Tara @taraxhome_ was frustrated with the clutter taking over the corner of her living room but didn’t want to sacrifice style or seating. On a tight budget, she got creative with some IKEA finds to build a multi-functional piece.

Tara purchased 4 EKET cabinets from IKEA’s As-Is corner. She then scouted the bargain section again and found the HAVSTORP cover panels, the perfect lids to complete her vision.

Tara lined up the four EKET cabinets upside down on the floor. She then laid a wooden plank across both long sides of the cabinets. Carefully measuring to ensure the planks were even, Tara screwed them securely into the sides of the cabinets.

This created a sturdy base frame for the bench. To finish it, Tara added locking caster wheels to each corner of the base. Screwing the wheels directly into the wooden planks allowed the entire structure to be easily moved around.

With the base complete, Tara could right the cabinets and attach the HAVSTORP panels to the EKET with hinges. The lids provided a sleek, uniform look, while the cabinets below offered ample hidden storage.

By flipping the EKET units upside down and reinforcing them with wood planks and wheels, Tara transformed the IKEA pieces into a fully functional movable bench and trunk. Her innovative approach took the storage solution to the next level for very little cost.

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A post shared by T A R A | Interior | DIY (@taraxhome_)

The resulting DIY project exceeded her expectations. Tara’s movable hidden storage bench maximizes the unused corner space. She gained valuable storage space; best of all, it’s hidden in plain sight behind her sofa.

We love how clean and streamlined the EKET cabinets look when assembled into a sofa storage bench. The 4 boxes provide ample storage for extra blankets, cushions, and seasonal items.

Adding lids keeps the sleek aesthetic while providing a practical countertop surface and an open flat area to display daily items like books, remotes, and a table lamp.

It all worked out for Tara, with the project coming in under $53. Don’t skip the Bargain Corner the next time you’re at IKEA. Poking around the As-Is may provide the raw materials you need for your next project.

Behind the sofa storage and charging station

This behind the couch storage and charge station was made from leftover IKEA parts.

Behind the couch storage cabinet

How to use BESTÅ cabinets along the wall behind the couch, with one of the double cabinets — which was going to be directly behind the couch — opening from the side instead of the usual door.

The post Sleek Behind the Sofa Storage Bench made with Bargain Corner Finds appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

As winter approached, Josefin Hjortronblad @Minikottarna needed an easy way to store all their kids’ hats, mittens, and gloves by the front door without looking cluttered. They wanted something affordable, but that also added some style. That’s when she came up with the idea to repurpose some inexpensive IKEA items into a DIY hat and gloves storage organizer.

IKEA items used: 

• IKEA NEREBY hanging storage, natural fabric (x4)
• NEREBY birch rail 40 cm (x4) 

Other materials tools: 

• Jute ribbon
• Drill

Easy DIY hat and gloves storage organizer:

1. Drill holes in the ends of the birch rails and thread jute ribbon through. Tie knots at each end to secure.
2. Knot a bow at the top of each rail for decoration.
3. Hang the NEREBY storage organizer by the loop at the top.

The total cost was just €36 or about $39 – a small investment for a nice storage solution. Assembly only took around 1.5 hours.

What Josefin likes most is how good it looks while keeping everything organized. The neutral colors blend in well and take up very little space mounted on the wall. Only one nail is needed to hang the organizer.

The hardest part was getting an even distance between the rails and the bags. Taking time to measure carefully was key.

At the start of winter, their kids’ gloves and hats have a dedicated home by the front door. This IKEA hack was inexpensive and works for their family.

12 DECOR IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK POSH

Here are our top 12 tips for making your space feel elegant and polished, even on a budget.

The post Wall-hung hat and glove storage pockets appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

This year, IKEA’s Black Friday campaign spotlights a lesser-known department, bringing a more sustainable and purposeful approach to Black Friday.

The hidden gem? IKEA’s free assembly parts department.

The initiative is an extension of the ‘Keep good things going’ campaign launched in May 2023, which brought attention to the IKEA Buy Back Service, As-Is areas, and even featured Flea Market events outside stores in some countries.

Buy Back Campaign

Since the inception of the Buy Back campaign in 2020, Ingka Group, the parent company of IKEA, has successfully welcomed back over 736,000 items of furniture through its stores. The Black Friday week will also bring forth exclusive offers for IKEA Family members, emphasizing affordable deals on products and services, allowing customers to save money and energy.

Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group, commented on the success of previous campaigns and sees the upcoming initiative as another chance to inspire and raise awareness about the services offered year-round.

Among these services is the Assembly Parts Department, which provides over 4,000 free assembly parts, including nuts, bolts, screws, dowels, and fittings. It’s the first place to go if you have missing IKEA parts or need a few extra for your IKEA hacking project.

Free Assembly Parts, Now Online

The Assembly Parts service, now accessible online, has been rolled out in 28 IKEA Retail countries, offering customers greater convenience compared to the previous in-store and customer service options. Last year, 1.8 million customers took advantage of this fully rolled-out online service, receiving 21.9 million spare parts.

Pflug emphasized the benefits of the Assembly Parts service, stating, “For most of IKEA’s 900 million annual customers, the service is a yet-to-be-discovered benefit.” She pointed out that the online service aims to support customers facing financial challenges, allowing them to upgrade or repair their furniture affordably.

Recent research by IKEA revealed that 89% of customers sometimes repair household products. However, this number has declined since 2021, with the primary barriers identified as the lack of knowledge and services, cost, and time. The Assembly Parts service addresses these concerns by providing a straightforward solution for customers to keep their IKEA products in good condition.

As part of its commitment to becoming a circular business, Ingka Group is exploring various solutions. This includes repurposing As-Is areas, which offer lower-priced products and feature secondhand items and information on maintaining, cleaning, or personalizing IKEA products.

Furthermore, the Buyback services continue to be available year-round in 31 countries, allowing customers to extend the life of their furniture by passing it on for a second life. IKEA’s Black Friday campaign aligns with its broader sustainability goals and commitment to creating a more circular and eco-friendly approach to retail.

Done-For-You IKEA Hacks

Readymade IKEA hacks that can give your home that year-end glow-up without the heavy lifting. And some unique gift ideas for the IKEA lover (or yourself). See the done-for-you IKEA hacks.

IKEA Slashed Their Prices: Here Are 33 Items We’re Adding To Cart

IKEA lowered their prices just in time for holiday shopping. See the items we’re making a beeline for.

What to do with IKEA Allen Keys?

When you have one too many hex keys. Here’s what to do.

The post IKEA highlights the “Lesser-Known Department” this Black Friday appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re ready to break away from the traditional Christmas tree mold, IKEA has your back. Embrace a new wave of festive creativity with these IKEA items that reimagine the concept of Christmas trees for small spaces.

From wall hangings to LED floor lamps, these alternatives bring a touch of Scandinavian design and modern flair to your holiday decor without wasting valuable square footage.

Say goodbye to a bulky evergreen and hello to a unique, space-saving, and stylish Christmas experience. Whether your space is tiny or not conducive to a traditional tree, let’s explore 10 IKEA items that may not be “trees” but capture the festive spirit just as well.

1. VINTERFINT Wall Decoration

Embrace minimalism with the VINTERFINT Wall Decoration that gives a modern twist to the traditional Christmas tree. Hang it on your wall, and let the holiday spirit radiate throughout your space. It’s perfect for those who want a festive touch without sacrificing floor space.

2. DIY Christmas Tree Floor Lamp

Transform your IKEA floor lamp into a unique holiday centerpiece by dressing it up with delicate paper cuttings. Get an IKEA VIDJA or VICKLEBY floor lamp (or if you have an old HOLMO lamp) and turn it into a canvas for your creativity. Adorn it with leaf-like paper cuttings to create the tree shape. You can also hang paper snowflakes, festive ribbons, or personalized messages for a unique Christmas tree. Bonus: With this Christmas tree lamp, you save on the need for extra string lights. See the tutorial here.

3. Picture Ledge Tree

Picture this for a festive tree. The picture ledges seamlessly transition from everyday functionality to festive charm with a simple swap of ornaments and lights. Merrilee used RIBBA picture ledges (now known as MOSSLANDA) to blend practicality and elegance in her holiday decor.

• 12 IKEA Christmas decoration hacks for the unexpected sparkle

4. IVAR Tree Frame

How about this for a unique modern Christmas tree? Begin with an IVAR side unit measuring 19 5/8 inches (50cm). Wrap the frame with Christmas string lights. Then, thread strings horizontally to fashion a ladder effect. Lastly, hang up Christmas ornaments to form a tree shape, star, or pattern you prefer.

5. Serving Tray Tree

Add a touch of sophistication to your Christmas table by incorporating the KVITTERA 3-tier serving platter. Fill each tier with ornaments in harmonious color tones, and you’re guaranteed a unique, small Christmas tree. It effortlessly enhances your holiday table setting with both elegance and ease.

6. VINTERFINT Decoration, Christmas Tree Shaped Pine/White

Experience the charm of a Christmas tree without the needles! The VINTERFINT Decoration, Christmas Tree Shaped Pine/White, is a stylish alternative that brings a Scandinavian flair to your holiday decor. Set this small tree decor on a table or mantelpiece for a touch of festive elegance.

7. STRÅLA Table Lamp, Tree-shaped/White

Illuminate your festive season with the STRÅLA Table Lamp. This tree-shaped beauty not only lights up your space but doubles as a contemporary Christmas tree. Place it on your side table or use it as a centerpiece for a warm and cozy ambiance.

