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Super Easy Rustic Ikea RAST Hack with Rope Handles

I love rustic wood projects.

They just seem to add so much warmth to a space. And I really love the contrast of rustic wood with other finishes and styles.

Like in our boys’ closet workspace. The mix of the rustic wood Ikea RAST hack storage piece and the rustic wood countertop and shelf in contrast with the slightly metallic decorative finish of the stencilled feature wall. 

The addition of the RAST was definitely necessary in this space since there is not much storage in the closet now that we have converted it to a workspace. The countertop and upper shelf provide some storage for things they need to keep close to hand, but the RAST is the main source of storage. It’s the perfect size to slide ride beside a chair and under the countertop – and is shallow enough that the drawers slide in and out perfectly within the closet space.

Plus, it was a super thrifty and easy project that works perfectly with the rest of this closet workspace.

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It started out like this – the basic Ikea Rast Dresser.

A classic and super inexpensive piece that you have probably seen hacked in quite a few different ways…

rast

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After assembling it (a feat on it’s own with those lovely Allen wrenches they include)… I simply gave it a couple of coats of Minwax Stain in Early American – a nice medium toned finish that, I think, gives a soft rustic feel to most types of wood. I let it dry thoroughly before we added the handles- you could give it a coat of matte varathane over top but I wanted it to feel more rustic and less shiny so I skipped that step.
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To create the handles, we used some  sisal rope  and then drilled the already existing holes slightly larger to accommodate the breadth of the rope. I fed the rope through each hole, and then tied double knots behind the holes on the inside of the drawer to hold it in place.

Sisal Rope for Handles

Easy!

I love the warm rustic touch that it adds to our boys’ closet turned workspace. It matches perfectly with the countertop that we built and installed, as well as with the live edge decorative shelf. It also provides some much needed storage for their craft supplies, writing materials, and even hockey cards!

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The other projects I did for this little closet makeover:

A little more inspiration

And today from friends from the monthly DIY Challenge are sharing their own wood projects as well!

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Rustic Ikea Tarva Hack at The Happy Housie (you are here)

christy

10 Thrifty Wood Projects at Confessions of a Serial DIY-er

nancy

Rustic Wood Bathroom Sign at Artsy Chicks Rule

april

Old Wood Window Frame Mantel Backdrop at House by Hoff

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If you are a fellow blogger, then we hope to see you here on Sunday at 4pm EST or 7pm PST for our monthly DIY Challenge link up – sharing your own wood projects!

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8 Comments

  1. I love how you made such a great use of the space for your son. The IKEA rast hack looks great, too. Thank you for sharing your post at the #HomeMattersParty last week. Hope to see you link up again at this week’s party (opens Friday!)

  2. I love the rustic color and rope handles! And the countertop desk in the closet is exactly what I plan on doing in my new craft room/office space I’ll be getting after the first of the year. Pinned for later!

  3. Love that desk-in-a-closet. I’m sure everyone else has told you this, but I was sure that was wallpaper! What a great idea to brighten up a small space.

  4. I love this whole look! My son, who is super picky about his room, agreed to let me do something similar to his closet. It’s such a better use of space for him. You really did an amazing job on this space, thanks for the inspiration!

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