Looking for the best IKEA hacks to transform your home? You’re in the right place! From inexpensive furniture ideas to clever ways to add more storage, these IKEA hacks will inspire you to create a more stylish, functional space — without the designer price tag.
In this article, we share 30+ of the best IKEA hacks, including storage ideas, furniture transformations and budget-friendly DIY projects to help you create a beautiful home for less. Whether you’re updating your living room, bedroom or kitchen, these IKEA hack ideas prove you don’t need a big budget to achieve a designer look.
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1. Luxe coffee table dupe using salad bowls
Have you been lusting after those luxury coffee table with large ball-shaped legs? Usually costing hundreds, if not thousands, the clever and creative Rose of @azumiihome decided to hack her own! Using $25 IKEA serving bowls, she glued these together and stained them to complement the tones of the stone slab she bought as the coffee table top.
Watch her reel below to see how she did it…
2. Low-level behind sofa table
Turning the humble LACK shelf into a sleek table for behind the sofa, this hack is as simplistic as it is stylish. It’s the perfect way to add a functional surface for styling, without taking up too much visual space. We also love how it helps to connect the living room area to the rest of the home — far better to look at than just the back of a lounge!
3. Elevate an IKEA frame from fine to fabulous
Adding fabric backing or matt board to picture frames (or even fabric photo frames) are low-key trending right now! If you want to hack your own, watch how this quick and easy hack totally elevates your wall art.
@ikeahacksandideas_1st Frame 🖼️ with linen ✨ Who would’ve thought a little bit of fabric could change the whole vibe? 😍 I saw this gorgeous idea from @interioroverdose and had to share it with you! 🖼️✨ Just take any IKEA frame – for example, LOMVIKEN – and wrap the passe-partout with a dark linen fabric 🖤🧵. Suddenly, the simple frame looks like it came straight out of an art gallery! 🖌️🎨 Of course, you don’t have to stick with linen – get creative! 💡 Go with prints 🌸, neutrals 🤍, or bold textures – anything that fits your style! 🙌✂️ Share your #ikeahacksandideas with us by tagging/inviting us 🏷️ #ikeahacks #ikeahack #ikeahackideas #interioroverdoseinspo #passepartoutdiy #ikeaframehack #bilderrahmen #diyhomedecor #ikeadiy #homedecorideas #interior4all #livingroomhack #gallerywallideas #ikeadecor #creativehome ♬ Originalton – IKEA Hacks & Ideas
4. Kallax bookshelf becomes luxe bathroom cupboard
An absolute stunner to start us off! Talented DIYer Celine created this luxe rattan bathroom cupboard by adding a custom door to the Kallax bookshelf and painting it in that dreamy taupe colour. She shares all the steps in the reel below. With ‘more storage’ being on the wish list for many, we hope this IKEA hack offers plenty of inspo!
5. Designer sofa dupe
Have you ben lusting over those designer sofas with in-built side tables and shelves but can’t afford (or justify!) the price tag? Lucia may have just found the solution with this incredible IKEA hack!
Using the EKET range, she created a storage chest for extra throw blankets (or perfect for toy storage) and a wall pocket for to rest your cuppa or have a styling moment. We would suggest adding a powerpoint inside the chest so you can also charge your devices or have easy access to power when you need it 😉
6. Bedroom home cinema
A wardrobe that doubles as a home cinema? Genius! Watch your fave shows or movies on the big screen from the comfort of your bed with this sleek and stylish IKEA hack.
7. Built-in bookcase pantry
If you’ve been dreaming of an open pantry, this BILLY bookcase DIY hack from Breakfast at Kellie’s is the perfect way to get the look on a budget. We can’t even tell it’s a bookcase! Check out the full DIY tutorial on her website.
8. Salad bowls become designer hallway console
Using the same technique as the coffee table hack above, Cassandra created this designer hallway table dupe! The wavy top totally makes this piece and she shares all the steps to create your own in the reel below.
9. A plain dresser gets an amazing makeover
This HEMNES chest of drawers is kinda generic, don’t you think? But just look at what Lisa from @knots.and.pots.home on Instagram did! A hack that creates such a high-end look on a budget. You can recreate the look following all the DIY instructions here.
10. Stylish floating entertainment unit for a bargain price
When it comes to lower priced furniture, often things can look… cheap. But not if you do it right. Take a look at this incredible entertainment unit styled by Tess. Using the incredibly affordable BESTA TV bench, Tess wall mounted hers and placed her TV off centre to create a chic, sleek and stylish living room.
And all that storage to hide everything away — we are in love! Oh… and yes, we know this isn’t exactly a hack. But it’s so gorgeous, can you blame us for including it in our fave ever IKEA hacks post?!
11. Bookshelf gets a Mediterranean-inspired makeover
It’s hard to miss the rising trend in organic furniture. If you can’t afford the real deal — or you just want to put your own unique spin on things — here’s a fabulous example of what can be done with a simple IKEA bookshelf. Create whatever configuration you want and paint it in a colour to suit your interior style.