8. STRÅLA LED Floor Lamp, Artificial Birch Tree

Go big with the STRÅLA LED Floor Lamp, which resembles an artificial birch tree. This innovative lighting solution adds a touch of nature to your home while doubling as a unique, slim Christmas tree alternative. Add Christmas baubles if you wish. The soft glow of the LED lights creates a magical atmosphere, making it a standout piece in your holiday decor.

9. VINTERFINT Decoration, Small Christmas Tree Green

Add a personal touch to your holiday decor with the VINTERFINT Decoration, Handmade/ Christmas Tree. This DIY-inspired piece lets you unleash your creativity while crafting a unique Christmas tree. It’s a fun and engaging way to involve the whole family in the festive preparations.

10. VINTERFINT Decoration, Tree, Green, 20″

Elevate your holiday decor with the VINTERFINT Decoration, Tree, Green, 20″. This compact yet eye-catching piece is the perfect addition to small spaces or as a secondary festive focal point. Its 20″ height makes it a versatile choice for tabletops, shelves, or even as a delightful centerpiece. Embrace the holiday spirit with this charming green tree decoration from IKEA.

Who says a Christmas tree has to be a traditional pine? With these IKEA items, you can think outside the box and redefine what a Christmas tree looks like in your home. Embrace the holiday spirit with these stylish and functional alternatives that bring a touch of Scandinavian design to your festive celebrations.

Best Christmas Tree for Small Spaces

Elly shows us how she turned the IKEA Christmas tree fabric into a 3D wall hanging, complete with presents.

8 DIY Advent Calendars

Start the countdown to Christmas with these 8 easy DIY Advent Calendars.

5 tall bathroom storage cabinets that are so useful for small spaces

5 IKEA hacks that show you how to make the most of the vertical space in your bathroom.

12 Decor Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Luxurious

Our top tips for making your space feel elegant and polished, even on a budget.

Ditch the ugly tissue box for these

3 ideas for creating stylish tissue box alternatives that elevate any room’s look.

The post Deck the Small Spaces: 10 Christmas Tree Alternatives To Try This Year appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Crafting a functional and stylish entryway poses a common challenge, but Luca, the creative mind behind @homewithluca, ingeniously tackled it by seamlessly merging IKEA PAX and NORDLI units. The result? A stylish entryway storage and bench unit for the perfect shoe-putting-on experience.

Luca shared his journey on his Story Highlights, detailing every step, from hacking the IKEA pieces to adding the finishing touches.

The IKEA materials required for this DIY project included two PAX closets and a NORDLI modular 2-drawer chest.

Step 1: Assembly

Luca started the project by buying two IKEA PAX wardrobe frames with doors and a NORDLI 2-drawer dresser unit. After assembling the pieces, he installed the PAX vertically against the hallway wall, anchoring it securely as the primary storage component.

Step 2: Placement

Adjacent to the PAX unit, Luca positioned the NORDLI chest of drawers to introduce extra storage and create a built-in bench. Luca constructed a wooden base to ensure a unified level, leveling and centering the NORDLI unit between the PAX and the right wall.

Step 3: Closing Gaps

Then, he closed up the gaps surrounding the NORDLI chest with trim pieces, creating the built-in look. Luca also added a wooden board atop the chest aligned flush with the extra trim on the drawer.

Step 4: Adding Trim

A standout feature of this entryway setup was Luca’s addition of trim to the NORDLI drawers and molding to the PAX doors, elevating the overall refinement. His rationale? “I find the doors too modern, without any particular interest,” he explained, infusing his touch through personalized trim.

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A post shared by DESIRSDECO (@homewithluca)

Step 5: Sealing The Space Above

The awkward space above the PAX wardrobes, extending to the sloping ceiling, was sealed with drywall, ensuring a clean and polished finish.

Step 6: Prime

Moving on to the aesthetics, Luca applied a primer to the IKEA laminate surfaces before painting. “These are IKEA furniture. Therefore, applying a primer before painting is necessary,” he clarified.

Step 7: Paint

Luca coated the entire storage unit and bench in a warm beige (TF 265-1 Grisou), blending the mixed pieces into a seamless built-in entryway storage and bench unit. He recommends a protective varnish to prevent flaking and shield the surfaces from wear and tear.

Step 8: Install Handles

Luca finished his IKEA hack by installing door handles on the PAX doors and NORDLI drawers, all spray-painted in bronze to match the mirror’s frame.

Step 9: Baseboard

A simple plinth along the bottom of the PAX and bench added the finishing touch, completing the built-in appearance.

Step 10: Final Touches

Luca added simple accessories like a mirror and pillows to style the built-in bench nook. 

Now, his entryway has plenty of organized storage and a cozy nook for removing shoes – all for a very affordable price. His clever IKEA hack proves big design changes don’t require a big budget.

Luca’s Instagram post showcasing the DIY entryway storage and bench unit amassed over 105K likes, with followers commenting “perfect for the entrance” and “super beautiful.”

The best IKEA hacks often happen through the combination of seemingly unexpected IKEA pieces. Luca has transformed storage units meant for the bedroom into a functional and eye-catching entryway hub.

Love creative DIY projects? You may also like these:

Can’t afford the iconic String Furniture? Here’s how to hack your version.

Hallway Closet Hack That’s NOT A Built-in

A large closet and shoe storage in the hallway, neatly arranged and stored behind doors, put all your shoes, outdoor jackets, and coats in one place.

5 Tall Bathroom Cabinet Hacks To Try Now

Bathroom storage cabinet hacks that are made for small bathrooms.

Adjustable toddler desk

An adorable adjustable toddler desk your little one will love.

The post Entryway Storage And Bench from 2 Unexpected IKEA items appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Adjustable furniture is helpful for children as they grow and develop. As a parent, Alexander Johnson is always looking for ways to encourage learning, creativity, and independence in a fun, engaging way. 

A height-adjustable toddler table allows the desk to be raised easily as the child grows, ensuring a comfortable fit for years. 

On his Instagram account, @easyalex, he shared his fantastic toddler table hack using an IKEA ALEX cabinet. The more straightforward hack would be to connect two ALEX cabinets with a backboard, but space was limited in their playroom and did not allow for two cabinets. 

So, instead, he opted to attach an L-shaped plate to the back of the ALEX storage unit for a more compact solution that maximizes the available play area.

This brilliant addition created a flexible yet sturdy table for his toddler. We foresee hours of crafting, coloring, and reading on this modern activity table.

Materials Needed:

• IKEA ALEX storage unit with door
• Wood boards (pine or plywood work well) 
• Wood screws 
• Sandpaper 
• Paint 
• Stain 

How to make a height-adjustable kids’ desk

Measuring and Cutting the L-Plate Boards:

1. Measure the height, width, and depth of the ALEX unit. Note these dimensions for cutting the boards. 
2. Cut a piece of pine board or plywood for the backboard to the width of the ALEX back panel and the desired length for the tabletop surface. 
3. Cut a second board to the width of the ALEX side panel and the same height as the backboard. This will form the L-shape.

Attaching the L-Plate:  

1. Center the backboard against the ALEX back panel. Mark positions for screws through the cabinet back to the board.
2. Screw the backboard securely to the ALEX back panel. Use the appropriate screw length to secure the back panel without poking through. 
3. Position the side panel along the edge of the backboard at a 90-degree angle. Mark screw positions to attach it.
4. Pre-drill and screw the side panel to complete the L-plate attachment to the ALEX cabinet.

Adding the Brace Board:

1. Measure the inside width and depth dimensions of the L-Plate. Cut a brace board to these dimensions from the same pine board/ plywood material. 
2. Attach the brace board horizontally against the lower back of the L-plate. Ensure square before securing the brace to the back and side panels.

Making a pegboard

1. On the backboard, determine the layout for the pegboard holes. Measure and mark the positions for the pegboard holes.
2. Use a Forstner bit in the appropriate size to bore the holes. Center the drill bit on each mark and drill holes straight through the backboard at a 90-degree angle.

Finishing touches

1. Sand all wood pieces lightly with sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. This helps prevent splinters. 
2. Then, paint the wood boards in your preferred color. Alex kept his in white to match the ALEX storage cabinet. Consider using vibrant colors to match your child’s bedroom. Allow to fully dry before moving on to the next step. 

Adding the Height Adjustment Slots

1. Determine the width needed for the wood strips on the ALEX and L-plate side panels. Then, measure the thickness of the tabletop and determine the height needed for the slots.
2. Measure and mark the ALEX panel to place the evenly spaced strips.
3. Cut wood strips to the measurements. Pre-drill counterbored holes at the marks to prevent splitting. 
4. Sand and stain the wood strips before installing them. The darker wood creates a nice touch of warmth to the adjustable desk.
5. Screw the strips securely to the ALEX cabinet and side panel.  
6. Check for even spacing and that the tabletop can be securely seated in the slots before finishing. Test the height adjustability by slotting the desk to different toddler-friendly heights. 

Paint the wall behind the table for a pop of color. Place a comfortable toddler chair next to your toddler-friendly, height-adjustable table to complete it.

Things To Consider Before You Build A Toddler Table:

Creating a homemade desk is a wonderful way to encourage learning, creativity, and independence in young children. A DIY toddler table provides an adjustable space just for them that can grow along with your child.

