Skip to Content

21 Life-Changing Ikea Hacks

Step into the world of Swedish simplicity with IKEA, where clever design meets ease of assembly. Unleash your creativity and transform everyday furniture into one-of-a-kind masterpieces that reflect your unique style. From bookcases to kitchen islands, work desks to kid’s loft beds, the possibilities are endless.

With a few basic DIY tools at hand – think paint, fabric, glue, and imagination – you can breathe new life into even the most mundane pieces.

So why settle for ordinary when extraordinary is just a hack away? Let’s dive in and explore 21 game-changing IKEA hacks to revolutionize your home.

Bed Slat into Wall Hanger

Bed Slat into Wall Hanger

Elevate your space with a creative twist! By repurposing the Luröy slatted bed base as a wall hanger, you’ll be leveraging innovation to transform an ordinary item into a stylish storage solution. Simply attach heavy-duty S-hooks and get ready to showcase woven baskets filled with towels in your bathroom or display brass pots and pans in your cottage-themed kitchen. You can even use it to drape magazines in your home office – the possibilities are endless!

Kitchen Island

Kitchen Island

Get creative and involve your family in this DIY project, inspired by an IKEA kitchen island. To create this clever hack, start by gathering the following materials: an old tabletop, some metal legs, and dollar-store bookcases. Begin by placing the bookcases on their sides and positioning them back-to-back to form the base of your new kitchen island. Next, attach the legs to the bottom and the tabletop to the top, ensuring a sturdy and level surface.

And just like that, you’ll have a stylish kitchen island with ample storage space and a large, functional top surface. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out these IKEA Vadlhoma hacks for even more creative ideas!

IKEA Pax Washer and Dryer Unit

IKEA Pax Washer and Dryer Unit

A creative solution for IKEA enthusiasts, transform PAX Wardrobes into elevated spaces for your washer and dryer units. By modifying the back panel, you’ll gain access to essential plumbing and electrical connections. The resulting clearance allows for a stylish and practical storage solution – simply place woven laundry baskets beneath the units to keep dirty laundry out of sight.

IKEA Billy Cabinet

IKEA Billy Cabinet

By repurposing the versatile BILLY/OXBERG bookcase series, this ingenious IKEA hack transforms a humble storage solution into a show-stopping cabinet that would be right at home in a design magazine. The creative DIY enthusiasts achieved this stunning result by combining and customizing individual pieces to create a seamless wall-to-ceiling installation.

To put your personal stamp on the project, simply design your own unique configuration and finish it with a decorative paint technique for a truly one-of-a-kind touch.

IKEA Pax storage

IKEA Pax storage

Elevate your décor game by transforming IKEA PAX wardrobes into a unique statement piece. Instead of simply standing them side by side, get creative and build a bench between the cabinets with drawers underneath for added storage or display purposes. Top it off with a shelf that serves as a functional space for showcasing cherished family heirlooms or storing everyday essentials.

To complete the look, incorporate rustic wicker baskets and plush cushions to create a charming country-style reading nook that’s perfect for relaxation and inspiration.

IKEA Pax Built-In Wardrobes

IKEA Pax Built-In Wardrobes

Transform two IKEA Pax units into a stunning built-in wardrobe with this game-changing hack. The result is a sleek, gap-free design that effortlessly blends into the wall, eliminating dust accumulation concerns. While you’ll need two Pax units as the foundation, additional components include IKEA Forbattra kitchen end panels, Bergsbo doors, and upscale gold door handles to complete the look.

IKEA Tarva Nursery Room Dresser

IKEA Tarva Nursery Room Dresser

If you’re looking to add a unique touch to the IKEA Tarva room dresser, consider incorporating caning into your design. The DIY community has shown us how to take this piece and turn it into a cozy cottage-inspired statement. By using Varathane Weathered Oak stain and sheets of cane webbing, the resulting look is warm and inviting. What’s more, this hack offers a refreshing alternative to traditional baby nursery colors like blue and pink.

If you’re inspired by this creative approach, be sure to check out some of the other IKEA Tarva hacks that can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.

IKEA Besta Living Room Built-In Cupboards

IKEA Besta Living Room Built-In Cupboards

Transform your living space by elevating humble IKEA Besta cupboards into a sophisticated wall unit with clever lighting and design. By utilizing the full length of your room, you can achieve a seamless, floor-to-ceiling built-in look that makes a statement. To add an extra layer of sophistication, consider installing downlighting in the alcoves to create pools of light that draw attention to specific features, such as the TV.

This subtle yet stylish approach ensures the TV takes center stage without dominating the overall aesthetic. For more inspiration, explore our collection of IKEA TV stand hacks and discover how a few simple tweaks can have a profound impact on the look and feel of your room.

IKEA Kallax Storage Unit

IKEA Kallax Storage Unit

Transforming a simple IKEA Kallax shelving unit into a stunning décor piece is as easy as adding natural textures and Scandinavian flair. The baskets’ earthy tones and the storage unit’s crisp colors create an effortlessly chic combination. To take it to the next level, pair your hacked storage unit with copper accents, floor-standing plants, and a glamorous decorative wall mirror. This trifecta of stylish elements will transform your once-dull corner into a showstopping focal point.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Display Unit

IKEA Billy Bookcase Display Unit

While IKEA Billy bookcases are often associated with holding books, they can also be repurposed to showcase unique decorative pieces. If you’ve collected beautiful vases, jars, artwork, or decorative plates from your travels, this hack transforms a standard bookshelf into a stylish display unit. The minimalist aesthetic is enhanced by the slatted wall on the side, creating a cohesive and visually appealing arrangement.

