In case you missed it, our bathroom has had a mini makeover recently. We’ve pretty much cracked a DIY budget overhaul using a few tips and tricks to create a modern, stylish space. Not wanting to spend too much money, IKEA came to the rescue (when don’t they?). Without further ado I give you my very first IKEA Hack, a black and copper sink vanity unit.
We’d never planned to do much with the bathroom until we give it a proper overhaul (which will still happen). But it always left us feeling a little embarrassed. Our 1930’s home has no downstairs toilet which means the main bathroom on the first floor serves everyone from friends and family to tradespeople. With torn black vinyl flooring and cheap shortcuts, its always been shabby.
Thankfully Carpetright came to the rescue. Challenging us to a monochrome bathroom makeover in exchange for some stylish new flooring has been a lifesaver. As the floor went down, we knew we had to do it justice by updating the rest of the space. The vanity unit under the sink needed replacing but we didn’t want to spend on replacing the sink itself and possibly risking a plumber’s charges in the process.
Armed with a little bit of internet research, we headed to IKEA to pick up the Lillangen wash-basin cabinet for the princely sum of £35. Available in two colours, a white and a black-brown, I opted for the black-brown but knew the colour would annoy me. WHY black-brown?! I’d seen so many bloggers embarking on an IKEA Hack so decided to give it a go.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- MDF (or equivalent) primer
- Fine grade sandpaper
- Paint of your choice
- Copper spray paint
- Synthetic paint brushes
- Protective covering
- Brush cleaner
- Bathroom sealant
Step 1:
Take the pieces which need painting and give them a light sanding followed by a coat of MDF primer. If you’re an experienced painter you may feel comfortable slapping paint straight on. I haven’t painted IKEA furniture before so didn’t know what to expect. Also, I opted to paint them before we built the unit just in case I got paint all over the new floor!
Step 2:
The primer paint should dry very quickly and you can then start using the colour you’ve chosen. And here, oh my goodness, it felt like a never-ending nightmare. I shared updates on Instagram stories. The first paint we chose was the Wilko Quick Dry Satin Furniture and Cupboard paint in black. DO NOT USE THIS PAINT EVER. It was not quick dry, in fact taking two days to try completely. It was like trying to paint with treacle and got everywhere. I literally felt like crying.
We then found the Dulux Once Satinwood Paint Black and that ended up being the winner. I assumed that having painted most of our internal doors and woodwork in the white version, the black would be the same to work with. It is still very gloopy. Also whereas the white satin wood gives off a very soft sheen, the black version is much more high sheen and more like a gloss.
But several evenings and a few coats later, the cupboard components were painted. This stuff is not kind to paint brushes and unless you have a very good brush cleaner you may have to sacrifice them.
Step 3:
For the small handles on the cupboards and the cupboard legs which you’ll need to buy separately, I used this copper spray paint. It’s one I’ve used before and is so easy to work with. In no time at all, the handles and legs were coated in copper which gives it a really lovely, high- end finish.
Step 4:
Build the unit. This can be the tricky bit. Since we didn’t remove the sink, the old unit was all that held it in place. We had to get the old unit out and put the new unit in whilst keeping the sink lifted. We then used sealant where we could to adhere it to the wall.
And VOILA! One IKEA Hack bathroom sink unit. What do you think? I never imagined it would look so good and help to transform our bathroom quite as well as it has.
Have you attempted an IKEA Hack? I’d love to see how it turned out. Leave a link in the comments and I’ll come and take a look.
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It looks amazing, what a great transformation! Xx
Author
Thanks so much Becky, worth the struggle to get there 🙂 Xx
It looks brilliant! I’m so impressed you managed to remove the old unit and fit the new one while keeping the sink in place, what a great IKEA hack 🙂 #HomeEtc
Author
It wasn’t easy and we both needed a lot of patience with other, but a lot cheaper than getting a plumber in 😉 X
This looks fab, and love that floor, can’t believe its vinyl. #homeetc xx
Author
I know right? It looks so much more expensive Xx
Looks great. All our bathrooms need a refresh, this is a bit of motivation! #homeetc
Author
It’s amazing what a few little changes here and there can achieve, I never thought it possible! Thank you for stopping by X
The floor is stunning and the end result of your sink cabinet looks fabulous! I have a method for painting IKEA (or other laminate) furniture which always works for me. It’s mostly all about the primer. I wrote a post about it here – http://artyhomestudio.co.uk/2015/10/02/how-to-paint-laminate-furniture-without-sanding/ #HomeEtc xx
Author
Thanks so much for sharing the link, you are literally the queen of this! Xx
Loved the idea of painting the cupboard with black color, it is looking great and complimenting the floor too. Nice transformation.
Author
Ahh thanks so much! It worked out much better than I thought it would 🙂
All looking fabulous, Lins! I am v tempted to have vinyl installed in our bathroom to help modernise it further, yours looks great!! and so affordable, too. The unit just finishes it off beautifully x #HomeEtc
Author
Thank you Keira 🙂 I’d totally recommend the vinyl as a good budget way to update a space X
I love it, it looks fab! What a transformation! Do you fidn the copper spray works well or does it scratch or flake off easily? Alice xxx
http://www.woodenwindowsills.co.uk
Author
Ahh thank you Alice! So far so good, I’ve used the copper spray paint on a few things and it seems to be very durable. Admittedly, nothing is a particularly high traffic use but I’m more impressed than I thought I would be Xx
I’m not really a monochrome lover but I think your bathroom look amazing. I love the copper on the legs and handles #HomeEtc
Author
Thank you lovely! You know I never was either until I did this, now I’m converted X
Great job Lins! I love the colour combination.
Author
Thank you, in the end it was worth it but in the middle of it all I was going a little crazy! X
Love it! Looks lovely and shiny and completely transformed. Thanks for hosting #homeetc x
Author
Ah thank you lovely, so much better than what we had before X