The Expedit from Ikea has to be one of the most versatile and affordable storage solutions available! We have an Ikea Expedit in our boys’ bedroom to contain their toys and books. Awhile back, I let you know that the large Target Itso bins fit perfectly in the Ikea Expedit. I didn’t want to have to replace the perfectly good Itso bins simply because they were no long the color I wanted. So I did what any good DIY’er would do…I painted them!
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Self, do I need fabric paint in order to paint on fabric,” the answer is not really. I used regular flat latex wall paint on the bins and the turned out beautifully.
I only painted the front face of the bins mostly because I’m lazy but also just in case I want them brown again in the future. I painted one coat of latex paint on each bin. The bins do not feel crunchy or weird to the touch. They look great and still feel like fabric.
Did you notice the corkboard in the first picture? This was such a fun find! It is an old school-room bulletin board which I found on the side of the road last fall. It had some water damage, so I cleaned it with bleach and sanded it down. I painted the edges and hung it on the brick with D-rings and masonry nails.
Our Ikea Expedit has a fresh look and it only cost me the price of some leftover room paint!
Liz says
What are the dimensions of the itso bins? Great idea!
marie says
What a great idea! Where did you find the worl map poster? I’ve been on the prowl for one!
Beth says
The map was in a library discard pile!
Susan says
I never knew you could paint those bins…wow!! So just a sponge brush and dab it on huh? I shall try and get back to you on that! Thanks!
Beth says
Yes, my bins are fabric/canvas and I just painted them with a sponge brush and they look fantastic.
Jennifer says
Excellent! I am a huge fan of latex (& not fabric paint!) There is nothing that is off limits to paint!
Christy says
Do you know how the latex would work on a chair? You said it didn’t feel “crunchy or weird”. I am going to upholster a wing back in drop cloth fabric and wondered what it would be like painted? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
Beth says
Hi Christy, the bins are brown canvas and they soaked up the paint beautifully. I’ve never tried painting a chair but it’s definitely been done. Click over to this post to see a tutorial: http://www.hypheninteriors.com/2011/03/painted-upholstery-process-revealed.html
vicky says
Christy
I know that Annie Sloan chalk paint works on vinyl fabric and looks great.
Lizette says
I love how simple this is and yet it looks so fresh and updated!! Also, I love that rug!
Beth says
Thanks Lizette!
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Cool idea with the paint 🙂 The blue looks great with the rug. Fun rug!!
karen s. says
Can you tell me about the blue lattice rug in their room? I love it!
Beth says
Thanks Karen! It’s from Rugsusa.com Wait for one of their 75% off sales because they have them frequently.