IKEA Grundtal Cart Hack: Transforming Your Bathroom with Style and Functionality

Are you looking for a simple and stylish way to upgrade your bathroom storage? The IKEA Grundtal cart is a versatile piece, but its plastic top and basic casters might not always fit your aesthetic. This tutorial will guide you through an easy IKEA hack to transform the Grundtal cart into a beautiful and functional bathroom shelving unit, complete with an elegant bamboo top.

The original Grundtal cart, while functional, lacked the sophisticated touch I desired for my bathroom. The plastic components felt out of place, prompting me to embark on this DIY adventure. The goal was to create a shelving unit that not only provided ample storage but also enhanced the overall ambiance of the bathroom.

This IKEA hack focuses on replacing the plastic top with a sleek bamboo cutting board and making minor adjustments to the cart’s structure for a more customized look. It’s a budget-friendly project that can be completed in just a few hours, offering a significant visual upgrade to your bathroom decor.

The bamboo top instantly elevates the look of the cart, giving it a spa-like feel that perfectly complements the bathroom environment. And the best part? The bamboo top is also from IKEA! It’s the Aptitlig cutting board, which fits the Grundtal cart almost as if it were designed specifically for it. By moving one of the side bars to the front, I created a convenient hand towel holder, further enhancing the cart’s functionality and visual appeal.

Materials You’ll Need for Your IKEA Grundtal Cart Hack

To recreate this stylish bathroom shelving unit, gather the following materials:

• IKEA Grundtal cart: The foundation of our project.
• IKEA Aptitlig cutting board (17 3/4×11″): This will serve as the elegant bamboo top.
• Hot glue gun: For quickly securing the bamboo top.
• E6000 glue: A stronger adhesive for attaching the towel bar.
• Scotch tape: To hold the towel bar in place while the glue dries.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hacking Your IKEA Grundtal Cart

Follow these easy steps to transform your IKEA Grundtal cart into a beautiful bathroom shelving unit:

Step 1: Assemble the Grundtal Cart (with Modifications)

Begin by assembling the Grundtal cart according to the IKEA instructions. However, do not attach the two curved bars on the sides, as one of them will be repurposed as a towel bar. Also, skip attaching the casters for now, unless you prefer a mobile cart.

The Grundtal cart is known for its relatively simple assembly process compared to some other IKEA furniture. Taking the time to carefully assemble the frame ensures a sturdy base for your customized shelving unit.

Step 2: Attach the Bamboo Aptitlig Cutting Board

Now, use your hot glue gun to attach the Aptitlig cutting board to the top of the Grundtal cart. Apply a generous dollop of hot glue to each corner of the cart’s top frame. Carefully position the cutting board on top, ensuring it’s centered. Allow the glue to dry completely.

While hot glue provides a quick and convenient hold, consider using E6000 glue for a more permanent bond. E6000 is a stronger adhesive that will ensure the bamboo top remains securely attached over time.

The natural warmth and texture of the bamboo cutting board create a stunning contrast against the metal frame of the Grundtal cart. This simple addition dramatically transforms the overall aesthetic, giving it a more upscale and refined appearance.

Step 3: Add the Hand Towel Bar

Take one of the curved bars that you set aside earlier and attach it to the front bar of the Grundtal cart, just beneath the bamboo top. Center the curved bar and angle it slightly outward to allow the hand towel to hang freely.

Apply a generous amount of E6000 glue to each end of the curved bar where it will connect to the cart’s frame. This ensures a strong and durable bond that can withstand the weight of a hand towel.

Repurposing the side bar as a towel holder not only adds functionality but also contributes to the cart’s unique design. The angled placement of the bar allows for easy access to towels while preventing them from touching the shelves below.

Step 4: Secure and Reinforce the Towel Bar

Use pieces of Scotch tape to hold the curved bar in place while the E6000 glue dries. This prevents the bar from shifting or falling off during the drying process. Wipe away any excess glue around the edges for a clean finish. Allow the glue to dry completely overnight.

For added reinforcement, consider applying a dab of hot glue to the underside of the connection points where the curved bar meets the cart’s frame. This provides extra stability and ensures the towel bar can withstand regular use.

As an alternative reinforcement method, consider wrapping silver wire around the connection points. This not only adds strength but also introduces an interesting aesthetic detail that complements the cart’s overall design.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Transformed Grundtal Cart!

That’s it! Your IKEA Grundtal cart has been transformed into a stylish and functional bathroom shelving unit. Fill it with extra towels, toilet paper, cotton balls, or any other bathroom essentials you need to keep organized.

The removable tray shelves make it easy to clean and maintain the cart. Simply remove the shelves and wash them as needed to keep your bathroom organized and tidy.

Optional: Add Wheels for Mobility

While I prefer the look of the cart without wheels, you can certainly add them back on if you desire a mobile unit. Consider spray painting the wheels a fun color to eliminate the “cheap-o plastic” look and further customize the cart to your liking.

Share Your Grundtal Hacks!

Happy hacking! This simple IKEA Grundtal cart hack offers a creative and affordable way to enhance your bathroom storage and decor. Feel free to share photos of your own Grundtal hacks and modifications in the comments section below. I’d love to see your unique interpretations of this project!

Transforming ordinary furniture into personalized pieces is a rewarding experience. This Grundtal cart hack is just one example of how a little creativity and DIY effort can make a big difference in your home.

Whether you’re looking to maximize space, add a touch of elegance, or simply express your personal style, IKEA hacks provide endless possibilities for customizing your living environment.

So, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and embark on your own IKEA hacking adventure today! The results are sure to be both functional and visually stunning.