The Ultimate IKEA Expedit Hack: Crafting a Stylish & Functional Nursery Changing Table

Embarking on the journey of preparing for a new baby is filled with exciting milestones, and for us, checking off the “changing table” from our nursery to-do list was a truly satisfying moment. What started as a simple idea for a practical nursery essential evolved into a delightful DIY project, transforming an ordinary IKEA Expedit shelf into a bespoke, wood-wrapped changing station that perfectly complements our home’s aesthetic.

The debate around whether a dedicated changing table is truly necessary for new parents is a common one. I vividly recall a colleague sharing her belief that changing tables were often neglected, suggesting that busy parents typically opt for the nearest convenient spot – be it the floor or a sofa – over a formal trip to the nursery. This comment resonated with me, especially since we had already invested time and effort into purchasing and refinishing Clara’s changing table/dresser before her arrival. I momentarily wondered if we had fallen prey to a classic first-time parent oversight.

To my surprise, our experience with Clara’s changing table was quite the opposite; we used it religiously. Perhaps it was the compact size of our first home or its single-level layout, but if we were home, diaper changes invariably happened on that table. This routine proved so effective that it seamlessly transitioned with us to our second house, which, despite being twice as large, maintained its convenient single-story ranch design.

However, navigating multiple levels with a newborn presented a new challenge. We realized that stairs could be a true game-changer in the diaper-changing routine. For our current home, we wisely decided to keep a stash of changing supplies downstairs to maximize convenience. After all, anything that simplifies the demanding routine of life with a newborn is a welcome addition, right?

Designing the Perfect Nursery Changing Station

When we first embarked on planning the nursery, we initially considered repurposing my dad’s vintage dresser, which was currently residing in our closet. This piece held sentimental value, offering the charming prospect of our son using his grandfather’s 50-year-old dresser as a changing table. While not a permanent fixture in our closet (we envision a built-in system eventually), the idea was appealing. However, after completing the custom built-ins in the nursery, which provided eight drawers of fantastic storage, we concluded that adding four more drawers on the opposite wall would be excessive. We soon realized that open, easily accessible storage for toys and games would serve our needs much better in that space.

So, we re-evaluated our options and meticulously outlined our key criteria for the ideal changing station:

• Ample Surface Area: The top surface needed to be wide and flat enough to comfortably accommodate our changing pad, requiring a minimum width of 15 inches.
• Versatile Storage: We sought a blend of open storage for easy access to essentials and the flexibility to incorporate bins or baskets for discreetly tucking away diapering supplies during those fleeting baby years.
• Aesthetic Integration: Given the long, empty wall, the unit ideally needed to be substantial (around 60 inches wide) to visually anchor the space and complement the large bike prints we intended to hang above it. We drew inspiration from the integrated storage cubbies in our previous sunroom, envisioning a similar effect.

It was while reviewing that very photo, checking the precise spacing of our sunroom prints, that a brilliant “A-HA!” moment struck us: Why not use an IKEA Expedit? It perfectly met all our functional and aesthetic criteria. Furthermore, the Expedit in our office wasn’t serving a permanent purpose there; we harbored dreams of eventually installing an L-shaped file-storage system and a floating desk. This realization coincided perfectly with the news of the Expedit’s discontinuation (or reincarnation, as some would say) hitting the web – truly an “all-signs-point-to-Expedit” moment for us.

With newfound purpose, I carefully unloaded everything from the Expedit (which only added to the organized chaos of our office) and painstakingly dragged it upstairs to the nursery. I emphasize “dragged” because I was mindful of asking my pregnant wife to lift such a hefty piece. It was considerably heavier than I remembered!

Once in position against the wall opposite the built-ins, however, the Expedit felt a bit underwhelming. It was undeniably very empty, and while we knew the changing pad would eventually sport a cheerful, colorful cover, the unit itself didn’t yet make a compelling visual statement for its new role.

We leaned the bike art against the wall to gauge its effect, and while it certainly helped define the space, we still felt the Expedit needed an upgrade. It blended too seamlessly with the wall, rug, and doors, lacking the distinct character we desired.