12. Shelving units turned kitchen island
If you’re feeling a little crowded in your kitchen, have a look at this kitchen island hack! Jen Lou Meredith came up with this hack using KALLAX shelving units. It’s small, storage savvy and mobile, so you can move it as you need to! It may require a little DIY know-how, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can find her tutorial here.
13. Kitchen cabinets become living room storage
IKEA is renowned for its affordable kitchen range but why restrict it to just one room? The ever-so-talented Shelley from DIYshelley (who we’ve featured on the blog a few times!) used IKEA kitchen cabinetry in her living room as her TV cabinet and clever added storage. So smart and functional!
14. Chest of drawers becomes a luxe linen cupboard
With custom joinery costing a pretty penny, we love discovering clever hacks like this one from Emma-Lee Goulding from Willow Root Collective. Emma-Lee took the HEMNES 3 drawer and built it into her gorgeous linen cupboard.
See the video transformation below, or check out her detailed blog post on how she achieved this look.
15. Cute as a button mushroom lamp
Who knew you could make a cute as mushroom lamp from a mixing bowl and a canister?! One of our fave DIYers, Geneva Vanderzeil did just that using the metal bowl and canister, both from IKEA. You can find the full tutorial here, and by the looks of it, it looks super simple!
16. Clever use of kids stools… and IKEA doors!
If you’re a parent, you probably have one of the BEKVAM step stools at your place. But here’s a use for it we’d never considered.
Using 2 step stools and, get this, 2 FONNES doors, you can get this brilliant and cost-effective TV unit!
Yep, that’s right, kids step stools and doors! Such a unique idea!
17. Peg board becomes a green wall
Here’s one for our plant lovers! Using the already-cool SKADIS peg board, Dani created this wonderful living green wall. Simply add some hanging baskets and pop your plant babies on the shelves and you’ve got a great idea you can easily do at your place!
18. A curtain rail for hanging plants
Another fab idea for the plant lovers! A great way to display your beautiful plant hangers is by using the RACKA curtain rail. Such an effective solution if you’re unable to reach, or can’t drill into the ceiling.
19. Luxe chair makeover
Take a touch of gold paint. A simple IKEA chair. And top it with the soft and fluffy SKOLD sheepskin rug.
Voila! Luxe, scandi-inspired chair!
Note: The chair pictured isn’t available in Australia but here’s a similar style we found.
20. Window bench seat
Using the NORDLI chest of drawers, you can create a gorgeous window seat! Created by Kelin from Hydrangea Treehouse, this easily customisable hack can help you create a stunning bench that fits just right. And who doesn’t love extra storage? Find the tutorial here.
21. School bag storage solution
Ok, so this isn’t really a hack, but anything that minimises kid-mess gets our attention! This clever and simple idea uses the TROFAST storage unit to create a school organisation station where everything is neat, tidy and easy to find. Yes please!
22. Bed head with clever storage
Using the TRONES shoe storage, you can create a simple yet clever bed head with heaps of storage. Pop your spare sheets in for easy access, or keep your books and other clutter hidden away. SUCH a cool idea!
23. Bed slats new lease on life
Staying in the bedroom (kind of) for another of our fave IKEA hacks… taking the slats from a no longer needed bed could be the storage solution you’ve been hunting for!
Use it in the kitchen to hang pots of herbs and quirky kitchen gadgets. Pop it in the bathroom for added storage, or maybe in the bedroom to hang belts, scarves and jewellery.
Simple yet functional, we love this clever upcycle that could stop would-be waste going to landfill.
24. Spice rack turned kids bookshelf
Sometimes it’s the simplest hacks that turn out to be the best! Kate, a motherhood TikTokker, shows us how the cheap and cheerful IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack can be turned into 2 styles of shelves for a kid’s room.
Correct way up, they’re a sweet mini bookshelf. Or flipped over and it becomes a great shelf with a hanging rail for clothes or backpacks, using an S hook. So simple!
@kate.athome A super easy little hack… #ikeahacks #ikeakidshack #mumhacks #ukmumsoftiktok #ikeabekvam #kidsroominspo #kidsroomideas #ikeadiyhack #kidsinterior #ukmumaccount #diyikeahack ♬ I Am Your Mother You Listen To Me (Tik Tok Sped Up) – Remix – Green Neon DJ
25. A bookcase turns into a pull out pantry
Ok, so this is super clever. TikTok creator @lovemlovef shows us how they took a simple IKEA bookcase, and turned it into a sliding, slimline pantry. By attaching sliding washing machine base stands to the bottom, it creates the ideal pull out pantry!
Check out the video below — so cool and so creative!