When designing your unique toddler-friendly desk, there are some important factors to remember to ensure it is both developmentally appropriate and safe for little hands.

The primary considerations include safety, adjustability, stability, storage, comfort, and finishing. With careful planning and the right design elements, you can build a desk that will foster your toddler’s growth and spark their imagination. Now, let’s explore some of the key aspects to focus on.

• Safety – Use non-toxic, smooth materials without sharp edges. Secure joins firmly. 
• Adjustability – Include slots, holes, or other mechanisms to easily raise/lower the height according to the child’s age. 18-24 inches is a typical height range.
• Sturdy Construction – Reinforce the frame with corner braces, crossbars, or gussets to prevent tipping or collapse. Screws are safer than nails around little hands.
• Storage Space – Integrate drawers, shelves, or open space underneath the play table for art supplies, crafts, toys, and books within reach. 
• Comfort – Test the ergonomics with your toddler sitting. The desk should allow an upright posture without slouching. 
• Clean-up – Choose a durable finish with a wipe-clean surface. Avoid fabrics or porous materials that trap messes.
• Customization – Add special features like magnetic/ chalkboards, whiteboards, and toy storage trays for engagement. 
• Finishing – Seal raw wood edges and apply non-toxic sealant or paint. Sand smooth to prevent splinters.
• Budget – Consider using affordable, accessible materials like plywood and recycled cabinets.
• Fun factor – Involve your toddler when possible so they feel ownership over their special space.

More IKEA Hacks For Toddlers

Your toddler’s wardrobe need is growing. Get some fashionable DIYs from our post on toddler closet ideas and hacks.

Toddler Craft And Book Bin

A useful addition to the play area. A bin for books and craft supplies.

Learning Tower Hack

Get your child involved in the cooking with this DIY learning tower.

IKEA Sensory Table Hacks

Make the IKEA FLISAT Sensory Table even more fun and useful with these 6 hacks.

Upgrade Your Kid’s Playkitchen

Transform the IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen into so much more than a kitchen. See 6 ways to hack the DUKTIG.

The post Build an Adjustable Toddler Table that Grows with Your Child appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

While tissue boxes get the job done, they aren’t always the most attractive addition to your home’s decor. Thankfully, there is an easy and affordable way to disguise your tissues using items from IKEA.

IKEA is full of containers, pots, and organizational tools just begging to be repurposed. You can transform everyday IKEA pieces into chic new tissue holders following simple DIY steps.

Let’s look at three ideas for creating stylish tissue box alternatives that elevate any room’s look.

Turning a Plant Pot into a Tissue Holder

Creative DIY blogger Mone @machsschoen showed how she transformed an IKEA GRADVIS pot and 365+ lid into a stylish tissue holder – and it only required basic tools.

In an Instagram post, Mone demonstrated her simple DIY project featuring the IKEA GRADVIS plant pot.

To turn it into a tissue holder, she first spray-painted the exterior of the glass vase from its original black to an opaque white. This step is optional if you prefer to keep the original glass color, but painting it helps better disguise the tissues inside for a cleaner look.

The next step is to modify the IKEA 365+ bamboo lid that fits on top of the pot. Using a drill with a hole saw, Mone created a hole in the center of the lid large enough for tissues to be pulled through. This minor alteration allows the tissues to be easily accessed without removing the lid. Sand the cut edge to smooth out any splinters and rough edges.

To assemble, Mone opened the rectangle paper tissue box and folded the tissues in half into the pot. She then placed the drilled lid on top. The lid’s silicone rubber seal keeps it firmly in place. The finished product is a sleek, modern tissue dispenser that can be placed on any table or countertop.

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A post shared by Mone | DIY & Interior (@machsschoen)

Concrete Style Tissue Box Holder Hack

TikTok creator Patri @LovinHope__ showed us a chic way to disguise tissues using 2 IKEA items. You’ll need an NYPON plant pot and the 365+ lid from IKEA for this project.

The NYPON pot has a smooth profile in faux concrete that lends itself well to minimalist and modern aesthetics. You can leave it in its original state, spray paint it, or create decorative patterns and textures in your style.

Next, take the IKEA 365+ bamboo lid and use a hole saw to cut a hole in the center big enough for tissues to be pulled through.

Then, place the tissues inside. Ensure the tissues fit snugly but not too tightly to pull out easily. And cap the lid securely onto the pot. Now, your tissues are concealed inside a pot that looks amazing on your living room coffee table or bathroom vanity.

@lovinhope__ IKEA HACK Napkin Holder Crea tu servilletero con el macetero Nypon de Ikea y una tapa de bambú Ikea 365 ???? #ikeahack #ikeahacks #ikeadiy #ikeadiys #ikeafinds #ikeamusthaves #napkinholder #napkinholderdiy #napkinholders ♬ dancin – dhn

Tissue Vase Hack Goes Viral

The trend of turning vases into decorative tissue holders has taken off massively on TikTok in recent months. Videos showcasing creative ways to repurpose glassware and pots into stylish spots for stashing tissue paper have racked up millions of views.

Home decorators are finding vases at thrift stores, dollar stores, and big box retailers to transform. You only need a vase with a hole large enough to stuff facial tissues in to recreate this viral tissue vase hack. More people are getting inspired to put their unique spin on the concept.

TikToker Debs @beecora showed her tissue holder hack. She chose the IKEA FALLENHET stone vase with a sturdy, weighty construction because she hates it “when you grab a tissue, and the box lifts up with it,” she explains in her video.

Debs stuffed the rolled tissues inside the vase – no modifications required. Debs created an effortless tissue dispenser with minimal preparation by selecting a vase of the right size and weight.

It’s important to note that with this tissue vase hack, the portion of the tissues at the top of the vase may be susceptible to collecting dust over time.

To counter this, choosing a vase with a smaller opening may work better, like this one from Target.

@beecora Bubye tissue boxes ???? #kleenex #swapit #ikeahack #beecora #tissues ♬ Michigeese Michigander-JP – Thirst Follow

What do you think of these tissue box holder ideas? Let us know in the comments.

Bamboo Toilet roll holder

The larger IKEA box is just wide enough to enclose a roll of toilet paper and is perfect for this toilet roll holder hack.

Space-saving DIY apothecary cabinet

Cristina Garcia transformed six IKEA MOPPE mini chests into a stylish and Space Saving IKEA Apothecary Cabinet You’ll Love.

Rotating bookshelves for kids

Teresa Casamonti shares two ways to hack an affordable and functional Montessori rotating bookshelf for her kids using IKEA pieces and some wood boards. See the 2 Simple Rotating Bookshelf Hacks.

Easy DIY: Chic door stopper

Diego improvised a nice doorstop with an IKEA snack bag. Easy way to make a chic, stylish door-stopper bag.

Alexia’s unique and creative floating shelves

Alexia, a talented DIYer on Instagram, takes an entirely unexpected and unique approach to the ubiquitous IKEA LACK shelving system in her DIY floating shelf hack.

The post Ditch the Ugly Tissue Box with These 3 IKEA Tissue Holder Hacks appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Furniture retailer IKEA announced it will drop its hugely popular 5% everyday discount for “IKEA Family” members starting February 1, 2024. 

IKEA launched its loyalty program in 1984 in Sweden and expanded it to the U.S. in 2011. In 2022, it introduced a 5% everyday storewide discount as an additional perk for loyalty members. This storewide discount is unique to the U.S. and unavailable at other IKEA stores worldwide.

However, the discount will remain until January 31, 2024, to help families stretch their budgets during the busy holiday season. An IKEA spokesperson told Retail Dive the change is “to create more value for all our customers and IKEA Family members” as the company reevaluates its pricing approach. 

New lower prices promised

This comes alongside a previous price reduction announcement. On the IKEA Family page, the retailer states customers will see “New Lower Price offers on hundreds of products across our range” starting November 2023. 

The new pricing structure emphasizes “everyday affordability,” with lower prices implemented across popular furniture and home goods categories. This is meant to counter rising inflation that squeezes household budgets.

In addition to lower regular prices, IKEA is teasing “new ways to save throughout the year with offers and perks as an IKEA Family member.” This implies loyalty members can expect exclusive discounts, deals, or other incentives on top of already-reduced prices.

Other IKEA Family Benefits Remain Unchanged

Other perks loyalty members can still count on are free tea and coffee, 90-day price protection, and special event previews. 

However, the announced changes to the loyalty program have been poorly received by some IKEA customers. 

Shoppers’ Disappointment

One Reddit user wrote: “Incredibly disappointing. Items that were $50 two years ago are $130 now. That DETOLF specifically was $99 just a couple of months ago! I’ve used IKEA for everything from work supplies to home decor because it was affordable. Now, why would I buy from IKEA when it’s more expensive than other big box options, AND I have to put it together?” The DETOLF is a favorite item for indoor greenhouses and hamster cages.

Another reminds IKEA on X that loyalty goes both ways. “Go ahead and remove the 5% discount for family members. We’ll just remember how much little your customers mean to you.”

A Universal IKEA Discount?

While many customers have expressed disappointment, not all reactions have been adverse. Some loyal IKEA Family members have taken a more sympathetic view of the changes.

In online discussions, these customers note that the new lower prices IKEA promised will essentially replicate the 5% everyday discount but make it available to all shoppers rather than just loyalty members. From this perspective, the discount isn’t indeed being removed but rather made universal.

