Have you ever purchased furniture from Ikea because it was inexpensive and convenient but then realized that it was also a mass-produced object lacking creativity? Well, we've got good news: this list of DIY design ideas can turn any regular house decor item into a masterpiece. So get ready to brag to all your friends about your one-of-a-kind, homemade pieces because if you take inspiration from these hacks, you'll be the talk of the town.
Transform the Hemnes Shoe Cabinet Into an Entryway Table
It's not always easy to find a piece of furniture to fit in those awkward and small areas of the house. Entryways and hallways, in particular, can be the most challenging. All the furniture pieces tend to be either too wide or just too awkward. Don't worry! This hack is perfect for you. Buy Hemnes Shoe Cabinets, and you can make something as beautiful as this thin hallway piece here.
You can combine multiple of the same piece if one of them is too small to fill up the space. But the best part is that it will still be thin enough to fit in those narrow places.
Tile up Your Desk to Give It Some Funk
Your workspace is an incredibly important portion of your life. After all, you spend a significant amount of time there every day (and even more so if you work from home). Why settle for a boring old desk that looks just like everyone else's when you could have something cute and creative? All you need is the Ikea Malm desk and some tiles, and you are good to go!
Just attach the tiles all around the desk for this cool and quirky desk design. It's so unique people will think you got it from an expensive furniture designer!
Make Your Own Marble Table
Have you ever dreamed of having your very own marble table, but then every time you looked at the prices, you were brought back down to reality? You certainly aren't alone, as marble tables can be quite expensive. But who would have thought that you could turn a $179 Ikea Docksta table into your marble dreams? All you need is a can of spray paint, table epoxy, and a blow torch, and you're ready to begin.
It will be a lot of work to get this one done, but it will definitely be worth it when everyone is complimenting your beautiful new table and asking you where you got it. You'll be proud to say you made it and even prouder about the price.
Stop Knocking Over Your Pet's Food and Water Bowls
Having multiple pets can prove to be challenging on many different levels and especially if the pets are of different ages. Things can get particularly tricky when it comes to feeding time. All the animals want to eat each other's food, and they can get into fights. This DIY is a great way to prevent that and to create a lovely kitty eating station. All you need are the Ikea Kallax shelves and some wicker baskets.
This is not only extremely functional, but it is also very stylish! It serves the purpose of easing the cat feeding woes while also making your house look beautiful and well decorated.
A Stylish New Dresser
Everyone loves a nice and simple white piece of furniture. It matches everything, and it is very versatile. However, sometimes it can be just a little too boring, and you may feel the itch to spice things up a little. If that is the case, the Ikea Hemnes Dresser is the perfect place to start. Beautiful on its own, its loveliness is only embellished with the addition of paint and creative door handles and knobs.
The fun part about this is that you can take it in so many directions. Consider purchasing some fun handles and knobs and then buying the paint to coordinate with them.
Turn the Table Upside Down
Sometimes the greatest things happen when you think outside of the box. What would you do with the Ikea Gladom table? Probably just put it around your house and enjoy its boring convenience. Instead, you should go to Home Depot, buy a circular piece of wood, flip the Gladom table upside down, attach the wood on top, and admire your brand new and unique side table. It's just as convenient as before, only now it is prettier!
The best part about this is that you can store items on the top of the table (what used to be the bottom before the wood came into the picture) and also on the bottom! Double your storage space in an instant!
The Bed of Your Kids' Dreams
If you have kids, then this DIY trick is just for you, and the best part of it all is that you can use your creativity to take this in so many different directions. Start with an Ikea Kura bed and let your imagination go wild. This can be perfect for both boys and girls. You can build anything you want and create it into a fancy castle or even a racecar.
Your kids will remember this fort and bed combination for the rest of their lives, and you will be labeled the best mom and dad in the world.
Create a Built-In Succulent Garden in Your Coffee Table
In a world that truly values both coffee and plants, this table is every millennial's dream home decor piece. Using a simple coffee table from Ikea, you can then cut out a piece in the center and fill it with wood and a box. At that point, you can add whatever you want to the centerpiece, but plants and succulents like this are perhaps the best options of all.
You could also use this space to display anything that you find important. The cut-out design also makes it seem like it's a part of the table rather than just a decoration on top.
