Transforming a Changing Table Into a Display Case

Years ago, we bought a "Sniglar" Ikea changing table (photo in the next step). The frame was made of very nice beech wood bars, so, when our babies became potty trained, I stored all pieces of the table somewhere...

I am also a modest collector of vintage pocket computers and calculators. This year, with a friend, we decided, for the Advent, to show each day in turn a piece of our respective collections.

To display our joined collection nicely, I decided to transform the changing table into a display case. The former table consisted of two frames, each one with an MDF board, held by a groove into the frame. So it was mostly a matter of replacing one board by a glass plate, and putting the frames together.

Instead of using a "Sniglar" Ikea table, I guess that two large drawers could be used too.

The result is a surprisingly high quality stylish display case. It is quite heavy and very stable, hence rather meant for standing than wall-mounted.

And last but not least it is back-lit by LED bands!

Step 1 Needed Stuff

For the frame:

• the Sniglar Ikea changing table. Or two large drawers. Hard wood bars will do it too.

For the shelves:

• One plate of plastic, 3 mm thick.
• L-profiled soft wood bars
• Hard wood bars
• Shelf supports

For the door:

• Glass plate, cut to size by the shop
• Hinges. Ideally, hinges that can be sunken. This way, the frame can stand on the side with the hinges.

For the lights:

• LED bands, and dedicated power supply
• Some electronics wires
• Break-away male connectors
• Stripboard (small area, possibly leftovers)

For the finish:

• Spray paint, linseed oil, a few screws.

Comments

[agis68]

wow how many calculators/organizers...they deserve a good place

[imamathguy]

I am very impressed at the resourcefulness. Excellent.

[laxap]

Thank you. Furniture made of pieces of massive hard wood are seldom enough (esp. at Ikeas) to refuse to just throw them away.

[ilpug]

With all due respect, that is a very geeky hobby. It is also awesome. I love the case, it is very simple and looks great!

[laxap]

Thank you. I am fortunate to have a work colleague sharing the same hobby: I don't have enough calculators to fill the advent calendar alone (Xmas pictures added).

[mikeasaurus]

You should enter this in the Foam Challenge!