Let’s be real—IKEA is like the Disneyland of affordable home stuff. You walk in thinking you’ll grab a new dish rack and somehow leave with a cart full of random things you didn’t even know you needed. (Been there. More than once. No regrets.)
But here’s the real kicker: IKEA pieces are low-key hacking goldmines. With a little imagination (and maybe a hot glue gun), you can turn basic furniture into straight-up designer vibes—without selling a kidney.
So if you’re into clever tricks, saving cash, and getting that “Wait, you did that with IKEA?” reaction from friends, buckle up. I’ve got 21 genius IKEA hacks that are equal parts practical and “where has this been all my life?”
1. Kallax = Your Best Friend
The Kallax unit is the Beyoncé of IKEA hacks—versatile, iconic, and never out of style.
Turn It Into:
- A bar cart: Add wheels, a wine rack insert, and boom—cocktails on demand.
- A bench seat: Lay it horizontally, add a foam cushion, and you’ve got seating plus storage.
- A record player console: Slide in some baskets and stash your vinyl in style.
Why it works: It’s basically a blank canvas, and it comes in like… a dozen sizes.
2. BILLY Bookshelves Built-In? Yes, Please
Wanna look like you paid a contractor a fortune? Line a wall with BILLYs, add trim at the top, paint it all one color, and suddenly—it’s giving “custom library vibes.”
Pro tip: Add cabinet doors to the bottom for that “organized adult” look (even if you’re hiding cables and old DVDs in there).
3. MALM Dressers = Bedside Goals
Okay, the MALM dresser is pretty plain out of the box. But it’s also a makeover dream.
Hack Ideas:
- Add new knobs or pulls for a splash of personality.
- Wrap the drawer fronts in peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s like a facelift for your furniture.
- Top it with a marble slab for an ultra-chic finish.
Ever wonder why hotels look so polished? Yeah—marble. Always marble.
4. Turn LACK Shelves Into Floating Desks
Small space, big ideas. Mount a LACK shelf at desk height, slide a stool under, and boom: floating workspace.
Perfect for:
- Tiny apartments
- Kids’ homework stations
- Your new Zoom background
5. BEKVÄM Spice Racks Aren’t Just for Spices
Honestly, these little wooden racks are the MVPs of IKEA hacks.
What you can do:
- Flip them upside down for toddler book storage.
- Use them to organize nail polish or essential oils.
- Hang them in the bathroom for mini shelves + towel bars.
FYI: They’re like $5 each. That’s cheaper than lunch.
6. Tarva + Paint = Designer-Looking Nightstands
The Tarva line is wood, unpainted, and begging for a makeover.
Try This:
- Paint it deep green or navy.
- Add gold hardware.
- Stain the top darker for contrast.
Result? Something that looks like it came from West Elm—but didn’t cost $400.
7. Use IKEA Cabinets as a Media Console
Who says kitchen cabinets belong in the kitchen?
Do this:
- Mount SEKTION base cabinets along a wall.
- Add a wood top (or fake it with laminate).
- Drill holes in the back for cords.
TV stand? Entertainment center? Storage unit? Yes to all three.
8. RÅSKOG Cart = The Rolling Hero
If you don’t own a RÅSKOG utility cart, what are you even doing?
Use it for:
- Bathroom storage (towels, TP, skincare).
- Art supplies (paint, brushes, mess).
- Coffee station (yes, that’s a thing).
It’s cute. It’s mobile. It’s under $40. And somehow, it makes clutter look intentional.
9. Upgrade Your Closet with BILLYs
Closet chaos? Line your closet with slim BILLY bookcases for vertical storage.
Add:
- Bins for accessories
- Hooks on the sides for belts or bags
- LED lights for drama (and visibility)
Suddenly your closet looks like you’re on a makeover show.
10. TROFAST for Toy (or Grown-Up) Organization
TROFAST units are made for kids’ toys… but they’re also shockingly good for adult clutter.
