When seeking budget-friendly updates to furniture or interior design, home decor hacks are often the most practical choice. To save you time and effort, we’ve curated the best DIY Ikea hacks that transform ordinary pieces into extraordinary, functional designs with an unexpected attractive twist. These ingenious ideas will not only surprise you but also revolutionize your lifestyle for the better.
Upcycled Coaster Jewelry Holders
Transforming affordable coasters from Ikea into sophisticated jewelry holders requires just a few simple steps. By applying acrylic paint, you can achieve a high-end look at a fraction of the cost. The key to this DIY project is to use white spray paint to give your coasters a faux ceramic finish. To add an extra layer of realism, apply small black dots randomly with a paintbrush.
This technique not only adds visual interest but also provides an authentic texture that mimics the look of real ceramics.
Exquisite Sideboard Hack
Elevate your home decor by giving Ikea’s affordable cubical shelf a unique makeover. Start by swapping out the open shelving for closed doors from the same store, instantly transforming the piece into a stylish sideboard. Next, add new feet to create a sturdy foundation and introduce interesting hardware that complements the interior design theme, all while keeping the budget-friendly price tag in check.
Play Area Bed Project
With the addition of plywood boards, the Kura bed transforms into an enchanting kids’ room sanctuary, seamlessly blending sleep, play, and imagination. The clever use of these boards creates a fortress-like tunnel on one side, while the other is repurposed as a platform for a second bed, further amplifying the sense of adventure. But what truly elevates this hack to new heights is the inclusion of a secret ball pit – a surprise that will leave kids beaming with delight.
This innovative Ikea hack is sure to captivate young minds and become their go-to hideaway.
Wall Mounted Makeup Holders
If you’re struggling with a lack of space for a vanity in your bathroom, yet desire to maintain a well-organized makeup station that doesn’t sacrifice style, consider repurposing plastic containers from Ikea. These versatile storage solutions can be arranged on the wall in a creative pattern, effectively disguising their origins and surprising your guests with an unexpected decorative touch.
Upgrade A Basic Shelf With Paper
Transform your living room’s focal point into an affordable and stylish bookshelf by combining an Ikea GERSBY shelf with creative wrapping paper. Select a playful pattern that contrasts beautifully with the shelf’s crisp white hue, creating a visually appealing backsplash for your decor accents to shine. The result is a unique piece of home decor that will spark conversation and add warmth to your space.
Just Add Paint And Knobs
This DIY project cleverly disguises a modern nightstand as a vintage-inspired piece by incorporating rustic touches. The drawers’ exterior has been framed with extra details, swapping the original wooden knobs for metallic hardware that adds to the aged look. To further mask its mass-produced origins, the Rast’s original color was transformed using chalk paint, effectively concealing any signs of newness.
Even the typical flat bottom board has been reworked to feature curved lines reminiscent of traditional vintage woodwork, seamlessly blending in with its retro aesthetic.
Lampshade Mold
Transforming an Ikea Melodi Pendant Lamp into a modern chandelier is a creative and budget-friendly endeavor. To achieve this look, use the plastic lampshade as a mold to cast concrete. The ShapeCrete mixture is ideal for this project as it eliminates the need for additional supplies and simplifies the process of creating knockouts.
Kid’s Dream Bed With Climbing Wall
Transforming the Kura bed into a dynamic space that encourages kid’s creativity and activity, IKEA Hackers have cleverly repurposed part of the design to create an engaging climbing wall. This innovative solution enables children to spend more time in their own room, exploring and having fun throughout the day.
Upscale Bar From Basic Shelving Unit
Transform your Ikea Valje shelf into a chic drink station in just two easy steps! To begin, mark the areas where you want the vertical shelves to sit and get creative with some paint – choose a color that matches your unique style. The sleek leg pieces, which have been given a touch of gold paint to complement metal accents, add a sophisticated flair to this modern design. With these simple adjustments, you can turn an ordinary shelf into an extraordinary drink station perfect for entertaining.
Upgrade A Basic Daybed With A Headboard
To stimulate your kids’ interest in spending time in their bedroom beyond just sleeping, it’s essential to create a space that fosters comfort, creativity, and exploration. This might seem daunting, especially when space is limited. However, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform the bed into a multifunctional hub for games, learning, and relaxation.
By thinking outside the box and embracing innovative solutions like Ikea hacks, you can turn your kids’ room into a dynamic space that encourages curiosity and imagination.