Inter IKEA Group CEO Jon Abrahamsson Ring clarifies that 2023, after overcoming supply chain shortages in the previous years, was about improving material development and optimizing production – all aimed at offering customers lower prices.

“In challenging times when inflation is high, and many people struggle with the cost of living, the need for home furnishing solutions at affordable prices is high. This is where we will continue to do what IKEA has always done – putting customers’ affordability first. Looking further ahead, the three main opportunities we see for IKEA are to become even more affordable, more accessible, and more sustainable,” says Ring, reiterating IKEA’s commitment to accessibility and affordability for customers.

IKEA’s founding value of affordable home furnishings for all will continue to be tested as costs rise. Time will tell if the changes maintain customer loyalty.

IKEA Slashed Their Prices: Here Are 33 Items We’re Adding to Cart

The furniture retailer has again risen to its budget-friendly reputation, slashing prices across various products, including a 20 percent cut on the popular BILLY bookshelf.

• IKEA Slashed Their Prices: Here Are 33 Items We’re Adding To Cart

The post IKEA Pulls The Plug On 5% Discount appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Victoria Svensson had always been fascinated by the iconic String® Furniture system designed by Swedish architect couple Nisse and Kajsa Strinning. The innovative furniture utilized thin steel cables instead of traditional wood or metal frames, allowing pieces to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured into various configurations.

String® Furniture had always tugged at her heartstrings, but they were slightly out of her budget. Then, inspiration struck, and she figured out how to create a modular system of her own using IKEA furniture and lumber.

On her website, Svensson walks readers through a 9-step process to construct a customizable wall shelf system made from IKEA IVAR cabinets, wooden boards, and wall brackets.

Materials:

• IKEA IVAR cabinets. Size: 31 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 23 5/8 inches (80 x 30 x 60 cm)
• Wood boards: 31 1/2 x 11 3/4 inches
• Wall brackets from Mio: 11 3/4 inches deep (30 cm)
• Fittings/Hooks for shelves and cabinets

A String shelf lookalike

The project starts with assembling the solid pine wood cabinets with sliding doors following IKEA assembly instructions. Holes are then drilled in cabinet doors to serve as handles. This is an optional step, but it takes the cabinets closer to the String® Furniture style. You can add knobs or other handles to suit your home decor theme.

If you have longer boards, cut the shelves to the same size as the IVAR cabinet’s width and depth. For the book display shelf, cut a strip of wood as long as the shelf and glue it along the side of the shelf to act as a stopper.

All parts are stained to achieve a cohesive look. Screws and hooks are installed on the sides of the cabinets and shelves to hang them off the wall brackets.

Aligning the brackets straight on the wall is crucial, and Svensson recommends using a cross laser. For this step of the installation, two people working together will be much easier.

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Once the wall brackets are up, it’s time to hang up the cabinets and shelves. “If you have cupboards, I recommend starting with them as these are a bit bulky and difficult to get in there,” she says. First, hang both cabinets at the bottom and then the shelves individually to complete the frame.

The result is a simple yet stylish wall storage system that fits any budget. Best of all, homeowners can decorate the finished shelf with plants, photos, or other accessories to reflect their unique style.

Her followers are impressed with her mid-century modern take on the IVAR, with her reel on Instagram clocking over 57,000 likes.

Following the success of the first project, she made a second system featuring a lower shelf and IKEA ENHET drawer fronts for the shelves. Using the drawer fronts makes it easier, as you’ll skip cutting and staining the wood boards. If you don’t need closed storage, this is a fabulous and easy DIY project for a wall-mounted shelving system.

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As the shelves are not supported in the middle, they are meant for decorative items and not heavy objects.

Svensson is not the only one enamored with the String shelf. Different takes of this modular shelving system have been featured on IKEA hackers. Here are two:

Cheapest string shelving ever

An IKEA shelf, shoe rack, and brackets to replicate the iconic string shelf.

• Cool DIY IKEA retro string shelving hack

String kitchen

A rare IKEA kitchen complemented with the String side panels.

• Faktum/Nexus “String” Kitchen

MCM-style wall-mounted shelving unit

• Mid-Century Modern Shelving from IKEA Rast

IKEA Slashed Their Prices: Here Are 33 Items We’re Adding To Cart

The furniture retailer has again risen to its budget-friendly reputation, slashing prices across various products, including a 20 percent cut on the popular BILLY bookshelf.

• IKEA Slashed Their Prices: Here Are 33 Items We’re Adding To Cart

The post The Iconic String Shelf inspired this IVAR Cabinet Hack appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Finding space to air dry clothes can be challenging in tiny apartments or laundry rooms. Instagram user @The.Robin.Wood shared a brilliantly simple solution — transforming an IKEA KALLAX shelving unit into a vertical DIY clothes rack.

There are many benefits to adding a clothes drying rack to your home. Not only do they provide versatile storage and display options, but clothing racks are also convenient for “refreshing” lightly worn clothes. Air out items not ready for the wash and extend their wear. This is ideal for casual clothes worn only for a short time.

Racks are also invaluable for planning outfits. Laying out your week’s worth of combinations on a clothes stand saves precious morning minutes spent deciding what to wear.

Clothes drying racks are perfect for delicate fabrics that shouldn’t be machine-dried, such as silk, wool, and lace items. After washing, hang them up to air dry.

Materials Used:

• 1 x IKEA KALLAX 1×2 shelving unit ($39.99)
• 4 x pine wooden batten (1×2 inch)
• Wooden dowel (or a broomstick?)

The Build:

1. Assemble the KALLAX unit following the instructions from IKEA. This provides a sturdy frame to work from.
2. Measure and cut the battens to the desired height for your DIY clothes rack.
3. Measure 8″ (20 cm) from the top of the batten and mark it. Then, use a spade drill bit to drill a hole through the batten. The hole should be large enough to admit the round dowel serving as the clothes rod for hangers. Repeat on the other three battens.
4. Now, screw two battens to one side of the KALLAX unit in an X formation. Use two screws at each connection point to secure the battens to the KALLAX.
5. Insert the wooden dowel through the holes to create a clothes rail.
6. To make the storage unit look even better, add extra wood boards to the KALLAX shelves and the top of the shelving unit. However, if you omit this step, the garment rack will work just as well.

This no-frills rack maximizes small vertical space without taking up floor area. The KALLAX frame keeps clothes neatly organized while air circulates. Best of all, the entire project is affordable and takes only an hour to complete.

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More ideas for your DIY clothes rack

You can further customize the project to suit your closet space.

• Add a series of hooks along the length of the wooden batten to hang up your bags, belts, or smaller items like jewelry.
• Go for a larger KALLAX 2×2 unit to add extra storage for purses or shoes.
• If you’re not keen on a wood clothing rack, you can opt for copper metal piping or PVC pipes.
• Paint the KALLAX unit and the wood battens to suit your home decor style.

For tight laundry rooms or closet spaces, The.Robin.Wood’s DIY garment rack is a space saver to achieve clutter-free drying. The IKEA hack proves big solutions sometimes come in simple wooden packages.

Ladder clothes rack

Toddler clothing rack using IKEA bottle racks

• DIY Clothing rack for toddlers

Retractable drying rack from old IKEA crib

• Drying rack made from old crib

The post Easy DIY Clothes Rack for Small Spaces appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Are you tired of hunching over to load the laundry? Instagram user @saskiaweerstand showed how she elevated her washing machine and dryer off the floor using IKEA kitchen cabinets. It’s a fantastic way to blend the laundry section with the kitchen, especially if you already use an IKEA kitchen.

Saskia was searching for affordable washing machine stands but found options were either too short or too expensive. Since she had experience assembling IKEA kitchen cabinets for her home, she came up with the idea of repurposing kitchen components for a custom DIY washer and dryer pedestal.

Furthermore, IKEA kitchen cabinets come in different textures and colors, so you can customize your laundry room to fit your home decor.

Materials You’ll Need for one Washer and Dryer Pedestal:

• 1x METOD Upper cabinet frame for fridge/freezer, white, 24″ x 24″ x 24″ (60 x 60 x 60 cm)
• 1x MAXIMERA Drawer, high, 24″ x 24″ / 60 x 60 cm
• 1x UTRUSTA pull-out work surface

Alternative to the METOD: Get the wider IKEA SEKTION 30″ x 24″ x 20″ wall top cabinet frame and corresponding 30″ x 24″ MAXIMERA drawer.

Building the Laundry Platform

1. Assemble the METOD top cabinet following IKEA instructions. This would provide a sturdy top surface.
2. Install the drawer at the lowest section for accessible storage. The drawer front Saskia used was 40 cm (15″) high, leaving a gap for the pull-out tray and space for a shelf with storage boxes.
3. Attach the UTRUSTA pull-out work surface to the inside of the cabinet for an extendable surface to place the laundry basket on while loading.
4. Set the finished cabinet in place and your washer and dryer on top for instant lifting that adds comfortable height for laundry tasks.

Saskia showed how, with minimal materials from IKEA, anyone can create a custom-sized laundry center workstation that makes the space much more functional. The affordable and straightforward IKEA hack is perfect for small laundry rooms or apartments.

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A post shared by Saskia Weerstand (@saskiaweerstand)

For those wondering whether the laundry appliances have “bounced off,” Saskia assures that the laundry appliances are doing fine and have not moved. Nevertheless, she notes this IKEA hack may not be suitable for all washers and dryers. She has a quiet washing machine that “does not walk” during cycles, which is a significant consideration for this DIY washer and dryer pedestal project.