Use them for:
- Craft supplies
- Garage tools
- Your “I-don’t-know-where-this-goes” stuff
PSA: Label the bins. Future-you will thank you.
11. IKEA Hack Your Entryway
Your entryway sets the vibe for your entire home. No pressure.
Try this combo:
- HEMNES shoe cabinet for slim storage
- MIRROR over the top to check yourself before you wreck yourself
- Hooks above for bags, keys, and chaos control
Feels welcoming. Smells like eucalyptus (probably).
12. DIY Banquette Seating with Cabinets
Ever dreamt of a cozy breakfast nook? IKEA’s got your back.
What you need:
- SEKTION kitchen cabinets
- Foam cushion on top
- Throw pillows (non-negotiable)
It’s brunch-ready—and yes, there’s storage inside.
13. Transform IVAR Cabinets into Art
IVAR’s raw pine look is cute and rustic… or, you can make it wild.
Try this:
- Paint it bright pink. Or black. Or checkerboard. Go off.
- Add cane webbing or rattan panels.
- Stencil a pattern if you’re feeling bold.
It becomes furniture and wall art in one.
14. Use SKÅDIS Pegboards Literally Anywhere
The SKÅDIS pegboard system is criminally underrated.
Best spots:
- Inside closet doors (for accessories)
- By your desk (for stationery)
- In the bathroom (for makeup and chaos)
Customize it with baskets, shelves, hooks—it’s like IKEA’s version of Tetris.
15. Hack a Loft Bed into a Workstation
Short on space? Loft your kid’s bed (or yours, no shame) and create a workstation underneath.
Needed:
- SVÄRTA or STORÅ loft bed
- Small desk
- LED lighting to fake productivity
Great for teens, dorms, or adults who love tiny home YouTube videos.
16. DIY a Headboard from IKEA Rugs
Wait, what?
Yep—grab a soft IKEA rug, mount it behind your bed like a tapestry, and say hello to your new headboard.
Perks:
- Budget-friendly
- Soft and cozy
- Totally Instagrammable
Bonus: It doubles as sound insulation for noisy neighbors.
17. Create a Plant Wall with IKEA Grid Panels
Obsessed with plants but out of windowsills?
Do this:
- Hang FINTORP or mesh wall grids
- Clip on hanging planters
- Add vines or trailing greens
Feels like a jungle, in the best possible way
18. Makeover Your Bathroom Vanity
Buy a basic GODMORGON cabinet and turn it into something that looks high-end.
Steps:
- Replace the handles
- Mount a vessel sink
- Add stick-on tile to the sides
Suddenly you’ve got a Pinterest bathroom. For like, a quarter of the cost.
19. Use IKEA Picture Ledges in Sneaky Ways
The MOSSLANDA ledges aren’t just for art.
Also good for:
- Spices in the kitchen
- Nail polish in the bathroom
- Mini books in a nursery
Basically, anywhere you want storage without the bulky shelf drama.
20. Hack an IKEA Cabinet Into a Pet Station
Your furry friend deserves more than a bowl on the floor.
Try this:
- Use a cabinet or Besta unit
- Cut out a hole for the bowl
- Store treats, toys, and leashes inside
Suddenly your pet’s got their own mini kitchen. 🐾
21. IKEA Hack Your Vanity Like a Makeup Guru
Can’t afford that fancy Hollywood mirror setup?
DIY with:
- LINNMON table
- ALEX drawers on each side
- A wall-mounted mirror + vanity lights
You’re now officially a beauty YouTuber. (Or at least, you look like one.)
Conclusion
There you go—21 IKEA hacks that prove you don’t need a mansion (or a million bucks) to make your home look amazing. Just a little creativity, a pinch of elbow grease, and maybe a screwdriver you won’t misplace this time.
Which one will you try first? Got a Kallax begging for a glow-up? Ready to make a vanity your ex will wish they saw?
Remember: IKEA’s just the beginning. What you do with it? That’s where the magic happens.
Catch you in the returns section (again), friend 😉
