The heart of many homes, the kitchen, often grapples with a common foe: clutter. Spice jars, in particular, can be unruly, taking over precious counter space or getting lost in the depths of a cabinet. While countless storage solutions exist, one humble item from IKEA has transcended its original purpose to become a cult favorite for organization enthusiasts and DIY aficionados alike: the BEKVÄM spice rack. This review delves into its utility as a dedicated spice holder and explores why it’s celebrated as one of the best, most affordable DIY hacks for transforming virtually any space.
The BEKVÄM’s Original Purpose: A Humble Spice Rack
Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, the IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack serves its primary purpose admirably. Crafted from solid aspen wood, this compact unit provides a neat and accessible home for your frequently used spices. Its slim profile ensures it doesn’t protrude excessively, making it ideal for mounting on a kitchen wall, inside a pantry door, or even tucked away in a cabinet. The integrated rail keeps jars securely in place, preventing them from toppling over, while the open design allows for quick visual identification of your herbs and seasonings. It’s a straightforward, no-frills solution that effectively organizes your culinary essentials, making cooking a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Beyond the Kitchen: The BEKVÄM as a DIY Canvas
The true magic of the BEKVÄM, however, lies in its remarkable versatility beyond its intended role. IKEA hacking—the art of repurposing and customizing IKEA products—has found one of its most celebrated canvases in this inexpensive wooden shelf. Its simple, unfinished solid wood construction, coupled with its compact size and incredibly low price point, makes it an irresistible foundation for a myriad of creative projects. Enthusiasts worldwide have discovered that with a little imagination and minimal effort, the BEKVÄM can be transformed into practically anything, offering stylish and functional storage solutions for nearly every room in the house. This adaptability is what truly elevates the BEKVÄM from a mere spice rack to a genuine DIY legend.
Top IKEA BEKVÄM Spice Rack Hacks
The ingenious ways people have repurposed the BEKVÄM spice rack are a testament to its design and affordability. Here are some of the most popular and creative DIY hacks:
Mini Bookshelves for Every Room
Table is empty.The BEKVÄM’s shallow depth is surprisingly perfect for displaying books, especially in small spaces or children’s rooms. When mounted, they create minimalist, forward-facing bookshelves that allow little ones to easily see and pick their favorite stories. They also work wonderfully for cookbooks in the kitchen or magazines in a reading nook. Stacking multiple racks creates a charming, custom-sized library.
Bathroom Essentials Organizer
Transform your bathroom into a more organized and spa-like sanctuary. Flipped upside down, the BEKVÄM can become a practical caddy for toiletries, holding anything from cotton balls and Q-tips to lotions and essential oils. The bar, now at the top, can be used as a small towel rail or a place to hang washcloths, adding both functionality and a touch of rustic charm.
Craft and Hobby Storage Solutions
Crafters rejoice! The BEKVÄM is a dream come true for organizing an array of hobby supplies. It’s ideal for keeping spools of ribbon neatly lined up, with the bar acting as a dispenser. For artists, it can hold small paint bottles or brushes. Sewing enthusiasts can use it to store thread, pins, and other notions, creating an accessible and tidy craft station.
Entryway Catchall and Key Holder
Never lose your keys again. By combining two BEKVÄM racks, or even using a single one flipped upside down, you can create a stylish and practical entryway organizer. The shelf can hold letters, sunglasses, or other small items you grab on your way out, while S-hooks on the bar can keep keys, umbrellas, or dog leashes readily available.
Nail Polish Display
For beauty enthusiasts, the BEKVÄM offers an elegant way to display and organize nail polish collections. When hung vertically, each rack provides a level for bottles, keeping them visible and preventing clutter. The light wood can be painted to match any decor, turning your polish collection into a vibrant wall display.
Children’s Wardrobe or Accessory Hanger
In a nursery or child’s room, the BEKVÄM can be flipped to create a tiny wardrobe for small garments, like bonnets, socks, or even a miniature outfit for the next day. For adults, it’s an excellent accessory holder, perfect for hanging necklaces, bracelets, scarves, or belts, keeping them tangle-free and easily accessible.
Hidden Cord Management
Tired of unsightly charging cables and wires cluttering your countertops? Flip the BEKVÄM upside down and mount it. The L-shaped cavity created effectively conceals power strips and cables, offering a cleaner, more streamlined look in your kitchen, office, or bedside table.
