracket and the ONSKLIG change table containers. But I wanted to incorporate a roll of paper, too. I used an Ikea Australia wall storage shelf and threaded a roll of paper onto the rod of the shelf before screwing it to the frame. Now the boys have a handy little art station 👌🏻
Needed:
- FLISAT wall storage shelf $22 Ikea Australia
- MALA Drawing Paper 30m Roll $8 Ikea Australia
- ONSKLIG Change Table Storage Baskets $14.99 Ikea Australia
- Long screws x 3
- Drill
NOTE: the storage baskets are designed to clip into a square edge/bracket (these are meant for a change table). The wall storage shelf rod they clip onto is round, though I found they hold well. However note they do tilt down (see photo). If you want, you could use a wall bracket on the short sides of the table to hold these baskets and store other items.
S T E P S T O F O L L O W
Click/swipe through the reel for the "how-to":