@lovemlovef loveit😍🥰 … #ikeahack #ikeakitchen #ikeafinds #ikeatok #swag #decor #decoration #picoftheday #queen #fyp #lovedecor #beautiful #awesome #amazing #instagram #pinterest #lovediy #diyproject #deco #ikeadiy #actiondiy #diyproject ♬ origineel geluid – 🇨🇵🤍♡halfbloedje♡🤎🇲🇦
26. DIY rug
Rugs can be expensive, we know. So how about making your own?! A clever crafter took these cheap as chips IKEA mats and sewed them together to create one big rug.
You could try using any of IKEA’s huge range of place mats, smaller rugs or even bath mats to get the same effect.
27. Kids safety stool
Ah, kids ‘helping’ in the kitchen (insert panicked parent here!). Sina from Happy Grey Lucky hacked the BEKVAM step stool to make it a whole lot safer for her little peeps.
Perfect for future budding chefs!
28. Kids kitchen makeovers
We see so many gorgeous IKEA hacks done on the DUKTIG kids play kitchen. And while these ones are not so much hacks as they are makeovers, we couldn’t resist including them.
We especially love the sweet subway tile details in the pink and gold kitchen, and the boho vibes in the teal and terracotta version!
29. Another use for the play kitchen — a flower stall
According to the Dutch team at Zoeyzokidsconcept, the DUKTIG kitchen isn’t just for the kitchen! They show us how it can be made into a fabulous flower shop with just a touch of added creativity!
If flowers (or DIY) aren’t your cup of tea, they also do burger bars, sushi kitchens plus more using their cute-as-anything stickers and magnets, made specifically to fit the IKEA kids kitchen!
30. Storage unit turned super sweet dolls house
Using the ever-so-popular KALLAX 4-square storage unit, a few crafty people have created these gorgeous dolls houses! We love the version with the added roof, but think the wallpaper/contact versions are just as sweet!
31. Heat mats become a cork board
This collection of painted and wall mounted pin boards is so clever! But what’s even better is they started life as HEAT kitchen pot stands! You can find the how to instructions from ‘Oh everything handmade’ here.
32. Boho coffee table
There’s no shortage of clever people out there, and one of our favourites has to be this boho-style ALSEDA stool hack. How cool is it? Use this tutorial by Alice and Lois on Hunker to create your own.
33. Wooden train tracks turned blackboard
For any keen little train spotters (young or old!) how cool is this idea? Attaching the LILLABO wooden train track to the wall and adding a blackboard (or just using blackboard paint) to create a quirky but clever blackboard.
34. Headphone storage solution
Tangled headphone cords are never fun. So how about this for a clever little hack. Attach the BROGRUND toilet roll holder under a desk and you’ve got the perfect headphone storage solution. So simple, but we think it’s kinda genius!
35. DIY cabinets turn custom entertainment unit
Finding the perfect entertainment unit is a challenge! They always seem either too small or BIG, too deep or not the right style for your home.
In Rachel’s large living room, a custom entertainment unit was the only solution but without wanting to spend thousands on custom joinery she came up with a clever hack using the BESTÅ TV bench from IKEA with HANVIKEN doors. The wooden handles from Auburn Wood Turning fit her contemporary home to a T!
FAQs
What are IKEA hacks?
Typically, an IKEA hack is when you use or transform an item in a way it wasn’t originally designed for. For example, turning a toilet roll holder into a headphone bracket. Over time, the term has also come to include makeovers, upcycles and clever ‘glow ups’ — and we’re all for that! In our view, if you can take an affordable piece and make it look more expensive or more functional, that’s a hack worth celebrating.
Are IKEA hacks easy to do for beginners?
Absolutely. IKEA hacks range from super simple projects using just glue or paint, through to more advanced builds involving power tools. In this article, you’ll find plenty of beginner-friendly ideas like adding fabric backing to picture frames or creating a behind-sofa table by simply gluing a few shelves together.
What are the best IKEA hacks for renters?
Renting often means limited ability to personalise your space, but IKEA hacks are a great workaround. We love using painted or stained furniture and colourful decor to inject personality without touching the walls. Storage is another common challenge, so opt for hacks that are both stylish and portable — pieces you can take with you from one home to the next.
What are the best IKEA storage hacks?
Some of the best IKEA storage hacks combine function with great design. The KALLAX shelf turned bathroom cabinet is a standout, especially for tackling overflowing linen storage. We also love multifunctional pieces, like the sofa hack in-built table that also doubles as a hidden storage chest — a clever way to add storage while elevating the overall look of your space.
What IKEA hacks are trending right now?
Right now, we’re seeing a strong shift towards warmer, more natural finishes — think walnut tones, Japandi influences and organic shapes. There’s also a growing trend of elevating IKEA pieces with custom elements like stone tops or textured finishes to create a more designer look. Many of these ideas can be easily adapted to suit your own style, making them both current and timeless.
We hope this round up IKEA storage hacks and furniture transformations prove you don’t need a big budget to create a beautiful home! For regular affordable and creative home styling tips, subscribe to Style Curator.
Check out more DIY and hacks here
Disclaimer: This article was first published in July 2020 and continues to be updated with the latest and best IKEA hacks.
