Combine & customize: The best Ikea hack ideas

by Ann Hayward 07/01/2024

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. 

Home Decor
Furniture Arrangement
Diy Decor
About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]