IKEA Hacks: creative, wallet-friendly DIY project ideas you’ll want to steal

IKEA Hacks are a great way to create a bespoke look with your furniture and decor without the custom price tag. My blog has many examples of hack projects using classic IKEA furniture, such as the iconic BILLY bookcase, the brilliant HAVSTA range, and the bargain MOSSLANDA shelves.

IKEA hacks…

What is an IKEA hack?

An IKEA hack is when you customise or improve a modest, often flat-pack, piece of IKEA furniture. The process of ‘hacking’ IKEA furniture can be as simple as giving it a quick paint job (more on that in a minute) or involve more complicated construction to make the item look built-in and made-to-measure.

Why are IKEA hacks so popular?

IKEA furniture used to be incredibly cost-effective and easy to get hold of, making it perfect for those with small budgets and big ideas to undertake creative glow-ups. Various global factors have caused prices to rise and the lead times and stock issues have increased, making IKEA hacks less of a no-brainer.

IKEA shelf hack in kitchen with white concrete

Pre-loved IKEA hacks

Don’t panic if IKEA is having stock issues as there is a huge secondary market for IKEA furniture and buying second-hand will actually make the project more cost-effective. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find IKEA pieces at bargain prices making the hack even better value.

lick paint tin and paint brush resting on it

Did you know you can paint IKEA furniture?

As long as you prime it first you can paint IKEA furniture, and in my opinion it’s a game changer. A lick of paint can really elevate the piece and opens up a whole spectrum of colour to really put your stamp on it.

By painting IKEA furniture you can totally change its look and style and it’s also the perfect way of blending it in with any extra panels you might add to give the ‘built in’ look, but more on that in a minute.

What paint should I use on laminate furniture?

The following primers are great for painting IKEA furniture with and allow you to paint over the top with your preferred top coat.

Zinsser B-i-n Primer & Sealer

Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Primer

I often use a hardwearing matt emulsion on top as these can be easily colour matched to my favourite designer shades for a fraction of the price and can be wiped and cleaned, which is essential for a hardworking piece of furniture in a family home.