We all love a good DIY IKEA hack, so today I’ve rounded up 50 of the best budget-friendly hacks to inspire you!
Why We Love IKEA
1. It’s Kid Friendly
I’ll never forget my first ever trip to IKEA in New Haven, CT.
I brought my then 8 y.o. daughter and met a friend, who brought her then 8 y.o. son.
The store had only been open about 6 months and we went on a Saturday.
You can imagine just how insane it was.
It was like attending a theme park and you could feel the excitement in the air, not just from the kids, but also the adults!
We promptly brought our kids to SMÅLAND, which is a FREE supervised play area for kids.
This was in 1994, so it was pretty new to have a play area in a shopping center, especially the size and scale of SMÅLAND.
The freedom of being able to shop without kids was like a little slice of heaven!
There are certain rules, so definitely check with your specific store before going.
2. You Can Enjoy Lunch
When the time limit is up for SMÅLAND, you can pick up the kids and enjoy a very reasonably priced lunch at the cafe.
They now have added a movie watching area to the cafe playing hits like Frozen.
You may be able to twist your significant other’s arm to stay with the kiddos while you run off solo to do a little more shopping while the movie plays.
3. Budget-friendly Prices
One of the biggest reasons we all love IKEA are the prices. The quality and value can’t be beat.
Unfortunately, since I moved, the closest store is now about 2.5 hours away.
While you can order online, the one negative is shipping items is very expensive.
I wanted to order a small desk and the shipping was more than the cost of the desk!
4. Simple and Modern Design
Another reason their furniture is so popular is due to the simple and modern design.
The clean lines make it easy to fit into any style home decor.
This is also another reason why there are so many creative IKEA hacks.
With the design style being so simple, it’s very easy to give it your own makeover.
5. On Trend
Not only is the furniture modern, but the home accessories and decorations are completely on trend making it easy to decorate your home.
In fact, some other retailers now make products to specifically coordinate with IKEA pieces.
What Exactly Is A DIY “Hack”?
In very simple terms, a DIY hack is taking something in its’ original state and transforming it with your own creativity to make it more custom.
That could mean simply painting it, or adding trim and accessories, among other ideas.
It’s a do it yourself way to transform a piece.
IKEA has a massive following by bringing simple and affordable pieces that customers can add their own spin to.
Now let’s get to these gorgeous DIY hacks.
50 Of The Best Budget-Friendly DIY IKEA Hacks
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the DIY IKEA hacks out there, so I’ve rounded up 50 of the best budget-friendly hacks to share with you!
This was my first IKEA hack. This Moppe mini chest of drawers sits on my desk to hold paper clips and other small office accessories. You can see my pink and gold craft room here.
This DIY marbled IKEA vilmar chair is absolutely amazing! It looks like something out of an art gallery. I would love to have a pair of these in my office.
The IKEA Moppe drawer unit is an extremely popular hack. Probably because it can be used in so many different ways. I love the farmhouse style look of this version.
The clean lines of IKEA rast make it perfect for the popular mid-century modern style. I love the stain on this makeover.
The IKEA lack shelf hack that my Dad helped me build to store my daughter's makeup was the second most popular post on my blog in 2019! Thanks Dad!
This IKEA desk makeover uses Chalky Finish Paint in soft shades of yellow. What a great way to free of space with the addition of hanging shelves.
Faux Aged Steel Ikea Cabinet Hack Inspired By Restoration Hardware
See how to update an IKEA PS metal cabinet with chalkboard paint, craft paint, and dark wax.
This easy DIY IKEA curtain hack is so creative!
Looking for cute and functional storage? This IKEA hack is it!
Enter an IKEA Kallax shelf….with legs! Adding the legs couldn’t have been easier, and now the shelf adds the perfect amount of storage, play space, and decor.
This IKEA TARVA dresser hack is given a modern farmhouse look. It can be used as a dresser, tv stand, or changing table.
Jazz up a plain IKEA Lazy Susan by personalizing it with some stain and paint! It makes a great DIY gift idea!
Restoration Hardware-inspired IKEA Rast Hack.
Give an Ikea Rast dresser a patriotic look.
Turning a plain IKEA Ivar cabinet into a glamorous statement piece.
Fancy up some inexpensive cork trivets from IKEA with any design using a wood burner!
Use wallpaper to transform a makeup table into a beautiful console table.
Use the RAST to create a custom length desk.
Easily update glass canisters with this simple makeover.
Check out this easy Kallax bookcase transformation.
Sheet music storage from Trones shoe cabinets is such a great idea!
Combing two small side dressers into one big one with space for entertainment!
