Custom IKEA Entertainment Center

My first client project using all the power tools. My friend Sara reached out to me about a fun project and I couldn’t turn it down. She and her husband believed that I could pull off something I’d never tried before. That alone is enough to make a girl nervous and excited all at the same time. We were on a slight time crunch. She and her husband have an adorable baby girl on the way. Let’s take a peek at all the steps that made this incredible entertainment center using the IKEA Billy bookcases and console.

Before pictures and sketch of plan

Items needed and biggest takeaway

Before we get started on the play-by-play, my one piece of advice would be to wait to prime and paint everything after you install it in the house. This should be the last step!!! A Purdy 1/4inch nap roller brush will give you the smooth finish you need when painting and a spray paint gun isn’t necessary unless you have one on hand. Everything worked out fine but multiple paint jobs were necessary on my end because I didn’t paint last.

The Norman’s already had two of the Billy bookcases and extender pieces. They bought a Billy/Oxberg bookcase to replace the old cube entertainment area. They also bought 6 doors for the bottom portion of the bookcases.

Do your research. I researched multiple Billy bookcase hacks for help. I did not have two support walls between my units. This was the major difference I found online when researching.

Steps

I restructured the steps slightly so when you follow them, they will be in the correct order when you make yours.

First, I replaced the backing on both of the Ikea Billy bookcases. I went to Home Depot and had them cut down two large sheets of 1/4″ sanded plywood. Using the large sheets gave us no gaps along the back of the bookcase. Exact measurements were 30 1/16” wide x 76 1/2″ long. Double check your Ikea Bookcases for the measurements. I used some finishing nails that I had leftover from a previous project to attach the boards to the back.

Next, we selected permanent shelf placement for the upper portion of the bookcase. We wanted to give this the most custom look possible. I used an extra shelf to mark the areas to nail on the back of the bookcase. I used my measuring tape and level to mark the areas. This gave me the exact thickness of the shelf. I used my brad nailer and extra finishing nails for this portion.

I sanded the Billy bookcases and the small bookcase with 120 grit sandpaper. I used my orbital sander and sanding sponges. I vacuumed everything and then wiped it down with a tack cloth.

Remove all the baseboards and crown molding (if necessary) in the area you will be installing the bookcases.

I measured and used 2x4s to help with spacing and to give the bookcase arches a wider appearance. I used finishing screws to install the 2x4s.

We drilled holes to give the Normans areas to run the cords for their electronics using a 2″ circle drill attachment. We used these wire covers over the circles we drilled. I cut out a square using my multi tool for the outlet. The Normans purchased a paintable outlet cover. We painted it black to match the entertainment center. Sara’s husband, Paul, helped me out on this portion of the project. It was fun to have a friend help during portions of the project.

Next, it was time to work on the arches. After carefully measuring the bookcases with the 2x4s, I was ready to make a template. I used some cardboard first and made sure my measurements were correct before cutting on the wood. I was using 1/2″ thick plywood on the front and sides of the bookcases. I attempted my jigsaw for the arches but I didn’t like the way it turned out. I cut 3 different arches and ended up finally with a perfect curve. I ended up using a router with a circle jig and loved the end result. I think a jigsaw is possible, but the thicker wood will make your mistakes noticeable.

I added 1/2” thick boards to the sides of my bookcases to cover the 2x4s. I attached the doors and then took measurements for the facing of the entertainment center. It was time to put it all together on the front.

The next step is to attach and shim the entertainment center all together. Paul was a great help here. It was extremely helpful to have another hand to lift, shim, and attach the pieces.

I cut crown molding and added shoe molding to the bottom of the entertainment center to conceal any ares we shimmed. We added an additional piece of shoe molding in the corner to conceal a slightly uneven wall.

I added a top for the console area. We used 3/4″ 12inch by 6 foot project panel and cut it down to size with the table saw. We attached this with finishing screws too.

Next steps would be to wood fill all the areas, let that dry and then sand till smooth. Then caulk all the edges and areas for both pieces. Use this primer for any IKEA furniture. And lastly give everything two coats of paint. We used Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Tricorn Black with a satin finish.

Install the door hardware and style after paint cures!

I don’t think this will be my last project to work on an IKEA hack! This turned out awesome! The Normans styled the bookshelves after the 30 day cure time.

Looking for more DIY projects and makeovers? Join the fun @pinchmeimhome on all your favorite social media platforms. More behind the scene videos can be found here.

Until the next project, check out all my past projects under the blog section.