IKEA’s affordable furniture options have earned it a reputation for providing stylish pieces without breaking the bank. But, with a dash of creativity and some smart DIY techniques, you can take their classic designs to the next level and create truly show-stopping pieces that reflect your personal style. The simplicity of IKEA dressers like Hemnes, Tarva, and Malm makes them ideal candidates for quick makeovers that will seamlessly integrate into any space.
Whether you choose to add decorative flair, update the hardware, or give it a fresh coat of paint, the possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming these budget-friendly pieces into works of art. We’ve scoured the web for some of the most innovative IKEA dresser hacks that will inspire your next DIY project.
Add Texture with Rattan
Rattan’s adaptability allows it to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of design aesthetics, bringing a sense of warmth and visual interest to any room. For instance, by wrapping rattan over the drawer fronts of an otherwise unassuming IKEA Malm dresser, one can create a unique and visually appealing piece that stands out from the crowd.
The addition of customizable legs and a sturdy MDF top further enhances the overall look, demonstrating the versatility of this material in elevating the style of any given space.
Make it Soothing
With its original plain white finish, this IKEA dresser underwent a stunning transformation courtesy of a coat of Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece that effortlessly blends rustic charm with elegant flair. The addition of a distressed mirror above the dresser adds a touch of sophistication, while the long legs ensure it harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding wainscoting.
Impress with Shaker-Style
With its sleek shaker-style doors, the IKEA Hemnes dresser effortlessly transitions from traditional to contemporary, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into any surrounding space. Meanwhile, the eclectic mix of artistic elements – including vibrant wall stencils, delicate dried glass accents, and tall, lush dried stems – collectively evoke a free-spirited bohemian charm, effectively imbuing the setup with a unique sense of personality.
Change Handles
Transforming a humble IKEA dresser into a show-stopping piece is easier than you think, even with minimal modifications. Take, for instance, this IKEA Hauga dresser, which was elevated from a plain white storage unit to a statement-maker by swapping out its knobs for gleaming gold ones. This subtle yet significant upgrade not only adds a touch of sophistication but also seamlessly blends the dresser into the nursery’s decor, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Detail with Paintable Wallpaper
Why not consider a creative alternative to a pricey bone-inlay dresser? The humble paintable wallpaper can be a game-changer in adding visual interest. Take the Sherwin-Williams Cavier on this particular design as a prime example – its contrasting beauty with gold knobs yields a modern aesthetic that’s both intriguing and captivating.
Paint Your Dresser
Transforming upcycled furniture into one-of-a-kind pieces is easier than you think, thanks to a simple yet impactful trick: a fresh coat of paint. Take this IKEA dresser for example, which originally wore a dull black finish. With a few strokes of Dixie Belle’s sea glass hue, the piece takes on a playful charm that’s further enhanced by its surroundings.
The addition of gold-toned cabinet pulls and gold leaf legs adds a touch of sophistication, resulting in a unique fusion of whimsy and elegance.
Spray It
Transforming a nursery’s aesthetic without breaking the bank requires creativity and resourcefulness. A prime example of this is an IKEA dresser hack that achieves a unique, earthy look without incurring significant expenses. Specifically, the Tarva dresser was revamped by applying a fresh coat of green paint to its sides and swapping out the traditional drawer handles for sleek leather pulls.
The resulting two-tone design exudes a sense of simplicity and natural warmth, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in their child’s nursery.
Effortless Sophistication
In just a few simple steps, you can completely revamp the look of an IKEA dresser with a surprisingly powerful yet easy-to-implement hack. The key lies in combining two clever tweaks: first, apply Rust-Oleum’s chalked matte paint to give your dresser a discreetly updated appearance; second, swap out basic knobs for finger pull handles, lending an air of sophistication and modernity.
Create a Cohesive Look
Creating a harmonious visual atmosphere in your home can be achieved by carefully selecting furniture that complements the room’s color palette. A great example of this is matching your dresser with the surrounding colors. In this instance, the leather drawer pulls on a white IKEA dresser add a pop of color and thoughtfully tie into other design elements in the nursery, resulting in a cohesive look.
Use Pole Wrap
Transforming an ordinary IKEA dresser into a luxurious piece is easier than you think. With some creativity and simple DIY skills, you can give your old Malm dresser a high-end makeover. One way to achieve this look is by covering the drawers with pole wrap, which instantly elevates the design. To take it to the next level, add legs in contrasting colors that will make your dresser stand out in any room.
Add More Storage
By repurposing IKEA dressers, you can cleverly increase storage capacity in your bedroom for must-have items. One innovative approach involves combining two dressers to craft a unique cubby-style storage area. The seamless integration of flush pull handles adds a fresh aesthetic twist, effectively transforming the dresser into a functional and stylish storage solution.
