5 highly makeable furniture projects

If you’re finding you have more time on your hands than usual, it's the perfect time to pick up a home improvement project!

Here’s a quick list of ideas for how to inject style and character into your home. Making something yourself couldn't be more satisfying, so it's a great way to pass the time – with long-lasting benefits.

1. Try an IKEA hack

IKEA is still open for business (phew), which means the wonderful world of IKEA hacks remains at your fingertips.

Here’s one we love!

This original idea by @artynads reimagines an old IKEA mirror as a reflective table top. Paired with our prism shelf brackets as table legs, it makes a unique and beautiful rectangular coffee table.

Head over to her Coffee Table Instagram story to see how she made it, using a sheet of MDF to screw the brackets into.

We love this creative thinking. Our prism and suspension shelf brackets are strong and sturdy enough to bear the weight of table surfaces up to 60kg, so they’re a solid and distinctive option for table legs.

 

Other examples of cool and imaginative IKEA hacks include this Ekby Alex shelf, elevated with hairpin legs into a console table by @its_all_about_the_house.

And this gorgeous hack by @patirobins, converting Mini Moppe cabinets into a library-style unit with hairpin legs. Here's her how-to blog to show you how she made it. 

Check out this blog for more clever IKEA hacks.

2. Put up a shelf

Alternatively, you could opt for a more conventional use of shelf brackets! Shelves are a great way storage solution, with the added benefit of being able to display your items – whether they're books, framed pictures or ornaments.  

Image: @houseofspolland

Our prism and suspense shelf brackets allow you to create shelves that are as visually pleasing as the items on display. 

Image: @molive93

Choose between our prism shelf design for mid-century modern style, or suspense shelf brackets for industrial simplicity.

Image: @life.at.windmill

3. Build your own desk

Image: @evannlepro

With the increase in people working from home, decent desks have been hard to get hold of. The good news is, it’s very easy to make your own.

Image: @beckylorddesign

Image: @mymodernbungalow

Here are just a few examples of workspaces created with our industrial and hairpin table legs. For more inspiration, here’s more ideas on making your own desk.

4. Hang wall hooks

Okay, so this one isn’t a ‘furniture project’. But it is a way to instantly add structure, organisation and character to your home.

Wall hooks are a simple but stylish storage solution. As with everything we design, we like to make the practical look good. Our wall hooks are available as colourful or metallic J hooks for playful or industrial interiors.

Or for a more pared-back, Scandi home, they’re also available in elegant ash, walnut or oak.

5. Refurbish old furniture

Image: @designretrobrighton 

Maybe you've got an old bit of furniture that needs a little TLC. Or you picked something up at a charity shop a while ago and haven't worked out what to do with it yet. Or you've inherited an old hand-me-down from a neighbour. 

Image: @elizabethdotdesign

If you've got an old piece you're keen to refurbish, take a look at these Q&As from upcycling experts Elizabeth Dot Design and Design Retro Brighton.  They're full of advice on how to flip old furniture into show-stopping centrepieces. 

Image: @designretrobrighton 

Our full selection of table legs, shelf brackets and wall hooks is available on our online shop. 

If you have any questions, or you'd like our advice on what we can do to help you complete your project, feel free to get in touch. 

We can't wait to see what you make! Tag #thehairpinlegco on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. We're always proud to feature your work :-)