50 IKEA Hacks You Have to See to Believe

IKEA is known for its simple furniture designs that are affordable and functional. But did you know that there are endless possibilities for customizing and personalizing IKEA pieces through DIY projects, also known as IKEA hacks? From dressers to bookshelves, there are no limits to what you can transform using your imagination, creativity, and a few simple supplies. To inspire you, I’ve found the 50 most epic IKEA hacks ever. Get ready to be amazed–it's hard to believe these all started as basic IKEA pieces!

Let's face it. When it comes to furniture prices, IKEA is pretty darn affordable. And while the simple and utilitarian designs of IKEA pieces appeal to many people just as they are, more of us want a more designer look. We want our cake and to eat it too, lol. Well with the right IKEA hack up our sleeve, we can!

We've hunted and searched for the absolute best IKEA hacks that result in a high-end look on a budget. Elevating standard pieces by painting IKEA furniture and with clever IKEA hacks has taken social media by storm, and there's plenty of inspiration to be had from Insta-worthy glow-ups. Not only are these easy DIY projects easy on your bank account, they also ensure your home boasts a chic style with a cool injection of personality that's unique to you. After all, nobody wants to have exactly the same furniture as all of the neighbors.

I've organized them by category for you based on what category the finished project falls into. We've got everything from tables and dressers to cabinets and closets! You can hop around this post using the handy table of contents below.

Dresser & Chest of Drawers IKEA Hacks

Even relatively affordable dressers can put a big dent in any room makeover budget. So when you can transform basic IKEA dressers and chests of drawers into something that looks high-end, it's a big win for you and your budget.

IKEA Dresser + Bookcases for a Built-In Look

Years ago, when I was working on my twin girls' shared bedroom, I combined basic IKEA chests of drawers and Billy Bookcases to create a massive amount of storage. Even though the IKEA pieces didn't match, I painted all the pieces the same color (yes, you can paint IKEA furniture that is laminate using this tutorial) to unify them. I also added real wood to the back of the Billy Bookcases which immediately elevated them.

We transformed these same dresser/bookcases a couple of years later when our girls moved into separate bedrooms and Avery inherited these pieces for her room. When we moved them into Avery's room I painted them a gorgeous deep purple with the same wood backing we had DIY'd previously.

IKEA Rast Turned Campaign Dresser

I adore this IKEA Rast hack. Now it looks like an expensive leather and brass campaign dresser! This plain dresser was just that – plain, boring, BASIC. Mandy from Vintage Revivals turned it into an amazing bedside table with leather and brass details with just a few simple-to-follow steps. 

IKEA Hemnes Fluted Dresser Hack

Abby showed off serious DIY skills when she turned a basic Hemnes dresser into a unique piece by adding dowels and new pulls.

IKEA Tarva Hack

This is such a clever way to increase storage in your kitchen (or any other room, for that matter). I love the new hardware and top, and chopping off the legs was a genius idea! Using a piece of furniture with storage to separate your living room and dining area is a great way to design an open floor plan.

IKEA Rast Hack

This IKEA Rast hack into a double dresser is so chic and stunning! The tutorial makes it look so easy. Changing the knobs and painting it gave the Rast a luxe upgrade.

IKEA Desk Hacks

I know so many more people are working from home now and need office space ideas more than ever. If you are looking for an affordable desk option for your home office, an IKEA desk hack may be the perfect solution!

Alex Drawers + an IKEA Countertop

Several years ago, I created a HUGE expensive-looking desk on a budget using only a few pieces from IKEA. You can check out the details of my IKEA desk hack here.

IKEA Alex Turned DIY Cane and Wood Desk

Cane furniture is one of my favorite styles. The caning keeps things from feeling too heavy. Bre added cane to IKEA Alex drawers and then stained that and a top to create a beautiful desk for her workspace.

Simple IKEA Alex Drawers Desk Hack

Nothing about this gorgeous built-in looks like it came from IKEA. This is a seriously upscale and custom look that started with IKEA Alex drawers. Wow-what a huge difference new fronts, paint and pulls can make!

IKEA Alex Drawers with Gold Foiled Drawer Fronts

I love the fresh look Emily gave to a basic IKEA drawer unit with gold foil. Affordable and super chic! You could also get a similar look with gold spray paint, though Emily's method seems much easier and neater!

IKEA Ingo Table Hack by Matsutake. Never underestimate what a simple under $85 IKEA table can be transformed into. Katie at Matsutake completed this Ingo desk hack by breathing new life into an ignored forgotten about table from the garage into a beautiful, modern desk with a few simple modifications.

Double Desk Out of IKEA Hemnes Dressers 

Isn't this double-desk setup absolutely stunning? And the fact that Emily used Hemnes dressers instead of smaller office drawer units means she gave herself TONS more drawer storage. The beautiful handles she added to the dressers is one of my favorite parts of this transformation!

DIY Plywood Desk + IKEA Nordli Drawers 

IKEA desk hacks shouldn't just be limited to workspaces! This clever hack is functional and adorable in a kid's room. The storage units are perfect for holding all that kid stuff that gets all over their rooms.

