Transform your closet without breaking the bank with these IKEA hacks. For those who know their way around home organization, IKEA is a treasure trove of creative solutions. But what if you’re struggling with limited space or a disorganized mess? You’re not alone. Whether you’re an organizing enthusiast, a DIY pro, or simply seeking to give your closet a fresh new look, these budget-friendly hacks are here for you.
Perfect for renters, students, and homeowners on a budget, these ideas will breathe new life into even the most cramped or cluttered closets.
An Easy DIY Custom Closet – The IKEA Billy Bookcase
Are you tired of staring at a drab closet that’s crying out for a makeover? Fear not! The IKEA Billy Bookcase is the perfect solution to transform your storage space into a stylish oasis. Ditch those unattractive wire shelves and upgrade to a modern, budget-friendly alternative. With this project, you can customize your dream closet without breaking the bank – all for around $120 in materials.
It’s surprisingly easy to achieve, allowing you to tailor it to your unique color scheme and spatial needs. And if you’re wondering what else Billy can do, let me share some creative ways to repurpose this versatile piece of furniture.
Seamless & Integrated MALM Drawers for a Walk-In Closet
The IKEA MALM collection is renowned for its clever and sleek storage solutions. If you’ve ever coveted a luxurious walk-in closet, this DIY hack can help you create one with minimal effort and time investment. To achieve this look, all you’ll need are a few simple components from IKEA: specifically, a four-drawer MALM chest and two VIKEDAL mirrored doors. Start by finding an ideal corner in your bedroom and building the closet’s frame into it.
Use the mirrored doors to divide the space and create separate areas, while reserving the MALM drawers for internal storage. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you’ll be enjoying your dream walk-in closet in no time.
Floor-to-Ceiling Shoe Shelves
Transform your shoe collection into a stunning display piece with this IKEA hack. By repurposing the Billy Bookcase and incorporating floor-to-ceiling shelves, you can create a unique storage solution that showcases your shoes in all their glory. A fresh coat of paint and some basic carpentry skills are all you need to bring this idea to life.
To add an extra layer of sophistication, consider installing some subtle lighting fixtures above the shelves, which will not only highlight your shoe collection but also provide ambient lighting for the room.
Make a Full-Sized Wardrobe with IKEA Rast Dressers
If budget constraints are making it tough to get your hands on an IKEA Pax wardrobe, fear not. A creative DIY enthusiast has come up with a brilliant solution – using two IKEA Rast dressers to build a stunning wardrobe. This unique piece of furniture is designed to sit outside the standard closet, so be sure to have sufficient space before embarking on this project. Apart from the two dressers and some MDF, you’ll need to add a splash of color with paint to give your build some personality.
With endless customization options available, you can choose from classic white for a timeless look or go bold with black and chrome fixtures for a modern twist.
Tie Rack for Sloping Roof
Those awkwardly shaped spaces at home can be frustrating to work with, but we’ve found a creative solution that turns an otherwise useless area into a useful tool. By repurposing an IKEA Grundtal Drying Rack, you can turn an empty, sloping corner of your house or closet into a tie hanger for your man’s ties. The best part: You won’t need any additional tools beyond what you’d typically use to secure the rack in place, making this DIY hack a quick and easy fix.
DIY Closet Makeover with IKEA Trofast
The IKEA Trofast storage unit is a great choice for a DIY closet makeover due to its affordability and customizability. By stacking multiple units side by side, you can create a highly functional storage space in your home’s closet (or office or bedroom) without the need for costly renovations. To further enhance the look of your closet, select a color scheme that harmonizes with the surrounding room, painting the Trofast unit and any other fixtures to match.
For an added touch of modernity, consider installing an additional closet rod or utilizing S-hooks like these to hang your clothing.
Children’s Closet with IKEA Billy Bookshelf
As children transition from relying on parents for their wardrobe choices to making their own decisions, it’s natural that their bedroom space evolves too. To accommodate this change, consider installing a child-sized closet in their bedroom. One affordable and practical solution is to repurpose an IKEA Billy Bookcase as a mini-closet. Begin by lining the interior with contact paper in a bold color to add visual interest.
