Ugh. A Rast hack. Like the internet needs one more…
It doesn’t… but we needed night stands.
I was looking for something with a mid-century modern vibe but also a good amount of storage. Yeah, that’s super hard to find. After months of searching garage sales, thrift stores and craigslist, I gave up and decided to buy a pair of Rasts from Ikea. In June. Yes, these have been sitting next our bed, unfinished, since before Haven. Well, folks, they’re finally done and it was a surprisingly easy project.
I had lots of help from the Hubs. If you happen to know the dude, he deserves a pat on the back for this one.
We cut down both sides of the Rast by exactly three inches. Measure and cut from the bottom. Then we cut another piece of wood to the exact same size as the top of the Rast. We attached the bottom using 3/4″ screws, inserted through the bottom one the side.
I used wood filler to fill the hardware holes and then sanded and primed using Zinnser 1-2-3 spray primer. The drawers are also sprayed using Rustoleum’s semi-gloss white.
I used Minwax’s Dark Walnut stain on the outside as well as for the legs. The legs are Waddell’s 4″ tapered legs from HD attached with a dual top plate. I love these top plates, they give you the option to choose what look you like best and also gives you the freedom to switch it up down the road when you get to itchin’ for a nightstand makeover.
The hardware was an Etsy score. I got all six for 30 bucks! I thought about spraying them in gold but I really like the tarnish on them. I used antique gold Rub n Buff on the feet caps to match the tarnish on the pulls.
Boom! A mid-century modern(ish) dresser with storage!
So, are you over the rast thing?
dena@heartsandsharts.com
Hi!
Question about the stain you used. Was it the penetrating stain for around $8 OR was it the penetrate, stain and seal for around $40?
Thanks!
Ashley
Def the cheaper one.
What tools were used on this hack?
We only used a saw and a drill, if I remember correctly.
HI i really like your blog and all your DIYs especially this RAST HACK.
Please can you answer this question for me. Did you use wood filler to close, sand and paint over the original holes that were on the wood and created your own hotels to screw in your brass handles. REason i ask is when i measured the distance with the original holes that came with it, it is measuring 11.5 (from left hole to right hole) and I am curious did you buy the handles off of etsy to fit this measurement.
Id really appecriate if you answer. Thank you in advance.
I did fill the holes. I put a piece of tape over the holes on the inside of the drawer and then filled the entire hole with wood filler then sanded, primed and drilled new holes for the hardware. In my experience, IKEA furniture has the weirdest measurements – Find the hardware you love and then go from there – I fear you might be looking forever if you tried to match the IKEA hardware holes. Good luck! If you have any other questions, just let me know! I’d love to see the finished product! Thank you Kosi!
This is the best hack I’ve seen and I’ve researched all of them on Google!!! It is amazing! I sent you a email on a couple of questions. I hope to replicate your hack. Awesome job!
Thank you!!!! Hope to see yours when you’re done!
Hi,
These are my favorite hack I’ve seen!! I see where you’ve taken off the bottom part, what is the other side you removed 3 inches from?
Thanks!
Rachel
Hey! Thanks, Rachel! We removed three inches from both the left and right sides of the rast and then just ditched the little front piece. Hope that helps! If not, email me! dena at heartsandsharts dot com
Care to share how you did it? Particularly the bottom part.
Thanks
J
From the post: “We cut down both sides of the Rast by exactly three inches. Measure and cut from the bottom. Then we cut another piece of wood to the exact same size as the top of the Rast. We attached the bottom using 3/4″ screws, inserted through the bottom one the side.”
I LOVE this! Definitely the best Rast hack I’ve seen…. And I think you’ve inspired me to try it out myself! Would you mind sharing which Etsy shop you got the pulls? They’re gorgeous. Thanks!!
Thanks, Jen! I got them from collectrsfriend on Etsy. 🙂 https://www.etsy.com/shop/collectrsfriend
How wide are the pulls you used? I’ve found a few different ones I like online, but don’t know what size to aim for.
I love this hack, btw, and I’m trying to replicate it 🙂
Yass! Send me a pic when you’re done?!
Hey, Keri! I logged into Etsy to check the exact measurements on those pulls – “5” apart on center of screw holes, 5-1/2″ long almost 1″ wide” 🙂
This turned out amazingly – best RAST hack I’ve seen yet!!
Thank you, Krista!!!
Beautiful hack! I certainly don’t mind another, I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on them! Yours is perfect! XO
Thank you so much, Christy!
I absolutely love these! I may tiptoe over to your house and steal them! Pinning for sure.
Thanks, Erin!!
I know I’ve said it to you but your skills and vision are impressive! Very nice! Julie
Thank you, Julie!!! Hope all is going well with your reno! CANNOT wait to see it when its all done. Seriously, I can’t wait. Hurry up. 🙂
Hey 🙂 I love this hack and want to try some version of it myself. I’m wandering about the painting process:
* Did you sand the whole rast before painting or just where you used wood filler?
* how did you avoid “paint stickiness” after painting? (I’ve had bad experiences before and I’m trying to make sure this time it would be better).
Thank you so much for sharing the process!
Hi! I did sand the entire thing – it was a little rough all over, to begin with. To avoid paint stickiness, make sure you apply even, thin coats and let each one dry completely before applying another. Also, make sure your weather conditions are conducive to painting. Thank you, Hagar!
Those legs and that hardware! Love love love them!
Thank you, Brynne! Love those two white chairs in your living room!! Looked all over on TGH this morning to see where ya got ’em. Craigslist find?!
Very cute. And what I like most about it is that the proportions of the chest to the legs are very nice. Great job!
Thank you, Martha!
I love this hack! the legs and the hardware really pull it off. I’d love to feature (catch) you for catch as catch can. Could you add a link to mrl on this post?
gail
Thank you, Gail! Linked up to you on my “link party” page but will add it to the post right now! Thanks!!
That HARDWARE! And what a find, $30!! Great hack.
Thanks, Amy!