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.