For heavy machines or washing machines that produce significant vibration during spin cycles, the METOD cabinets alone may not provide enough stability without additional reinforcement.

Those with older or unbalanced load washers/dryers may want to consider adding rubber vibration pads between the machines and cabinet, locking casters, or bolting the unit to the wall for safety.

The hack works well for Saskia’s set-up, but homeowners should evaluate their own equipment’s vibration levels before attempting this hack without extra precautions. Vibrations over time could potentially cause the cabinet or machines to shift if not properly secured.

With its stability and storage, Saskia’s METOD cabinet laundry pedestal makes quick work of folding and transferring loads — at a fraction of the cost of ready-made options—an inspiring IKEA hack for any home.

Other washer-dryer pedestal hacks

A secondary kitchen with many laundry room cabinets for storage, including a platform for their front-loading washer and dryer combo. Lots of room to work.

• Hacking laundry room cabinets and washer-dryer pedestal

Laundry room makeover

A full laundry room makeover with a DIY pedestal with storage for the washer-dryer set. Discrete pull-out tray for easy loading and unloading.

• Laundry room: from derelict to delightful

TV bench hacked into laundry machine platform

The original washer/dryer pedestals cost around $275 each. So, why not IKEA hack it for the same price as one pedestal? An organized wash and dry zone.

• IKEA BESTÅ media center is now a washer/dryer pedestal

More laundry room ideas

Tips and ideas on how to use IKEA products, which may not necessarily be made for laundry, to make a laundry room look great.

• IKEA Laundry Room Ideas: How to Create a Functional and Stylish Space

FAQ on Washer and Dryer Pedestals

What are the benefits of using a washer-dryer pedestal?

A washer and dryer pedestal provides numerous benefits over having the appliances sit directly on the floor. It elevates the machines to a more ergonomic height for loading and unloading, preventing users from having to bend over or squat down. This can help reduce strain on the back and knees.

A pedestal also allows for additional storage space, providing a handy place to stash detergents, fabric softeners, baskets, and other laundry supplies within easy reach.

For smaller laundry rooms or apartments where counter space is limited, a pedestal keeps these items neatly tucked away while freeing up valuable surface area. Pedestals also protect flooring by lifting the machines slightly off the ground, reducing vibrations, noise, and wear and tear over time. Overall, a well-built pedestal creates a more organized and user-friendly laundry zone.

How much weight can a laundry pedestal support?

Most quality pedestals sold are designed to hold the weight of standard top-loading or front-loading washers and electric or gas dryers, usually between 100-250 lbs each. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.

Does a washer/dryer platform improve laundry room organization?

With built-in shelves and drawers, a pedestal makes doing laundry easier, with everything in one easy-to-access spot.

The post DIY Washer and Dryer Pedestals Upgrade Laundry Days appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive home remodeling projects. Most of the kitchen remodel cost is often associated with replacing cabinets. Suitable quality cabinets are costly, but replacing cabinets often also requires replacing countertops, making it a huge undertaking and extremely expensive. Painting cabinets is a great budget-friendly solution to updating your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Why Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets is a practical and budget-friendly alternative for several reasons:

1. Cost savings: Painting cabinets is significantly less expensive than replacing them during a home renovation. It allows you to achieve a fresh look and update aesthetics without the high cost of purchasing new cabinets.
2. Time savings: Painting cabinets is much faster than replacing them. Cabinet replacement involves demolition, installation, and potentially altering the kitchen layout, which can result in a more extended and disruptive renovation period. Painting, on the other hand, can be completed relatively quickly.
3. Customization: Painting allows for extensive customization. There are various paint colors and finishes to achieve the desired look, whether classic white, a bold color, or a trendy two-tone scheme.
4. Less disruption: Cabinet replacement shuts down the entire kitchen, making cooking challenging. Painting cabinets is less invasive, minimizing disruption to your daily routine.
5. Preserve decent cabinets: If your cabinets are in good structural condition but have a worn or outdated appearance, painting can help extend their lifespan and keep them functional. It’s a way to preserve the quality of well-built cabinets without the expense of replacement.
6. Less waste: Reusing existing cabinets by painting them is an eco-friendly option. It reduces the demand for new materials and the energy required to manufacture and transport them, contributing to a more sustainable approach to kitchen remodeling.

Apart from painting, you can also reface cabinets, which involves replacing the doors for a more updated look and painting or applying veneer to the cabinet frames to match the doors. 

Types of Cabinets

Depending on the age of your home or the previous owner’s tastes, you may have various types of cabinets in your kitchen. These are the most common types of cabinets you will encounter are:

1. Solid Wood Cabinets: Hardwood species such as oak, maple, or cherry are some of the most popular wood used to build cabinets – especially a few decades ago. They have their beauty with their natural and warm appearance, but with time and wear and tear, they can look dated.
2. Plywood Cabinets: Most of the cabinets built in recent years use plywood. They are strong and resistant to warping, as well as cost-effective. They can either be painted or have a wood veneer finish.
3. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): MDF cabinets are made from wood fibers and resin, compressed to create a dense, smooth surface. They are often used for painted cabinet doors because they offer a consistent finish.

Materials and Tools Needed To Paint Cabinets

The exact materials needed for the project will depend on the type of cabinets you have. 

Cleaners

Before painting, all the cabinets will need to be cleaned. Use a degreaser to remove dust, grime, and oil build-up on the cabinets.

Sandpaper and Sanding Supplies

Sanding is essential to remove the previous protective coats on the cabinets before you begin priming and painting. Medium-grit sanding blocks work well. Liquid Sandpaper is also a great option if you want a quicker technique.

Primer 

The primer you pick for the project is key and depends on the material and previous finish of the cabinet. 

• If you paint laminate cabinets, a shellac-based primer is your best choice. It grips the smooth surface, creating good adhesion between the cabinet and the paint.
• If painting unfinished cabinets, you can use any primer that seals wood.
• If painting previously stained hardwood or veneer cabinets, you should use a stain-blocking wood primer or an oil-based primer.

Paint

The quality of the paint will not only make the most significant difference in the final finish of the painted cabinets but will also affect how well they hold up to use.

While you can use oil-based, latex, or milk paint on the cabinets, it is highly recommended to use cabinet paint. This paint usually has a longer dry time and better flow, allowing for the paint to level and prevent brushstrokes. The best part is the soap and water clean-up. Once it dries, it is also extremely durable.

Painting Tools

The main tools you will need for painting cabinets are a good quality synthetic bristle angles brush and a mohair roller or a paint sprayer.

The mohair roller works great for a smooth finish if painting by hand. Using a paint sprayer will need some extra preparation, but it makes the entire process super quick.

Other Tools

In addition to the above, you will need:

• Painter’s tape to cover up any areas that do not need to be painted
• A paint pail or paint tray with liners
• Drop cloths
• Gloves to protect your hands
• Tack cloths to clean up sanding dust
• Cleaning cloths to help wipe off drips and hands; baby wipes work wonderfully for this

Preparing Cabinets for Painting

The first step to preparing your cabinets for painting is to remove the doors and drawers from the frames. Also, remove any hardware attached to the doors, drawer fronts, and hinges. Be sure to label all of these to keep track.

If you will not reuse the hinges, use wood filler to fill the screw holes. New hinges will require new holes.

Next, clean the door and the frame using a cleaning cloth dipped in mild soapy water. If the grime and build-up don’t come off, use a TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) solution to remove it and then rinse with clean water.

If the cabinet has an old protective coating, give a light sanding using medium grit sandpaper. Liquid sandpaper is a great quick option as well. If you paint laminate cabinets and use the shellac-based primer, you need a quick roughening up.

If you are using a paint sprayer, cover all the visible surfaces you do not want to get paint on with a plastic drop cloth. If you are using a brush and roller, you only need to cover the floor.

How To Paint The Cabinets

Apply at least two coats of primer using a roller or a paint sprayer. You may need three coats, depending on the color of the old cabinets. Sand between each coat with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe off all the dust before proceeding to the next coat.

Once the primer is dry, apply one coat of paint using either a roller or a paint sprayer. Once dry, sand lightly using fine-grit sandpaper, wipe off all the dust, and then apply a second coat of paint.

To paint the doors, lay them flat on risers and paint them. Start with painting the back of the doors. Once that has dried, you can move to the front of the doors.

To paint the drawers, lay them on the back with the drawer front flat and facing up. Paint the drawer front, the edges, and also the inside. You want to be careful not to get the paint on the drawer slides or the drawer box. Painter’s tape is a great way to ensure it doesn’t happen.

Once painted, allow the cabinet frames and the doors to dry completely. The drying time depends on environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. The fingernail test is the best way to check if the paint is completely cured – in an inconspicuous area, press your fingernail to see if it dents the paint. If it doesn’t, the paint is dry, and the cabinets are ready to be put back together.

Painting cabinets can seem like a long and tedious process, but the beautiful freshly painted cabinets and the cost savings make it completely worth it. The best part is that once you get tired of the color of your kitchen cabinets, you now know precisely how to change it!

Once all the doors and hardware are reassembled, the cabinets and, hence, the kitchen will have a completely new look and be ready to be the center of the home.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. 