Smart IKEA Rast Hack for a Craft Room

Here's some genius craft storage! Stacey gave her IKEA Rast an upgrade with paint, gold casters, gold pulls and then topped it with wood and glass. Beautiful and perfect to hold her craft supplies!

IKEA Table & Cabinet Hacks

IKEA Lack Table Hack with Reclaimed Wood

I gave a designer look to a $59 IKEA Lack sofa table using paint and reclaimed wood. We used it for 3 years in its original form and it held up well– I was just getting bored with how blah it was. I was inspired by a $900 designer bookcase–this project cost a total of only $157 and was EASY to make.

IKEA Kitchen Cabinets Turned Console Table

I love how Jen created this gorgeous floating sideboard using basic IKEA kitchen cabinets, inexpensive (but gorgeous) hardware and an affordable wood top. I am in love with this sleek look! 

Billy Bookcases Turned into Wall Storage

To create a wall of storage, this designer used Billy bookcases and added MDF doors. She used five bookcases, which gave her tons of storage. Genius!

DIY IKEA Pantry Cabinet Using Hemnes Cabinets

This DIY took two IKEA Hemnes cabinets and added a little paint and some antique mirror window film and turned it into a beautiful freestanding pantry. This is a great solution for a house that needs more kitchen storage!

DIY Rattan Cabinet From an Ivar Cabinet

Ikea Ivar cabinets are perfect for hacks–they have so much potential! This beautiful makeover incorporates caning and an added section at the bottom to create the perfect wardrobe for hiding a TV. I love tricks that make your TV blend into decor, and this is a great solution!

IKEA Cabinets Turned Rustic Buffet 

Can you believe this stunning reclaimed wood buffet she created started with basic IKEA kitchen cabinets? Best of all, this is a doable project for beginning DIYers. This is also an easy hack to tweak for a more farmhouse feel.

Ivar Cabinets Turned Built-In Credenza

These IVAR cabinets get a total facelift on the IKEA blog! With leather pulls and a beautiful saturated dark teal blue to match the walls, they look like gorgeous built-ins.

Console Table from IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

Using jute fabric, MDF trim, paint and legs, these cabinets were totally transformed into a beautiful sideboard! It is perfect as an under the TV console table and would be so easy to customize for yourself.

Fluted Doors with a Faux Arch for an IKEA Billy Oxberg Cabinet

This insanely clever hack covers the existing glass doors, creating one section with a lovely faux arch to display items while covering the bottom half so you can hide anything not worthy of display!

IKEA Billy Bookcase Turned Cane Cabinet

What an awesome upgrade! This hack is so versatile–there are so many rooms this would be perfect for. The doors with cane inserts, gold knobs, and paint make it look like a high-end cabinet, not a hack.

Modern Dining Room Credenza from IKEA Sektion Wall Cabinets

In their dining room, this duo used upper kitchen cabinets to create a modern credenza that they refer to as the “fauxdenza.” Having extra storage in the dining room is great for extra dishes, holiday items, and placemats and napkins!

IKEA Eket Console Hack with Pole Wrap

This beautiful table doesn't look like it starts with a simple IKEA Eket! Abby added pole wrap, a top and legs and totally elevated this–it looks like it costs thousands! This hack is proof that you can make a basic IKEA piece look incredibly sophisticated.

IKEA Bookcase Hacks

IKEA Billy Bookcases Turned Two-Story Library Wall

Monica Chavez created this two-story library wall by building a sturdy frame and then placing IKEA Billy bookcases into the frame. She then finished it with molding, sconces and an incredible library ladder. It's absolutely incredible!

IKEA Billy Bookshelf Library Wall Hack 

If you love the giant library wall above but don't have the space for it, you can still create a smaller version! Laura created one of the most gorgeous library walls I have ever seen using super affordable Billy Bookshelves. The mounted sliding ladder and the added trim make it the perfect fit for their 100-year-old home.

Family Room Built-ins From Billy Bookcases

This DIY'er used IKEA Billy book cases and Oxberg doors to create really amazing family room built-ins. I love the more narrow shelf in the middle to mix things up and make it more interesting.

IKEA Shelf Hack: Gold Vittsjo Unit

This simple IKEA hack is a major showstopper! For less than $100, Catherine created this glamorous and chic shelving unit. I want one!

Built-ins from IKEA Borgsjo Bookcases

Laura created these and I would have never guessed this is an IKEA hack! Because they used drywall and trim, it looks like these were custom made as part of the house. The amazing sconces are the perfect lighting addition!

Billy Bookcase Built-ins Around a Sofa

This Instagram-worthy hack blew my mind! The beautiful paint color and styling elevate an already amazing hack. I would never have known these were IKEA bookcases.

