You’re probably not going to 3D print your next sofa or dining table (even though somebody out there has probably tried), so a trip to IKEA might be the right choice. But what about those smaller, modular, expandable items that end up in your cart every time you visit?
Here are some items you might want to 3D print at home instead.
Skådis pegboard system
The Skådis pegboard system is undoubtedly the best-represented IKEA product among the 3D printing community. Starting at $20, this vertical organizer uses a simple grid design coupled with optional accessories like bins and shelves. It’s the perfect 3D printing project.
On top of printing a myriad of accessories that range from monitor arms to spool brackets fo 3D printing filament, you can print your own Skådis with more than 170 different configurations, a lightweight version, and a hexagonal board design.
These make for ideal expandable modular projects, and allow you to fit the Skådis system into tight spaces.
Småsnöre LED desk light
Småsnöre is a flexible, multi-color LED light that’s both decorative and useful. You can adjust where the light is pointed and place the two feet anywhere you want (and even screw them in for a permanent fixture). One reason the light is so popular is due to its utility when working with your hands.
For example, if you’re drawing, painting, sewing, or engaging in other crafty pastimes, the Småsnöre is ideal since it can be positioned directly above your work area.
But why buy when you can make? The Painting Light Arch V2 is a larger version of the same design, which you can even customize to your liking (as many have done in the comments). Shop around for a cheap LED strip or make use of an ESP32 and WLED.
Kallax drawers and doors
Kallax is an IKEA classic, coming in several configurations but perhaps best associated with a simple square bookshelf design. Since IKEA sticks to a standard size, there are all manner of inserts you can print for your Kallax furniture.
IKEA sells inserts including drawers, doors, half-shelves, and more. But with a 3D printer you can print your own, including Kallax cabinet doors in a variety of styles (including one that uses the Skådis pegboard design). On top of this there are Kallax drawers and dividers, backstops for vinyl records, and lots more.
Drawer inserts and dividers
IKEA sells Uppdatera drawer organizers, Alex drawer inserts, and Raggisar trays (among others), designed to keep drawers neat and tidy. Though these are easy bolt-on sales for anyone walking away with a compatible piece of furniture, they might not be the ideal solution for whatever it is you’re hoping to store. There are also purpose-built dividers which seem pretty expensive for what they are.
A better solution, particularly for bespoke storage needs, is to go full Gridfinity. This isn’t ideal for every use case, but if you’re buying a piece of furniture and you know exactly where it’s going and what it’s going to contain, 3D printing a custom bin-based storage system that has dedicated spaces for all your stuff might be worth the effort involved.
If you can’t stomach spending $25 on some plastic dividers, there are 3D printed alternatives that will cost a fraction of the cost. Just search for your particular item, and you should find something, like organizers, trays, and modular bins for Alex drawers.
Cable management trays and holders
IKEA sells a decent range of desks to fit in a variety of spaces, with sit-stand desk options too. One thing you might be tempted to add while you’re buying is an under-desk cable tidy, like the Foraesong ($10). Though cheap, this tray doesn’t scream “low profile” and might not even fit your power strip of choice.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of printable options instead. These range from modular designs like the under desk cable organizer channel approach (scale and print whatever you need) to the Underware cable management system based on openGrid.
There are even magnetic hanging chains for sit-stand desk users.
Headphone stands
Buying a headphone or gaming headset stand from IKEA might be the easy choice, but if you have a 3D printer there’s little excuse not to print your own. Options like the Lånespalere ($20) are fine, but for less than $1 in filament you could print something like a desk-side headphone hanger clamp that makes better use of the space.
Other options include hooks for your monitor, a stand for the Skådis, or an over-engineered industrial design.
Laptop supports
IKEA has a whole category of laptop stands, with products like the Stenerik ($30) and Sigfinn ($30) among the sturdier options in the range. Unfortunately, these products aren’t adjustable. If you’re going this route, a simple 3D printed laptop stand is arguably the better choice.
You can print a stand that’s specific to your laptop or use case. For example, Ben Miller’s MacBook Air stand has four points of support, which will help prevent the laptop from wobbling around when you type. There are also portable stands, space-saving designs, and even adjustable designs.
Wireless charging stands
IKEA’s Västmärke wireless charging stand is practical, elegant, and made of cork. It’s also $25 and doesn’t include a USB-C adapter, plus it only manages Power Delivery 3.0 and QuickCharge 2.0 speeds. You can pick up a comparable twin pack of wireless charging pucks for around $14, then 3D print yourself one of the thousand models online to suit your use case.
These MagSafe stands come in a variety of styles and sizes, from small clip-on desk chargers to dual-purpose watch and phone chargers and even novelty designs to make you smile.
Planning a trip to IKEA? Make sure you check out the new range of Matter over Thread smart home accessories while you’re there!