Next, adjust the shelving units to create separate compartments for various types of clothing items. Add hanging rods and hooks to provide a dedicated space for dresses or coats. This simple DIY project requires minimal effort but yields significant results, transforming their bedroom into a more grown-up space that reflects their growing independence.
DIY Closet Island
While it’s not uncommon for celebrities to have extravagant walk-in closets, achieving a similar look on a budget is entirely possible. In fact, you don’t need to break the bank to create a stunning closet oasis with some creativity and affordable materials. You can transform a spare room into your own personal sanctuary. To get started, consider using IKEA’s Expedit Shelving Cubes, which offer a cost-effective solution for building custom shelving.
You’ll also need some silver legs to provide support and a marble topper or contact paper to add a touch of luxury. If budget is a concern, the latter option can still deliver a sophisticated look. If you’re feeling ambitious, line the walls with IKEA showcase bookshelves for a cohesive, high-end feel. Alternatively, focus on creating a statement piece with a center island. Either way, your closet will be transformed into a space that’s sure to impress.
Extra Hanging Space with Shelf Brackets
IKEA’s shelf brackets offer endless possibilities, even if they’re not used as intended. One clever way to repurpose them is by utilizing them in a smaller closet to create additional hanging space. The process is straightforward: attach the brackets to your wall with the clips facing outward and then hang your clothes from the bottom edge. This hack excels at keeping small closets organized, allowing you to categorize your garments into sections – think jeans, shirts, dresses, and more.
Customized IKEA Hemnes Wardrobe
With its understated, practical design, the IKEA Hemnes wardrobe is an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to create a functional closet space. The cabinet’s flat sliding doors provide easy access to ample storage, making it a versatile addition to any room in your home. For instance, you could convert it into a modern craft station by removing the center panels and replacing them with clear acrylic inserts.
Alternatively, you can transform it into a beach-inspired bedroom storage unit by repainting the Hemnes sky blue and adding wicker details to the doors. The possibilities are endless.
Custom Closet with the IKEA Tarva & Ivar
The Tarva and Ivar dressers have earned a special place in my heart, which is why I’ve dedicated entire blog posts to them. What’s behind this devotion? Their incredible versatility; you can easily customize your closet to suit your needs by repurposing either dresser. Want a modern twist? Try painting them black and swapping out the drawer fixtures for sleek chrome accents (like these).
Whether you’re working with a small or spacious closet, filled with a few or many pieces of clothing, these dressers are always up for the challenge. If you’re intrigued by more creative uses for the Tarva and Ivar, I invite you to explore my article on Tarva hacks for inspiration.
Custom PAX Drawer Fronts
The IKEA PAX closet drawers are a timeless choice in many homes, but that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically suit your unique style. Instead of accepting the status quo, unleash your creativity and tailor the PAX’s aesthetic to reflect your personal taste. One way to do this is by replacing the standard drawer fronts with solid wood panels made from materials like pine, oak, or cherry.
Once you’ve refitted the drawers, consider adding a pop of color with paint or highlighting the natural grain with a rich oil finish. Ready for more inspiration? Explore my related article here.
Refine Your PAX Closet with Crown Mouldings
While it can be challenging to create a one-of-a-kind closet in a space where many people have the same design, there’s a simple yet effective solution. This hack is particularly well-suited for homes that already feature crown moldings, but you can also apply it to add visual interest to a plain PAX closet or integrate a freestanding closet into your home’s existing aesthetic.
To achieve this look, simply purchase some crown molding trim and attach it to the top of your closet, thereby not only enhancing its design but also creating a seamless transition between the closet and the surrounding space.
