We’re constantly in awe of the creative ways people repurpose IKEA furniture, turning ordinary pieces into extraordinary works of art. The ‘before and after’ transformations are truly astonishing. It’s easy to get caught up in admiring the finished product, but what’s even more impressive is the process itself – the ingenuity and elbow grease that goes into transforming a plain piece of furniture into something unique and functional.
As we often find ourselves marveling at the end result, it struck us that we rarely get to see the ‘behind the scenes’ magic happen. That’s why we decided to take a closer look at 9 of the most popular IKEA products, showcasing not only the stunning final results but also the incredible transformations they undergo.
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The Ikea Kallax Bookshelf
Ikea’s Kallax bookcase provides a versatile foundation for creative makeovers. A prime example is Ashlina Kaposta’s stunning hack, which starts with a grey-painted Kallax unit that matches the room decor. To add contrast, leather-effect storage boxes are used. The painting process utilizes Frenchic Furniture Paint’s ‘Lazy’ formula, featuring wax and natural chalk-mineral pigments, making it suitable for families with children.
Another impressive transformation comes from Lux Hax, who took a smaller black/brown Ikea Kallax unit and turned it into a luxurious sideboard. They achieved this by incorporating their unique stick-on mirrored decor panels, elevating the piece to new heights.
The Ikea Ivar Cabinet
Ikea’s Ivar cabinet is a blank canvas waiting for a creative makeover. The Swedish furniture giant’s unassuming design makes it an ideal candidate for a stunning Ikea hack. A prime example of this is Melanie Lissack Interiors’ impressive transformation, which showcases the power of a little creativity. By adding a pop of bright colour, elegant brass legs, and repurposing the cabinet as a drinks station, Melanie has created a truly successful project. The attention to detail on the front of the doors, achieved through clever use of thin MDF cutouts, is also noteworthy. To complete the look, Frenchic’s Anguilla Furniture Paint was used in a thoughtful colour choice that adds an extra layer of sophistication.
The Ikea Malm Dresser
Ikea’s Malm dresser is another highly sought-after product that cries out for a creative makeover. A perfect example is the impressive hack by Home Art Stickers on Etsy. The transformation begins with a sleek mirror overlay featuring intricate fretwork details that not only add a touch of sophistication but also completely revamp the appearance of the dresser front. What’s more, this stylish update is remarkably easy to achieve, requiring only a simple application process involving the overlay being stuck onto the drawer fronts.
The Ikea Tarva Dresser
Ikea’s Tarva furniture boasts a unique blend of exposed wood and sturdy construction, making it an ideal canvas for creative hacking projects. Take inspiration from Love Create Celebrate’s innovative makeover, which transforms the bare wood into a stunning piece with a wax finish that showcases the grain, complemented by geometric gold tape stripes. The addition of hairpin legs injects an industrial chic vibe, resulting in a trendy and eye-catching design.
The Ikea Billy Bookshelf
Ikea’s Billy bookcase has become an integral part of many people’s lives, and it’s no wonder why – its versatility and affordability make it a staple in modern homes. A great example of this is the clever hack by House of Hawkes, which elevates the bookcase to new heights. One of the standout features of this particular design is the use of cane webbing in the doors, adding a natural touch that complements the muted, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic perfectly. The Grey Pebble Furniture Paint from Frenchic provides the perfect finishing touch, tying the whole piece together beautifully.
The Ikea Hemnes Dresser
Ikea’s Hemnes is an attractive piece of furniture, but it can be elevated to even greater heights through clever hacking. Take Angela Rose Home’s stunning Ikea Hemnes makeover as inspiration. By combining dark chalk paint with square wooden leg frames and adding minimal black handles, this hack achieves a truly show-stopping result. The finished piece serves as a great statement addition to any room, pairing seamlessly with nearby plants and mirrors. Frenchic’s Panther is the perfect product for this hack, allowing users to achieve the same sleek look.
The Ikea Lack Table
Transforming the humble Ikea Lack table into a stunning piece of art requires minimal effort and maximum creativity. Livet Hemma’s remarkable upcycle demonstrates the potential of this affordable and accessible design. By combining the table with simple yet striking mosaics, you can create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will elevate any room’s aesthetic. The best part? It won’t break the bank!
Ikea Poang Chair
The Poang chair from Ikea has been a fan favorite for years, boasting a timeless design and unparalleled comfort. One creative take on this classic piece comes from 99 Hacks by Monica Karlstein, who transformed it into an exceptional armchair. By purchasing the frame alone and adding custom upholstery, the original design was elevated to new heights. In this iteration, sturdy webbing was woven between the frame’s structure, creating a unique and affordable seating option. The addition of a leather neck pillow adds a touch of elegance, further showcasing the versatility of the Poang chair.
Ikea Bekvam Trolley
From the realm of IKEA, another unsung hero of furniture design cries out for a makeover – the Bekvam kitchen trolley. Oliver and Rust answered this plea by transforming the humble trolley into a stunning piece of decor. They achieved this by applying a dark grey coat, adding a marble-inspired top, and incorporating an ornate towel rail on one side. For those looking to replicate this hack without breaking the bank, consider using a marble-effect vinyl wrap instead. Frenchic offers an array of excellent paints, including Posh Nelly’s unique offerings with clever names. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing hacks. It’s fascinating to see where these IKEA transformations begin and how they’re elevated to new heights. We may explore more before-and-after posts in the future, highlighting lesser-known IKEA products to demonstrate their potential for customization. Hopefully, this piece has inspired you to get creative with your own home decor.
