IKEA furniture is everywhere these days. It’s affordable, functional, and easy to put together. But let’s be honest, it can all start to look a bit the same.
That’s why I like finding simple ways to personalize the pieces I bring home. With a little creativity and a few tools, you can turn basic shelves or tables into something that feels more like your own style.
These small changes don’t have to be complicated, either. A new coat of paint, different hardware, or even a fresh layout can make a big difference, and no one will guess it’s from IKEA.
1. Luxurious KALLAX Bench Seat
Turning a basic KALLAX shelf unit on its side creates the foundation for an amazing window seat or entryway bench. Add wooden legs from the hardware store and a custom cushion in your favorite fabric.
The hollow cubes provide bonus storage space for shoes, books, or seasonal items. Your guests will never guess this custom-looking piece started as a simple shelf unit from IKEA.
2. Farmhouse TARVA Dresser Makeover
Who knew the plain pine TARVA could look so rustic-chic? Replace the simple wooden knobs with vintage brass pulls and add a coat of chalk paint for instant character.
Sanding the edges creates that worn, timeworn appeal that high-end furniture stores charge hundreds extra for. The unfinished wood takes stains beautifully, allowing for a custom color that matches existing decor.
3. Floating LACK Shelves Wall Unit
Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact. Mounting multiple LACK shelves in a geometric pattern creates a custom wall unit that looks straight out of a design magazine.
The trick lies in the arrangement. Try a stepped pattern or honeycomb layout instead of traditional straight rows. Paint them in gradient colors or add wallpaper to the back panels for an extra custom touch.
4. Gold-Accented VITTSJÖ Shelving
If you love the industrial-modern look but not the price tag, grab a VITTSJÖ shelf unit and some gold spray paint. The black metal frame becomes instantly glamorous when the edges and joints are highlighted with metallic accents.
Glass shelves already look high-end, but swapping them for marble contact paper-covered wood creates a luxury vibe. This hack works wonders in small spaces where you want something that feels light but makes a statement.
5. Custom Kitchen Island from KALLAX
Kitchen islands cost a fortune, but not when you start with a KALLAX unit. Place it horizontally, add a butcher block top that extends a few inches on all sides, and attach wheels to the bottom for mobility.
The cubes provide excellent storage for cookbooks, wine bottles, or kitchen appliances. For extra style points, add a towel bar to one end and basket inserts to hide clutter while maintaining that custom kitchen look.
6. Mid-Century STRANDMON Wingback Chair
The already-stylish STRANDMON chair can reach new heights with some strategic modifications. Replacing the standard legs with tapered wooden ones instantly gives it mid-century modern appeal.
Reupholstering in a bold geometric fabric or rich velvet transforms it into a statement piece. The wingback design already mimics expensive chairs, so these small changes make it virtually unrecognizable as IKEA furniture.
7. Rattan-Wrapped FROSTA Stool
The humble FROSTA stool has unlimited potential beyond its basic birch appearance. Wrapping the legs with rattan or jute rope creates a boho vibe that looks straight from an expensive home decor boutique.
Staining the wooden seat a darker shade adds dimension. For an extra touch, attach a small round cushion in a complementary fabric to the top, secured with hidden staples underneath.
8. Cane-Fronted BILLY Bookcase
Those ubiquitous BILLY bookcases can look like custom millwork with the right modifications. Trimming cane webbing to fit the doors or backing creates an expensive look for minimal cost.
Adding crown molding to the top and baseboards to the bottom helps it appear built-in. The textural contrast between painted wood and natural cane material gives it that designer touch that nobody would ever associate with IKEA.
9. Leather-Topped LACK Side Table
For under $10, the LACK side table is already a steal, but it looks pretty basic. Cut a piece of leather to fit the top surface, attaching it with strong adhesive or decorative upholstery tacks around the edges.
The legs can be painted gold or wrapped in wood veneer for added richness. This five-minute transformation results in a piece that looks like it came from a high-end furniture store instead of a flat pack box.
10. Fluted MALM Dresser Transformation
Fluted or reeded furniture is trending in high-end design, and you can recreate the look on a MALM dresser. Attach thin wooden dowels or half-round molding strips vertically across the drawer fronts.
