10 Chic IKEA Hacks You Need to Try (Designer-Approved!)

IKEA is a goldmine for affordable furniture and home essentials — but if you stop at “builder basic,” you’re missing out. With a little creativity and some designer-inspired tweaks, you can turn IKEA’s budget-friendly staples into custom, high-end pieces that look like they came straight out of a luxury showroom.  Seriously though, have you heard of the company called Semi-handmade that builds custom cabinet fronts that are mounted to basic Ikea cabinetry?  Genius!

Whether you want to create built-in storage, give your bedroom a designer-worthy upgrade, or transform a plain cabinet into a statement piece, these 10 chic IKEA hacks will inspire you to see IKEA in a whole new light.

Let’s dive in.

1. Turn the BILLY Bookcase Into Custom Built-Ins

The BILLY bookcase is one of IKEA’s most versatile pieces, and with the right hack, you can make it look like a custom wall-to-wall built-in for a fraction of the cost.

What You’ll Need:

• Multiple BILLY units

• Plywood or MDF panels for filler pieces

• Baseboards and crown molding

• Paint or primer

How to Hack It:

1. Measure your wall and plan how many bookcases you’ll need.

2. Anchor them to the wall and secure them together.

3. Use filler strips and molding to close gaps for a seamless look.

4. Paint everything one color — preferably the same as your wall — to create the illusion of a custom library.

Designer Tip:
Swap out IKEA’s default shelves for glass shelving and add LED puck lights for a designer-worthy built-in vibe.

2. Upgrade the IVAR Cabinet With Fluted Panels

The plain IVAR cabinet is a blank canvas — perfect for adding texture and dimension.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA IVAR cabinet

• Fluted wood panels or half-round dowels

• Wood glue and clamps

• Matte paint or stain

How to Hack It:

1. Cut fluted panels or dowels to size and attach them to the cabinet doors.

2. Fill any gaps, sand lightly, and finish with matte paint or stain.

3. Swap IKEA’s knobs for brass or leather pulls for an elevated look.

Designer Tip:
Go bold with a deep olive green or warm terracotta finish — these tones feel luxe and timeless.

3. Transform the MALM Dresser Into a Statement Piece

The MALM dresser is a minimalist staple, but it can look “builder basic” out of the box. With a few strategic upgrades, it turns into a custom designer dresser.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA MALM dresser

• Cane webbing, rattan sheets, or grasscloth wallpaper

• Brass or acrylic handles

• Spray primer + paint

How to Hack It:

1. Cut cane webbing to size and attach it to the drawer fronts.

2. Add new hardware — brass, marble, or acrylic handles look best.

3. Finish with soft, neutral paint for a high-end Scandinavian vibe.

Designer Tip:
Use chalk paint for a matte, textural finish that feels far more expensive than gloss.

4. Turn the PAX Wardrobe Into a Custom Closet

If you’ve dreamed of a bespoke walk-in closet but your budget doesn’t match, the PAX system is your best friend.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA PAX wardrobe frames

• Glass or shaker-style doors

• Molding + trim

• LED strip lighting

How to Hack It:

1. Design your layout using IKEA’s PAX planner.

2. Assemble your frames and secure them to the wall.

3. Add molding around the top for a built-in look.

4. Install LED strip lights for a soft, boutique-style glow.

Designer Tip:
Choose frosted glass doors for a luxe, airy vibe — it instantly makes the closet feel custom.

5. Hack the BESTÅ System Into a Floating Sideboard

The BESTÅ system is incredibly flexible, and designers love hacking it into floating credenzas, media consoles, and sideboards.

What You’ll Need:

• BESTÅ cabinets

• Floating wall brackets

• Slatted or fluted wood panels

• Brass or matte black handles

How to Hack It:

1. Mount BESTÅ units to the wall for a “floating” effect.

2. Upgrade the fronts with slatted wood or textured panels.

3. Replace IKEA’s stock handles with bold statement hardware.

Designer Tip:
Extend the look by adding a marble or quartz countertop — it instantly elevates the entire piece.

6. DIY a Designer Vanity Using the GODMORGON Cabinet

Bathrooms are expensive to renovate, but IKEA’s GODMORGON cabinet makes a stunning base for a custom vanity.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA GODMORGON cabinet

• Marble or quartz countertop

• Undermount sink

• Custom hardware

How to Hack It:

1. Install the GODMORGON as your vanity base.

2. Add a stone or solid-surface countertop for a polished look.

3. Swap the hardware for brass or matte black pulls.

4. Finish with a statement faucet to make it pop.

Designer Tip:
Pair it with wall-mounted sconces and a large arched mirror for a luxe, spa-like vibe.

7. Elevate the LACK Shelf Into a Designer-Look Floating Shelf

The LACK shelf is a classic IKEA staple, but you can make it look custom-built with a few quick upgrades.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA LACK shelf

• Wood veneer or thin oak panels

• Stain or paint

How to Hack It:

1. Wrap the LACK shelf in wood veneer or panels for a natural, high-end look.

2. Stain it to match your flooring or cabinetry.

3. Style it with ceramics, books, and greenery for a curated, elevated finish.

Designer Tip:
Layer multiple shelves vertically and color-match them to your wall for a minimal, seamless effect.

8. Upgrade the HEMNES TV Stand Into a Coastal-Inspired Console

Love a California-cool, coastal vibe? Start with the HEMNES TV stand and give it a light, beachy refresh.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA HEMNES TV stand

• Cane or rattan inserts

• Driftwood-inspired stain

• Brass ring pulls

How to Hack It:

1. Replace the center panels with cane or rattan sheets.

2. Stain the entire piece a soft, weathered wood tone.

3. Add brass pulls for a coastal-meets-modern finish.

Designer Tip:
Style it with ceramic vases, beachy art prints, and linen-covered books for a fully layered look.

9. Create a Designer Coffee Table From the LACK Series

If you want a high-end coffee table without the high-end price, this IKEA hack is a favorite among designers.

What You’ll Need:

• IKEA LACK table

• Faux marble adhesive film or marble remnant

• Gold spray paint

How to Hack It:

1. Wrap the tabletop in marble adhesive or use a real marble slab.

2. Spray the legs in gold or matte black for a luxe contrast.

3. Style with coffee table books and textured ceramics.

Designer Tip:
Pair this hack with a neutral boucle sofa for an effortlessly chic living room setup.

10. Transform the TARVA Dresser Into a Custom Heirloom

The unfinished TARVA dresser is a designer favorite because you can completely customize it.

What You’ll Need:

• TARVA dresser

• Decorative molding

• Vintage-inspired hardware

• High-quality paint or stain

How to Hack It:

1. Attach decorative molding to the drawer fronts for depth and texture.

2. Paint it in a moody, saturated tone like charcoal gray or deep emerald.

3. Add antique-style knobs or pulls for a timeless, collected look.

Designer Tip:
Top it with an arched vintage mirror and a pair of sculptural table lamps for instant boutique vibes.

IKEA’s affordability and simplicity make it the perfect canvas for creativity. With a few tweaks — new hardware, textured panels, designer-inspired finishes — you can transform everyday IKEA staples into custom, high-end pieces without spending a fortune.

The key is to think like a designer:

• Focus on elevated materials like cane, fluting, brass, and stone

• Use paint and paneling to create custom depth

• Add lighting and styling to make the pieces look intentional

These 10 chic IKEA hacks prove you don’t need a big budget to achieve a curated, designer-level home.