
Not only do I have a soft spot for minimalist Scandinavian design, but you can’t beat IKEA for affordability! I’ll assemble flat-packed furniture all day to avoid spending a fortune on furniture.
However, IKEA’s affordability factor can be somewhat of a drawback for those with a unique design sense. It can be hard to feel like your design aesthetic is uniquely yours when everyone you know has all the same furniture!
Lucky for us, this is one area where you can have your cake and eat it too, by which I mean you can have your affordable IKEA furniture and make it look and feel unique. In this post, I’m sharing 14 inspiring DIY projects that have transformed affordable IKEA items into unique, stylish, and functional home decor.
Use this list as inspiration and you’ll be dreaming up your own IKEA hacks in no time!
Check out a quick and easy way to upgrade any piece of budget furniture in the video below!
14 Unique & Budget-Friendly IKEA Hacks

1. Wrapping Paper Storage
From Make and Do Crew
IKEA has a perfect solution if your wrapping paper collection spiraled out of control over the holidays. These storage tubes cost just a few dollars and are great for corralling all your wrapping papers together in one place. They’re also great for storing plastic bags and toilet paper!

2. Ribbon Organizer
From The Heathered Nest
A ribbon collection can quickly turn into a tangled mess if you’re not careful. Organize all your ribbons in seconds using a cheap utensil caddy from IKEA!

3. Mobile Herb Garden
From IKEA Hackers
The only thing better than an indoor herb garden? A mobile indoor herb garden! Wheel your cart of lush herbs around the house to make watering easier, or to find the best patches of light coming through your windows.

4. Mobile Vanity Cart
From The Polka Dot Chair
IKEA offers several carts that can be useful in just about any room. This project shows you how to use a cart to store makeup, skincare items, and just about anything else you need to get ready in the morning! This would be perfect for anyone with limited built-in storage in their bathroom.

5. Lantern Turned Terrarium
From Thou Swell
I actually own several of these big white lanterns from IKEA, but I had never considered using one as a terrarium. (Some people are so clever!) I’ll definitely be giving this project a try soon!

6. Faux Built-In Bookshelves
From The Makerista
Use a few inexpensive bookshelves to create the look of vintage built-in storage in your home. This is a more intensive DIY project, but it’s certainly doable if you’re determined!

7. Dresser Makeover
From Classy Clutter
Give your dresser tons of character with a simple makeover, like this one from Classy Clutter. You can choose any theme or color you want, and make it totally unique!

8. Nesting Coffee Tables
From Classy Clutter
Nesting coffee tables are a great way to maximize the possibilities in a small space. Start with IKEA tables to make a set of nesting tables for much less than you’d spend at a decor store!

9. Glam Dresser Makeover
From How To Nest For Less
This is another IKEA dresser makeover that caught my eye. This makeover is perfectly girly and glam, and I love the look of those pendant drawer pulls!

10. Checkers Game Table
From Classy Clutter
It’s always a good time for a friendly game of checkers. :-) With this cute table, you’ll be ready for a game at a moment’s notice!

11. Desk Turned Bar Cart
From Style Me Pretty
A bar cart can make offering a drink to visiting friends and family quick and easy. This modern-looking bar cart was made using an inexpensive laptop table from IKEA!

12. Tiered Corner Shelf
From Live From B5
Use several small IKEA tables to create a tiered shelving unit that fits perfectly into corners. Turn a cluttered corner into a visual focal point where you can display photos and your favorite knick-knacks!

13. LEGO Play Table
From PreK + K Sharing
Learn how to create a unique LEGO play table that is sure to impress the kids from PreK + K Sharing. If only I had known about this when my kids were little! :-)

14. Bag Turned Raincoat
From IKEA Hackers
This project requires a bit of skill with a sewing machine, but how cute is this little raincoat? IKEA Hackers can show you how to turn those roomy IKEA tote bags into a waterproof raincoat for your little one.
Have you ever customized something you got at IKEA?