Hidden Storage Reading Nook
When repurposing the Kalax cube as a shelf, it’s essential to position it horizontally rather than its typical vertical orientation. To complete the transformation, a supplementary board crafted from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is cut to match the cube’s dimensions, effectively creating an additional seating area.
This innovative hack not only provides a clever storage solution for kids’ rooms but also has the potential to become a cozy reading nook in living spaces, perfect for curling up with a good book or magazine.
Whimsical Drawer Fronts Add Eclectic Storage
By transforming the humble IKEA Billy Bookcase into a one-of-a-kind storage chest, creatives can breathe new life into discarded materials. This process involves combining scraps of plywood in varying sizes to form drawers that are then refinished with paint and stain, yielding a distinctive aesthetic. The customization extends to the hardware as well, where each handle or knob is uniquely designed, imbuing the piece with the charm of a boutique find.
Simple Paint Project Nightstand
Transform your IKEA PS 2012 side table into a functional nightstand with minimal effort and expense, all for around $40. This budget-friendly DIY project is achievable in a short amount of time and only requires a few basic materials, including spray paint and contact paper.
Add Legs To Make Standing Storage
This compact drawer chest from Ikea has been repurposed into an accessible storage unit on sturdy stool legs. Its versatility lies in its ability to blend seamlessly into any room, allowing you to give the wood a fresh new look with paints or decorative papers. For added visual interest, the legs can be easily elevated by applying a bold contrasting color via spray paint, offering endless possibilities for customization and creative expression.
Upcycled Tray Key Rack
Elevate your organization game by adding a practical twist to your Ikea tray. Attach screw hooks to one side of the tray, allowing you to hang it on the wall and create a designated spot for your keys. This thoughtful addition will keep your belongings tidy and within reach. Meanwhile, the corkboard offers an opportunity to showcase cherished photographs, inspiring quotes, and sweet notes, making it a delightful area for display.
Spice Rack Turned Bathroom Helper
Transform your bathroom into a haven of efficiency without sacrificing style! Consider repurposing everyday items to create unique storage solutions. For instance, the BEKVAM spice rack from IKEA can be cleverly converted into a toilet paper holder by attaching two leather strips to form a rolling dowel for storing rolls and a shelf for displaying decorative towels or other essentials, courtesy of the innovative minds at IKEA Hackers.
DIY Industrial Dome Lamp
If you’re in the market for a stylish and functional nightstand lamp, consider creating your own unique piece by combining a HÄRLIGA glass dome with a wooden base and some basic electrical components. This DIY project requires minimal materials, but offers maximum customization to fit your bedroom’s aesthetic.
Wood Paneled Headboard Project
Sometimes, a bedroom makeover isn’t feasible due to budget constraints or a desire to avoid the chaos that comes with a full-scale renovation. However, even minor adjustments can have a profound impact on the overall aesthetic of your space. One such change is updating the headboard of your bed. This simple swap can dramatically alter the look and style of your bedroom, making it feel fresh and new without breaking the bank.
For instance, take this clever Ikea hack that combines a Malm headboard with Stikwood pieces to create a rustic piece featuring genuine reclaimed wood. The resulting design is unique and eye-catching, transforming the bed into a standout feature in the room.
WFH With This Dresser Desk Hack
Transforming a MALM chest of drawers into a functional work desk offers a creative solution for those who crave comfort without sacrificing space. According to IKEA Hackers, this DIY project achieves just that by cleverly incorporating a UTRUSTA kitchen cabinet shelf that doubles as a pull-out table when needed.
Craft Island From IKEA Bookshelf
Inspired by a creative individual’s need for more than just additional storage, this innovative hack combines functionality with comfort. The solution is a self-contained zone that not only houses essential supplies but also provides a cozy space to relax and craft ideas. A clever combination of an island featuring a shelf unit, countertop for creative pursuits, and two stools for comfortable seating has been crafted.
Freshen A Night Table With Paint
By simply gazing at the photos, it’s clear that even the oldest Ikea pieces can be transformed into modern masterpieces with a fresh coat of paint and stain. The author’s design vision is brought to life by pairing a crisp white hue for the main structure with a rich dark stain for the drawer. This thoughtful color selection not only adds visual appeal but also ensures seamless integration within the existing interior, making it easy to incorporate the nightstand into the overall aesthetic.
Create The Look Of Built Ins
To embark on this exciting project, begin by acquiring one or two Tall bookcases, measuring approximately 30 inches in height. In conjunction with these bookcases, you’ll also need an Ikea Expedit or Kallax cube storage unit. Once assembled, these components can be combined to form a continuous cabinet that mimics the look of a built-in unit, thanks to the addition of a matching base piece that matches the floor edging in terms of size, color, and style.
