The IKEA TROFAST system is a brilliantly flexible storage solution designed especially for children’s spaces. Its combination of sturdy frames and removable storage boxes makes it easy to tailor the unit to your needs — and with a few creative tweaks and “hacks,” it can become much more than toy storage.
1. Toys- storage with IKEA TROFAST
A classic use - build a TROFAST shelf and fill it with boxes sized to your toys. Adding decorative decals makes the boxes more appealing for kids and helps them know where things go
2. Encourage Organisation Skills
You can stick order and symbol stickers on the boxes to help even very young children tidy up independently, even before they can read. This approach supports early learning and independence.
3. Create Play Worlds
With the right decals and arrangement, a TROFAST shelf can become part of your child’s imaginative play. Instead of just storage, it can double as scenery or play furniture.
4. DIY Play Shop
Transform a TROFAST unit into a pretend retail shop:
- Apply colourful decal film to the fronts.
- Add accessories like checkout conveyor stickers.
- Bring small toys or play food into the scene.
This creates a playful environment that also keeps toys organised.
5. Extra Storage Under a Table
TROFAST boxes fit perfectly under IKEA children’s tables (like the FLISAT table). This is a smart way to store art supplies or books right where your child works or plays.
6. Mud Kitchen & Play Barbecue
With a bit of imagination, a TROFAST box becomes more than storage - try turning it into a mud kitchen surface or play BBQ station for outdoor and sensory play.
7. Create a TROFAST Desk
Modify a TROFAST unit into a small kids’ desk/workspace. A simple paint job and a fitted tabletop gives children a dedicated area for crafts, homework, and drawing.
8. Combine with KALLAX
With a custom insert, TROFAST boxes can be used inside IKEA’s KALLAX shelf - this creates a clean, integrated look and more storage flexibility.
9. Montessori Wardrobe
Fit TROFAST boxes into a KALLAX to make a child-height wardrobe. This allows kids to choose and organise their own clothes.
10. TROFAST Play Kitchen Addition
Place a TROFAST unit next to a play kitchen to store accessories and props. Coordinated stickers help tie the look together and make items easy to find
11. Sensory TROFAST Play Table
Turn the TROFAST shelf upside down and use the top surface as a fill-and-play sensory table (e.g., dry grains, sensory objects), while still storing boxes inside the frame.
12. DIY Ice Cream Parlour
Use the boxes and a table (like FLISAT) to create a themed ice cream stand - perfect for pretend play. Boxes hold “flavours” and toppings!
13. Use as a TROFAST Staircase
A tall TROFAST unit can be repurposed as a step-up staircase (e.g., next to a KURA loft bed), with storage still accessible in the boxes.
14. Built-In TROFAST Bed Storage
Extend your bed frame to incorporate TROFAST boxes underneath - ideal for maximising storage in small rooms
15. Wall-Mounted TROFAST
Mount a TROFAST shelf on the wall - this saves floor space and raises boxes to eye level for storage in busy areas. Just be sure to use proper fixtures so it’s secure.
