IKEA furniture is known for being affordable, functional, and minimalist, but with a few creative upgrades, you can make it look high-end and custom-made. Whether you want to elevate a basic bookshelf, turn a plain dresser into a designer piece, or add luxury details to your furniture, these IKEA hacks will help you transform budget-friendly finds into stylish, unique decor.
Here are 10 genius IKEA hacks to give your home a custom, expensive look—without the price tag!
1. Upgrade the IKEA MALM Dresser with New Hardware & Paint 🎨
Why It Works:
The MALM dresser is a classic IKEA staple, but it can feel plain. With some paint, new handles, and molding, you can turn it into a high-end statement piece.
How to Do It:
✔ Paint the dresser in a bold or neutral color (navy, sage green, black, or white).
✔ Add trim or molding to the drawer fronts for a more expensive look.
✔ Swap out the hardware with gold, brass, or matte black handles for a luxe upgrade.
💡 Pro Tip: A marble contact paper top can add a designer touch to any IKEA dresser!
2. Turn the IKEA BILLY Bookshelf into Custom Built-Ins 📚
Why It Works:
Built-in bookshelves make a home feel custom and sophisticated, but they can be expensive. The BILLY bookshelf hack lets you achieve this look on a budget.
How to Do It:
✔ Buy multiple BILLY bookcases and attach them side by side.
✔ Use crown molding and baseboard trim to create a seamless built-in effect.
✔ Paint the entire unit the same color as the wall for a cohesive look.
💡 Pro Tip: Use glass doors on part of the bookshelf to display decor and keep the look polished!
3. Hack the IKEA LACK Table into a High-End Coffee Table ☕
Why It Works:
The LACK table is super affordable, but with a few simple upgrades, it can look designer-made.
How to Do It:
✔ Wrap the legs in gold or black contact paper to mimic metal.
✔ Add a faux marble or wood grain top for an elegant finish.
✔ Attach furniture legs or casters for a more expensive look.
💡 Pro Tip: Stack two LACK tables together and add molding around the edges to create a modern, tiered coffee table!
4. Transform the IKEA TARVA Dresser into a Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece 🌿
Why It Works:
The TARVA dresser is unfinished wood, making it the perfect blank canvas for a high-end furniture upgrade.
How to Do It:
✔ Stain the wood in a rich walnut or oak finish for a vintage look.
✔ Replace the knobs with sleek, brass or leather pulls.
✔ Add angled, tapered legs for a mid-century modern vibe.
💡 Pro Tip: Try a two-tone look by painting the drawers and staining the frame!
5. Convert the IKEA KALLAX Shelf into a Stylish Banquette Bench 🏡
Why It Works:
The KALLAX shelving unit can double as seating with a few simple modifications—perfect for a cozy breakfast nook or entryway.
How to Do It:
✔ Turn the KALLAX unit on its side and add a foam cushion on top.
✔ Use fabric or faux leather upholstery to make it comfortable and stylish.
✔ Store baskets in the cubbies for hidden storage.
💡 Pro Tip: Add legs to lift the bench slightly for a more elevated look!
6. Elevate the IKEA HEMNES Nightstand with Cane Webbing 🌾
Why It Works:
Cane webbing is a huge design trend, and adding it to IKEA furniture creates a boho-chic or modern farmhouse look.
How to Do It:
✔ Remove the center panel of the nightstand doors.
✔ Attach cane webbing using a staple gun or glue.
✔ Paint the frame in a warm neutral tone to complement the cane texture.
💡 Pro Tip: This hack also works on IKEA sideboards, cabinets, and TV consoles!
7. Transform the IKEA IVAR Cabinet into a High-End Sideboard 🏠
Why It Works:
The IVAR cabinet is simple and versatile, making it perfect for high-end transformations.
How to Do It:
✔ Paint it in a muted or deep shade (olive, charcoal, or terracotta).
✔ Add gold or brass knobs for a sophisticated look.
✔ Use fluted trim or paneling on the doors to add texture.
💡 Pro Tip: Floating IVAR cabinets on the wall creates a minimalist, modern look!
8. Customize the IKEA RAST Dresser into a Glamorous Bar Cart 🍸
Why It Works:
A DIY bar cart adds luxury to any space, and the RAST dresser is the perfect size to transform into one.
How to Do It:
✔ Paint it in a high-gloss finish for a sleek look.
✔ Add gold handles and caster wheels for mobility.
✔ Install glass shelving to hold bottles and glasses.
💡 Pro Tip: A mirrored or metallic surface on top makes it feel ultra-luxurious!
9. Hack the IKEA PAX Wardrobe into a Custom Closet System 👚
Why It Works:
Custom closets are expensive, but the PAX wardrobe system lets you create the look for a fraction of the cost.
How to Do It:
✔ Install multiple PAX units side by side to create a built-in look.
✔ Add molding and LED lighting for a boutique-style finish.
✔ Use pull-out trays, glass doors, and baskets for an organized feel.
💡 Pro Tip: Matching the closet color to your bedroom walls makes it feel truly built-in!
10. Create a Designer Entryway with the IKEA EKET Cabinets 🚪
Why It Works:
Floating cabinets add storage and elegance to entryways without taking up floor space.
How to Do It:
✔ Mount EKET cabinets on the wall to create floating storage.
✔ Paint them in a bold or neutral color for a designer look.
✔ Add a marble or wood top for extra style.
💡 Pro Tip: Use multiple EKET units for a long, streamlined entryway console!
Final Thoughts: Custom Style on an IKEA Budget
IKEA hacks offer a cost-effective way to achieve a high-end, customized look for your home. Whether you’re upgrading a dresser, creating built-ins, or adding trendy textures, these transformations prove that affordable furniture can still look luxurious.
✨ Quick Recap:
✔ MALM dresser → Custom statement piece with paint and new hardware.
✔ BILLY bookcase → DIY built-in library.
✔ LACK table → Faux marble or modern coffee table.
✔ TARVA dresser → Mid-century modern upgrade.
✔ KALLAX shelf → Banquette seating with hidden storage.
✔ HEMNES nightstand → Cane webbing for a trendy, boho look.
✔ IVAR cabinet → High-end sideboard with custom paneling.
✔ RAST dresser → DIY bar cart with metallic finishes.
✔ PAX wardrobe → Custom walk-in closet system.
✔ EKET cabinets → Floating entryway storage.
Alex is the creator of Homely Haven, a space dedicated to simple, stylish ideas for interiors and gardens alike. With a passion for cozy living rooms, inviting outdoor spaces, and practical DIY solutions, Alex shares tips and guides that help turn any house into a true home.
From budget-friendly decorating hacks to weekend garden projects, the goal is always the same: to inspire you to create spaces that feel personal, beautiful, and welcoming. When not writing, Alex is usually rearranging furniture, sketching new garden layouts, or exploring design trends for the next project.