The DIY Transformation: Wrapping the Expedit in Wood

And then, the “hack” was born! Our idea was to introduce contrast and echo the white-and-wood aesthetic of Clara’s changing table by wrapping the exterior of the Expedit with stained wood. This approach would also beautifully tie into my homemade bike art frames and the wood-topped built-ins across the room, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. The vision was clear, much like this…

That image above isn’t Photoshop (I wish I possessed those skills!); it’s the real “after.” I wanted to provide a glimpse of the finished product before diving into the detailed “How-To” section of this post. So, let’s rewind to the beginning of the transformation, which involved me dragging the Expedit back out to the garage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Expedit Changing Table Hack

Our measurements indicated that three 1 x 6-inch boards would be precisely wide enough to cover the Expedit, creating an appealing half-inch overhang on each side. This overhang was a thoughtful design choice, providing a slightly wider and more secure surface for the changing pad, which previously sat flush with the original Expedit width. We opted for basic whitewood, a material we successfully used for our living room console table, which has remarkably stood the test of time for several years. The cost-effectiveness of whitewood ($5 for a 6-foot piece) also made it an attractive choice, and we aimed for the same slightly rustic, natural wood aesthetic achieved with the console table.

Here are all the wooden pieces, precisely cut to size at home using our miter saw, ready for assembly.

To assemble these individual boards into larger, cohesive panels, I utilized my trusted Kreg Jig. This tool allowed me to create sturdy pocket holes, enabling me to securely join each set of three boards side-by-side. It’s the identical technique I employed for the console tabletop, and you can delve deeper into the process here. A useful tip I often employ with the Kreg Jig, especially when the holes will be hidden, is to make two holes. This provides a valuable contingency; if my first attempt at joining doesn’t align perfectly, I have a second chance without the hassle of re-drilling.

Above, you can see the fully joined wooden panels. This photo also captures them post-sanding, where I gently softened the edges and smoothed any subtle ridges between the individual boards, ensuring a seamless finish. You might notice only two pieces for the bottom panel; that’s because the middle section will be completely hidden from view, making a third piece unnecessary and cost-effective.

Achieving the Perfect Stain with Wood Conditioner

Before applying the stain, we decided to experiment with wood conditioner. This preparatory step is designed to “prime” the wood for staining, significantly reducing the likelihood of unevenness or blotchiness and ultimately enhancing the richness and depth of the final color. A small can of conditioner cost us a mere $6, a negligible “risk” for the promise of richer, more uniform results. The application process is straightforward: simply brush or wipe it on, allow it to penetrate the wood for a few minutes (I gave it a generous 15 minutes), and then wipe off any excess. Crucially, you must apply your stain within two hours of conditioning for optimal results.

For consistency throughout the room, we used Minwax Dark Walnut stain, the same shade applied to the countertops of our built-ins and the bike art frames. One coat proved to be sufficient. To truly demonstrate the impact of the conditioner, I stained a piece of unconditioned scrap wood (the exact same type of wood, just a leftover piece) alongside the conditioned panels. Both Sherry and I were genuinely surprised by the stark difference. During application, I could distinctly feel the stain soaking in more evenly on the conditioned wood, and the finished color was noticeably richer and warmer on the pre-treated sections.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

Once the stain and my two coats of Safecoat Acrylaq (our preferred non-toxic poly alternative, known for locking in potential fumes) were completely dry, I could finally begin the process of attaching these beautiful wooden panels to the Expedit. I opted for a simple yet effective wood-glue-and-nails system, which eliminated the need to later conceal screw heads. I prepped the Expedit surface by lightly roughing it up with sandpaper to create better adhesion, then generously applied wood glue.

Next, I used my nail gun to firmly secure the panels in place with 1.75-inch brad nails, thankfully leveraging the thick frame of the Expedit for a secure hold.

I then repeated the same process for the side panels, creating an elegant waterfall-edge effect that gave the unit a custom, built-in appearance.

These panels were allowed to dry overnight before I carefully flipped the entire piece over to attach the bottom sections. As you can see in the photo, I strategically placed the bottom pieces only at either end, knowing that the middle portion would never be visible.

Considering and Omitting Casters

After allowing everything to thoroughly dry for a couple of days, I hauled the now-transformed Expedit back upstairs to the nursery. The next step involved adding legs and casters. Sherry and I initially envisioned two chunky, $5 casters from Home Depot as a stylish touch, complemented by stationary legs (crafted from 2×2-inch pine and secured with Kreg screws to the back and middle) to prevent any unwanted rolling during a diaper change.

If you’re wondering about the absence of casters in the “after” picture, you’re astute. Ultimately, we decided they weren’t the right fit for this application. The added height made the changing pad uncomfortably high – a height far exceeding what we were accustomed to with Clara’s changing table. Moreover, it would have required hanging the art even higher than the doorway tops, which we felt would disrupt the room’s visual balance.

Despite our decision to remove them, we genuinely loved the look of the casters and wanted to share the idea. It might be a perfect solution for someone else’s unique application!

Ultimately, it was a simple matter of unscrewing a few components to return the changing table to its original, sitting-straight-on-the-floor aesthetic. This configuration also offered an unexpected benefit: no awkward space underneath for dust bunnies or forgotten toys to collect. With that resolved, Sherry kindly helped me hang the art and began the satisfying task of filling the shelves.