The remaining elements can then be customized to suit your personal taste and existing interior design, using paints and storage containers as desired.
Playroom Table With Toy Storage
The Lack coffee table from Ikea is often used as intended, serving as a stylish centerpiece for living rooms. However, its versatility extends far beyond this initial application. The table’s generous size makes it an ideal candidate for repurposing in other rooms, such as a kid’s play area or home office.
In the context of a children’s space, the Lack table can be transformed into a Lego play nook by adding Lego mats and transparent storage containers to keep pieces organized on both shelves and the floor.
Elegant Nightstand Project With Studs
If luxury bedroom furniture is out of your budget, consider upcycling an Ikea Rast Dresser into a one-of-a-kind nightstand. The key to achieving this look lies in the finishing touches – two coats of white paint will create a subtle backdrop that highlights the hammered nails forming a diamond pattern. To further elevate the design, swap out the standard pulls for glass ones that add a touch of sophistication.
For an added layer of visual interest, place a tile fragment on top, securing it with clear silicone if you prefer a permanent finish or leaving it loose for a more ephemeral look.
Office Wall Storage Solution
Ikea’s Billy bookshelves have undergone a transformation that’s hard to miss. What once were simple shelves are now stylish storage solutions thanks to the addition of sliding doors. The beauty lies in their customizability – users can choose from a variety of materials, including OSB, plywood, barn wood, and even old shutters. With a little creativity, you can turn these bookshelves into one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style.
Dramatic Four Post Bed Frame Hack
To create an Ikea bedroom hack that simulates a full-scale makeover without the effort, a Malm bed is repainted in a new color and paired with a four-poster frame. This transformation converts the bed into a cozy retreat, offering a sense of seclusion and uniqueness. Inspired by Hester’s Handmade Home, this DIY project demonstrates how a few clever modifications can revamp a bedroom without breaking the bank or requiring extensive renovation.
Add A Cozy Rug To A Plain Chair
With a dash of creativity, a humble plastic chair can be transformed into a stylish oasis. By applying a touch of luxury to the legs – courtesy of some cleverly applied gold paint – and layering a plush rug on top, the unsightly plastic seat is effectively masked. The result is a modern resting place that exudes warmth and sophistication, perfect for relaxing in style.
Wine Bottle Holder Turned Garden
Indoor gardens offer more than just a convenient source of fresh herbs for cooking. They also bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your kitchen, creating a unique focal point that can elevate the space. In fact, it was this very concept that inspired the author to find an innovative solution when her furry friend got too close to her plants.
With a little creativity and some careful planning, you can easily grow beautiful indoor plants from cuttings and create a harmonious coexistence with your pet.
Add Boards For Farmhouse Style
Transform your Ikea Hemnes coffee table into a rustic farmhouse masterpiece for under $10 with this simple DIY project. The key is adding planks to the top, secured with glue. For optimal results, stain the lumber ahead of time. Once the planks are in place, clamp them down firmly to ensure a strong bond. As needed, perform touch-ups on the edges to achieve a seamless finish.
Create Consistency With Matching Cubes
Transforming ordinary Ikea shelf units into bespoke pieces for a young girl’s room can be achieved through a simple yet creative hack. By adorning plain boxes with ribbon trims in a playful hue, you can add a touch of whimsy and charm to the overall design. This innovative approach is perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind storage solution that perfectly complements her personal space.
Rustic Table With Wood Slice Top
While handmade wood slice tables can be pricey, there’s a clever way to create one on a budget. Start by repurposing the legs from an Ikea stool for your project. For an added touch of modern flair, give them a metallic makeover with some spray paint. Alternatively, opt for a standard color to let the natural beauty of the wood slice take center stage. To complete the design, remove the seating base and attach a sturdy slice of wood in its place using screws.
With these simple steps, you can create a unique and functional piece that’s both budget-friendly and visually striking.
Movable Storage Solution
To create this unique vintage-inspired dresser, start by acquiring a RAST dresser from Ikea and assembling its frame according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but skip the step that attaches the top and top drawer rails. This initial step lays the foundation for the hack’s creative enhancements. Inspired by the aesthetic of faux apothecary chests, the authors decided to take their design to the next level.
They achieved this by modifying the top of the dresser to feature a hinged dark-stained thick board, giving it an authentic vintage look that moves when opened. Furthermore, they aimed to make the chest portable and functional, so they mounted it on casters, allowing for effortless relocation.
