DIY,  IKEA Hack

IKEA Hack Turns This Cutting Board Into A Beautiful DIY Hanging Shelf

After writing my last blog post IKEA Hacks For Happy Plants, I headed to my local IKEA on a mission. I really wanted to find something I could use to hang some plants in front of my window. As soon as saw the FASCINERA cutting board I knew I had struck IKEA gold. I thought it would be perfect for a DIY hanging shelf. Its natural wood and organic edges were just the thing I needed to DIY the perfect hanging shelf. I’m super happy with how it turned out! Read on to see how I did it and how you can make your own!

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

What You’ll Need

  • IKEA FASCINERA cutting board
  • A drill
  • 3 yards of jewelry string
  • Brass ring
  • Yarn

The wood cutting board is from IKEA, and I picked up the other supplies at a local dollar store. All in this hanging shelf only cost me $13. Not too shabby!

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

Start by drilling 4 holes in the cutting board. Be sure to space them out so the weight of the shelf will be distributed evenly. The board is made out of mango wood which is a very dense hard wood. Please be cautious and wear safety glasses while using your drill. I used a small drill bit because I didn’t want to risk cracking the wood. The hole only needs to be big enough for the string to pass through twice.

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

Next you will cut four equal pieces of string – each 30″ long. Using a simple knot, tie the string to the brass ring.

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

Thread the string ends through the four drilled holes. Because the holes are small, a double knot will be enough to secure the string. I would suggest holding the shelf up by the brass ring while tying the double knots to make sure your shelf is level. You can always re-tie if you need to made adjustments.

Tip: If you’re having trouble threading the string through the hole, tape the ends of the string together. This will strengthen the string and prevent it from unraveling. 

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

Now that the structure of the hanging shelf is complete its time to embellish! Using the yarn and a simple macrame knot I learnt making friendship bracelets at summer camp years ago, I went to town!

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

Knotting the yarn all the way up the jewelry string really gave the thick macrame look I wanted. You can even embellish with fun beads, colored string, or even feathers. I made a simple yarn tassel and secured it beneath the wood base and I think it looks pretty darn cute.

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf

I’m really pleased with the outcome of this DIY. The hanging shelf looks right at home nestled between my other plants. I hope you all enjoyed this DIY IKEA hack and are ready to try your own! Let me know how yours turns out in the comments!

IKEA Hack | Turn this cutting board into a hanging shelf