By Sunshine Menefee
Inside Dezign writer
Oh, the many wonders of IKEA. It seems absolutely magical to take an inexpensive and basic piece of furniture and turn it into something grand. The internet abounds with inspirational DIY projects taking these utilitarian pieces and creating custom objects that are specialized and more utilized. IKEA created a massive following by bringing simple and affordable design to the masses.
But some of us just are happy with that. We see tables that can be beefed up and stained a darker color. We see dressers that need shiny knobs and bun feet or planters repurposed as organizers. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options out there so I’ve taken the time to round up 25 of my favorite projects. Narrowing them down was no easy task!
1. Tarva dresser into rolling desk
This simple Tarva dresser gets a major makeover int his extensive project. Not for the faint of heart, this one is labor intensive, but the finished product looks much more expensive and stylish.
2. Borby lantern into terrarium
This pretty lantern gets a new life as an indoor terrarium. It’s a very simple, but pretty hack.
3. Ingo table into rustic farmhouse table
You’ll never believe this gorgeous, weathered table started out as the $69 Ingo table. The transformation is utterly impressive. Check it out at East Coast Creative.
4. Hemnes vanity
A little paint goes a long way in transforming this dark vanity into something light and crisp at The Golden Sycamore.
5. Billy bookcases into half-wall
Bill bookcases are some of the most versatile and most hacked IKEA products out there. Here, they are used as a half-wall to separate two rooms.
6. Akurum cabinets into a sideboard
Every dining room needs a sideboard. This one is created from simple cabinets with a wooden top and chic pulls added for a modern look.
7. Bekvam cart into rolling island
This rolling cart gets updated with a cool black paint and marble top.
8. Rast dressers into vintage chests
A pair of Rast dressers get reimagined as cute vintage nightstands with some leather and brass. The brass corners and leather backed pulls step it up a notch.
9. Ribba frame into game box
A simple picture frame is used to make an adult sized game controller.
10. Spice racks into book racks
Sometimes the best use for something isn’t the intended use. Simplicity is key here by using spice racks as storage for children’s books.
11. Billy bookcases into built-ins
Surround a few Billy’s with molding and you have a classic built-in library.
12. Vurm wine rack into a herb garden
This wine rack is reimagined into an indoor garden for fresh-cut herbs for dinner.
13. Stainless steel pendants into copper
Spray paint is all that’s needed to transform these pendants for industrial to rustic.
14. Rast dresser into a desk
This amazing desk started out as a pretty plain dresser. Adding a top, some legs and paint make a huge difference with an elegant result.
15. Hyllis units to wall-length shelves
Do you get sticker shock when shopping at those designer stores? Create your own industrial bookshelf knock-off with simple metal shelves and some wood.
16. VITTSJO shelving units into stylish bookshelves
Grouping units together makes a large statement with these industrial shelves. Some major styling makes them uber-cool.
17. Plain side table into copper and marble
Copper leaf and marble contact paper make this side table stand out as super chic.
18. Separate pieces into an accordion lamp
A bathroom mirror and clamp light are combined to create an accordion wall sconce.
19. Hamper into table
Add a piece of wood to an old hamper and voila. Instant side table.
20. GRUNDTAL mirror into nautical inspired mirror
Proving that style doesn’t have to cost a lot, this nautical themed mirror was created by simply adding rope.
21. EKBY VALTER bracket to bedside pendant
Drill a few holes in a wooden bracket and you’ve got a hanging pendant.
22. Card holders to antique card catalog
Making the new look old was all it took to bring out the style in these wooden drawers.
23. KNUFF magazine holders to unique table
This amazing table actually uses magazine holders laid on the sides.
24. Statlig board into book bridge
From a flat board to a book bridge. Get the how to here.
25. Tufted Transformation
A mid-century modern sofa gets some high style with tufted backs.
The options are never-ending when it comes to creative ways to reuse and repurpose IKEA furniture. Show us your favorite hacks in the comments below!