Repurposed Towel Holder For Plants
Transform your bathroom’s vertical towel organizer into a rustic shelving masterpiece without breaking the bank or spending hours on it. One clever hack to achieve this is to modify IKEA towel holders by cutting them to fit snugly onto the step supports of your ladder storage unit. This clever DIY trick allows you to store an array of essentials, including soaps, shampoos, conditioners, towels, and even add a touch of greenery with succulent pots.
With minimal effort and cost, you can elevate the ambiance of your bathroom and create a functional space that’s both beautiful and practical.
Vertical Bed Frame Storage Hanger
Transforming the Luröy slatted bed base from Ikea into a unique bathroom organizer is an innovative way to repurpose household items. This clever hack suspends the item vertically on a wall, creating a charming Scandinavian-inspired storage solution. The gaps between the slats can be utilized for storing towels, while S-hooks can be attached to hang other desired items.
Repurposed Utensil Holder For Hot Tools
The vanity is truly impressive! Its three storage compartments are thoughtfully labeled, making it easy to stay organized. Plus, its portability and vibrant color make it a great addition to any space. What’s even more remarkable is that this unique makeup organizer was created using simple IKEA items. By combining the KEA Raksog Cart, Metal Utensil Holder, and IKEA Godmorgon clear plastic dividers, a clever DIY project was born.
Hardware Makes A Difference
At first glance, it’s hard to believe that this elegant dresser was once a humble Ikea Tarva design. The original aesthetic has been transformed beyond recognition through three key modifications. By cutting the legs shorter and at an angle, the overall silhouette has been streamlined. A fresh coat of white paint has added a touch of modern sophistication, while swapping out the round pulls for sleek metal hardware has completed the stylish makeover.
Murphy Table From Hanging Mirror
Inspired by the resourcefulness of creative individuals, this innovative hack transforms an ordinary mirror into an extraordinary table. By simply placing it on a stool during the day, you can create a functional space for up to four people to gather. This clever solution is a testament to the power of repurposing everyday objects to enhance our living spaces.
Lack Ottoman Hack
The Lack table, being a compact and affordable piece of furniture, has inspired numerous Ikea hacks. One creative example is transforming it into an ottoman by attaching a foam cushion to its top using staples. The wood’s natural color was then repurposed through a chalk paint makeover, carefully matching the rustic ambiance of the room.
Kids’ Play Table With Storage
When it comes to setting up an inviting activity center in a child’s bedroom, the Trofast storage unit and Linnmon board prove to be a match made in heaven. By combining these two essentials, parents can create a space where kids can play freely without being overwhelmed by clutter. The clever design of the Trofast storage unit features sliding boxes that neatly store toys out of sight, keeping the play area tidy and organized.
Paint Stools For Vintage Charm
To breathe new life into the humble IKEA stool, why not add an intriguing paint pattern that transforms its timeless design into a conversation piece? This simple yet effective hack can elevate the stool’s versatility while making it stand out in any room.
Bar Cart On Casters
Transform your budget-friendly Kallax bookshelf into a versatile bar cart by adding casters to its base. This simple modification allows for effortless repositioning, making it perfect for parties or social gatherings. To complete the transformation, attach metallic handles on both sides of the top board, mimicking the classic design of traditional carts and enabling easy rolling from one spot to another.
By incorporating these thoughtful touches, you’ll elevate your bookshelf’s functionality while maintaining its initial affordability.
Wood Topped Kallax Island
The kitchen is where comfort meets functionality, and Ikea’s multifunctional storage and table units bring this harmony to life in a space-saving manner. You may be familiar with the Kallax storage unit, which forms the basis of these creations. By inserting matching inserts from the same line, sections are established, and then casters are added to the bottom for effortless mobility when needed.
Two chopping boards are strategically placed on top, providing a sturdy surface for cooking and adding a touch of elegance that transforms the initial look of the unit altogether.
Barn Style Coffee Table With Whitewashed Boards
In this project, a humble Hemnes coffee table from Ikea underwent a transformation that perfectly harmonized with its owner’s farmhouse aesthetic. The DIY enthusiast breathed new life into the piece by repainting it and adding wooden boards to the surface. What adds to the table’s rustic charm is the deliberate choice not to conceal the screws, which complements the small tag on the leg support beautifully.
Dramatic Hinges Add Flair To Basic Storage Unit
To create a unique and textured look, acrylic paints are applied in layers over black wooden square boards. Once complete, each board is fitted with hinges to enable easy attachment to the Kallax storage unit. A vintage-inspired black pull adds a touch of elegance, allowing for seamless opening. This clever combination transforms the storage unit into a stunning rustic cabinet, elevated by the addition of beautifully painted doors and aged hardware.