IKEA Malm Dresser nursery room storage

IKEA Malm Dresser nursery room storage

Transforming the classic IKEA Malm Dresser into a unique storage solution for baby’s essentials is a great starting point. But why stop there? With a little creativity and some basic materials like plywood, mesh, or cane webbing, you can take it to the next level by adding custom drawer fronts with interesting off-cut shapes that double as handles! The end result is a stylish and functional addition to any nursery that’s sure to inspire.

Shoe Storage

Shoe Storage

For those who prefer to keep their shoes out of sight, this clever IKEA hack provides a stylish solution. By selecting cabinets that fit the dimensions of your corner, and customizing the color to match your personal taste, you can create a seamless integration with your existing decor. To add a touch of sophistication, replace the standard knobs with sleek bar handles, transforming plain storage into chic shoe storage.

Upcycled Malm Drawers

Upcycled Malm Drawers

Transforming a mundane IKEA Malm drawer into a stunning piece of furniture is no easy feat. But with some creativity and elbow grease, one enterprising individual managed to breathe new life into this tired brown box. The key to their success? A clever use of masking tape to define the design they wanted to create.

With primer and two coats of vibrant green and ivory paint carefully applied to the designated areas, the result is a truly show-stopping piece that earns top marks for its design ingenuity.

IKEA Ivar Kids Desk

IKEA Ivar Kids Desk

A game-changer for parents seeking to create a harmonious balance between work and play in their child’s room is this ingenious IKEA hack. By repurposing two Ivar chest of drawers from the Swedish furniture giant, homeowners have conjured up a versatile desk that seamlessly blends functionality with imagination.

One notable aspect of this DIY masterpiece is its adaptability.

The wider side of the desk can be transformed into a cozy dollhouse zone for younger kids, while also serving as a platform for computer gaming activities as they grow older.

The pièce de résistance lies in the middle section, where wooden panels create a spacious work area that’s perfect for arts and crafts, homework, or any other creative pursuit. The units’ drawers provide ample storage for books, games, toys, and even clothing, all within easy reach.

We can’t help but appreciate the natural wood aesthetic that adds warmth to this functional space.

IKEA Malm Bedside Dresser

IKEA Malm Bedside Dresser

When it comes to creating a serene and inviting bedroom atmosphere, I firmly believe that a stylish bedside dresser is key. The transformation of two basic Malm dressers into a luxurious boudoir through an IKEA hack is a perfect example of how a little creativity can go a long way. By adding overlays to the drawers, you can introduce texture and depth to the design, while brushed gold bar handles provide a touch of sophistication that elevates the overall aesthetic.

Meanwhile, bedside lamps with their soft glow can add a romantic ambiance to the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing or reading before bed. The minimalist linen bedside lamp is a great example of how simplicity and elegance can come together to create a truly inviting space.

IKEA Malm Office Desk

IKEA Malm Office Desk

With the rise of remote work, having a reliable and efficient workspace at home is crucial. Rather than breaking the bank, why not repurpose two IKEA Malm drawers to create a one-of-a-kind office desk? Simply add a tabletop, give it a fresh coat of paint, and swap out the drawer handles for a unique and functional piece that combines ample workspace with generous storage.

Chic IKEA Malm Dresser

Chic IKEA Malm Dresser

Choosing an IKEA Malm dresser that already boasts a stylish wood tone eliminates the need for painting, making this hack a relatively effortless one. The designer’s decision to opt for classy gold drawer pulls proves to be a savvy move, elevating the overall aesthetic of the bedroom dressers to a sophisticated level. Furthermore, the addition of beautiful arched mirrors serves as the perfect finishing touch, tying the entire look together with elegance.

Statement IKEA Mirror

Statement IKEA Mirror

Transform your space without breaking the bank with this ingenious IKEA hack! Ditch any feelings of envy towards expensive mirrors like the William Wood Brooklyn Mirror and create your own show-stopping statement piece using affordable IKEA mirrors. By combining them with a custom wooden or metal frame, painted in a color of your choice, you can achieve a stunning mirror wall that’s perfect for an upmarket office, entranceway, kitchen, or living room.

Billy Bookcase Built In Dresser

Billy Bookcase Built In Dresser

Imagine the satisfaction you’ll feel when this DIY project is complete! Why not gather everyone in the family to create an unforgettable bonding experience? To get started, take some old IKEA shelving units – like Billy bookcases or drawers – and give them a fresh new look by applying several coats of paint. Add some stylish handles to finish off the design.

The outcome is truly impressive: a beautiful wall unit dresser that boasts ample space for storing essential items like mirrors, jewelry, linens, clothes, shoes, and even display alcoves perfect for showcasing your prized designer handbags.

IKEA Micke Desk

IKEA Micke Desk

Imagine a dream desk for a little girl, complete with an unbeatable view! While you may not have the same panoramic perspective, you can still achieve this delightful workspace with my latest IKEA hack. By combining a standard Micke desk with a separate Micke drawer unit and adding custom-made gold handles, the creator has transformed the space into a true haven for creativity and inspiration.

And take note of that sleek pinboard on the wall – I discovered a similar round design on Amazon that offers a similarly stylish touch.

IKEA Kura Bed

IKEA Kura Bed

The IKEA Kura Bed is an ingenious design that boasts a reversible feature, allowing it to transform from a low-floor bed to a loft bed as your child grows. This innovative hack not only saves space but also creates a versatile play area or reading nook underneath the bed. The possibilities are endless – imagine setting up a cozy desk for gaming or homework, or even creating a hideaway spot for kids to relax and unwind.