Paint everything one color for a seamless look. Swapping out the invisible drawer pulls for statement hardware completes the transformation.
The vertical lines add texture and dimension that elevates this basic piece into something special.
11. Arched IVAR Cabinet Makeover
The unfinished pine IVAR cabinet serves as the perfect blank canvas for creating a statement piece. Cut an arch shape into the top of the doors using a jigsaw for an architectural look that’s currently trending.
Adding slim legs lifts it off the ground, creating a more refined silhouette. A coat of bold paint and some interesting hardware transforms this basic storage unit into a piece that looks custom-made by an expensive carpenter.
12. Bamboo-Rimmed HULTET Bowl Mirrors
Those inexpensive HULTET bamboo bowls can become stunning wall art with minimal effort. Cut them in half and attach small round mirrors to the inside center of each bowl.
Arranged in a cluster on the wall, they create a sculptural installation that looks like expensive decorator pieces.
The natural bamboo frames provide organic texture against the reflective mirrors, creating an eye-catching contrast.
13. Marble-Look EKBACKEN Desk
Home office spaces need not look boring or budget-friendly. The EKBACKEN countertop, typically used for kitchens, makes a spacious desk when placed atop two small drawer units.
The marble-look laminate surface appears much more expensive than it is. Adding brass or gold drawer pulls to the base units ties everything together.
Your video call backdrop will have everyone thinking you splurged on a designer workspace.
14. Woven KNAGGLIG Crate Ottomans
Those rustic wooden KNAGGLIG crates can become functional seating with some creativity. Flip one upside down and weave thick cotton rope across the bottom in a crisscross pattern to create a woven top.
Add casters to the corners for mobility. Finish with a round cushion on top in a color that complements your space, and you have a multi-purpose ottoman that also provides storage when flipped right-side up.
15. Linen-Wrapped RIBBA Frame Light
Lighting fixtures can be outrageously expensive, but not when you start with a large RIBBA frame. Remove the glass and backing, then stretch linen fabric over the frame, securing it on the back.
Install a simple pendant light kit inside, and hang from the ceiling. The light glows softly through the fabric, creating a minimalist pendant lamp that looks like it came from a high-end lighting store.
16. Concrete-Topped LACK Coffee Table
The ultra-affordable LACK coffee table gets an industrial upgrade with a faux concrete finish. Using concrete overlay product or textured paint creates the look without the weight of actual concrete.
Swap the legs for metal hairpin ones to complete the industrial aesthetic. The contrast between the rugged top and slim legs creates a balanced piece that looks like it cost hundreds more than its humble origins suggest.
17. Slatted IVAR Room Divider
Open concept living sometimes needs visual separation without blocking light. IVAR side units can be connected with wooden slats to create a stunning room divider that lets light through.
Paint everything in a unified color for a custom built look. The vertical lines add architectural interest while providing a sense of privacy between spaces.
Compared to store-bought room dividers, this hack delivers designer style at a fraction of the cost.
18. Upholstered KALLAX Headboard
Creating a storage headboard often costs a small fortune, but not with a KALLAX unit. Position it horizontally behind your bed, anchor it securely to the wall, and add fabric-covered foam panels to the front facing the bed.
The cubes remain accessible from the sides for books and bedside essentials. This clever hack provides both storage and comfort while creating a focal point that looks completely custom-designed for your bedroom.
19. Vintage-Look HEKTAR Lamp Cluster
One HEKTAR pendant lamp looks nice, but a cluster of them at varying heights creates a showstopping fixture. Group three to five lamps together, hanging from a custom ceiling plate.
Spray painting them in an antique brass or copper finish removes that straight-from-the-box look. The industrial style mimics expensive lighting found in trendy restaurants, while costing far less than similar designer options.
20. Velvet-Fluted BRIMNES Cabinet
Channel-tufted or fluted furniture sells for premium prices in stores. Create your own using a BRIMNES cabinet as the base. Cut foam strips and attach them vertically to the door fronts.
Cover with velvet fabric, securing between the foam strips to create that plush, channeled look. New hardware completes this luxe transformation.
The rich texture of the fabric combined with the clean lines of the cabinet creates an expensive-looking statement piece.