Make an Ikea Hack custom train and activity table with TONS of storage. This EASY DIY project is a great way to get toys off the floor and organized once and for all!
If I had a dollar for every time I almost died tripping over a toy sitting in the middle of the floor, I could retire before age 30. OK. That may be a bit of an exaggeration. But just a bit.
See, Robert has taken up a recent obsession with all things that have an engine, especially “choo-choos.” Train tracks, trains, race cars, and everything else that goes “vroom” had taken up permanent residence on the black-and-white rug in our living room. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the Magna Tile situation.
Related: Create the Perfect Kids Art Center – My Favorite Tables, Easels, and Desks
The breaking point was at Christmas, when Santa added to Robert’s wooden toy train set with block buildings and trees. There was just too much going on. We needed an activity table.
Here’s a little taste of what things looked like in the living room:
(I think Brooklyn was saying something along the lines of: “I’m sorry you tripped on our toys and almost broke your neck. Just remember how adorable we are and how much you love us.”)
** Do you struggle with toy clean up? Read my #1 tip for getting kids to help put away toys. It’s simple and effective. **
** And if you’re short on space, you’re going to want to see our playroom in a closet. The twins LOVE it! **
What do you do when you’re a parent on a budget, with two little ones who love beating up on your furniture? Go to Ikea, obviously.
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Supplies Needed to Make this Activity Table
Ikea Hack Custom Activity and Train Table – Instructions
This is the least complicated Ikea hack ever. Just flip the table top over and set the Trofast frame (also upside-down) on top. Use a measuring tape to perfectly center the table top. Then use 6 screws to attach the table top to the Trofast frame.
Ikea Hack Custom Activity and Train Table – The Finished Product
This table is the perfect size for our small home. It’s not as big as some other train tables, but it works perfectly for what we want to do. We can play trains, have a picnic, play Magna Tiles, or pretty much anything else. Plus, everything gets tucked away in those slide-out tubs when we have finished playing!
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- getting kids to help put away toys
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- Painted Dollar Store Bins
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- Small Closet Organizing 101
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- Storage and Organizing Finds on Amazon
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- Dollar Tub Toy Storage
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- A $6 Large Poster Frame
Great idea! I’m thinking this might be the answer for all of the lego building my twins do!
Thanks Ange! Yes, I imagine that in a few years we will have plenty of legos to store, too!
The table is awesome! IKEA have a hack for everything. I also am sick of stumbling upon toys and stepping on Lego pieces. I definitely need a storage that will not only be a great place to store the toys but also give the kids a convenient way to play without the need of spilling the whole box on the ground! Really cool solution! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Kathleen!
What size is the Linnmon table top that you used? Thank you again for the wonderful idea!
Hi Mel! The top is 39 3/8×23 5/8 “
Love this and totally doing this to my TROFAST for a lego table! What size LINNMON table top did you use?
I need a lego solution and this will be great. Going to head to IKEA this week. Which size screws did you use? I can see me doing this and having the screw come up through the top! LOL Thanks for a great idea!
I made this for my 18 month old son this weekend (took an hour total) and he loves it! I’m using dry erase markers to label the bins and I’m so happy with how it turned out. Thank you so much for the idea!
Hi Katie – I’m so happy that this project worked out for you!
Could you use the white trofast(all that’s in stock at my ikea) or is there a reason the unfinished one has to be used?
You could use any color Trofast. I bought the wood one b/c I was going to try and stain it, but that didn’t work out so well :/
Hello! I know this post is old but can you tell me where you got the rug from?
Thank you!
It’s from Ikea 🙂
Love this! What train set is that on top? Melissa and Doug?
Train set is from Ikea 🙂
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!