Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Have you ever opened your linen closet and felt a wave of despair wash over you? We’ve all been there. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my latest project with you: a stunning, built-in linen cabinet that transformed my bathroom from chaotic to calming.
This project was a labor of love, spanning a couple of months. Every time I walked past the half-finished cabinet, I shuddered. But let me tell you, the sense of accomplishment when it was finally complete? Pure bliss!
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from planning and design to the finishing touches. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s build something beautiful together!
The Vision: From Cramped Shower to Spacious Storage
Our bathroom renovation involved replacing a tiny shower with a much larger one, leaving a perfect nook for a linen cabinet. Using the IKEA kitchen planner, I mapped out the interior, opting for upgraded doors, drawer fronts, and trim from Semihandmade for that custom look.
Pro Tip: Order your materials well in advance. Supply chain issues can pop up, so give yourself plenty of wiggle room for your project timeline.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Here’s a list of the materials and supplies you’ll need to bring your dream linen closet to life:
IKEA Materials: (Refer to my screenshots for specific details!)
Semihandmade Materials:
- Doors
- Drawer Fronts
- Trim
Additional Supplies:
- Drill
- Level
- Hand Saw
- Toggle Bolts
- Circular Saw
- Miter Saw and Stand
- Straight Edge
- Crow Bar and Mallet
- Oscillating Tool
- Caulk, Caulk Gun, and Caulk Saver Tool
- Paint Brush
- Screws
- Clamps
- Safety Gear (glasses, gloves, and headphones)
Prepping the Space
Before diving into the cabinet construction, I had to remove existing baseboard and wood wall treatments. A crowbar and mallet worked wonders for the baseboard. For the sides, I used an oscillating tool to carefully cut the baseboard, toe kick, and wood pieces.
Safety First! Oscillating tools are amazing but powerful. Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
Building the IKEA Frame: Measure Twice, Assemble Once
Having learned from past projects, I knew building the IKEA frame required careful planning. To avoid ceiling clearance issues, I did the initial assembly in my bedroom before moving it to the bathroom for the final steps.
Key Takeaway: Always measure your ceiling height multiple times before assembling your frame. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Securing the Cabinet
With the frame assembled, I attached it to the wall using a steel suspension rail provided by IKEA. For extra strength, I used toggle bolts for areas where I couldn’t hit a stud.
Remember: A level is your best friend! Make sure the rail is perfectly level before securing it to the wall.
Drawers, Shelves, and Custom Touches
With the frame in place, it was time to install the drawers and shelves. Since I was using custom drawer fronts from Semihandmade, we assembled the drawers but waited to add the fronts until they arrived.
When the Semihandmade pieces finally arrived, they were a pleasant surprise. I had mistakenly remembered choosing a different color, but it ended up being a happy accident! I love how the “Cove” color complements the bathroom.
Elevating the Look: Achieving that Built-In Feel
To take the cabinet from basic to built-in, I used extra Semihandmade material to create filler pieces for the sides, top, and toe kick. This small detail makes a world of difference!
For the toe kick, I carefully measured and cut the trim pieces using a miter saw and circular saw. Remember to account for the plastic clips on the IKEA legs when cutting your toe kick.
Next, I tackled the top and side trim pieces. Using my trusty circular saw and a few clamps, I cut the pieces to size. To secure the side pieces, I used wood blocks and screws for added stability.
The Finishing Touches: Caulk, Paint, and Hardware
Caulking might seem like a small step, but it’s crucial for a polished look. I applied caulk to all the seams, using a damp cloth to smooth it out. Once dry, I touched up the caulk with matching paint.
Finally, it was time for the hardware! I opted for a combination of pulls and knobs, choosing styles that complemented our existing kitchen hardware for a cohesive feel.
Pro Tip: When installing hardware, create a template to ensure consistent placement. This simple trick saves time and prevents headaches.
The Big Reveal: A Linen Closet Transformation
After weeks of work, our built-in linen cabinet was complete! It’s amazing how such a seemingly small change can transform the entire feel of a room.
Before: Cramped shower, limited storage.
After: Spacious linen cabinet, organized bliss.
This project was a testament to the power of patience, planning, and a little DIY magic. And the best part? It only cost around $2,000, which is less than many pre-made options.
Are you ready to tackle your own linen closet transformation? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your own DIY projects with me – I’m always looking for inspiration.
For more unique, handmade gift ideas and crafting inspiration, browse the Robert Kline Art website. We have something for everyone!