DIY IKEA Hacks | IKEA Kura Bed & Kallax Platform Bed Hacks

In the next instalment of our IKEA DIY hack series, we’re here to offer a complete guide on how to customise the ever-popular IKEA Kura bed and how to create a custom platform bed using IKEA Kallax units and a made to order foam mattress.

Customizing your child's IKEA Kura bed can be a fun and creative experience. With its adjustable design and large side panels, it offers a blank canvas for you to personalize and make interactive. In this guide, we'll explore three simple ways to turn the end panel of the Kura bed into a creative and engaging space for your child. We'll walk you through step-by-step instructions for each method: using individual foam shapes, creating a sticky puzzle, and making a routine-style game.

1. Create an Interactive Panel with Individual Foam Shapes

This method turns the end panel of the bed into a vibrant, changeable surface where your child can play with foam shapes. Here’s how to do it:

Materials Needed:

• Foam sheets
• Velcro strips or dots
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Stencils for shapes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure the panel: First, measure the dimensions of the Kura bed’s end panel to ensure your foam sheet fits perfectly.
2. Order your foam: Using a foam cut-to-size tool, order a piece of foam to cover the entire panel. You can choose the thickness and foam density based on your preference.
3. Create foam shapes: Order a second foam sheet, ideally in a lighter color for contrast. Use stencils or freehand draw different shapes on this foam sheet. You can create stars, animals, letters, or whatever your child prefers.
4. Cut out the shapes: Carefully cut out the shapes using scissors or a craft knife.
5. Attach Velcro: Apply Velcro strips or dots to the back of each foam shape. Attach corresponding Velcro pieces to different places on the large foam panel.
6. Design and play: Now your child can rearrange the foam shapes on the panel as they like, fostering creativity and fun.

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2. Build a "Sticky" Foam Puzzle

Turn the panel into an interactive puzzle that can be taken apart and put back together! Here’s how to create a custom foam puzzle that your child will enjoy.

Materials Needed:

• Two foam sheets
• Velcro strips or dots
• Paint, glitter, sequins (optional)
• Scissors or a craft knife

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure and cut foam sheets: Similar to the first method, order two foam sheets. One will serve as the base panel, and the second will be used to create the puzzle pieces.
2. Stencil or draw a design: On the second foam sheet, draw a picture or design. This could be a house, tree, animal, or even a more abstract design. Use stencils or freehand your drawing.
3. Decorate the foam sheet (optional): Let your child get creative by decorating the foam sheet with paint, glitter, or sequins before cutting it into puzzle pieces.
4. Cut the design into puzzle pieces: Once decorated, carefully cut the foam sheet into several pieces to form a puzzle. The complexity of the puzzle depends on how many pieces you cut.
5. Add Velcro to each piece: Attach Velcro strips or dots to the back of each puzzle piece.
6. Fix Velcro on the foam panel: Attach corresponding Velcro pieces onto the panel in the correct arrangement so the puzzle pieces can be fixed in place.
7. Enjoy the puzzle game: Now your child can assemble and disassemble their foam puzzle whenever they want!

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3. Make an Interactive Routine Game

This method turns the foam panel into an educational and interactive game. You can create a "days of the week" or "morning routine" game to help your child learn sequencing and time management skills.

Materials Needed:

• Two foam sheets
• Velcro strips or dots
• Markers or paint
• Scissors or a craft knife

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure the end panel: Measure the size of the panel and order two foam sheets, one for the base and one for the game pieces.
2. Cut foam into pieces: Using the second foam sheet, cut it into several smaller pieces. These pieces will represent different elements of your routine game. For example, you could cut out seven pieces to represent the days of the week.
3. Label and decorate each piece: Use markers or paint to label each piece with the days of the week or steps of a morning routine (e.g., "Brush teeth," "Get dressed," "Eat breakfast").
4. Add Velcro: Attach Velcro to the back of each foam piece and corresponding Velcro dots to the panel.
5. Arrange the game: Your child can now place the pieces in the correct order, helping them learn sequencing in a fun, interactive way.

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DIY IKEA Kallax Platform Bed Hack

For those who want to take their IKEA bed hacking skills further, you can also create a custom platform bed using IKEA Kallax units. Here’s a quick summary of the steps to build your own platform bed.

Materials Needed:

• 3 IKEA Kallax units (4-section)
• 2 large pieces of chipboard or slats
• 8 angle brackets
• 10 screws
• Optional: custom foam mattress

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Assemble the Kallax units: Lay two units parallel to each other and place the third unit horizontally at the foot of the bed, forming a U-shape.
2. Secure the units: Use angle brackets to attach the Kallax units to each other.
3. Fix the headboard: Attach a piece of wood to the wall at the head of the bed to serve as the headboard. Ensure it is securely fixed using screws.
4. Add the chipboard base: Lay the two large pieces of chipboard on top of the Kallax frame to form the bed’s base. Secure with screws.
5. Order your mattress: Use a foam cut-to-size tool to order a custom mattress for your new bed. You can choose between medium-high density polyurethane foam or memory foam for your desired comfort level.

With these simple steps, you'll have a fun, interactive Kura bed and a fully customized platform bed!

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