Turn Spice Racks Into Key and Sunglasses Hangers
Everyone loses their keys every now and then. For some people, it is nearly a daily event. This DIY key hanger can be the perfect solution for you if you are one of those people. All you need are Bekvam Spice Racks from Ikea and some magnets, and you are all set. The magnets will ensure that your keys can not venture far, and these spice racks ensure that they are stored in style.
You can even use this for a whole range of other, easily losable items as well, such as sunglasses and other accessories. You'll be surprised how handy it can be.
Transform Woven Mats Into Boho Cushions
Everyone loves the boho vibe. It is casual and chic at the same time. You can tell someone put the effort in, but it also somehow looks effortless. But these pieces can be expensive - good thing we have a trick for you.You can pick out some woven mats like Ikea's Ihållig, Samtliga, and Sluten. All you have to do is sew the pieces together, add some cushions in between them, and you are ready to go!
The colors and the placement here are entirely up to you. Did you ever think it would be this easy to create such a fun boho decoration piece to have around the house?
Spice up Your Headboard With Some Macrame
Humans tend to spend about half of their lives in their beds. Sleeping is a crucial part of life, and there is something so important about the look of your bedroom. If you are looking for a boho-inspired look for your room, this headboard idea will be perfect for you. Using the base of the Gjora bed from Ikea, you can then add and hang beautiful macrame creations all around.
You can attach your own handmade macrame creations, or you could buy some from a local artist. Either way, the decorations will be loved by all without a doubt.
Combine Two Cheap Ikea Finds for One Fabulous Stool
Are you looking for something fun and creative to do with the vanity set you have in your room? Are you feeling like a diva and want to spice things up so that your decorations fit along with your vibe? If that is the case, and you are on a budget, you can simply go to Ikea, purchase the Marius stool and the Rens sheepskin rug and make your own fancy-schmancy stool.
With the help of a little bit of gold paint, you will be in the business of glamour and beauty in no time. There is no chance you won't feel like a diva every time you sit here.
From Simple Cabinet to Chic Masterpiece
It's easy to get lost in the humdrum simplicity of items available at Ikea. Their options are classics but certainly not among the most unique. However, there is always the chance to upcycle the simple pieces into something new. This person took a plain old cabinet from Ikea (Ivar Cupboard), carved out some sections in the front, and added in some decorative mesh to make for a look that combines farmhouse and chic.
Although this piece definitely took a lot of time and effort, you can see that it was worth it by the beautiful end results. The piece looks professional and unique.
Combine the Ivar Cabinet and Applaro Wall Panel for an Affordable Cabinet-Bar
Have you ever wanted your very own bar cabinet? Maybe you went to order one and then were severely disappointed and discouraged when it came to the prices. If that is the case, you are in luck. Instead of having to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a new bar cabinet, you can just make your own by buying two Ikea pieces. Combining the Ikea Ivar cabinet and the Applaro wall panel makes for this awesome bar cabinet look.
You can also add some feet to the bottom of the piece to give it an extra fancy look, but it's not necessary (it all depends on how much effort you want to put into this remake).
Turn Doll Beds Into Stylish Pet Beds
In case you are among the millions who have decided to make the lives of their pets as luxurious as possible, you will be very excited about this furniture hack. Instead of standard pet beds, why not jazz it up with a bunk bed type situation? All you need is two Duktig Doll Beds from Ikea. Once you glue them together and add cushions, you're pretty much good to go!
Your pet will certainly be excited about this double-tier new bed. And you don't have to get rid of the cushions from their old bed; just add them right on top.
What a Little Tin Foil and Gold Paint Can Do
Who knew that tin foil and gold paint could go so far. This person took a very simple Ikea shelf and decided to jazz it up, quite literally (as can be seen by the trombone in the corner). Instead of sticking to the generic pieces that the retail store has to offer, they created this beautiful one-of-a-kind piece. With just a little black paint, tin foil, and some gold paint, it was as good as new.
You would never know that this piece was originally a simple, wood Kallax piece from Ikea. It looks like an expensive and unique item from a top designer that people would pay thousands for.
Every Booklover's Dream
Who wouldn't want to create a cozy little window seat where you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while reading a book? Imagine yourself on a cold winter day, looking out at the snow, and cuddled up with a knit blanket. Life couldn't be any better. Only, you are too thrilled about having to pay for the expensive window nook. Don't worry because this Ikea furniture hack has you covered.
All you need is a simple Ikea Kallax shelf and some pillows, and you are essentially ready to go. It really is as simple as that, and it comes with built-in storage space!