Ready to add garage storage and organization without breaking the bank? This workbench and wall storage was one big IKEA hack!
Ready to upgrade your IKEA shelving? Melissa from Polished Habitat shows 5 different ways she's hacked IKEA shelving all around her house in this post.
It’s easy to give an IKEA Hemnes dresser a mid century modern look with this hack. This project transformed the dresser into a changing table, but it could also be used as a standard dresser.
Old school paint by numbers gives an IKEA bench a modern update!
Sophisticated DIY Desk Out of a Door (DIY Craft Table & Klimpen Hack)
Make a one-of-a-kind DIY desk out of a door! In this tutorial, you will see how to create a stunning DIY craft table that is budget-friendly, but also super sophisticated.
This beach house bunk room features several IKEA hacks. The inexpensive MYDAL bunk beds were painted and stained to create a built-in look, and HEMNES DRAWERS were refinished to go under the beds.
Rustic farmhouse coffee station IKEA hack.
How to make ready made IKEA Ritva curtains look like expensive custom drapes.
This small laundry room makeover features a PAX wardrobe- turned laundry sorter and basket holder.
My Mudroom Makeover Reveal: How To Turn A Small Space Into A Dream Craft Room Workspace On A Budget
See how to create a crafting space in a tiny mudroom, using the IVAR shelving unit, customized for craft storage.
Learn how to turn Billy bookcases into library shelving.
Billy bookshelves turned into a kitchen island.
This is on my list to try! I love the look of this modern IKEA wall light hack.
Check out how the IKEA rast was turned into a gorgeous vintage farmhouse cabinet.
Imagine having all your books organized in one lovely space? These built in bookcases are a must see!
Another gorgeous wall light hack that is so easy to recreate.
Organize your pantry with this built-in shelving idea.
Create a rustic-industrial bookcase with this design.
Give a simple dresser a glamorous makeover with a gold greek key overlay.
Here’s an easy dresser makeover transforming a basic IKEA Rast. Perfect for adding more storage in my dining room.
Update a plain IKEA Rast by turning it into a faux suitcase dresser. What a fun statement piece for any room!
Read on to see how to build this DIY bar cabinet and kitchenette!
Transform a basic IKEA TARVA dresser into a custom-looking piece using drawer overlays, paint, and new hardware.
Painted IKEA spice racks and added metal hardware cloth and wood burned labels.
IKEA Rast dressers are used as closet organizers. What a great idea!
Turn a plain IKEA moppe into a gorgeous and expensive looking card catalog.
Learn how to makeover inexpensive bookcases into industrial chic lockers with this DIY tutorial.
This tv stand makeover is stunning!
Are you planning your next trip to IKEA after seeing these beauties? I know I am!
Most-Searched IKEA Products In The U.S.
What do you think the most-searched for IKEA product in the U.S. is?
While researching for this post, I came across an interesting article from House Beautiful referencing the most-searched. Any ideas what the top 5 are?
Here you go:
5. Markus Office Chair
Having a good office chair is a must, especially with the amount of time most people spend surfing the web nowadays.
This office chair received incredible reviews and comes in at the 5th most-searched.
4. Lack Wall Shelf
The Lack Wall Shelf came in at number 4. This wall shelf can be hung vertically or horizontally, which makes it extremely versatile.
It’s also very narrow making it perfect for small spaces.
See my knock-off lack shelf here.
3. Helmer Drawer Unit
I’m planning on purchasing one of these units for my newly updated craft room.
I love that it’s on casters so you can move it around.
They also have a pretty blue color!
2. Stockholm Rug
This handwoven off-white and black striped rug is timeless and easily fits into any home decor style.
The most-searched IKEA product in the U.S. – drumroll please…
3. Billy Bookcase
The Billy Bookcase easily tops the list and it’s easy to see why.
It has a classic style and is very budget-friendly.
IKEA has stated that one Billy Bookcase is sold somewhere in the world every five seconds!
There are so many possibilities when it comes to IKEA hacks. How many do you own?
Share your favorite repurposed or upcycled IKEA hack in the comments below.
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Rena Walter
Tuesday 21st of January 2020
Thanks for the info!
Dana Rodriguez
Thursday 16th of January 2020
I have never been to IKEA but have heard it is pretty amazing. I really love the marbled chair idea.
Ashley Chassereau Parks
Wednesday 15th of January 2020
I Love shopping at IKEA!! THese are all awesome hacks!! The last IKEA hack project I did was the spice rack used as a book holder for my kids. I painted them gray and hung them on the wall between their beds for their Bibles, board books, etc!