The post Update Your Kitchen on a Budget by Painting Cabinets appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Your home is your haven. It’s where the heart is. We all want our homes to look and feel warm, inviting, personal, unique, and like an accurate representation of ourselves. The best way to make a home original is to add individual touches and create special features that elevate the home from builder’s grade average to personal and unique.

Finding a personal and unique decorating style can also be daunting and difficult, with so many ideas and products to choose from. But fundamental home design elements will get you on the road to a customized and original home.

The best thing is that DIY decorating can be quick and easy. Adding just the right accessories here and there can make a significant difference. And when you feel up to it, there are beginner DIY projects and easy IKEA hacks to pack a major punch for the effort they take.

DIY Home Decor Ideas 

Creating a personal and unique home doesn’t require a huge investment of time and money. You can incorporate many cheap home decor ideas and projects without spending precious time and money. Use these decorating tips to get your home from blah and uninspired to wow and bespoke.

Coordinate Your Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are the fabric elements of your room. From curtains to pillows and rugs to throw blankets, adding tactile elements warms up a space and makes it inviting and cozy.

Fabric accessories add color, pattern, and texture to a living room. Carefully choose your fabric elements’ style and ‘feel’ to make it personal.

Velvet and lace are feminine and luxurious, linen and sisal are great for a natural and down-to-earth style, while striped and gingham patterns fit perfectly with farmhouse design.

IKEA hacks to try:

• DIY boho chic pillow
• Hall of stripes! A hallway runner rug DIY
• Creating a wood quilt hanger turns an IKEA rug into a wall tapestry

Think About Your Lights

Natural light is the preferred light in any room, and finding ways to let in more natural light is the first step in creating a well-designed living space. But additional lighting will always be needed, which brings another way to customize our home decor.

Lamps and light fixtures are essential aspects of home decor and an easy way to add character to a room. From a beautiful vintage chandelier over a dining room table to subtle, indirect lighting that creates atmosphere and mood, there is always a perfect lamp for any space and use. Take an extra moment to think about your lighting plan before you add another lamp to your decor.

IKEA hacks to try:

• DIY Table with lamp attached
• 18 unusual IKEA table lamp hacks and ideas to try at home
• How to make a Rust Industrial Pendant Light

Add an Accent Wall

Creating a feature wall in your home is no longer challenging. So many wonderful self-sticking wallpapers are available today. From farmhouse to modern, and from classical patterns to natural textures, there is a wallpaper in every style.

If regular wallpaper sounds too dull, consider adding a photo wallpaper. The selection of photo wallpaper options grows bigger every day. From significant, extravagant flower patterns to tranquil and relaxing nature scenes, photo walls are hot and happening.

Another non-permanent way of adding a feature wall is by painting your wall. Painting one wall is an easy Saturday project. Go with a single accent color or use a decorative paint technique, like painting a wall to look like concrete. When you no longer like your painted wall, you can easily paint over it again.

IKEA hacks to try:

• IKEA HEMNES dresser refreshed with tropical wallpaper
• Foolproof way to hack a large abstract wall art
• IKEA IVAR cabinet in 2 different paint styles

Add in the Right Amount of Accessories

Decorative accessories are the perfect final touches to a room. You don’t need many to make a room feel finished and curated.

If you like adding more knick-knacks to your room, it is best to think about collections. Add similar or related accessories in groups to avoid a cluttered and haphazard look. Here are some decorative accessory ideas for you:

• A collection of similarly styled candle sticks on a fireplace mantel
• A tray with different coastal-style objects (think coral, driftwood, shells) on a coffee table
• A chunky vase with a bouquet on the dining table
• An assortment of baskets filled with hydrangeas on top of a wardrobe
• A shelf filled with all kinds of travel souvenirs

IKEA hacks to try:

• Gold match striker
• Marble jewelry tray

Update Your Room Seasonally

Changing your decorations seasonally is perfect for making your home feel fresh and up-to-date. Each season has signature elements and colors that invoke a unique atmosphere and mood.

For summer, think of polka dots and stripes, coastal decorations like coral and seashells, and textures like wicker and linen.

Think of pumpkins and pinecones, burlap and twine, and bouquets of fall leaves for fall decor.

In the winter season, add extra throw blankets and light candles. Put a simmer pot on the stove and hang some decorative wool-knitted gloves on a wall hook.

Spring is the season for nests and eggs, flowering spring bulbs, and light, fresh colors.

IKEA hacks to try:

• 3 Easy DIY Halloween Pumpkin Lantern Tutorials
• Seashell Crochet Lampshade to Inspire your next Crochet project
• Pole wrap turns basic IKEA cabinet into a stunning sideboard

Choose Your Wall Decor Carefully

The fastest way to make your home look and feel like every other home is by using ready-to-hang prints and posters. So instead, use original wall decor and hang it with care and consideration.

Finding original artwork is one way of decorating your walls, but if real wall art is outside your budget, there are other ways to decorate your walls with personality and flair. 

• Use wall hooks to hang straw hats and fedoras
• Curate a collection of original thrift store paintings with a common theme
• Make a boho-style feather wreath to hang on your wall
• Create a gallery wall with your pictures
• Use specialty frames to hang and swap your kids’ artwork

IKEA hacks to try:

• IKEA Wall Art to French Letter hack
• Foolproof way to hack a large abstract wall art
• How to DIY Easy Change Artwork Frames with IKEA picture frames

Add Something Unexpected and Quirky

Avoiding too much matching and coordinated design is crucial when you aim for personal and unique decorating. Start with your well-chosen color scheme, mix-and-match patterns and designs, and carefully curated collections of accessories and decorations. Then, step back and see where you can add the unexpected.

Every room needs a little bit of quirky humor and originality. If you use lots of neutral and light colors, add something black, like a wall lamp or candle holder. When your style is modern and minimalist, add something vintage and rustic, like a stack of old books or a signature clay pot.

Or use something unexpected to draw attention, like a side table made from a painted suitcase or a couple of baskets used as pendant lights.

IKEA hacks to try:

• Turn the IKEA Owl Lamp into a unique stone sculpture
• Donkey Kong Shelves: Japanese gamer shows us how to
• Man Unlocks Effortless Plant Care with This Clever DIY Self-Watering Planter Project

Finding Your Home Decor Style

If you are still determining your decorating style, it can help to investigate some popular home decor styles and their defining qualities and elements.

And remember, even when it comes to home decor styles, you can mix and match and selectively choose what works for you and leave the things that don’t resonate.

Traditional or Classical Style

Classic silhouettes, rich color palettes, and elegant patterns often characterize traditional home decor. It uses authentic antiques and luxurious materials like marble, lacquered wood, and heavy fabrics. This style incorporates timeless furnishings with symmetrical arrangements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Modern Style

Modern design emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and geometric shapes. Chrome and leather are signature materials, relying heavily on a neutral background with bold and contrasting colors featured in original artwork and selected accessories.

Vintage Style

The vintage style celebrates the charm and nostalgia of past eras, blending old and new elements for a timeless appeal. It is also known as Shabby Chic or French Country and has a feminine vibe. It often includes repurposed items and thrifted pieces meant to look distressed and previously used.

Minimalist Style

Minimalism prioritizes simplicity and functionality, often featuring a neutral color palette and minimal use of accessories. This design style creates a sense of calm and order and welcomes empty surfaces.

Industrial Style

Industrial design draws inspiration from factories and warehouses, embracing raw, unfinished elements such as exposed brick and metal piping. This style often includes vintage or repurposed materials.

Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse décor combines the cozy, rustic appeal of country living with a modern lifestyle. It often features natural materials, vintage items, and handmade accents. Farmhouse style favors a neutral color palette and uses used kitchen items as accessories.

Eclectic Style

Eclectic style is characterized by mixing various design elements, colors, and patterns. Rules are mostly there to be broken, allowing for a whimsical approach to decorating.

Finding Your Personality and Style

Customizing and personalizing your home decor is the best way to transform any house into a home.

We all want a home that resonates with our true selves and wraps around us like a warm favorite blanket. But finding our style and expressing it in our unique decor design can be challenging.

In a world of carefully curated and immaculately presented rooms on Instagram and Pinterest, with a constant influx of new design trends and must-have home decor products, staying true to a personal style is daunting.

But once you have found your decor style, it can become the beacon that helps you decide what is right and wrong for you and your home. It will take some research, experimenting, and redoing to get it right, but decorating any room will become much easier and more fun.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. 

The post DIY Home Decor Ideas To Make Your Home Personal and Unique appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Shopping at IKEA is fun again!

IKEA is known for its low prices and quirky assembly instruction manuals. However, in recent years, many customers have noticed a significant increase in the price of IKEA products. IKEA has attributed the price hike to rising costs of raw materials and supply chain issues brought about by the pandemic.

Has the company forgotten its original mission of providing affordable and accessible furniture? It seems not. The furniture retailer has again risen to its budget-friendly reputation, slashing prices across a range of products, including a 20 percent cut on the popular BILLY bookshelf.

Here are 33 of the best bargains, now at new lower prices, we’re making a beeline for.

BILLY bookshelf

Now: $69.00
Was: $89.00

The BILLY bookcase is one of IKEA’s most popular and beloved products, and for good reason. This bookcase is known for its versatility, durability, and affordability, making it a favorite among IKEA shoppers. And the BILLY is so hackable!

KALLAX inserts

Insert with 2 drawers
Now: $20.00
Was: $22.50

Insert with door
Now: $15.00
Was: $17.50

Time to get your KALLAX shelving unit organized with inserts. Add drawers or doors to the KALLAX to hide clutter and corral smaller items.

