How we made the sunroom game table (an easy IKEA hack)
Every so often someone asks where we found the small table in the sunroom, so here’s a clear rundown of how we built it, what we used, and a few tips if you want to make one for your own space.
We started with a very inexpensive LACK side table from IKEA paired with an old wooden tabletop we picked up at a thrift shop. If you don’t already have a thrift tabletop, you can purchase a chunky square piece of wood at a hardware store and have it cut to the size you want. The idea is simple: use the LACK as the base, and attach a larger, sturdier top to create a low, chunky game table that’s perfect for floor seating and casual play.
Below is an underside view so you can see the attachment method. We used standard metal L-brackets to fasten the IKEA table to the reclaimed tabletop. The brackets are unobtrusive, inexpensive, and strong enough for everyday use. When you’re attaching the brackets to the tabletop, be sure to use short screws that won’t penetrate through the top surface — that one small precaution prevents a lot of potential damage.
Assembly overview (basic steps):
- Choose your base: an inexpensive LACK side table or another small table with a flat top works well.
- Select the tabletop: a reclaimed thrift table top or a new, cut-to-size wood panel that’s larger than the base creates the chunky look.
- Dry-fit the pieces so the top overhang looks balanced from every side.
- Flip the top and base, align them, and mark bracket locations so they’re distributed evenly for stability.
- Attach metal L-brackets to the underside of the tabletop and the top of the base. Use screws that are long enough to grip securely in the base but short enough not to go through the tabletop.
- Flip the finished table right side up, check for wobble, and adjust bracket tightness if needed.
A few finishing and styling tips:
- Sanding: If the reclaimed top is rough, a light sanding and a coat of clear varnish or wax can enhance the grain and protect the surface.
- Paint or stain: If you prefer a unified look, paint or stain the base and top to match. Or embrace a mixed-material aesthetic by combining wood tones with painted legs.
- Protective pads: Place felt pads under the table legs or on the underside of the new top where it meets the base to prevent scratching and to dampen noise.
- Weight considerations: If you plan to use the table frequently for games or dining, choose a thicker tabletop and consider additional brackets for extra support.
Why the top looks wood-toned while the legs are white: we originally owned a wood-toned LACK table and later swapped in white legs from another LACK to better coordinate with the room. We left the wood-toned top attached to the larger reclaimed tabletop with the L-brackets. It’s an easy way to tweak the look without buying an entirely new table — and in our case only our dog Burger notices the history of the pieces.
This build is a great beginner-friendly IKEA hack: minimal tools, affordable parts, and plenty of room for customization. It makes a functional, stylish game table for casual seating arrangements like floor cushions or low stools. Have you tried any IKEA hacks, thrift-store makeovers, or other quick furniture upcycles lately? Share what you’ve made — simple projects like this can spark bigger ideas.
Psst — our biggest IKEA hack to date is one we’re still excited about and that project even got shared on ikeahacker.com at one point.