IKEA Play Kitchen Makeover: Ideas & Dimensions
I've been searching everywhere for the perfect play kitchen for Emmie that's both cute and affordable. Is it too much to ask for a modern kitchen toy that doesn't break the bank? I almost gave up hope until I came across the IKEA play kitchen hack!
Moms across the globe are transforming the IKEA kitchen toy into a beautiful mini kitchen that they actually want to display in their house! I've seen so many cute little kitchen set ideas that mimic real kitchens, so I decided to tackle this DIY project.
Before diving into a mini-kitchen reno, you'll need a game plan for your toy kitchen makeover. In this post, I'm sharing the IKEA play kitchen dimensions you need to make the imaginary play set of your tiny master chef's dreams!
Why You Need a Play Kitchen
A play kitchen is more than just a toy; it’s a miniature world where children can explore, learn, and grow. Investing in a play kitchen for your little ones can bring countless benefits that go beyond just having fun.
Encourages Role Play and Social Skills
One of the greatest benefits of a play kitchen is its ability to encourage role play. When kids engage in pretend play, they're not just having fun—they're learning important social skills. Imagine your little chefs whipping up yummy recipes, mimicking grown-up chefs, and taking on their own roles in the kitchen. This type of play helps them practice sharing, cooperation, and communication, which are essential for their social development.
Benefits of Imaginary Play
Social Skills Development: Playing with a kitchen helps kids learn to share, take turns, and interact with others.
Cognitive Growth: Pretend play stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills.
Language Skills: Kids enhance their vocabulary and communication by explaining their play scenarios.
Emotional Development: Role play helps children express and understand their emotions.
Educational and Fun
A play kitchen isn’t just fun—it’s educational too. It helps kids learn about cooking, nutrition, and household chores in a playful manner. By engaging in pretend play, they can understand the importance of tasks like washing dishes, organizing the kitchen, and planning meals.
Educational Benefits:
Understanding Everyday Tasks: Kids learn about cooking and cleaning, developing a sense of responsibility.
Nutritional Awareness: Playing with kitchen toys helps kids learn about different foods and basic nutrition.
Organizational Skills: Keeping the play kitchen tidy helps kids develop organizational skills.
Why Choose the IKEA Play Kitchen?
he IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen in birch. Image credit via IKEA
If you're on the lookout for the perfect kid kitchen for your little ones, the IKEA Duktig kitchen is a fantastic choice. Plus, did you know they sell it on Amazon??
This play kitchen is a favorite among parents and kids alike, and it's easy to see why. Not only is it realistic and durable, but it also comes at an affordable price.
It's easily customizable with a little paint or vinyl decals, making it a cute addition to any play space.
The IKEA kitchen used to only be available in the white and birch color, but they've recently added a new red color to the Duktig series. If you're planning for a mini kitchen renovation, I recommend the birch model.
Realistic and Durable Design
The IKEA Duktig kitchen looks just like a real kitchen, making it super engaging for kids. It features a sink, stove, oven, and cupboards, creating a realistic play environment. Plus, it's built to last with durable materials for years of playtime fun.
Key Features
Realistic Glow from Cooktop Lights: The cooktop lights up, adding to the realistic play experience.
Adjustable Legs: You can adjust the height of the legs as your child grows, making it suitable for various ages.
Safe and Durable Materials: Made from high-quality, child-safe materials, the Duktig kitchen is built to last.
Easy Cleaning: The kitchen's surfaces are easy to clean, which is essential for maintaining hygiene.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about the IKEA Duktig kitchen is its versatility. You can customize it to fit your home decor or your child's preferences. From adding a splash of color with spray paint to enhancing it with accessories like a water dispenser or stick tile backsplash, the possibilities are endless.
Customization Ideas
Spray Paint: Transform the look with spray paint to match your home or your child’s favorite colors.
Contact Paper: Add a stick tile backsplash or faux marble countertop using contact paper for a modern kitchen look. You can also add decals to the back of the kitchen for more imaginary play!
Accessories: Enhance play with additional accessories like play food, cooking tools, and cute additions like leather handles.
Exact Dimensions of the Ikea Play Kitchen
Here are the exact measurements you'll need to know:
Height: 37" (94 cm)
Width: 28 3/8" (72 cm)
Depth: 15 3/4" (40 cm)
Counter Height: 22" (55 cm)
Height of the Legs: Adjustable, so you can modify the kitchen's height as your child grows
These dimensions make sure the play kitchen is the perfect height for little hands and provides years of fun play.
Will the Play Kitchen Fit in Your Space?
Before you buy, measure your play area:
Measure the Space: Ensure the kitchen will fit comfortably, allowing extra room for movement.
Consider Safety: Make sure there's enough space around the kitchen to avoid bumps and accidents.
