IKEA is famous for its affordable and functional furniture, but with a little creativity, you can make those pieces look high-end and custom. These clever hacks take basic IKEA staples and transform them into decor that feels totally unique—without the telltale flat-pack feel. Whether you’re into minimalist style or want a more elevated, luxe vibe, these ideas prove that budget pieces can still bring big style. Here’s how to hack IKEA like a designer.

1. Turn a BILLY Bookcase into Built-ins

The BILLY bookcase is a blank canvas with serious potential. By adding trim, crown molding, and a coat of paint that matches your walls, you can create the illusion of custom built-ins. Secure them to the wall and style the shelves with books, art, and decor. This hack instantly elevates the look of your space, giving it a tailored, architectural feel that looks far from store-bought or mass-produced.

2. Upgrade the LACK Table with Marble Contact Paper

The simple LACK side table is a staple, but with adhesive marble contact paper and chic metallic legs, it becomes a stylish accent piece. Swap the original legs for hairpin or brass options, and the faux marble finish gives it a high-end look. Perfect as a nightstand or coffee table, this hack gives a luxe vibe to a very basic item without spending a fortune.

3. Transform TARVA Dressers with Stain and New Hardware

TARVA dressers are solid wood and easy to personalize. A wood stain in a warm tone combined with new hardware—think brass pulls or leather straps—can give the piece a designer-worthy upgrade. Sand it smooth for a sleek finish, and consider adding a painted detail or wallpaper inlay to the drawer fronts for extra flair. The result is a high-quality piece that blends beautifully with custom decor.

4. Use IVAR Cabinets as Stylish Wall Storage

Mount IVAR cabinets on the wall for sleek, modern storage that doubles as a design feature. You can paint them any color or cover the doors with caning or textured wallpaper. Hung in an entryway, office, or dining room, they look like high-end millwork. Floating IVARs help keep your space clean and open while offering hidden storage with a custom-designed appearance.

5. Hack KALLAX Shelving into a Banquette

KALLAX units can be repurposed into a functional banquette with built-in storage. Add a seat cushion upholstered in durable fabric, and you’ve got a cozy breakfast nook or mudroom bench. Paint the unit to match your trim and attach a backrest for a fully finished look. It’s a clever way to add seating and style in small spaces without the hefty price tag of custom furniture.

6. Disguise a RAST Nightstand with Molding and Paint

The plain RAST nightstand can be transformed into a classic, upscale piece by adding picture frame molding to the drawer fronts and giving it a rich coat of paint. Swap out the knobs for vintage-style hardware and you’ve got a nightstand that looks like it came from a boutique furniture store. This hack is perfect for bedrooms where you want custom charm on a DIY budget, and it works with any design style.

7. Turn a HEMNES Dresser Into a Bathroom Vanity

With a few cuts and waterproof sealant, a HEMNES dresser can be converted into a beautiful vanity. Remove the top drawers to accommodate plumbing, cut a hole for the sink, and seal the surface to protect against moisture. Add a stylish faucet and coordinating hardware for a fully custom feel. It’s a high-impact hack that brings warmth and functionality to your bathroom without the high-end cost.

8. Elevate a NORRAKER Table with a Two-Tone Finish

The solid birch NORRAKER table is perfect for customizing. Stain the top in a dark espresso or walnut finish and paint the legs in a matte black or creamy white for a modern contrast. This two-tone makeover gives the piece a sophisticated, designer edge. Pair it with mismatched dining chairs or add a runner for layered texture. The finished look is rustic yet refined, ideal for kitchens or dining rooms.

9. Use BEKVAM Spice Racks as Wall Shelves

BEKVAM spice racks aren’t just for kitchens—they can be used as small wall-mounted bookshelves, bathroom organizers, or nightstand alternatives. Paint them to match your walls or go bold with a pop of color. Hang a few in a row for symmetry or stagger them for a playful look. Their slim profile makes them perfect for narrow spaces, and they instantly add function and style without looking like a budget solution.

10. Create a Stylish Bar Cart from a RASKOG Utility Cart

The RASKOG utility cart can become a chic bar cart with just a few upgrades. Spray paint it in a glam finish like gold or matte black, line the shelves with peel-and-stick wallpaper or mirrored panels, and add stylish glassware and bottles. It rolls easily from room to room, making it both functional and fun. This hack turns a simple utility item into a social centerpiece that blends right into elevated interiors.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.