BRIMNES bed frame with storage

Now: $319.00
Was: $369.00

The BRIMNES bed frame with storage is a small-space darling. It features built-in storage drawers underneath the bed, which provides ample space for storing extra linens, clothing, or other items. The BRIMNES bed frame with storage has always been affordable. Now with the lower price, it’s even more irresistible.

BRIMNES cabinet

Now: $99.00
Was: $119.00

The BRIMNES range has the prices revised down. The 2-door cabinet is now under $100, just the right time to pick up a few for hacks like this glam credenza.

BRIMNES bookcase

Now: $129.00
Was: $149.00

Continuing with the BRIMNES, the bookcase is also a sturdy choice if you prefer open and closed shelving. Two drawers at the bottom are useful for organizing stationery, and remote controls if you’re using the cabinets for your entertainment center.

GLADOM side table

Now: $19.99
Was: $29.99

The GLADOM is one of IKEA’s best-selling side tables. With a removable tray, the side table is practical for the living room. You can also easily turn it into a two-tier table or add a touch of luxe to it.

HEJNE shelves

Now: $20
Was: $25

IKEA pine products are always a good thing to “add to cart”. DIYers have referred to these shelves as “raw material” — often turning the plain pine shelves into something more.

HÖGSMA cutting board

Now: $9.99
Was: $11.99

If you have the RÅSKOG trolley, this is a must-have. It fits nicely over the trolley tray, creating a flat top that you can use as a kitchen countertop extension.

HOPPVALS cellular blind

Now: $34.99
Was: $42.99

Featuring a honeycomb structure, this innovative window covering creates a layer of insulation that can help reduce heating costs. The air trapped inside the honeycomb cells acts as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping through the windows. Don’t wait until the cold weather sets in – stock up on HOPPVALS now to stay cozy all winter long.

IKEA 356+ 18-piece dinnerware set

Now: $59.99
Was: $69.99

The 18-piece all-white set is a classic choice that never goes out of style. Made of feldspar porcelain, these plates are both impact-resistant and durable, ensuring they’ll last for many gatherings to come. Whether you choose to use them plain or dress them up with accessories, this versatile dinnerware set is sure to elevate any meal.

IKEA 365+ 9-piece cookware set

Now: $89.99
Was: $129.99

The IKEA 365+ cookware set is a great option for those looking for a versatile, durable, and affordable cookware set that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. Made from stainless steel with a wide bottom, this cookware set gives an even and energy-efficient heat, which reduces the risk of food burning and sticking.

SVALKA wine glass, 6 pack

Now: $7.99
Was: $9.99

At only a little over $1 per unit, stock up on the SVALKA wine glasses for the year-end festive gatherings.

IVAR shelving unit

Now: $95
Was: $105

The IVAR is as IKEA as you can get. Made from solid pine, this modular system is adjustable and can grow with your changing needs. Whether you need a small storage unit or a larger one, the IVAR can be hacked to fit your space perfectly. Use it in the garage, living room, or any other room where you need extra storage. 

JOKKMOKK table with 4 chairs

Now: $199.99
Was: $249.99

The IKEA JOKKMOKK table with 4 chairs is a great option for those looking for an affordable and durable dining set that can fit into small spaces. Granted, it isn’t the most stylish of dining tables, but for the price and solid construction, the JOKKMOKK is worth every dollar.

KORKEN jar with lid

Now: $3.49
Was: $4.49

Want an organized pantry? This is it! Get Instagram influencers’ favorite containers in various sizes and decant away.

LACK TV bench

Now: $59.99
Was: $74.99

The LACK TV bench features a simple and modern design that can fit into a variety of decor styles. The clean lines and minimalist silhouette give the stand a contemporary look that won’t go out of style. It’s a media unit you can use until you get that designer bench you’ve been eyeing.

LAGKAPTEN / ALEX desk

Now: $219.97
Was: $249.98

Whether you’re working from home or simply need a designated space for studying, this ALEX desk combo is the perfect solution. With its combination of generous storage and a 2-feet deep tabletop, you can’t go wrong with this versatile desk setup.

MICKE desk

Now: $99.99
Was: $119

Small spaces love this compact desk. It fits just about anywhere and can be combined with other desks or drawer units in the MICKE series to extend your workspace and the usefulness of the MICKE desk.

POÄNG armchair

Armchair
Now: $119
Was: $129

Ottoman
Now: $60
Was: $70

The new price isn’t much lower; the POÄNG is worth buying even at the old price. It’s one of IKEA’s most durable designs with a timeless bentwood frame. The slight bounce gives the armchair a comfortable resilience and is just the armchair to unwind after a long day. Don’t forget to grab the ottoman for complete relaxation.

RÅGRUND shelf unit

Now: $74.99
Was: $84.99

Crafted from natural bamboo, the RÅGRUND shelf unit is not only durable but also perfectly suited for humid spaces like bathrooms. The bamboo adds warmth to the bathroom decor and creates a more tranquil space.

SAMLA box with lid

Now: $4.99
Was: $5.99

When it comes to practical storage solutions, the SAMLA range of boxes from IKEA is hard to beat. These boxes are not only functional but also affordably priced. With the ability to stack them one on top of the other, you can easily organize your belongings and maximize your storage space. Plus, the see-through design of the boxes makes it easy to identify the items stored inside, saving you time and hassle.

SEKTION cabinet with pull-out pantry

Now: $726
Was: $807

For those without a walk-in pantry, the UTRUSTA pull-out pantry organizer installed in a SEKTION high cabinet does a good job of storing your supplies. The baskets inside the cabinet pull out automatically when you open the door making it easy to access items in the back. Close the door, and it blends seamlessly with the rest of your IKEA kitchen cabinets.

SNIDAD basket

Now: $29.99
Was: $36.99

The basket went viral when a DIYer flipped it upside down and added a round wooden top to the basket. In just one simple step, it became an outdoor coffee table.

SNURRAD lazy susan

Now: $29.99
Was: $35.99

Hailed as a genius refrigerator helper, this lazy susan pulls out and revolves so you can see and reach the smallest jars at the back of the fridge.

STJÄRNBRÄCKA comforter, extra warm

Now: $79.99
Was: $99.99

Winter is coming. Stay warm with this extra warm comforter in full or queen size.

STRANDMON wing chair

Now: $299
Was: $369

A 1950’s classic that IKEA brought back. The high back of the chair is specifically designed to provide extra support for your neck, ensuring that you can relax in style without any discomfort. Whether you’re curling up with a good book or simply need a comfortable place to unwind after a long day, the STRANDMON high-back chair is the perfect choice.

TORNVIKEN kitchen island

Now: $399.99
Was: $459.99

The TORNVIKEN is the quickest way to add a kitchen island to your space.

FJÄLLBO TV unit

Now: $179.99
Was: $199.99

Say goodbye to the frustration of remote control signals not getting through with the FJÄLLBO TV unit. With its mesh doors, this unit not only adds a cool industrial vibe to your space but also allows for proper ventilation of electronic equipment.

LAUTERS lamp

Floor lamp
Now: $59.99
Was: $79.99

Table lamp
Now: $39.99
Was: $47.99

A stylish accent lamp made from recycled PET bottles with a solid wood base. Besides its sustainability factor, it can also be modified into something extraordinary like this vintage camera lamp.

RUDSTA glass-door cabinet

Now: $169.99
Was: $199.99

Pick this one up if you’re interested in making an indoor greenhouse.

STARKVIND table air purifier

Now: $199.99
Was: $269.99

A one-of-a-kind table, which may become a collector’s item. It’s a side table that improves indoor air quality at the same time. Talk about dual-purpose furniture!

TROFAST frame, white

Now: $59.99
Was: $69.99

The price of the white TROFAST frame is reduced by $10. The TROFAST is the go-to choice for toy storage and amazing hacks like this large LEGO table.

ALEX drawer unit

Now: $89.99
Was: $110

With its clean lines and simple design, the ALEX drawer unit is easy to mix and match with other decor styles, whether you’re using it to support a desk or as a standalone piece. The back of the bookcase is finished, which means you can place it in the middle of the room. With its unbeatable price, coming under $90, this is the perfect time to add it to your cart and complete your IKEA desk.

What do you think of IKEA’s new lower prices? Tell us in the comments.

The post IKEA Slashed Their Prices: Here Are 33 Items We’re Adding To Cart appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Tired of cluttered counters and misplaced items, one woman decided to tackle an organization project for her entrance hall. Unable to find the perfect narrow cabinet solution at local stores, she got creative with an IKEA furniture hack.

Frustrated by the lack of storage space between her bedroom and bathroom, Cristina Garcia transformed six IKEA MOPPE mini chests into a stylish and functional solution. With drawers placed strategically on the wall, she is now able to neatly organize all of life’s small accessories.

Hair accessories, jewelry, perfume bottles, socks, gloves, sunglasses and nail polish now have a dedicated home, keeping countertops clear and items easy to find. By taking on this DIY project with the IKEA cabinet, she gained much-needed storage and organization for her small-space entrance hall.

With the Apothecary Cabinet’s narrow design, it was the ideal option where other options had failed her. The transformation shows how resourcefulness and a little creativity can solve storage woes where retail offers did not.