Create an Accessories Section with IKEA KOMPLEMENT
The IKEA KOMPLEMENT drawers are available in both opaque and glass-front designs, with the latter being particularly well-suited for showcasing your accessories. This style, typically reserved for Hollywood-inspired walk-in closets, offers a unique blend of form and function. With a glass-front accessory stand, you can easily peruse your collection whenever you step into your closet, effortlessly constructing an outfit as you go.
Moreover, the transparent design imbues your space with a sense of luxury and refinement. To further elevate the space, consider incorporating fabric jewelry organizers like these to add an extra layer of visual interest.
Choose Co-Ordinating Hangers for Your Space
While seemingly minor in the grand scheme of hacking, selecting the ideal hanger for your closet holds significant importance. It’s akin to finding the perfect seasoning for a dish – the right choice can elevate the overall experience, while a misstep can have negative consequences. The Pink Millennial, a renowned IKEA hacker, successfully merged style and functionality by utilizing a slide-out drawer with velvet-wrapped hangers.
By adopting a similar approach using IKEA’s BUMERANG hangers in conjunction with a slide-out rack, you too can achieve a seamless and organized closet space.
Use Chalkboard Paint for a Blackboard Storage Unit
Looking to elevate your workspace The DOMBAS wardrobe is an excellent choice. Its spacious design features three doors and handles, allowing you to neatly organize your crafting supplies into distinct sections. Moreover, the DOMBAS boasts wide, open planes that provide ample room for creative expression. Another notable advantage of this unit is its versatility.
You can transform the exterior into a functional blackboard using paint, turning it into a hub for jotting down ideas, project notes, and inspiration. This feature makes it particularly well-suited for craft rooms or home offices. The end result is a workspace that not only serves as a practical storage solution but also adds a touch of sophistication and whimsy, reminiscent of the iconic ‘Beautiful Mind’ aesthetic.
Under $100 IKEA Closet System Hack
Transforming every closet in your home isn’t a feasible option without a significant budget boost. Instead, explore IKEA’s innovative closet hacks to revamp the storage spaces of each room. A prime example is this clever combination of Billy bookshelves, closet rods, and small MDF panels, all finished with a fresh coat of crisp white paint.
The beauty of this hack lies in its adaptability – you can tailor it to suit any space by incorporating stylish storage boxes for clothes, stacking four Billys side by side to create a larger closet, or opting for a compact single unit. This versatility makes it an ideal solution for homeowners seeking a practical and aesthetically pleasing closet overhaul.
Nursery Closet for Baby
When expecting a new addition, creating the perfect nursery can be a daunting task. One crucial aspect of maintaining a tidy space is designing an efficient closet system. A savvy mom discovered a clever solution by repurposing an IKEA Koppang-style dresser as the focal point in her nursery’s closet. She paired this central piece with shoe shelves attached to the sides, ensuring ample storage without sacrificing floor space.
To maximize functionality, she left the existing closet rod intact, allowing for convenient hanging and easy access to clothing. For more innovative IKEA hacks tailored to young families, explore our related content.
IKEA Kallax Clothes Rail Hack
To create a budget-friendly open wardrobe, try flipping the Kallax unit on its side and using copper piping to install a rail along the top. This will provide a stylish storage solution for your clothing. Next, attach casters to the bottom of the unit to make it mobile. You can also add some extra flair by painting the Kallax in a color that matches your personal style. For an added pop of color, consider adding a contrasting accent to the back panel using MDF.
With these simple hacks, you’ll be able to create a modern and functional wardrobe that fits your budget. For more inspiration on how to hack the IKEA Kallax, check out our additional tips and ideas.
IKEA Kallax Bag Display Hack
When it comes to the IKEA Kallax, one clever way to utilize this unit is by transforming it into a display case for your prized possessions, such as bags, sneakers, or collectibles. The built-in downlights on each shelf provide a beautiful ambient glow that highlights your treasures.
To amplify the effect, you can install stick-on LED lights (like these) for an easy DIY solution or opt for a more comprehensive electrical setup that allows all the shelves to be lit simultaneously.