Imagine walking into a room filled with perfectly tailored furniture, reflecting your unique taste and personality. That’s the magic of IKEA hacks! With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can transform ordinary pieces from the Swedish giant into extraordinary custom creations that serve both form and function. From bookcases to kitchen islands, dressers to wardrobes, and even kid’s loft beds, the possibilities are endless.
All it takes is a splash of paint, some fabric, glue, and a dash of imagination to breathe new life into these humble pieces. In this article, we’ll dive into 21 game-changing IKEA hacks that will inspire you to get creative and make your home truly one-of-a-kind.
Bed Slat into Wall Hanger
Innovative transformations are key to creative problem-solving! A clever hack involves repurposing the Luröy slatted bed base as a functional wall hanger. Typically relegated to hiding under mattresses, this pine wood frame is transformed into a stylish storage solution. By attaching heavy-duty S-hooks like those used in industrial settings, you can turn it into a multi-purpose holder for various items.
For instance, in the bathroom, use it to display woven baskets filled with plush towels, adding a touch of rustic charm. Alternatively, hang your brass pots and pans in your cottage-themed kitchen or utilize it as a magazine rack in your home office, showcasing your unique decorative style.
Kitchen Island
Get creative with your family by transforming an old tabletop into a chic kitchen island, inspired by IKEA’s design. This DIY project requires just a few simple materials: an outdated tabletop, metal legs, and some affordable bookcases from the dollar store. To start, place the bookcases on their sides and position them back-to-back to create the base of your island. Next, attach the metal legs to the bottom and the tabletop to the top.
With these easy steps, you’ll have a functional kitchen island boasting ample storage space and a spacious surface perfect for food preparation or social gatherings. If you’re looking for more unique and budget-friendly ideas like this IKEA Vadlhoma hack, be sure to check out our other creative solutions for kitchen islands.
IKEA Pax Washer and Dryer Unit
Transform your washer and dryer setup with a clever IKEA hack! If you’re familiar with PAX Wardrobes, you might not know that they can be repurposed as stylish housing for both appliances. By cutting open the back panel, you’ll have access to essential plumbing and electrical connections. With this added space, you can install your washer and dryer units off the floor, keeping them out of sight while also introducing a unique design element to your laundry room.
To take it up a notch, consider storing washing essentials in lovely woven laundry baskets, which can be discreetly placed beneath the elevated appliances.
IKEA Billy Cabinet
Transforming a humble IKEA bookcase into a stunning cabinet that rivals the pages of a luxurious lifestyle magazine is a DIY feat worthy of admiration. By cleverly combining and modifying the BILLY/OXBERG series, creative minds can design a bespoke piece that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings from floor to ceiling. The finishing touch? A decorative paint technique that injects a dash of personal style and flair.
IKEA Pax storage
Elevate your décor game by transforming a mundane IKEA PAX wardrobe setup into a stunning focal point. Ditch the traditional side-by-side arrangement and opt for a unique, life-enriching design that showcases your creativity. Combine two IKEA cabinets to create a bespoke bench, complete with drawers underneath for storing treasures or keeping essentials at hand. The pièce de résistance? A floating shelf above, perfect for displaying cherished family heirlooms or stashing away knick-knacks.
To complete the cozy retreat, add warm rustic wicker baskets and plush cushions, transporting you to a charming country-inspired reading nook that’s sure to become your go-to haven.
IKEA Pax Built-In Wardrobes
By transforming two IKEA Pax units into a built-in wardrobe, this creative hack can completely change the aesthetic of a room. The genius lies in how it seamlessly integrates with the surrounding wall, eliminating any unsightly gaps where dust might accumulate. To achieve this look, you’ll need to start with your Pax units and supplement them with IKEA Forbattra kitchen end panels, Bergsbo doors, and some opulent gold door handles like these.
IKEA Tarva Nursery Room Dresser
For those who adore the IKEA Tarva room dresser but crave a more unique aesthetic, consider infusing it with a touch of handmade charm through caning. I’m particularly fond of the creative makeover achieved by combining Varathane Weathered Oak stain with sheets of cane webbing, resulting in a warm and inviting cottage-inspired design. This hack is perfect for parents-to-be seeking to steer clear of traditional nursery color schemes, opting instead for a more whimsical approach.
If you’re inspired by this DIY delight, be sure to explore the other innovative IKEA Tarva hacks out there!
IKEA Besta Living Room Built-In Cupboards
Transforming IKEA Besta cupboards into a luxurious high-end wall unit is as easy as clever lighting. By using the full length of your room, you can create a seamless wall-to-wall built-in look that’s both functional and stylish. To take it to the next level, install downlighting in the alcoves to create a warm and inviting ambiance. The TV takes center stage without overwhelming the space, thanks to the subtle yet sophisticated design.
For more inspiration, check out our collection of IKEA TV stand hacks!
IKEA Kallax Storage Unit
This understated IKEA Kallax shelving system gets a glamorous makeover by blending natural textures from the baskets with Scandinavian-inspired hues. The result is a sophisticated décor piece that effortlessly adds visual interest to any room. To take it to the next level, consider pairing this stylish storage unit with metallic accents like copper pots, statement floor plants, and a dramatic decorative wall mirror.
This chic combination can single-handedly turn an ordinary corner into a stunning focal point.
