Ikea Kitchen Cart Hack

I recently received an update from my Ancestry DNA results that I am 8 percent Swedish.

That must be why I love every trip I take to Ikea.

Or maybe it’s the home decor, interior design inspiration, and affordable prices.

Whatever it is, I was inspired to purchase this cute little BEKVAM kitchen cart as a way to add storage and counterspace to my kitchen. It was the perfect size for the space I had and was just big enough to hold my microwave. Best of all, it was like a blank slate, made of unfinished birch wood.

It sat in my kitchen, used but unfinished, for several months as I debated how I should finish it. Stain? Paint? What colors?

With the help of a few others’ input (thanks mom : ) ), I decided to match the finish with the rest of my newly remodeled kitchen. Paint the base part white, like my cabinets, and the butcher block top would be stained dark brown, looking similar to my countertop.

This DIY kitchen cart Ikea hack wasn’t too difficult to do, but I’ll lay out the steps for those interested:

Step 1: Build the Cart

This wasn’t too difficult. In fact, I find it kind of fun. Just keep the top separate from the rest of the cart (or unscrew if it’s already assembled).

I also suggest taking or keeping the wheels off of the base.

Step 2: Stain and Protect the Top

I use a deep brown stain, Espresso by Varathane. My main concern was with the top part; so I didn’t worry too much about the underside beyond the edges, since that wouldn’t be easily seen by anyone.

I love how the darkness of the stain brings out the pattern in the wood.

I followed up with a few coats of satin polyurethane. Any little bumps from the poly were “sanded” down with a brown paper bag.

Step 3: Paint the Base

Since it was already assembled, the easiest way for me to paint it was to use white spray paint. I brought it outside and sprayed away, making sure to cover all of the little crannies and awkward spaces. I also took the wheels off before spraying, and used a couple of bricks to elevate the two legs.

Step 4: Reassemble

Then I put the wheels back on and screwed the base and top back together, once things were pretty well dried. After a couple of days to thoroughly dry, I put the microwave and other items back onto the stand.

Ikea Kitchen Cart Hack Complete

Overall, I am quite happy with the final result. It gives a more finished and cohesive look to my kitchen. It’s a perfect home for my microwave, and the shelves provide some extra storage. I thought about adding a towel bar to one side of it, but I already have two places in my kitchen to hang towels, so I wouldn’t really use it. I’m on the hunt for some cute wicker baskets to put on the shelves and keep my storage looking neat.

What do you think? What’s your favorite Ikea hack?

Check out a couple of my other fun DIY projects while you’re here!

DIY Farmhouse Coffee Table

Budget Kitchen DIY Renovation