Welcome to IKEA, the go-to source for easy-to-assemble Swedish furniture that provides endless opportunities for customization. These life-changing IKEA hacks will inspire you to transform your space with some simple DIY skills, paint, fabric, glue, and a bit of imagination.
From bookcases and dressers to bedside tables, work desks, kitchen islands, cabinets, wardrobes, and kid’s loft beds, you can turn basic IKEA pieces into customized masterpieces that perfectly fit your style and needs. Here are 21 life-changing IKEA hacks for your home.
IKEA Hacks for Home
1. Bed Slat into Wall Hanger
Source: ichdesigner.com
Innovation is key with this hack, using the Luröy slatted bed base as a stylish wall hanger. Instead of hiding the pine wood slats under a mattress, transform them into a wall hanger by adding heavy-duty S-hooks. Use it in the bathroom to hold baskets filled with towels, in the kitchen to display pots and pans, or in the home office for draping magazines.
2. Kitchen Island
Source: kreatinghomes.com
Create a stylish kitchen island by repurposing an old tabletop, some metal legs, and dollar-store bookcases. Tip the bookcases on their sides, place them back-to-back, attach the legs at the bottom, and the tabletop on top. This hack provides a large surface area and ample storage space.
3. IKEA Pax Washer and Dryer Unit
Source: @klk.interiors
Use the famous PAX Wardrobes to house your washer and dryer units. Elevate your appliances off the floor and provide a stylish housing by cutting open the back for plumbing and electrical access. Add woven laundry baskets underneath to store washing out of sight.
4. IKEA Billy Cabinet
Source: @reno.onthebay
Mix and match pieces from the versatile BILLY / OXBERG bookcase series to create a floor-to-ceiling cabinet. Finish it with a decorative paint technique for a personal touch, transforming it into a magazine-worthy feature.
5. IKEA Pax Storage
Source: @details.by.shelby
Turn a wall into a statement by placing IKEA PAX wardrobes side by side with a built-in bench and drawers underneath. Add a shelf on top for additional storage or display space, and use rustic wicker baskets and cozy cushions to create a charming reading nook.
6. IKEA Pax Built-In Wardrobes
Source: @lauraccrombie
Transform two IKEA Pax units into seamless built-in wardrobes. Use IKEA Forbattra kitchen end panels, IKEA Bergsbo doors, and luxurious gold door handles to create a dust-free, stylish wardrobe.
7. IKEA Tarva Nursery Room Dresser
Source: @kourtnileigh
Get crafty with caning to personalize the IKEA Tarva room dresser. Using Varathane Weathered Oak stain and sheets of cane webbing, transform it into a cozy cottage-style piece, perfect for a baby nursery.
8. IKEA Besta Living Room Built-In Cupboards
Source: @southernoutlook
Turn standard IKEA Besta cupboards into a luxurious wall unit with clever lighting. Use the full length of your room for a built-in look and install downlighting in the alcoves to subtly highlight the TV without it dominating the space.
9. IKEA Kallax Storage Unit
Source: @shiftabrick
Transform simple IKEA Kallax shelving into a stylish décor piece with natural textures and cool Scandinavian colors. Pair it with copper pots, floor-standing plants, and a decorative wall mirror to create a chic focal point.
10. IKEA Billy Bookcase Display Unit
Source: @styleandsugar
Convert IKEA Billy bookcases into a chic display unit for your collection of vases, jars, artwork, or decorative plates. The clean, minimalist look is enhanced by a slatted wall on the side.
11. IKEA Malm Dresser Nursery Room Storage
Source: @dashlifestyles
Make the classic IKEA Malm Dresser more appealing with fun drawer fronts made from plywood, mesh, or cane webbing, and unique off-cut handles.
12. Shoe Storage
Source: @home_by_ellie
Create classy shoe storage by choosing cabinets that fit your corner, painting them, and replacing the standard IKEA handles with stylish bar handles.
13. Upcycled Malm Drawers
Source: @linsdrabwell
Upcycle a basic IKEA Malm drawer with a graphic design using tape, primer, and trendy green and ivory paint. Extend the pattern to the top for a cohesive look.
14. IKEA Ivar Kids Desk
Source: @lauraundkids
Create a multi-purpose desk for a kid’s room using two IKEA Ivar chests of drawers. The wider side can accommodate a dollhouse or a gaming unit, with the middle section providing a spacious work area.
15. IKEA Malm Bedside Dresser
Source: @mrs.b.organized
Transform two basic Malm dressers into stylish bedside tables with overlays on the drawers and classy brushed gold bar handles.
16. IKEA Malm Office Desk
Source: @the_byford_home
Create a stylish office desk by combining two IKEA Malm drawers with a tabletop, new paint, and drawer handles. Enjoy ample workspace and storage.
17. Chic IKEA Malm Dresser
Source: @amand12j
Elevate the look of an IKEA Malm dresser by adding classy gold drawer pulls, creating a sophisticated set of bedroom dressers.
18. Statement IKEA Mirror
Source: @projectprincecharles
Create a stunning statement mirror by joining IKEA mirrors with a wooden or metal frame, painted to match your decor.
19. Billy Bookcase Built-In Dresser
Source: @homeonharbor
Transform old IKEA shelving into a stunning wall unit dresser with IKEA Billy bookcases, drawers, doors, paint, and stylish handles. Perfect for storage and display.
20. IKEA Micke Desk
Source: @liberty.interiors
Create a dream desk for a little girl with a standard Micke desk and drawer unit, jazzed up with made-to-measure gold handles.
21. IKEA Kura Bed
Source: @makingmycasita
Transform the IKEA Kura Bed into a cool loft bed. Use the space underneath for a play area, reading nook, or low desk, making it a versatile addition to a child’s room.
These life-changing IKEA hacks will help you transform basic furniture pieces into stylish and functional elements for your home. Enjoy your DIY projects and the satisfaction of creating customized decor!