With this simple IKEA hack, you can create a functional and stylish study area for kids that will grow with them without sacrificing space or spending a fortune.
Recently, we decided to give our home office/study room a little makeover. Now that we are parents, our goal is to make this room a space that the entire family can use, not just us adults.
On days when we work from home, we wanted to involve our little one by allowing him to stay close while engaging in his own activities.
To achieve this, we thought that building him a small study corner somewhere in the room would be great. This corner would enable him to draw, build LEGO, look at picture books, or play independently while we work.
However, with limited space in our small home, we needed to find a creative solution that not only maximises our space effectively but also looks good, is suitable for a small child, and can grow with him.
IKEA BOAXEL Hack: Turning a Wall-Mounted Storage System into a Kids’ Desk
The product we’re using today is the IKEA BOAXEL. While BOAXEL is commonly used for wall-mounted storage and wardrobe organisation, it also provides a fantastic solution for creating a space-saving study nook that can evolve with your child.
The BOAXEL system features easy-to-click-on and remove interiors that allow you to customise, change, and rearrange your setup as needed. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for a children’s desk, as you can adjust the height to accommodate their growing bodies.
Why Choose IKEA Boaxel?
With its smart design and flexibility, the BOAXEL system is an excellent choice for creating a makeshift study corner for these following reasons:
1. Space-Saving Design: The BOAXEL system is designed to be mounted on the wall, so it doesn’t take up valuable floor space. This makes it ideal for creating a compact study nook in a small area.
2. Adjustable Heights: One of the standout features of the BOAXEL system is its adjustable shelves. As your child grows, you can easily reposition the shelves to accommodate their height.
3. Simple and Stylish: The BOAXEL shelf is available in white or oak effect, both of which are stylish options that complement any interior. I especially appreciate the simple yet elegant design that offers a chic look and enhances your room’s decor without overpowering it.
4. Compact Yet Versatile: The BOAXEL system’s slim profile fits snugly into corners, making it perfect for smaller rooms where space is limited. Despite its compact size, it provides enough surface area for workspace and storage for kids.
If you have more than one child or need more length, you can simply add additional shelves to extend the system or add shelves above to create a vertical storage for their growing study needs—from early learning materials to more advanced study aids.
In addition to shelves, the BOAXEL system also offers mesh baskets that can be used as drawers. It provides a versatile storage solution to suit your needs and preferences.
How to Build DIY Study Corner with IKEA BOAXEL
Here’s how we transform the IKEA BOAXEL system into a compact yet functional study corner for our child:
Gather the Tools and Materials
You’ll need IKEA BOAXEL system, including shelves, brackets, and wall uprights.
BOAXEL shelves come in two sizes: 80×40 cm and 60×40 cm, both of which are ideal for kids. For our child, we chose the 80×40 cm size, which fits perfectly in the space between the wall and the bookcase in our home office.
It’s worth noting that IKEA also offers 20-30 cm adjustable shelves that can be combined with other BOAXEL units, allowing you to further utilise the space.
The wall uprights, which form the base of BOAXEL wall-mounted system, are also available in two height options: 100 cm and 200 cm. We used the 100 cm uprights, but if you plan to add more shelves for additional storage above, you might prefer the taller 200 cm option for more flexibility.
Purchase enough units based on the length you want for the desk and the number of personalised storage shelves you’ll need. For our setup, here’s what we bought:
You’ll also need tools and supplies to install the system, such as a drill, wall anchors, screws, and a screwdriver.
Assemble the IKEA BOAXEL System
Plan Your Layout: Decide where you want to install the BOAXEL system. Measure the space to ensure it fits comfortably in the chosen corner.
Install the Wall Uprights: Follow the IKEA assembly instructions to install the wall uprights. Ensure they are level and securely anchored to the wall. To make installation easier, you can use the BOAXEL mounting rail, which helps keep the uprights straight and correctly positioned on the wall.
Add Shelves: Once the uprights are in place, attach the brackets at the desired height and then add the shelves. Position them at a height that’s comfortable for your child. Don’t worry if you need to adjust them later—you can simply pull the brackets up to reposition the shelves.
DONE! Now all you need is a comfortable chair that fits the space, and your BOAXEL system is ready to serve as a desk for your kids.
Personalise Your IKEA BOAXEL as It Grows with Your Child
The beauty of the BOAXEL system lies in its adaptability. As your child’s needs change, you can easily adjust the height of the shelves or rearrange the layout to accommodate new items or interests.
For example, as they advance in school, you can add more shelves above to make room for storing school supplies, books, and art materials.
You can also incorporate additional organisers, bins, pegboards, or hooks to keep supplies neatly arranged and accessible.
Let your child personalise their study corner with their favourite colours, artwork, and accessories. This will make the space inviting and encourage them to spend more time there.
If you set up this system in a home office like ours, your kids can use it for drawing, working on projects, playing, or even pretending to work just like you while you’re at your own desk nearby.
The Space-Saving Study Corner
The IKEA BOAXEL system is a versatile solution for creating a study space that grows with your child. It adapts to their changing needs and helps them stay organised from their early years through their school journey.
This DIY IKEA hack project not only makes efficient use of your space but also creates a functional and stylish study area that your child will love.