Think About Other Furniture: Ensure the kitchen fits well with the rest of the furniture.
Ikea Kitchen Makeover Inspiration
Paint & Hardware
The easiest way to transform the plain IKEA kitchen into a beautiful mini kitchen is with a little spray paint and custom hardware. For a more modern look, spray paint the existing plastic parts white, silver, or gold.
You can switch out the existing handles with wooden or leather handles, and even add some custom oven knobs. Small chefs will feel like they're using a real kitchen!
We have a green island in our house, so I fell in love with the idea below to mimic our kitchen!
I love the look of this play kitchen with wooden knobs! Image credit via Etsy
Tips & Dimensions:
Use spray paint that's made for plastic like Rustoleum Metallic Paint & Primer
Handle Size: Holes are 5 inches apart on the microwave and cupboard door
If you don't want the kitchen to come out, you can use command hooks or super glue to secure it in the opening.
Custom Backsplash & Countertop
Another fun way to makeover the Duktig toy kitchen is by adding a custom backsplash or countertop. You can use contact paper, wallpaper, or even peel and stick backsplash tiles.
To install a custom backsplash, you'll need to nail some particle board or hardboard over the existing opening. You can either cover the back of the entire kitchen from top to bottom or just the small opening.
How cute is the look of this kitchen makeover from The Coastal Lab?
You can even buy stickers to make the cabinets appear painted like the photo below. Talk about a no-mess makeover!
Find play kitchen cabinet stickers on Etsy
Tips & Dimensions:
Back of Entire Kitchen Dimensions: 26.75 inches wide x 19.5 inches high
Middle Opening Dimensions: 26.75 inches wide x 12.5 inches high
Countertop piece dimensions: 28.14 inches wide x 14.5 inches high
You can also purchase custom backsplash and countertop stickers on Etsy!
Convertible Kitchen
This might be my favorite way to transform the IKEA play kitchen, especially if you don't have much time! Turn the kitchen around and add some big stickers to the back to convert it into a food truck, ice cream parlor, coffee shop.
I love these ideas from Minnie + Me Interiors because it really expands the use of the mini kitchen for years of play!
These fun cafe & lemonade stand designs are the perfect addition to any child's room!Image credit via Minnie + Me Interiors
Tips & Dimensions:
Top Portion: 25.8 inches wide x 6.7 inches tall
Bottom Portion: 25.1 inches wide x 14.55 inches tall
If you don't want to design and print your own decals for the back of the kitchen, you can buy pre-made designs on sites like Minnie + Me Interiors or Etsy!
Stylish Accessories
Your IKEA play kitchen makeover isn't complete without some cute kitchen accessories for tiny master chefs to use. Your little people will love playing with wooden pots, a cutting board, and felt fruits and vegetables.
How cute are the wooden pots and the stand mixer?
Image credit via Micheaela Diane Designs
FAQs About the IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen
How Big is the IKEA Kids Kitchen in CM?
The IKEA Duktig play kitchen measures approximately 72 cm in width, 40 cm in depth, and 109 cm in height. This size provides a decent amount of space for little chefs to create new creations while fitting well in most play areas. It's the perfect size for children to engage in role play and develop their social skills.
Is the IKEA Play Kitchen Height Adjustable?
Yes, the height of the IKEA Duktig play kitchen is adjustable. The kitchen features extendable legs that can be adjusted to three different heights: 50 cm, 58 cm, and 109 cm. This adjustability ensures the kitchen can grow with your child, making it suitable for kids of various ages and heights. Adjusting the height is simple and allows the whole family to enjoy watching their little ones play.
What is the Height of the IKEA Duktig?
The height of the IKEA Duktig play kitchen can be adjusted to three different settings: 50 cm, 58 cm, and 109 cm. This flexibility ensures that the kitchen remains at the perfect height for your child as they grow, allowing for comfortable play and new creations over the years.
What Age is the IKEA Play Kitchen For?
The IKEA Duktig play kitchen is recommended for children aged 3 years and up. It's designed with safety and durability in mind, featuring rounded edges and sturdy construction. This makes it an excellent kids kitchen set for various age groups, providing an important way for young chefs to engage in imaginative play.
How Long Does it Take to Build an IKEA Play Kitchen?
Building the IKEA Duktig play kitchen typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your experience with assembling IKEA products. The process involves following detailed instructions and using the provided wooden dowel rods, philips screws, and other hardware. It's a fun project that can be done over a good while, and the end result is a beautiful mini kitchen Laura and other kids will love.
I can't wait to try one of these adorable IKEA kitchen makeover ideas for our playroom. If you use these tips and tricks for your own toy kitchen makeover, please share the final result with me!
You might also like…
Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
