IKEA Expedit or Kallax Hack

The Expedit shelving units (now replaced by the Kallax system) have been a popular, budget-friendly staple in many homes, they lend themselves very well to a DIY Bookcase Makeover. Taking a basic item and making it individual, can be easily achieved especially using a readily available material such as contact paper.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack
Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

One of vogue’s interior design trends for 2017 is the butterfly. By using a butterfly design contact paper and some simple styling, it is easy to turn a plain bookcase into a functional feature point and to add a little colour to any room.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Supplies

  • Craft knife/Scissors
  • Contact Paper
  • Ruler or tape measure
  • Self-healing mat*
  • Smoother tool*
Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Step 1: Measure your bookcase shelf and make a note of the dimensions.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Step 2: Using the shelf measurements, cut the contact paper to size. Use either a craft knife and a self-healing mat or a pair of scisssors.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Step 3: Slowly remove the backing paper from the contact paper and taking care to line it up with the edges, apply the contact paper to the shelf.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Step 4: Smooth over the contact paper on the shelf to make sure it is fixed into place and to create an even finish. A smoother tool can be useful here, but isn’t vital. Remember it is easy to re-position the contact paper if it isn’t quite in the right place.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Step 5: With your first shelf completed, repeat steps 1-5 until you have covered all of the shelves. You can alternate contact paper patterns to mix up the look or stick with one design.

Expedit shelving unit from IKEA or Kallax Easy DIY Hack

Once all your shelves are covered, simply add items to your bookcase, such as boxes, books and baskets with magazines!