Put Together the Perfect TV Console
The television is the focus of many people's lives and certainly the focus of many people's living rooms. If it is going to be such an important piece, it is even more important to have a well-designed console and unit surrounding it to keep everything organized. Unfortunately, most of the time, these units are pretty pricey. If you want a simple solution, buy some Ikea Kallax pieces, switch the size of the inner boards, and you are good to go.
It will take you a good day of work to get it looking exactly as you want, but it is well worth it! You can save yourself a pretty penny with this hack.
From a Stool to a Game Table
This may just be the perfect picture to show creativity at its finest. While some people may just see a stool when looking at the Ikea Frosta, other minds see a game table. With just a little paint, some patience, and a couple of game pieces, you created a game table for the cost of a simple stool. Think about how satisfying it would be to play on this every day, knowing how little you spent on it!
You can also paint this a whole array of different colors. You don't have to stick to the light blue that the original designer chose for their piece.
A Tablet Stand Can Become the Perfect Earring Organizer
Admit it: earrings can be a difficult thing to store. They are tiny and easily misplaced. Not to mention that you need to keep two of them together at all times. It is certainly not ideal, especially when most jewelry cases are quite expensive (and not that functional). To ease all your woes, all you need to do is buy a Rimforsa bamboo tablet stand, drill in a few holes, and have yourself a cheap and reliable earring organizer.
This is both functional and beautiful. What a lovely piece to have around the house, showing off all your pretty earrings!
Turn Candle Holders Into a Beautiful Cluster Lamp
There is a very good chance that these white, decorated pieces hanging from the ceiling in this photo look very familiar. However, you are probably used to seeing them in a different context. What are these white containers you see? They are actually candle holders attached together to become a lovely light fixture. The Ikea Skurar candle holders are so beautiful (and inexpensive) that it would be a crime not to use them for something even more creative.
You can choose to use just one of the candle holders as well (flipped upside down) if you prefer a simpler, more subdued look for your room. You could even paint these for more versatility.
Bring Some Flowers Into Your Life
If you ever have a little painting fever, take that energy and create a beautiful cabinet like this one. How do you begin? Purchase an Ikea dresser just like the one in the picture, buy some paint, and you'll be right on your way. The best part of this is that you can make this however you want and bring all of your creativity into this one. Consider adding some legs to the bottom for extra cuteness!
If you like this design, all you have to do is copy the design of some beautiful roses. The colors can be coordinated as well to make for a beautiful piece like this.
DIY Night Stand Extravaganza
Why have your bedroom decorated with boring and simple tables like the Ikea Rast dresser? Although it is certainly a beautiful piece, it is definitely not the most creative or interesting. However, there is a solution for that! You can always be like this Swedish blogger who took this boring piece and made it into a masterpiece. The cane detailing combined with the leather handles really make for a powerful picture of creativity.
This look is really quite chic, especially when combined with the dark navy blue of the dresser itself. It would make you very happy every morning and night to see this bedside table next to you!
Affordable Mirrors Become a Magazine or Book Stand
Some people love their magazines. The only issue is what to do with them when you're not reading them, as they can get pretty messy just lying around the house. That is where Ikea Lots mirrors come in. A piece of wood in the center can be made into the base, and voila: you will soon have a very chic and beautiful magazine stand.
The mirrors on the outside really make this into a statement piece (and also perfect for checking out how your shoes look)!
Create a Beautiful Hanging Vanity
Continuing on the theme of vanities, here is another trick for the beauty-focused who are in the crowd. This is perhaps one of the easiest DIY projects, as you don't really have to do anything out of the ordinary to create it. You are using the Ikea Svalnas shelf for a little bit of an alternative purpose. Add a mirror above and some of your favorite makeup products, and you have yourself a hanging vanity.
You can choose to decorate this any way that you want. Your options are limitless. Lastly, you just need to get a high stool so you can enjoy your hanging vanity. It's also great for those who are short on space!
How About Some Navy, Nautical Chic?
Who doesn't love a good nautical theme? The crisp whites, along with the deep navy blues, remind anyone of relaxing on an expensive yacht somewhere in the Caribbean. Why not make your entire room based on this theme but on a budget? You can start with an Ivar cabinet from Ikea, a bucket of nautical navy blue paint, and some fancy gold feet to attach to the bottom. A few hours later, you will have something like this.
This is certainly one simple way to spice up your bathroom. You can easily take it from boring and plain to chic and stylish with this nautical blue theme.
