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The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand

Kid Rooms· Master Bedroom

12 Nov
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If you’re reading this, you’re, most likely, either looking at the Rast Chest of Drawers or you already have it. Read on to see The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand.
The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Supplies needed:

  • Rast IKEA Chest of Drawers
  • Stain
  • Wax or polyurethane
  • Paint brush
  • Black glossy spray paint

Before

This guy is only $39.99, but I’m pretty positive I got it on sale for $29.99. Therefore I got 2 for like $60!
I had searched high and low for matching nightstands at the thrift stores near me and couldn’t find a matching pair for anything. So when I saw these were on sale, I got really excited!

The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand

Step 1 – Assemble

These really weren’t all that difficult to assemble. Overall I would say they were pretty simple, especially the second one, since I had already done the first one.

Honestly, my only piece of advice is probably to wear gloves. My fingers were definitely a little raw afterward. Lots of twisting screws to get them started and screwing them in.

Step 2 – Stain

I took the drawers out and stood them up, so the front of them was facing up. And then I put cardboard underneath the nightstand body, so I could stain the legs without getting it on the ground. I used Special Walnut stain.

It wouldn’t hurt to sand them first, but the wood comes so raw that I didn’t sand them and was happy with the end result.

The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand

Step 3 – Spray paint the knobs

The Rast comes with wooden knobs. I took a small cardboard box and set the knobs on top to spray paint them outside. Shake your spray paint can and spray thoroughly, until all of each knob is covered. Make sure to get every side and underneath too.

The glossy spray paint almost makes these look metal.

Step 4 – Apply a protective coat

Take either a furniture wax or a polyurethane and apply it on top of the stain. This will just add a layer of protection and durability to the piece. If you don’t want it to be appear shiny, make sure to get a matte finish clear coat.

I used the furniture wax and it was actually very easy to apply. I would definitely use it again.

The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand

I’ve been really happy with these. They provide plenty of extra storage, the drawers slide out nicely and they’re simple in design. If you’re looking for a nightstand (or two) or a small dresser, these are for you!

Thanks for reading! As always, pin below for later.

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6 Comments

About Alleigh

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Comments

  1. Lucy Ladley says

    November 13, 2019 at 3:35 am

    It is such fun to see all of your creative home projects!

    Reply
  2. Lauren says

    January 8, 2025 at 8:04 pm

    I would love a list of the exact products you used to stain and wax this dresser. I’ve never done any furniture staining before, but this is the exact end look that I want.!

    Reply
    • Alleigh says

      March 19, 2025 at 3:33 pm

      Hi! I used Special Walnut stain (I believe only one coat) and a “natural” furniture wax. You could also use clear wax, or a clear polyurethane. Those are simply for protection of the finish. The link are listed in the post. I hope that’s helpful!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How Make your Bed Cozy | Decorating on a Budget – Hand Gathered Home says:
    July 28, 2020 at 8:19 am

    […] The Easiest Ever IKEA Rast Hack Nightstand How to Refresh your Bed on a Budget […]

    Reply
  2. The Best Places to Shop when Decorating on a Budget – Hand Gathered Home says:
    November 2, 2020 at 10:51 pm

    […] Below is our most recent IKEA purchase — nightstands. We purchased the Rast dresser and you can check out what I did to them here. […]

    Reply
  3. Farmhouse Bedroom Makeover | Decorate with Me says:
    June 19, 2021 at 1:36 am

    […] I got them from IKEA for maybe $30 each and gave them a super simple makeover. You can check it out here. They have 3 decent sized drawers that provide a ton of storage, which is super nice. I’m […]

    Reply

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So glad you’re here!

Hi! I’m Alleigh. I’m a mom to my two sweet little boys, and wife to a very supportive husband. I’m so glad you’re here! Join me and my little family as we get our hands dirty and add life & personality to our home to create a place that we love.

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I was trying to post this with original audio of m I was trying to post this with original audio of me explaining each item and my thoughts on the price etc etc but apparently I don’t have that capability yet on IG… so, enjoy this reel and just know that I had a lot more to say. 😂
A little IG vs reality for ya. Swipe to see the mo A little IG vs reality for ya. Swipe to see the more realistic view (which is really not bad at all 😂).
I feel like my house is just constantly a mess, no matter how hard I try. Anyone else? It feels like I’m always behind, and to be honest, it bothers me a lot. It overwhelms me and stresses me out. It keeps me from being content and present. Between things constantly being broken (hello middle child) and just too much stuff in general.
Here’s what I’m working on to simplify and calm the chaos.
1. I’ve been removing all toys that don’t get played with often. We currently have magnatiles, Duplos, and race cars out. The rest have been moved to storage in the basement for the moment. We’ll see what we keep as my kids do sometimes notice toys they’re missing and ask for them.
2. I’ve been ruthlessly getting rid of stuff - whether donate or trash. If we don’t absolutely love it, or we have multiples, or no one touches it, or we have a huge pile of random papers and crafts. Gone. 😂 it’s so relieving.
3. I often have artwork and decor laying around because I don’t fully know where it’s going yet. I’ve been removing anything that doesn’t serve a purpose and have been putting it in basement storage. No point having it sit there and clutter. I’ll go get it when I’m ready to hang the picture or use the decor.
4. I’ve been re-assessing where we need more storage. I replaced a dresser that didn’t functional well with a $50 homeschool cabinet from FB marketplace and it’s been so much better.
5. As I remove things from our every day view, I’m noticing the ability to better enjoy the everyday messes and real life, because it isn’t so out of control and overwhelming.

I hope this is encouraging for mamas in the same boat ✨
Enjoying our last flower harvest of the season ✨ Enjoying our last flower harvest of the season ✨
My weekend project ✨ We spent a lot of time in o My weekend project ✨
We spent a lot of time in our front yard, but never really on our porch. I bought this porch paint months ago and finally got it done! Now our porch is a cozy place to sit ✨ Inspired by @mustardseedbeginnings super cute porch.
These frames have been sitting empty for a while n These frames have been sitting empty for a while now… I went to order some prints for them the other day, and I didn’t like the price. SO I decided I was going to make my own art for them. I found a fabric remnant at a local thrift store for $0.99 cents and voila. Took all of 5 mins ✨
Such a fun, special day 🤍 Notice the new toys s Such a fun, special day 🤍
Notice the new toys scattered everywhere 😂
Antiques all day long 🤍 Exciting changes happen Antiques all day long 🤍
Exciting changes happening here at Hand Gathered Home. More to come ✨
Since everyone is saying how social media is fake… here’s some real real life for ya 🙃

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