Display Shelves for Collectibles
Whether you collect thimbles, small figurines, or sentimental trinkets, the BEKVÄM makes for charming display shelving. Its simple design highlights the items, making them appear curated and intentional rather than just stored. Play with arrangement – staggered, aligned, or painted – to create a personalized gallery wall.
Materials & Customization
The BEKVÄM spice rack is constructed from solid aspen wood, which contributes to its sturdy feel and long-lasting potential. The wood comes in a light, unfinished state, making it an ideal canvas for personalization. You can easily paint it any color to match your existing decor, stain it for a richer, more natural wood finish, or even distress it for a shabby-chic look. Beyond paint, many DIYers incorporate additional elements like cane webbing, wire mesh, or decorative strips of MDF to completely transform its aesthetic. IKEA provides the necessary fasteners for mounting, ensuring a secure installation, whether you use it as intended or embark on a creative hack.
Installation Tips for DIY Projects
Installing the BEKVÄM, whether for spices or a hack, is relatively straightforward. For its standard use or as a simple shelf, it can be mounted right-side up. For many hacks, like catchalls or towel racks, flipping it upside down cleverly alters its functionality, turning the base into a shelf and the rail into a hanging bar. When combining multiple racks, careful measurement and pre-drilling can ensure they align perfectly for a seamless look. While screws and anchors are typically provided, you might consider stronger wall anchors for heavier loads, especially if stacking books. For very lightweight items, some hacks might even allow for strong adhesive strips, though drilling is always recommended for maximum security.
Pros and Cons of the BEKVÄM for Hacking
Pros:
- Inexpensive: Its low cost makes it an accessible option for multiple projects without a significant investment.
- Versatile Design: The simple, rectangular shape and integrated rail lend themselves to countless modifications and uses.
- Durable Solid Wood: Made from solid aspen, it’s sturdier than particleboard alternatives and can withstand light to moderate use.
- Easy to Customize: The unfinished wood takes paint, stain, and other embellishments exceptionally well.
- Compact Size: Its slim profile is perfect for maximizing storage in small or awkward spaces.
Cons:
- Limited Depth: The shallow depth, while great for some items, means it cannot hold very large or bulky objects.
- Unfinished Surface: While good for customization, the raw wood may require sealing or painting to protect it from moisture or wear, particularly in bathrooms or kitchens.
- Assembly Required: Like most IKEA products, some basic assembly is necessary.
Buying Guide: Getting Your BEKVÄM and What to Consider
The IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack is readily available at IKEA stores worldwide and through their online platform. Given its popularity for hacks, it’s often a staple in their “small storage” or “kitchen accessories” sections. When planning your purchase, first determine your specific storage needs. How many items do you want to organize? What size are they? This will help you decide if you need one, two, or several racks. Next, consider the aesthetic you’re aiming for. Do you want to keep the natural wood look, or do you envision painting, staining, or adding other decorative elements? Thinking about these aspects before you even leave the store can help you gather any additional supplies you might need for your DIY transformation.
Conclusion
The IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack truly embodies the spirit of smart, affordable home organization. While it excels in its original role of taming unruly spices, its true genius shines through its remarkable adaptability as a DIY hack. From children’s bookshelves and bathroom caddies to craft organizers and entryway catchalls, this unassuming wooden shelf offers endless possibilities for transforming your living spaces with creativity and minimal expense. Its simple design, durable construction, and ease of customization make it an undeniable favorite for those looking to add both function and personalized style to their home. So, next time you’re at IKEA, consider picking up a BEKVÄM—you might just discover your next favorite storage solution. What creative hack will you use the BEKVÄM spice rack for in your home?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack typically cost?
The IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack is renowned for its affordability, usually priced between £3 to £7, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for various organization and DIY projects.
What are the dimensions of the BEKVÄM spice rack?
The BEKVÄM spice rack is approximately 15.75 inches (40 cm) long, 3.9 inches (10 cm) deep, and 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall, offering a compact and versatile size for small spaces.
Can you paint the IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack?
Yes, absolutely! The BEKVÄM spice rack comes in an unfinished solid aspen wood, which is perfect for painting, staining, or any other form of customization to match your desired aesthetic.
What are some popular non-spice uses for the BEKVÄM?
Beyond spices, popular hacks include using it as a mini bookshelf, bathroom organizer, craft supply holder, entryway catchall for keys and mail, and even a small wardrobe for children’s clothes.
Is the BEKVÄM spice rack easy to install?
The BEKVÄM spice rack is designed for easy installation and comes with the necessary fasteners. It can be mounted with basic tools, making it accessible for most DIY enthusiasts to put up quickly.