Boho-Inspired
Transform your space into a charming bohemian oasis by repurposing an IKEA dresser. Achieve this effortlessly by giving your dresser a fresh coat of warm pastel paint that harmonizes with your room’s color scheme. Next, incorporate textural accents and vibrant plants to further enhance the laid-back ambiance.
Fill Out Gaps
At first glance, the bathroom presented an unusual setup with two distinct vanities separated by an awkward gap. To address this visual anomaly, the design solution involved incorporating a compact IKEA dresser into the space, effectively bridging the gap between the two vanities. The finishing touch came in the form of All-In-One Oyster paint, which lent a soothing and harmonious quality to the overall aesthetic.
Embrace Geometry
The quest for a unique piece of furniture to complete your home’s aesthetic can be both arduous and costly. Nevertheless, by incorporating clever geometric details into the design, an IKEA dresser can effortlessly transform into a sophisticated statement piece. The incorporation of stylish drawer knobs and sturdy legs not only adds visual appeal but also imbues the dresser with a refined elegance, making it a worthy addition to your home’s décor.
Keep It Minimal
With its sleek design, the IKEA Malm dresser is primed to be given a stylish makeover. By painting the cabinet pulls in a hue matching that of the drawers, you can create a playful and imaginative piece of furniture that’s sure to bring charm to any nursery setting.
Add Some Art
While artwork on walls is certainly a great way to add some visual interest, it’s not the only place where art can bring a room to life. Take, for instance, this upcycled IKEA dresser that’s been given a bold new look thanks to a striking black-and-white bison print. What makes this transformation particularly appealing is its versatility – you can use any art piece that resonates with your personal style and interior aesthetic, making it easy to tailor the look to your unique tastes.
Make it Contrasting
Transforming an IKEA dresser doesn’t demand an exhaustive list of materials or equipment. A clever hack can breathe new life into this Tarva dresser, now repurposed as a practical changing table. By incorporating cool muted hues, the design takes on a subtle ombre effect that harmoniously merges with the surrounding room’s color palette and décor.
Black and White Supremacy
The IKEA Malm dresser, once plain white, has been transformed into a charming focal point through the addition of black raindrop art. This whimsical touch perfectly complements the room’s nature-inspired theme, injecting a playful essence into the space. Meanwhile, the wooden wall seamlessly blends with the setup, fostering a relaxed and organic ambiance that is skillfully carried across the room by other carefully selected accents.
Inspire with Campaign Style
Transforming an IKEA Malm dresser into a campaign-style masterpiece is surprisingly quick and easy. By incorporating decorative hardware, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. In just a matter of minutes, this hack elevates the aesthetic appeal to the point where it’s nearly impossible to distinguish from its authentic counterpart.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to making a meaningful impact, simple transformations can have a profound effect. Take, for instance, a humble IKEA Hemnes dresser given a luxurious makeover courtesy of gold contact paper. The result is a stunning blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication, transforming the piece into an antique-inspired showstopper.
Lace Finish
For those with a penchant for understated elegance, this IKEA Malm modification is sure to impress. By draping the drawer fronts in white lace, the result is a visually stunning finish that seamlessly blends into a minimalist aesthetic. The added bonus? Pre-drilled pulls make installation onto your Malm chest or dresser a breeze.
Vintage for the Win
Give your IKEA dresser a timeless makeover with a vintage look that’s both effortless and eye-catching. By swapping out traditional drawer handles for rustic gold cup pulls, you can instantly transform this piece into a charming antique-inspired creation. The curved legs and ornate detailing at the bottom add an extra layer of sophistication, making it a true showstopper in any room.
Stick to Industrial Style
Transforming an IKEA dresser into a statement piece for a teenager’s bedroom was a breeze. The industrial style of the finished product is a perfect fit for a boy’s room, exuding a bold and edgy vibe. By applying some wood hardener, paint, and Amazon cabinet pulls, the humble dresser underwent a stunning metamorphosis, shedding its original appearance to reveal a fresh and modern design that’s sure to impress.
Try Some Cane Webbing
By transforming the cabinet fronts with cane webbing, this hack requires a moderate level of DIY expertise. However, the end result will be a completely unrecognizable IKEA piece that showcases your creativity. To complete the look, the handles have been modified and repainted to harmonize with the cane fronts, introducing an injection of color to the blue-green paint.
Add Exceptional Details
Achieving the elusive vintage-style glamour in home furnishings is often met with disappointment due to the high cost of authentic pieces. However, by employing creative workarounds and embarking on a DIY adventure, homeowners can recreate this distinctive aesthetic without breaking the bank. One such example is an IKEA dresser that has been transformed into a vintage-inspired gem through the strategic application of cane and trim decor on its drawer fronts.
The addition of golden cabinet pulls and knobs injects a pop of color, while the hanging pink tassels adorning the drawer knobs introduce tactile interest to this unique piece.
