While many of the furniture items from Ikea are clever to begin with, some of the best Ikea "hack" ideas come from thinking of new functionality and styles. There are many popular Ikea hacks on interior decorating and DIY blogs, but some are definitely better than the rest.
Create a beautiful wall-to-wall dining display unit
One popular idea for Ikea shelving and bookcases is to combine multiple units to mimic the appearance of chic built-ins. BILLY bookcases are a favorite Ikea product for this particular idea, due to their affordability and versatility.
By bracketing the Ikea BILLY bookcase to the wall and installing some stylish glass doors, you can have your very own built-in display and storage space perfect for dishes and glassware.
Update doors with fluted film
Fluted surfaces are a major trend in furniture, from drawer fronts to custom cabinets and more. The Ikea BJÖRKÖVIKEN birch doors can make a trendy yet modern addition to other furniture pieces such as open-front cube storage systems or even your kitchen cabinets.
Since the doors are sold separately, installing them on other items is a simple hack requiring wood glue or hinges.
Replace solid wardrobe doors with rattan doors
Rattan and caning are other trends you can bring into your own home interiors using Ikea furniture. For example, installing an Ikea ALEX shelving unit without the drawer fronts gives you the opportunity to add texture with rattan doors.
Not only do they provide texture, rattan doors also bring a cool, retro vibe to your space.
Make a secret shelving device
Sometimes a furniture hack can be as simple as choosing a bold new way to arrange your furniture. For example, you can use bookcases as walls for a cozy reading nook or a fun, storage-filled fort for kids. Drape a curtain or fabric over a swing curtain rod to make an instant tent shape for the fort's “roof.”
Whether you want to make your existing Ikea cabinet more interesting or create a stylish media unit using multiple Ikea products, these hacks can be an inspiring place to start.
About the Author
Carolyn Ross
Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment.
She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.
Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents. She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years.
This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.