IKEA Billy Bookcase Display Unit
While IKEA Billy bookcases are often associated with holding books, they can also be repurposed to showcase treasured decorative items. If you’ve accumulated a collection of unique vases, jars, artwork or decorative plates from your travels, this clever hack transforms the humble bookshelf into a stylish display unit. The clean and minimalist aesthetic is elevated by the slatted wall on the side, adding a touch of sophistication to any room.
IKEA Malm Dresser nursery room storage
Taking the humble IKEA Malm Dresser to the next level, this clever hack transforms it into a stylish storage solution for baby’s essentials. The real magic happens when you add fun drawer fronts crafted from plywood, mesh, or cane webbing, paired with creative off-cut shapes that double as handles. With just a few simple materials and some imagination, you can give your home decor a unique touch.
Shoe Storage
For those who prefer their shoes tucked away from view, an innovative IKEA hack can bring style to your corner storage solution. To create a sophisticated shoe organizer, select cabinets that fit the dimensions of your corner and finish them in a color that complements your décor. Aesthetically pleasing bar handles like these [insert link or image] replace the standard knobs, resulting in refined shoe storage that seamlessly integrates into your home’s design.
Upcycled Malm Drawers
A creative transformation that breathed new life into an unassuming IKEA Malm drawer is nothing short of astonishing. By cleverly masking a graphic design using tape, this innovative individual primed and painted the desired sections with a striking combination of trendy green and ivory hues. What’s more, the extended pattern now elegantly wraps around the top of the unit, earning this designer high praise for their exceptional skills.
IKEA Ivar Kids Desk
Discover the secret to designing a kid’s room that seamlessly blends playtime with productivity! It all starts with a clever IKEA hack that transforms two humble Ivar chests of drawers into a multi-functional desk. The real magic happens when you notice how the wider side accommodates a dollhouse, perfect for little ones, and later on, can be repurposed as a computer gaming station for older kids.
Meanwhile, the middle section boasts wooden panels creating a generous workspace, complete with drawers that cleverly store books, games, toys, and even clothes. The natural wood finish adds a touch of warmth and character to this versatile space, making it a must-see inspiration for any family looking to optimize their kid’s room!
IKEA Malm Bedside Dresser
Transforming your bedroom into a luxurious retreat is all about attention to detail. For me, having a stylish bedside dresser is key to creating sweet dreams. Take this IKEA hack for instance – two basic Malm dressers were elevated to new heights by adding overlays on the drawers, which introduced texture and depth, while brushed gold bar handles brought a touch of sophistication to the overall look. The end result is a fabulous set that’s perfect for a boudoir oasis.
And let’s not forget about bedside lamps – they add a romantic ambiance to any bedroom. I’m particularly fond of round minimalist linen bedside lamps, which bring a natural and calming atmosphere to the space.
IKEA Malm Office Desk
Elevate your home office setup without breaking the bank! Instead of investing in a pricey desk, repurpose two standard IKEA Malm drawers with a tabletop, some coats of paint, and new drawer handles to craft a sleek, wall-to-wall office desk unit. This clever DIY project offers an abundance of workspace as well as ample storage for your essentials, making it the perfect solution for those who require a functional and stylish work environment from the comfort of their own home.
Chic IKEA Malm Dresser
One of the simplest ways to elevate the look of an IKEA Malm dresser is to capitalize on its existing design. Since the chosen model already features a stylish wood tone, there’s no need for painting. Instead, the designer opted for classy gold drawer pulls that seamlessly tie in with the overall aesthetic, transforming the dresser into a sophisticated piece of bedroom furniture. The addition of beautiful arched mirrors completes the look, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to the space.
Statement IKEA Mirror
Transforming a space without breaking the bank? Look no further than a DIY William Wood-inspired Brooklyn Mirror! By cleverly combining IKEA mirrors with a stylish frame, you can create a show-stopping focal point that rivals high-end designs at a fraction of the cost. Simply join the IKEA mirrors together using a wooden or metal frame painted to match your desired aesthetic.
The outcome is a breathtaking mirror wall that effortlessly elevates an office, entranceway, kitchen, or living room into a sophisticated oasis.
Billy Bookcase Built In Dresser
Embracing a DIY project can be a thrilling experience, especially when shared with loved ones. This innovative upcycle transformed old IKEA shelving into a stunning wall unit dresser that’s perfect for the whole family. The creative process involved fitting Billy bookcases, drawers, and doors together, followed by a fresh coat of paint and stylish handle additions.
The end result is a functional masterpiece that offers ample storage for essentials like mirrors, jewelry, linens, clothing, shoes, and designer accessories. With its sleek design and practicality, this DIY project is sure to bring the family together while creating memories that will last.
IKEA Micke Desk
Transform your little girl’s workspace into a whimsical haven with this IKEA hack. The foundation of this design is the standard Micke desk, paired with a separate Micke drawer unit. To elevate its charm, the creator added made-to-measure gold handles that add a touch of sophistication. The real showstopper, however, is the stylish pinboard adorning the wall.
For those seeking a similar look, I recommend exploring Amazon’s selection of round pinboards, which can bring a similar pop of personality to any room.
IKEA Kura Bed
The IKEA Kura Bed is an innovative design that has revolutionized my approach to home decor with its reversible functionality. Unlike traditional beds, the Kura Bed can be configured as a low-floor bed, perfect for younger children. As they grow and mature, you can simply flip it upside down, transforming it into a stylish loft bed. This versatile feature opens up a world of possibilities for creating functional play areas, cozy reading nooks, or even dedicated spaces for gaming or homework.
The best part? Kids will adore the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with having their own unique hideaway.