Besta and Billy Bookcase Built-In Hack 

Kate created these stunning bookcases using both Besta and Billy bookcases. She joined them together using a drill and screws, added lights and painted the backing pink. A few years later she still loved them, but changed up the backs using a cut-up kitchen sponge and paint! This one is a great reminder that there is nothing wrong with changing up a piece when you are tired of it!

Billy Bookcase Playroom Storage 

This sweet and functional playroom storage was created by Lauren and Robert from short Billy bookcases topped off with stained boards. It is the perfect height for kids to pull baskets in and out and makes for easy cleanup.

Billy Bookcase Hanging Shelving and Drawers

I cannot get over how well done this Billy bookcase hack is. Hanging the shelves with drawers at the bottom makes it feel less heavy, and painting the unit the same as the walls makes it feel like it was part of the original home design.

IKEA Seating Hacks

DIY Window Seat with IKEA Nordli Hack

For under $400, Kelin used Nordli drawers to create a long and beautiful bench window seat. All that amazing drawer storage is a serious added bonus.

Window Seat out of Sektion Cabinets

This DIY freestanding window seat in the dining room is a hack built with IKEA Sektion cabinets. I love the added details of the leather pulls and side table on either end for plants. This is the perfect spot to sit in the sunshine and read the paper!

IKEA Closets and Mudroom Hacks

IKEA Pax Wardrobes into Closets

Hacking Pax wardrobes to look like built-in closets was a genius way to add much-needed storage to this Victorian home. While old homes have tons of character, they rarely have enough closets!

IKEA Pax Hack for Closet Built-ins

The primary closet that every couple would love is more affordable than you may think! Chris Loves Julia created this gorgeous closet using the IKEA Pax system.

Mudroom Bench from IKEA Stuvas

The MOMbot created the perfect mudroom/drop zone for a family! She used two Stuva benches and added backing with hooks, a new wood seat, and a top-shelf. This hack created plenty of storage for her kids to store all of their stuff and keep it looking neat!

IKEA Pax Turned Mudroom Cabinets

Molding and pine planks on the wall take this PAX hack to the next level. Jenny did an awesome job designing a functional and beautiful mudroom space. I love the white and wood tones together.

DIY Custom Closet with IKEA Kallax

Katherine came up with a genius way to add some storage in a kids' closet. She upgraded a Kallax shelving unit with Capita brackets as legs and wood rods to make it look like a custom piece! The legs are actually IKEA shelf brackets and look amazing. Putting the Kallax shelving unit in the middle created the perfect divided space to keep her twin boys clothes separate!

Besta and Hallan Used Together for Mudroom Seat and Storage

This creative mudroom design uses the IKEA Besta and Hallan to create a seat with drawers and 3 Lockers. Such a creative use of a small space! I love the lockers for storage space and the cushion for sitting and putting on your shoes.

IKEA Pax Hack for a Fully Custom Closet

Erin put together a dream primary closet using the IKEA Pax and customizing it beautifully. Her to-do list for changes and details was long but she created an incredible high-end look. Totally worth it in the end! She added baseboards, molding, lighting, drawer fronts and rods, as well as plugged the unused shelving holes, wallpapered the backs, painted everything, and added new hardware. As if the hack wasn't beautiful enough, I love the added touch of wallpaper on the ceiling!

DIY Mudroom Built-in Pax IKEA Hack

All it took was two Pax wardrobes and a DIY bench to form this gorgeous mudroom. Marley chose the Flisberget light beige instead of the white to compliment their palette and because she liked the different door style. Bonus–that color is cheaper! They finished the space with board and batten, cubbies and the perfect hardware.

DIY Pax Closet Hack

Lindsay created an amazing feminine space for herself. Her design makes the most of her narrow closet by using Pax closet units and adding lighting and accessories. She finished the space with the perfect little stool to match her metallic hardware.

IKEA Hemnes Hacked to Create a DIY Mudroom Bench

April gave her entryway a complete makeover using the IKEA Hemnes. They built a butcher block benchtop with a frame customized to support the weight while the unit fits directly under it. The seamless build looks like one complete bench!

These IKEA hacks are truly amazing. I love how easy it is to take a basic and plain piece of IKEA furniture and turn it into something sophisticated! The possibilities are truly endless.

As you can see, the possibilities for IKEA hacks are endless. Whether you want to update a tired piece of furniture, create entirely new furniture, or add a personal touch to a basic design, there’s an IKEA hack for you. With just a few supplies and some creativity, you can turn your IKEA pieces into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Which of these 50 epic IKEA hacks do you want to try first? Happy hacking!

Other posts you may enjoy:

• The Trick to Painting Ikea Furniture (and how NOT to do it)
• Inspiring IKEA Desk Hacks You Will LOVE
• Easy and Gorgeous Ikea Desk Hack
• Creative Hacks for IKEA Built-In Cabinets and IKEA Bookshelves
• IKEA Cabinet Doors & Drawers HACK (now you don’t have to use the pre-drilled holes!)

Wondering how I approach transforming rooms and spaces in our home? Check out Designer in a Binder®.

And if you want exclusive content and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, be sure to subscribe before you head out!