I’m a big fan of IKEA furniture for several reasons. First, I have a soft spot for minimalist Scandinavian design, so I can almost always find something that fits my taste there. And second, you can’t beat IKEA in terms of affordability! I’ll assemble flat-packed furniture all day long if it means I’m not spending a fortune. But IKEA’s affordability factor can also be somewhat of a drawback, depending on how you look at it. We all want our homes to feel uniquely us, but it’s hard to feel that way when everyone you know has the same furniture pieces! So what’s the solution here?
Well, the good news is that you can have your cake and eat it too! (And by that I mean you can have your affordable IKEA furniture while still creating a unique look in your home.) All you need is some creativity, resourcefulness, and a can-do attitude! Today I’ll be sharing 21 different DIY projects from around the web that feature affordable IKEA items that have been revamped into unique, stylish, and functional home decor. Use this list as inspiration, and you’ll be dreaming up your very own IKEA hacks in no time!
14 Amazing And Budget-Friendly IKEA Hacks
1. Wrapping Paper Storage
from Make and Do Crew
If your wrapping paper collection got a little out of control over the holidays, check out IKEA for the perfect solution. These storage tubes cost just a few dollars, and are great for corralling all your wrapping papers together in one place. They’re also great for storing plastic bags and toilet paper!
2. Ribbon Organizer
from The Heathered Nest
A ribbon collection can quickly turn into a tangled mess if you’re not careful. Organize all the ribbon in seconds using a cheap utensil caddy from IKEA!
3. Mobile Herb Garden
from IKEA Hackers
The only thing better than an indoor herb garden? A mobile indoor herb garden! Wheel your cart of lush herbs around the house for to make watering easier, or to find the best patches of light coming through your windows.
4. Mobile Vanity Cart
from The Polka Dot Chair
IKEA offers several carts that can be useful in just about any room. This project shows you how to use a cart to store makeup, skincare items, and just about anything else you need to get ready in the morning! This would be perfect for anyone with limited built-in storage in their bathroom.
5. Lantern Turned Terrarium
from Thou Swell
I actually own several of these big white lanterns from IKEA, but I had never considered using one as a terrarium. (Some people are so clever!) I’ll definitely be giving this project a try soon!
6. Faux “Built-In” Bookshelves
from The Makerista
Use a few inexpensive bookshelves to create the look of vintage built-in storage in your home. This is a more intensive DIY project, but it’s certainly doable if you’re determined!
7. Tribal Dresser Makeover
from Classy Clutter
Give your dresser tons of character with a simple makeover, like this one from Classy Clutter. You can choose any theme or color you want, and make it totally unique!
8. Nesting Coffee Tables
from Classy Clutter
Nesting coffee tables are a great way to maximize the possibilities in a small space. Start with IKEA tables to make a set of nesting tables for much less than you’d spend at a decor store!
9. Glam Dresser Makeover
from How To Nest For Less
This is another IKEA dresser makeover that caught my eye. This makeover is perfectly girly and glam, and I love the look of those pendant drawer pulls!
10. Checkers Game Table
from Classy Clutter
It’s always a good time for a friendly game of checkers. :-) With this cute table, you’ll be ready for a game at a moment’s notice!
11. Desk Turned Bar Cart
from Style Me Pretty
Having a bar cart can make it quick and easy to offer a drink to visiting friends and family. This modern-looking bar cart was made using an inexpensive laptop table from IKEA!
12. Tiered Corner Shelf
from Live From B5
Use several small IKEA tables to create a tiered shelving unit that fits perfectly into corners. Turn a cluttered corner into a visual focal point where you can display photos and your favorite knick-knacks!
13. LEGO Play Table
from PreK + K Sharing
Learn how to create a unique LEGO play table that is sure to impress the kids from PreK + K Sharing. If only I had known about this when my kids were little! :-)
14. Bag Turned Raincoat
from IKEA Hackers
This project obviously requires a bit of skill with a sewing machine, but how cute is this little raincoat? IKEA Hackers can show you how to turn those roomy IKEA tote bags into a waterproof raincoat for your little ones.
Have you ever customized something you got at IKEA?