IKEA Hacker: Turn a Magazine Rack into a Colorful Wall Light 2026

With a little creativity, you can transform the IKEA Spontan wall-mounted magazine rack (€9.99) into an elegant, color-diffusing wall light. The simple structure requires only a few modifications: glue tinted plexiglass inside the angled slots and mount small spotlights to project soft colored light onto the wall. If your wall isn’t white, the light will pick up its hue, and the translucent plexiglass enhances the color even further. Low-voltage spotlights (max 40W) are attached with double-sided tape, and their wires are hot-glued to the back of the rack, which hangs on the wall with a couple of wall plugs.

Materials Needed for Your IKEA Hacker Wall Light

• 1 IKEA Spontan wall magazine rack (€9.99)
• 3 IKEA spotlights with transformer
• 1 sheet of 3 mm thick plexiglass
• Pattex Ripara Extreme glue
• Millechiodi double-sided tape
• Glass paint (translucent)
• Electrical screw connectors

For a complete home improvement setup, consider pairing this project with other DIY upgrades around your space.

Preparing the Plexiglass

1. Using a jigsaw with a metal blade, cut three pieces of plexiglass slightly larger than the openings in the magazine rack.
2. Remove the protective adhesive film from the plexiglass.
3. Paint the three pieces with a translucent glass paint to give a pleasant color to the light from the spotlights.

Once your plexiglass is ready, you can explore more lighting options to complement your new fixture.

Mounting the Spotlights on Your IKEA Hacker Wall Light

1. Apply small pieces of Millechiodi double-sided tape to the back of each spotlight and remove the protective film.
2. Position each spotlight on the top of the outward-slanted fins. Press gently for good adhesion.
3. Strip about 1 cm of insulation from the ends of the bipolar wire from each spotlight.
4. Keeping the wires close together, run them along the inside face of the magazine rack and secure with a few drops of hot glue.

To keep your workspace organized, check out desks and work surfaces for your DIY projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this IKEA hacker light in a bathroom?

Yes, but ensure the spotlights are rated for damp locations. For a coordinated look, browse bathroom vanities and mirrors.

What kind of paint works best for the plexiglass?

Use a translucent glass paint or stained-glass paint to allow light to pass through while adding color.

How do I hide the wires neatly?

You can use adhesive cable clips along the back of the rack. For more storage solutions, see bookcases and shelving units.

Can I use this as a reading light?

This design is better for ambient lighting. For task lighting, consider adding a desk lamp or adjusting the spotlights.

What if my wall isn’t white?

The light will take on the wall’s color, which can create a beautiful effect. Choose a wall color that complements your room’s decor, and maybe update your wall decor to match.

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