Regarding the height of our changing station, a frequent question we receive: The Expedit itself measures 31 inches. The addition of the wood frame contributed a few more inches, and the changing pad rests on top, bringing the baby’s position to approximately 34 inches from the ground. This height aligns perfectly with our preference, as Clara’s dresser with its pad was around 33 inches from the floor.

Styling and Functionality in the Nursery

The items currently gracing the shelves are mostly placeholders; we anticipate adding another bin or basket specifically for diapering essentials. In fact, you might notice subtle tweaks in the styling across different photos in this post. Nevertheless, this setup provides a clear vision of how the changing station will functionally serve us.

We appreciate the mix of concealed storage for less attractive items and open shelving for easily accessible toys and books for our little one. The adorable 3 Sprouts dragon box, a thoughtful gift from Sherry’s friend Cat during Clara’s dragon-loving phase, now proudly resides here. Clara herself brought it in, declaring it for her brother because he “likes green” (a moment that undoubtedly melted Sherry’s heart). Who knew these bins were perfectly sized for an Expedit? Apparently, Clara did!

We might need to invest in a few more large baskets to more easily house diapers and wipes, but beyond that, this changing area has truly taken shape beautifully. The only remaining detail is the changing pad cover, which is currently just leftover fabric Sherry skillfully tucked around it – a proper, finished cover will be purchased or made very soon.

One of the most amusing moments during this entire endeavor occurred when Clara, with innocent enthusiasm, retrieved a baby onesie from a laundry pile in the guest bedroom. She insisted that “Barnacle” (our baby-to-be’s nickname) wanted to wear it for his picture. It seems we’ve inadvertently started a delightful tradition of dressing up not-yet-real babies in the nursery before their actual arrival, reminiscent of a similar incident that happened in Clara’s crib after we set it up.

For those curious about how the changing pad is securely held in place, it’s the same pad we used for Clara. It features two oversized snaps on the back that connect to corresponding snaps screwed directly into the furniture or wall. While these images are from our project making Clara’s dresser (which you can learn more about here), we easily removed them and re-screwed them into the back edge of the Expedit, ensuring a safe and stable changing surface.

Furthermore, to ensure the bike art above the changing station is absolutely secure, beyond the standard screws-into-studs/anchors hanging method, we’ve utilized heavy-duty 3M Command Velcro. This ingenious addition firmly adheres the artwork to the wall, making it exceptionally difficult for even the most determined little hands to knock or pull it off (though he’ll never be unsupervised there, of course!). We’ve even joked about the possibility of it getting “peed on,” but the slick poster board material should, hopefully, work in our favor. And yes, we even have a hilariously tiny, tent-like item, a gift specifically designed to keep any unexpected sprays at bay!

Beyond the Nursery: Long-Term Value and Cost-Effectiveness

We are absolutely thrilled with how this little upgrade turned out. More than just a functional changing station, we envision its lasting value as versatile toy and book storage as Barnacle grows. I can already picture it brimming with bins of LEGOs in the years to come. The entire cost of this transformation was incredibly budget-friendly, ringing in at approximately $45. The wood itself cost $39, and the wood conditioner was $6. We already had the stain on hand, and we returned the casters (though you could factor in an additional $15 if you needed to purchase them).

The nursery now feels significantly more complete, with that formerly empty wall beautifully transformed. Sherry is currently putting the finishing touches on her mobile project for over the crib (the image here is just a photoshopped preview of her vision), and she’ll be sharing those exciting details in the coming days. It’s truly amazing how much more inviting and “homey” a room feels when you’re no longer staring at two large, blank walls.

And just as a final, slightly humorous thought: I’ve realized the “fun” part of diaper changing is pretty much over. It only gets… well, more involved from here. Speaking of which, we haven’t forgotten the crucial need for a designated spot for dirty diapers. We had great success with this method for Clara, so we’re likely to go that route again. How’s that for a note to end on?

Now, we’d love to hear from you! Do you swear by dedicated changing tables, or are you more of a bed/floor/random-other-spot kind of parent? Have you embarked on any creative IKEA Expedit hacks recently? It’s incredible to see the myriad of hacks out there. Can you believe IKEA decided to retire them (or at least rebrand and tweak them)? Will the new name ever truly stick, or will we forever affectionately refer to them as Expedits?

PS: Eager for another inspiring furniture hack? Discover the cool paint pattern we breathed new life into on a thrift store desk in another one of our projects!

Update – Curious about where we found specific items in our home or the exact paint colors we used? Simply click the button below to explore our curated home shopping guide: