They just don’t make ’em like they used to.
Years ago, wood magazine files from Ikea were solid, varnished and not sliver-giving at all. Not true today. But, because my city’s Ikea is moving locations, the sliver-giving, unfinished, kind of woobly magazine files produced today were on sale ($9.99, as opposed to $12.99, for a pair) and that made them look a lot better. What made them even more attractive was a lick of paint.
After lightly sanding and rounding the corners a bit (so they aren’t so sharp – jeez, Ikea) I gave them a coat of primer and two coats of leftover pale turquoise paint from my paper storage hoozit. Because the paper storage hoozit was left light wood inside, I left these light wood inside too, because it was easier for a little subtle coordination.
Before:
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| Ikea Magazine Files (set of 2, slivers included) |
The Transformation:
After:
I know, a pretty subtle transformation but I don’t really want to draw attention to them. Now I have to get them on the shelves and photograph my Ikea Expedit Hack. Yup, it is done. Just waiting for a sunny day to snap some photos! I’m such a tease . . . hope you’re not all underwhelmed after all this hype.
They look really nice, and I like them much better with the inside unpainted than I would if they were all turquoise. Good call! I can't wait to see what you did with the Expedit.
Yay!!!!!!! I can't wait to see the Expedit hack!!!!! I've looked at those magazine holders at Ikea several times. I guess I just can't bring myself to spend that much. Yours look great, I really like the color. 🙂 🙂
Great colour choice! I like that you left the inside wood au natural.
Thanks Ladies!Faith – they are a bit pricey, but anything cheaper is made of cardboard and it seems anything better quality is even MORE money. But if your Ikea has a sale like mine, maybe you can get them for a better price.
Love the colour. Very subtle but beautiful. Big improvement!
Sometimes subtle transformations are more desirable, aren't they? I'd rather draw attention to prettier aspects of my office, but sprucing up the files a bit makes them look better without making them a focal point.
They look great. I really love the paint color you chose. I made one of your spiders the other day and it looks great. Will share pictures soon. Thanks for the tutorial.
Oooo, Beatrice I can't wait to see your spider!! I've been busy making them, too, and am planning a post with photos of a few dozen I've made, for inspiration/ogling purposes.
They look very pretty. I love the color you chose for them 🙂
amazing 🙂