This past weekend, I found myself staring at the worn down IKEA desk looming in my living room and decided it was time for a change. I started on a mission to renovate my boring IKEA desk, turning it into a stylish piece of furniture that I genuinely enjoy looking at. In this blog post, join me on my journey of transforming a mundane desk into a stunning and eye-catching masterpiece.
Materials and Tools:
- Any piece of furniture that could use a little love
- IKEA LACK side table – very cute IKEA option that many people have used and it is one of the cheaper options!
- IKEA LACK coffee table – another cute IKEA option, I think a tiled coffee table would be to die for.
- IKEA LACK console table – this is the closest version of the table I used (I believe the exact one I used has been discontinued).
- Tiles
- 2×2″ tiles – these tiles from HomeDepot would work well, but I am sure there is a cheaper version out there.
- 4×2” tiles – these are the tiles I used.
- Paint
- BEHR Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel – I used 1 quart of this paint in the color “Green Agate”
- Tile Adhesive
- AcrylPro tile adhesive – I used 2 quarts of this tile adhesive
- Adhesive Trowel
- 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. Comfort Grip Square-Notch Margin Flooring Trowel – I used this one.
- Grout
- FusionPro Grout – I used 1 quart of this grout in the color “Natural Gray” – however, I would recommend UNSANDED grout instead
- Grout Float
- 6×2″ Rubber Float – I used this one.
- An old plastic card works as a cheaper option!
- Sponge
- Grout Sponge – I used this one.
- Tile Cutter
- Anvil Tile Cutter – I used this one.
- May not be necessary if you are using 2×2 tiles, but double check your math!
- Tile Sealer
- TILElab Gloss Sealer & Finish – I used the ½ gallon in Gloss.
The Process:
Step 1: Clean and prepare the tabletop surface, ensuring it is free from dust and debris.
Step 2: Next, clean and paint tiles, I did 2 coats of paint. I used Behr’s “Green Agate” for this project. I didn’t use a primer, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. Be sure to let your paint dry completely between coats and before Step 3!
Step 3: Then, apply adhesive to the tabletop, (work in small sections to prevent it from drying too quickly) & carefully place the tiles on the adhesive, using tile spacers (or whatever you have handy that will evenly space) to create an even gap between each tile.
Step 4: If necessary, use a tile cutter to trim tiles at the edges or corners to achieve a perfect fit.
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving on to the grouting stage.
Step 5: Afterward, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it over the tiles, using a grout float to spread it evenly.
Step 6: Remove excess grout with a damp sponge and let it dry.
Step 7: Once the grout is fully cured, clean the tiles to remove any residual grout haze & do paint touch ups.
Step 8: Lastly, apply your tile sealer and voila!
I am obsessed with how this project turned out, as it has turned a once plain and cheap piece of furniture into a true work of art. Highly recommend.