What a Little Paint Can Do
Did you ever fully realize the impact of a little bit of paint before seeing these two pieces side by side? The Ikea Bekvam stools are lovely, versatile, and great to have around the house, but they can be a little bit boring in the dull shades of wood. However, all you need is a bright, fresh coat of paint, and these stools will be transformed into something entirely new and exciting.
Although you can use any color, a bright color, like this cobalt blue, really makes an impact. It's even better to just paint a portion of the stool as well, it saves paint, and it makes it look more artistic.
This Bathroom Cart Can Double as a Transportable Succulent Stand
Many apartments aren't blessed with the luxury of excessive natural light. Most people are stuck in small, dismal places without a glimpse of true sunlight. This can become a real problem for plant lovers. Instead of worrying that your plants won't get the sunlight they need, you can make your own plant stand on wheels. Purchase an Ikea Råskog Trolley and use it for all of your succulents and plants.
Your plants will never be sad and sunless again! You can move this little trolley all around the house to whatever portion has the most light at that time of day.
Have Some Fun With the Lightbulbs
If you aren't too big of a fan of fancy chandeliers, lampshades, or light fixtures, this is the hack for you. Go for the rustic and creative artist look by decorating just the lightbulbs in your house. You can buy a cord set like the Ikea Sekond (it comes in multiple colors) and just wrap it around the top of the lightbulb. Although it might not diffuse the light too much, it certainly looks great!
The best part of this entire idea is that you can make your room look great for practically no cost. Instead of spending hundreds on chandeliers or lampshades, you can spend around $14 to decorate the lightbulbs.
Another Bunkbed Transformation for the Little Ones
What kid wouldn't want to sleep every night in an awesome bed that is also a treehouse? Goodness, there are plenty of adults out there who would be ecstatic to get to sleep in such a luxurious and creative place. Well, all your dreams can come true with just Ikea Kura Bed and some Trofast steps. You just need to attach the two, add some embellishments, and your treehouse bed will come to life.
The addition of fairy lights makes everything look even more appealing. What was a simple treehouse bed a second ago quickly turned into a whimsical wonderland.
A Fancy Table for Your Record Player
Record players are all the rage nowadays, and it seems like vinyl and records are here to stay for the foreseeable future. As record players themselves are very pretty pieces themselves, it would be a shame not to show them off. Furniture like this fancy record table is perfect for the record lovers out there. Instead of buying an expensive table, pick a shelf from Ikea, turn it sideways and add some embellishments.
All you need to complete this piece are some wood planks for the top and to remove some of the wood planks from the center. Add some legs to the bottom for extra style.
Bring a Little of the Beach Vibes to You
Boho vibes are always a hit. After all, who doesn't want to feel like they are spending their days on an island escape? Bring the resort feel to life with this boho shelving. Starting with some Ikea Kallax bookshelves, you can purchase woven baskets to give it a more tropical vibe. If you really want to liven things up, add a nice off-white finish to the wood and top with some seashells and tropical plants.
This is such a versatile piece that would look good almost anywhere. And to think that it only takes a few hours of work to get it looking this pretty and chic!
Bedazzle the Ikea Besta
The Ikea Besta is one of the company's most popular pieces. Once you see it and its potential, you will surely understand why. Although it is a very simple piece of furniture, it can be transformed in so many different ways. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to fix it up, consider buying some unique knobs. It's crazy how much this little item can change the entire look of a piece.
You can go for the slick and chic look, like in this picture, or you could do something more crazy and fun. You could consider adding pops of color and even paint!
Make Your Own Bar
What can be done with this simple desk that you can purchase from Ikea? Of course, there are endless possibilities, but one of the simplest and most fun is to make it into a DIY bar. Just buy the Vittsjo laptop desk, and you can begin. All you need is a few wooden planks and a hammer and nails. With that, you can make this simple desk into a fancy alcohol bar.
This piece is great all on its own, but its potential is even greater. Besides just a bar, there are so many different and fun ideas that this desk can be used for.
An In House Library
Whether you are a librarian, a book enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the vibe of a good book store, this may be the answer to all of your prayers. Instead of having a mess of books lying around the house, unorganized and messy, you could have this with just the purchase of a few Ikea bookshelves. Stack them on top of each other and fill them with your favorite books.
Grab a hot coffee or a hot chocolate on a cold rainy day, pick your favorite book and curl up in the coziness that your house has to offer with its wall-to-wall bookshelves.