IKEA furniture is functional and affordable, but it often looks...like IKEA. The good news? Simple modifications can transform budget pieces into custom, expensive-looking furniture.
Here are the best IKEA hacks that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort.
Why IKEA Hacks Work
- Solid foundation. IKEA pieces are well-designed and sturdy—perfect for upgrades
- Standardized sizes. Third-party accessories are designed to fit IKEA dimensions
- Budget-friendly. Even with upgrades, you spend less than designer furniture
- Customization. Make it uniquely yours instead of matching every other apartment
The Three Upgrade Categories
1. Change the Hardware
Easiest hack with the biggest impact. Swapping knobs and handles transforms the entire look.
Best for: Dressers, cabinets, wardrobes (MALM, HEMNES, KALLAX)
Hardware options:
- Brass or gold pulls for warmth and luxury
- Black matte handles for modern minimalism
- Leather straps for Scandinavian chic
- Crystal knobs for feminine elegance
Where to buy: Anthropologie, Rejuvenation, Etsy, Amazon
Cost: $3-15 per pull
2. Add Legs
Standard IKEA pieces sit flat on the floor. Adding legs creates visual lightness and elevates the design (literally).
Best for: BESTÅ cabinets, KALLAX shelves, PAX wardrobes
Leg options:
- Tapered wood legs (mid-century modern)
- Hairpin legs (industrial chic)
- Turned legs (traditional elegance)
- Brass or gold legs (luxe glamour)
Where to buy: Prettypegs.com, Amazon, local hardware stores
Cost: $30-80 for a set of 4
3. Paint or Wrap
Most dramatic transformation. Custom color or finish makes IKEA unrecognizable.
Paint options:
- Matte black for modern sophistication
- Sage green for calming elegance
- Navy blue for rich depth
- Blush pink for soft femininity
Alternative: Contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper for renters or commitment-phobes
Top 5 IKEA Hacks
1. KALLAX Bookshelf Transformation
The piece: KALLAX shelving unit ($89)
The hack: Add hairpin legs + change orientation to horizontal + add doors to bottom cubes
The result: Mid-century modern credenza that looks like a $600 West Elm piece
Cost: $40 legs + $30 doors = $159 total
2. MALM Dresser Upgrade
The piece: MALM 3-drawer dresser ($149)
The hack: Replace handles with brass pulls + add tapered wood legs
The result: Sophisticated bedroom furniture that looks custom-made
Cost: $25 pulls + $50 legs = $224 total
3. Billy Bookcase Built-In
The piece: BILLY bookcases ($69 each)
The hack: Line them wall-to-wall + add crown molding at top + paint same color as walls
The result: Custom built-in library that looks like a $3,000 carpentry project
Cost: $40 molding + $30 paint = depends on wall length
4. RAST Nightstand Makeover
The piece: RAST 3-drawer chest ($35)
The hack: Sand + paint navy + add gold hardware + seal with polyurethane
The result: Elegant nightstand that rivals Pottery Barn
Cost: $15 paint + $18 hardware = $68 total
5. TARVA Bed Frame Upgrade
The piece: TARVA bed frame ($179)
The hack: Stain dark walnut + add upholstered headboard
The result: Sophisticated bed that looks triple the price
Cost: $25 stain + $100 headboard = $304 total
Step-by-Step: Painting IKEA Furniture
Materials Needed
- Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
- TSP cleaner or degreaser
- Primer (oil-based or shellac-based)
- Paint (satin or semi-gloss finish)
- Polyurethane sealer (for durability)
- Foam roller and brush
The Process
- Disassemble. Remove hardware, doors, and drawers. Work with individual pieces.
- Clean thoroughly. Use TSP to remove any oils or residue. Let dry completely.
- Sand lightly. 120-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface. Wipe clean.
- Prime. Essential step. Blocks IKEA's orange-toned finish. Two thin coats better than one thick.
- Paint. 2-3 thin coats, letting each dry completely. Use foam roller for smooth finish.
- Seal. Apply polyurethane for protection. Especially important for high-use pieces.
- Reassemble. Install new hardware if upgrading.
Drying time: 24 hours between coats, 72 hours before heavy use
Hardware Installation Tips
- Measure carefully. Mark placement with painter's tape before drilling.
- Center alignment. Use a ruler to ensure handles are centered on drawer fronts.
- Drill pilot holes. Prevents wood from splitting.
- Template method. Create a cardboard template for consistent spacing across multiple drawers.
Best IKEA Pieces for Hacking
Most Hackable
- KALLAX: Incredibly versatile, strong structure, endless possibilities
- RAST: Solid wood, takes paint beautifully, budget-friendly
- TARVA: Unfinished pine begs for staining
- MALM: Clean lines, easy to upgrade
- BILLY: Classic for a reason, great for built-ins
Not Worth Hacking
- Particle board pieces that won't hold paint well
- Items with laminate that can't be sanded
- Already-painted pieces (requires extensive prep)
Rule of thumb: If it's solid wood or unfinished, it's hackable. If it's laminated or veneered, skip it.
Budget Breakdown
Hardware Swap Only: $20-50 (easiest, 30 minutes)
Add Legs: $30-100 (easy, 1 hour)
Full Paint Job: $40-80 (moderate, 1 weekend with drying time)
Complete Makeover: $100-200 (paint + hardware + legs, looks custom)
Compare: West Elm dresser = $1,000. IKEA + hack = $250. You save $750.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping primer. Paint won't adhere properly and will chip easily.
Thick paint coats. Causes drips and uneven texture. Thin coats are key.
Wrong drill bit size. Too small and screws won't go in. Too big and they won't hold.
Mismatched leg height. Measure precisely or furniture will wobble.
Rushing drying time. Patience pays off. Rushed jobs look cheap.
Inspiration Sources
- Instagram: Search #ikeahack for thousands of ideas
- IKEAhackers.net: Comprehensive database of user-submitted hacks
- Pinterest: "IKEA hack + [piece name]" yields specific tutorials
- YouTube: Video tutorials for visual learners
When to Hack vs. Buy Quality
Hack IKEA for:
- Temporary living situations (rentals, first apartments)
- Trendy pieces you might tire of
- Storage solutions and functional furniture
Invest in quality for:
- Seating (sofas, dining chairs)—comfort matters
- Mattresses and bed frames for permanent homes
- Heirloom-quality pieces you'll keep for decades
Maintaining Hacked Furniture
- Dust gently with microfiber cloth
- Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage paint
- Touch up chips immediately with leftover paint
- Tighten hardware annually (IKEA furniture loosens over time)
Final Thoughts
IKEA hacks prove that beautiful homes don't require unlimited budgets. With creativity and effort, affordable pieces become custom furniture.
Start small. Swap hardware on one piece. See how satisfying customization feels. Then tackle bigger projects.
Your home should reflect your style, not your budget. IKEA hacks make that possible.
For more budget-friendly home updates, explore our small living room ideas and budget spa bathroom guides.