The result is a functional piece that doubles as a beautiful decorative element.
Repurposed Pallet Board Buffet
The IKEA storage unit’s wood buffet has undergone a stunning transformation, all while staying true to its budget-friendly roots. To achieve a unique reclaimed texture, the makeover incorporated scrap pallet slats, cleverly assembled to form the cubes’ closings. The resulting dark stain perfectly complements the giant frames of the wall art, effortlessly elevating this humble piece into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Coffee Table With Storage
Transforming the Kallax shelving units into a functional living room table is as simple as adding a matching plywood board on top. This upgrade not only adds a sleek surface for placing drinks or displaying decorative items but also enhances the storage spaces by incorporating black boxes to conceal contents and harmonize with the existing décor.
By combining these elements, you can create a cohesive look that seamlessly integrates with your home’s aesthetic while providing ample storage and functionality.
Apothecary Style Dresser Makeover
Transforming a Rast chest of drawers into an antique apothecary cabinet demands attention to detail, particularly when it comes to hardware. To achieve a convincing aged look, it’s crucial to select new pulls that not only complement but also mimic the styles and textures of bygone eras. A dark stain and casters are also essential elements in creating this vintage-inspired piece, as they work together to evoke the essence of days gone by.
Lego Storage Play Table
For parents who are familiar with the addictive nature of Lego, one of the biggest challenges is finding a way to store all the tiny pieces in an organized and accessible manner. One clever solution involves utilizing Ikea hacks to create a space that combines optimized storage for small parts with a large surface area perfect for laying out building mats.
By cutting two holes of the size required by Trofast buckets into the top of an Igo Dining Table, you can create bins to store Lego pieces while keeping the rest of the surface open for kids to let their imagination run wild and build freely.
File Holder Shelf Hack
To transform your entryway into a more organized space, consider incorporating a unique and functional mail sorter. While this vintage-inspired design may resemble an antique find, it’s actually crafted from new files from Ikea. For even more clever storage solutions, explore the world of DIY corner shelves. By staining dark and then securing wooden beams with matching brackets, you can create a cohesive look that adds depth and functionality to your space.
Closet Storage Solution
Transforming a small closet into a functional space is all about creative reorganization. One effective way to do this is by incorporating storage units in unexpected places. For instance, consider adding an open shelf unit specifically designed for storing shoes. This clever hack can help maximize the available space and keep your footwear organized.
Wooden Shelf Bathroom Upgrade
Ikea furniture has earned its reputation as a popular choice due to its remarkable combination of affordability and customizability. This extends beyond the option to purchase pieces in desired dimensions – it also means that you can mix and match components to create a unique look that reflects your personal style. A perfect example of this is the plain metal stand, which was transformed from an ordinary piece into an industrial-chic masterpiece by adding a farmhouse accent.
For just $15, this humble stand received a major design boost.
DIY Desk From IKEA Bookshelves
Combine two cube storage shelves and one IKEA desktop to create a practical home office setup that’s easy to customize. By adjusting the slats inside the cubes, you can experiment with different compartment sizes to suit your needs. Additionally, you can inject some personality into the space by painting the cubes in a bold, bright color – a departure from the typical white finish. This flexibility makes it simple to create a workspace that reflects your personal style.
Underbed Storage Platform
Cramped for space in a cozy abode? Think outside the box (or shelf) and get creative with storage solutions! One clever hack is to repurpose Ikea’s raised bed design, transforming it into a multi-tiered storage platform that maximizes floor space. By rearranging the shelves into a sturdy base, you’ll enjoy ample room for your belongings while keeping your apartment’s overall aesthetic intact.
Built Ins Lookalike IKEA Hack
Starting with two Billy bookcases, this DIY project sets the foundation for an impressive built-in bookcase. The contrasting heights of the units add a layer of visual appeal, which is further amplified by the inclusion of molding pieces.
Faux Apothecary Cabinet Sideboard
Ikea’s cubby shelf unit takes center stage once more as the foundation for a DIY vintage apothecary cabinet, courtesy of an innovative designer. To replicate the look of small drawers, she cleverly incorporates additional doors that mimic inserts. With knowledge that original apothecary cabinets are crafted from solid wood, she adds framing and a dark stain to convincingly imitate the texture.
Completing the rustic storage unit’s unique design, casters at the bottom and vintage metal pulls bring an authentic touch to this repurposed piece of furniture.
