Saustark Design

We have already introduced you to a few EXPEDIT hacks: The one hack that turns a room into a living indoor garden thanks to the EXPEDIT shelf . Or converting the EXPEDIT shelf into a bench , like the startup Ipotential did.

Today we want to introduce you to a hack that, like the MANDAL hack, comes from the hacker Laura and that turns an EXPEDIT shelf into a wardrobe. You can see which parts of the shelf you have to convert in the sketch below.

However, we have to say that the work looks easier at first glance than it turns out to be in practice. According to the original instructions, the long boards are not to be attached vertically but horizontally. This means that they have to be shortened a little and new dowel holes have to be drilled so that the construction works. But you can see that it works in the photos provided by Laura.

Have fun recreating it!

What you’d think, IKEA furniture is affordable, extremely functional, but often really lacks from having a certain personal touch. Nevertheless, if you’re creative and do some DIY, you can transform your IKEA pieces into one of a kind masterpieces, unique to their own personality and style. On that note, here are a couple of innovative ways to personalize your IKEA furniture.

1. Paint and Prime

Painting it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to personalize IKEA furniture. Changing the paint can be applied to all of it and give a whole new look to your entire home. To get a smooth finish, you will need to prime the surface before painting. This is a fantastic method for objects like tables, chairs, and shelves when you want add a splash of color within your home or be able to pair it with your home decor.

2. Update the Hardware

Another easy way to personalize your IKEA furniture is to change the hardware. Standard knobs or handles can be replaced with elegant brass or glass pulls. Many websites, including Etsy and Amazon, bring you numerous decorative hardware products to make your cabinets and drawers look more attractive.

3. Add Custom Legs

One of the easiest ways to change the appearance of your furniture is to upgrade its legs. There are many leg types available online, from wooden to metal in different shapes and sizes. It is particularly effective for sofas, beds and storage units as it can introduce height and visual interest to a room.

4. Stain the Wood

If you have IKEA furniture consisting of solid wood, try out staining the wood to make it look richer and more personalized. These stains are available in different colors and you can darken or lighten the wood to your desired aesthetic. This method warms and characterizes the piece, giving it a more bespoke feel.

5. Use Contact Paper or Decals

Contact paper or decals can be a good option for a non permanent makeover. These can be used to textures and/or apply patterns to surfaces such as drawer fronts or shelves without the commitment of painting. If you decide to change your design later, they are easy to remove.

6. Customize Drawer Fronts

Customize the drawer fronts to give your IKEA furniture a unique touch. You can glue on different materials (including wallpaper, fabric or pieces of wood) to add some texture and visual interest. This method is particularly useful for giving your bedroom or living room a unified appearance.

7. Glass Film for Cabinets

If you have glass front cabinets, you can also apply a decorative glass film to make them look high end. They give a sophisticated look to your kitchen or a dining area and can imitate the appearance of frosted or stained glass.

8. IKEA Hacking

IKEA hacking is designing or repurposing or reassembling IKEA pieces to become a project all its own. So for the more complex projects, that’s what it can do. Inspiration and tutorials for customizing and hacking your furniture to fit anything are anywhere — and there’s a wealth of inspiration and tutorials to be found on websites like IKEA Hackers.

9. Digital Design Tools

It also has digital tools such as the IKEA Kreativ app, which enables you to draw up your space, as well as make use of AI and AR technology to visualize it. From this, you can help plan and personalize your furniture layout before any physical changes are made.

All in all, personalizing your IKEA furniture is not as difficult as it seems. With a few easy DIY techniques or more complex IKEA hacking projects, you can modify your cost effective company of furnishings right into lovely, personalized pieces that convey your personality and also adorns your an one of a kind house personality. No matter if you are a regular DIYer or a seasoned one, these methods are endless sources of possibilities for creativity and personalization.