How to Turn an IKEA EKET into a LEGO-Style Cupboard (Kids LOVE This)

Last Updated on 1 week ago by Maria Gonzalez

🛠️ What You’ll Need — Materials & Tools

📘 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Assemble & Clean the EKET Cupboard

1. Assemble the EKET cupboard (or units) fully, including doors, before starting — this ensures you paint the final shape all at once.
2. Wipe down every surface thoroughly with a damp cloth (or mild cleaner + water) to remove dust, dirt, grease. A clean surface = better primer/paint adhesion.

2. (Optional but Recommended) Lightly Sand the Surfaces

• Use 220-320 grit sandpaper or a light sanding block and gently scuff all exterior surfaces (doors, sides, top, edges).
• This helps primer and paint “grab” better, especially on smooth laminate.
• After sanding, wipe off any dust with a dry cloth.

3. Apply Primer

• Use a shellac-based primer (like Zinsser BIN) or a “difficult surfaces” primer — these work best on laminate/MDF surfaces common in IKEA furniture.
• Use a mini-roller for broad surfaces and a brush for edges/corners.
• Apply one thin, even coat. Let it dry thoroughly per manufacturer instructions — often 24 hours.
• For better adhesion and durability, a second light coat of primer is a good idea.

4. Glue on the Round Coasters (the “LEGO studs”)

1. Choose how many “studs” per door you want (e.g. 2×2 grid, 3×2, depending on door size).
2. Arrange the coasters on the door without glue first — to check spacing and alignment. Use a pencil to mark center points if you like uniform spacing.
3. Once satisfied, apply a generous amount of wood glue on the back of each coaster and press firmly onto the door. You can use clamps (light or cloth-covered) or heavy objects to hold them in place while glue dries (usually a few hours — check glue instructions).
4. Wipe off any excess glue immediately for a clean result.

5. Paint the Unit

• After glue is fully cured and doors are “studded,” mask off any areas you don’t want painted (e.g. inside compartments if you want natural wood inside).
• Use your mini-roller for main surfaces and brushes for corners/edges. Apply 1st coat of cabinet paint.
• Wait at least 24 hours, then apply 2nd coat. If needed — 3rd coat for full coverage.
• For a kids’ room / frequent use furniture, it’s recommended to add a protective top-coat or varnish after paint cures. This increases durability and scratch-resistance.

6. Let It Cure & Reassemble (if you removed doors)

• Let the painted piece sit for a few days (or as per paint instructions) so everything cures properly. Touch it too soon and paint might scratch.
• Then reattach doors (if removed) and place your cupboard where you want it.

7. Style It as a Kids’ Storage Bench or Cupboard

• You can put storage baskets inside, or use it as a bench.
• Add cushions, soft bins, toys — whatever suits your kids’ room. Your LEGO-style cupboard doubles as functional storage + fun furniture.

🎨 Tips & Best Practices from IKEA-Hack Community

• For laminate furniture (like many EKET units), primer is non-negotiable — especially a shellac-based one. Latex or basic wall paint won’t hold up well: prone to chipping or scratching.
• Light sanding helps, but avoid aggressive sanding that removes the laminate — just scuff enough so primer grabs.
• Multiple thin coats of primer and paint are better than one thick coat — prevents drips and ensures even coverage.
• Use protective top-coat (varnish / sealant), especially for kids’ use — this will greatly extend the lifespan.
• Be patient with drying/curing — ideal to leave at least a few days before “heavy use.”

✅ Is This Worth It? — Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Transforms a cheap flat-pack cupboard into a playful, unique LEGO-style storage piece — ideal for kids’ bedrooms.
• Customizable: you choose colors, stud layout, and styling — fits your room decor.
• Gives EKET a more “bespoke,” furniture-grade look (and more fun for kids).
• Practically functional — storage + play furniture.

Cons / What to Watch For:

• Requires effort (cleaning, priming, painting, gluing) — not a “quick weekend hack,” more like a DIY project needing a day or two plus curing time.
• If not primed/painted correctly, paint may chip or scratch — especially with kids.
• Coaster/stud adhesion must be strong — poorly glued studs may come off with time.
• Must wait sufficiently long for paint and glue to fully cure.