Skip to main content

7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit

Help! We have this TROFAST step unit and we need ideas. While redoing our son’s bedroom we see we no longer need the unit in there.

TROFAST storage combination

TROFAST storage combination with boxes | IKEA.com

We would like to repurpose the TROFAST somehow, but when we search for ideas we only see cat trees and staircases for loft beds. Anyone have other ideas?

Thanks

Jess

***

Hi Jess

The TROFAST is a great piece of furniture. It can be used in many ways and easily repurposed.

Here are a few of my suggestions for repurposing the TROFAST step unit into something beyond toy storage.

7 ideas for repurposing the TROFAST step unit

#1 Understairs storage
7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit

Fasten four caster wheels on the underside of the TROFAST unit. Then, add a sturdy handle to the taller side. Voila! Triangle shaped storage that fits under the stairs. See the hack.

#2 Window perch for your dogs
7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit

If you have small dogs or cats, the TROFAST is a great as a window seat. See the window perch.

#3 Living room or hallway storage

While the TROFAST is designed for toy storage, it isn’t shabby as storage in the living room or any other room for that matter. Get the right coloured bins to match your living room decor.

Alternatively, use a spray paint for plastic to get the colour you want. Changing to subtler, muted shades will drastically reduce the “for kids” vibe.

Or you can opt for the TROFAST shelves if bins still remind you too much of toy storage. Stain to enhance the wood grain. Not the step unit pictured below, but you get the idea. Makes a useful entryway unit, doesn’t it?

Stained
#4 Recycling station

I find the TROFAST bins perfect for storing recyclables.

#5 Rabbit hutch

Any small pets at home? Here is the TROFAST repurposed as a rabbit enclosure.

rabbit hutch - step unit

Source: Pinterest

Now, if you have more than one TROFAST step unit, there are lots more you can do.

#6 Workbench for workshop or craft room

Push the short ends of the TROFAST units together and lay a kitchen countertop or desktop (eg. the LINNMON table top) on the units. And just like that you have a long 6.5 feet workbench. See it at work in a workshop.

7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit

The same concept also works brilliantly in the craft room. Like Pam’s beautifully organized craft station. Space the units apart if you need an even longer work top. (Be careful of the sag, though.)

7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit

Credit: Pam Kueber, Retro Renovation

(If you have only one TROFAST unit, add legs on the short side to prop up the desktop to create a smaller workstation.)

#6 Kids reading nook

With the two short sides together, your boy gets a cosy seat to curl up and read. See more here.

7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit
#7 TROFAST entertainment center
IKEA Toy storage entertainment unit

Credit: SecretWolfMan via Reddit

This is almost Tetris like. The top 2 units are screwed together across the middle and have a long metal binding plate across the top to hold it up.

It may be sturdier to have all 4 units fastened to a plywood backing covering the entire structure. See details here.

Well, I hope the ideas above fired up a few thoughts for your TROFAST unit.

Let us know what you end up with.

Happy hacking,

Jules

Hacking may compromise the structural integrity of the item, so please be aware of the risks involved before modifying or altering any IKEA product. Alterations and modifications will also void any warranties or return policies you may have received from IKEA. IKEAhackers.net is not liable for any product failure, injury or damage resulting from the application of suggestions, ideas and hacks featured on this site.

The post 7 ideas to repurpose or hack the TROFAST step unit appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hackers Help: How to attach headboard to ESPEVÄR mattress base?

I’m trying to figure out if a headboard can be attached to an Espevar Mattress Base , and how to accomplish that. I’m looking at a standard metal headboard (because I just prefer the look of curved metal to what IKEA offers) and am not interested in a slat base with just a mattress on top, and a wall mounted headboard is not an option due to renting. Thanks for any help! ~ Amy *** Hi Amy I’ve not seen the ESPEVÄR in person but I believe it is possible to attach a headboard to it. From the website, the ESPEVÄR looks like a regular wooden slatted mattress base under a bed base slipover. As to how to attach it, that will depend on the fittings on the metal headboard. So you will just need to get the right hardware to secure the metal headboard to the wooden frame. And make some small openings on the slipcover to let the fixtures to go through. Jules Photo: IKEA.com Try these free-standing headboards for size A lime green and white headboard that takes centerstage in the r
Post a Comment
Read more

Kitchen renovation reveal: Rhombus wall steals the show

It’s been a while since I did a home tour. If you’ve missed the previous reveals, you can catch up with my Master Bathroom remodel and Guest Bathroom reveal . Today, let’s focus on my kitchen renovation. Hands down, this is the most used room in my home. I spend crazy amounts of time in here, even when I’m not cooking. Just off to the side of the kitchen I converted an awkward space into a reading nook . In the mornings, I sit and read or pray and meditate, before it gets too warm. And on the other side, there’s a work-in-progress plant wall / indoor garden which also takes up a lot of my time. So, all in all, lots of traffic in here, and that’s not even counting cooking and eating time. The kitchen is definitely my favourite room, because the transformation is huge and I love how it turned out. Kitchen renovation: The before House 17 when I first got it, actually had 2 kitchens, which is a very common “Asian” home concept. First, the “dry kitchen”, which is where you make simp
Post a Comment
Read more

IKEA sofa with genius armrest storage

Bet you never knew your sofa armrests were prime storage space. Ok, so the guys at IKEA are the masters of hidden / secret storage everywhere. In fact, one of the things I most loved about the  ESKILSTUNA sofa series was the undercover storage on the chaise lounge, but… what? More than 80 liters of storage space wasted on the armrests? NO WAY! I really don’t understand how they didn’t take that opportunity with several different armrest modules. Mobile chargers, cup / can holders, foldable tables, refrigerators… there’s SO MUCH space in there. I can’t stop thinking on different options! For myself, I went for two designs. First, a “full space” design on the (right) side of the chaise lounge. (The cavity fits two foldable chairs). Second, on the left armrest — a flip open section for “mobile charger / remote control storage / etc.”. Below that, a full-depth pull-out drawer, tall enough to store A4 sized magazines. This is the final result: Full space design, right of cha
Post a Comment
Read more