Proper measurement and prep work is key for a sturdy finished project. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for making apothecary drawers using IKEA MOPPE mini chests:

IKEA items used:

• 4 MOPPE mini chests (large)
• 2 MOPPE mini chests (small)
• 4 STUBBARP wood legs in white (two pairs)

Other materials:

• White paint
• Solid wood board for base and for top (45.2″ x 15.6″ x 0.6″ thickness / 115 cm x 40 cm x 1.5 cm thickness)
• Frosted glass for top (cut to measure, optional)
• Small nails/screws
• Wood glue

DIY IKEA Apothecary Cabinet

Steps:

1. Lightly sand the IKEA MOPPE mini chests and paint the chest frame and drawer fronts in your preferred color. Allow to fully dry.
2. Measure and cut the wood boards for the base and top. The wooden board for the bottom “A” of the drawer units should be slightly wider than the chests (6.7 inches / 17cm). The top board “B” should overhang the chests (9.05 inches / 23cm). Sand and paint these boards as well.
3. Attach the IKEA STUBBARP legs to the underside of the wood board “A” using screws. Make sure they are evenly spaced. To further support the unit, especially if you intend to use it for heavier items, you can add a leg in the middle.
4. Assemble the mini chests side by side on a flat surface using wood glue between each chest. Nail or screw the chests together for stability. Cristina assembled 3 MOPPE chests in one row.
5. Place and secure the first row of assembled chest units on top of the wooden board base “A”. Then stack the second row on top. Secure the rows with wood glue.
6. Position and secure the top board, leaving space for the wall at the back.
7. Optional: Place frosted glass on top for a finished look.
8. Your IKEA apothecary cabinet is now complete!

Cristina loves her apothecary storage cabinet but if were to do it all over again, she says, “I would have added another pair of legs in the middle. But, for now, the wooden base is sturdy enough to hold the weight.”

Adding drawer pulls with labels

Drawer pulls with labels are a popular with DIY apothecary cabinets. If you’re using the storage unit like a library file cabinet organizer, the labels are a useful addition to this IKEA hack.

1. The MOPPE drawers come with cut holes to open up the drawers. If you would like to add handles or knobs, flip the drawers around so that the cut holes are facing inward.
2. Then, measure and mark where you want the handle holes to be located on each drawer front. The holes should be centered vertically and spaced evenly horizontally.
3. Carefully drill holes in the marked locations using a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the handles. Test fit the handles and make any minor adjustments to the hole positions as needed.
4. Use short screws to secure the handles to the drawers.
5. Handles provide a polished finishing touch and allow for easy access to each storage compartment. Take time to accurately mark and cut matching handle holes for a professional, built-in look.

Styling the IKEA Apothecary Cabinet

Here are some additional ways to style the apothecary cabinet beyond painting:

Stain

Staining the wood a dark, antique color like walnut or mahogany can give it a vintage, farmhouse aesthetic. Test stains on scraps first.

Gloss

For a modern look, consider a high-gloss white or gray paint with sleek metal handles. Polish the surface for a high-end feel.

Decorative knobs

Add decorative knobs, handles or pulls in brass, gold or silver for visual interest and contrast. Choose styles that suit your interior design preferences.

Decoupage

Get crafty by decoupaging patterned paper on the drawer fronts or sides. Floral, botanical and geometric prints can introduce personality. For a natural element, apply removable contact paper with a wood grain or stone texture on the surfaces. Peel off cleanly later if desired.

Personalized style

Upgrade with glass or marble shelves or panels inset on sides, doors or the top. This brings luxury and light into the space.

Consider distressing or aging painted surfaces with sandpaper or steel wool for shabby-chic charm. Apply wax or topcoat after.

The cabinet’s style options are endless – get inspired and let your creativity shine through customized finishes.

The post Tiny Chests turned into a Space Saving IKEA Apothecary Cabinet You’ll Love appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Scent can powerfully affect our mood and well-being. But candles and essential oil diffusers aren’t the only way to fill your home with beneficial fragrances. Simmer pots offer an easy, natural method for aromatherapy and work as a natural air freshener.

A simmer pot is a vessel filled with water, herbs, spices, citrus peels, flowers, and other aromatic ingredients. Gentle, low heat releases the essential oils and fragrances from these plants to fill the air with scent. The ingredients infuse the water with their essence as they mingle together.

Simply add your chosen elements to a pot of water, cover, and simmer on the stove over low heat. As the water gently bubbles, the rising steam will carry the aromatic compounds throughout your home. Once the water has evaporated, a quick rinse of the pot, and you can create a new scent.

Simmer pots provide soothing sensory stimulation. The bubbling sound and savory aromas are warm and welcoming. You can customize mixes to energize, relax, uplift, or calm yourself. The creative possibilities are endless. As an added bonus, they don’t contain any chemicals!

When simmering, the goal is gentle, sustained heat. This allows flavors to meld and the ingredients to release their fragrance over time. To achieve this, a simmer pot should:

• Distribute heat evenly. Hot spots lead to scorching.
• Be heavy-duty. Thin pots can warp and scald ingredients.  
• Be made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron. These materials are durable and low-maintenance.

IKEA Cookware for Aromatic Simmer Pots

IKEA offers an affordable way to get started with simmer pots for diffusing essential oils and fragrances at home. While you don’t need specialized equipment, IKEA has ample options to create an aromatic sanctuary on a budget.

What to Look For

For dispersing scents effectively, a simmer pot should:

• Heat evenly. Inconsistent hot spots will burn ingredients.
• Be heavy-bottomed. This helps retain heat at a low simmer.
• Work on both stove and oven. The oven can be used to intensify aromas.
• Have a wide surface area. More space for ingredients to mingle and release fragrance.

IKEA Pot Picks

Both stainless steel and cast iron IKEA pots can provide even, gentle heating that is ideal for simmering aromatics.

The IKEA 365+ stainless steel pots in 3qt, 5qt, and 16qt sizes have durable stainless steel construction with aluminum cores for quick, even heating. Their lids help retain moisture and heat. The wide bottoms on the 3qt and 5qt sizes are perfect for a small amount of aromatics.

The HEMKOMST 3.2qt stainless steel pot has a glass lid to monitor cooking and a spout for easy pouring.

For cast iron, the VARDAGEN 3L enameled cast iron pot offers even heating and heat retention. Their enameled cast iron construction requires seasoning but becomes naturally non-stick over time. The compact 3L size is well-suited to simmering.

IKEA Pots to Avoid for Simmering

IKEA’s carbon steel and aluminum pots should be avoided for slow, gentle simmering of aromatics.

The carbon steel options, like the VARDAGEN frying pan, can warp permanently when exposed to low, prolonged heat, as the thinner material is prone to warping away from the heat source.

The KAVALKAD aluminum sauce pans are also not ideal, as aluminum is highly conductive and lightweight, making temperature regulation difficult.

For simmering, you need a heavier material like stainless steel or enameled cast iron that will heat evenly.

Instead, opt for thicker, more durable options like HEMKOMST or SENSUELL when selecting an IKEA pot for simmering essential oils and botanicals. The small extra investment will pay off with better fragrance dispersal and longevity of your simmer vessel. Steer clear of lightweight pots that feel flimsy.

Prepping IKEA Pots

Before simmering, prepare IKEA pots:

• Wash thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove manufacturing residues.
• Remove labels and decorate the exterior to make it a visually soothing part of your space.
• Run 1-2 rounds of plain water to hydrate and seal the metal. Discard the water after each cycle.

How to make a simmer pot 

The gentle heat of a simmer pot allows Nordic flavors to develop fully. Here’s how:

1. Add your fragrant ingredients to the pot.
2. Cover with water and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low to keep the scent going. It should be a gentle simmer.
4. Check back regularly and add more water if needed.

Try these recipes to add warmth and comfort with IKEA cookware:

Warming Cinnamon Apple Simmer Pot

Simmer sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange slices in water in an IKEA 356+ pot for a comforting autumn aroma.

Soothing Lavender Vanilla Simmer Pot

Place dried lavender buds, vanilla beans, and lemon slices in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven with water. Simmer gently to scent the air.

Uplifting Citrus Spice Simmer Pot

Fill a pot with water, whole cloves, sliced ginger, and orange peel trimmings. Let mingle on low heat for a bright, festive room fragrance.

Calming Chamomile Simmer Pot

Steep chamomile flowers, rosemary, and mint leaves in a large pot on low heat. The potpourri will infuse the home with relaxing aromas.

Sweet Simmer Potpourri

Simmer cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, allspice berries, and pineapple peels in a HEMKOMST stock pot for a tropical, spiced scent.

Saving or Disposing of Ingredients

Once you have finished simmering, you can drain and save the ingredients for future use. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Ingredients can be reused for up to a week or until they lose their scent.

Once ingredients have lost their scent or you are done using them, they can be composted or thrown away. 

Skål to simmering success!

The post Simmer Pot Secrets: Choosing the Perfect Pot for Your Recipe appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Anne’s journey with the IKEA SMÅGÖRA changing table is a tale of finding a place for a piece of furniture the kids have outgrown.

Now more about the SMÅGÖRA changing table. This IKEA changing table, like a few others in the range, is designed to evolve as the child grows. When the child outgrows the changing table, it can be easily transformed into a spacious bookshelf, prolonging the lifespan of the piece of furniture.

So, Anne turned it into a bookshelf, but it wasn’t what they needed. Despite this, they didn’t want to get rid of it.

Enter their daughter’s wardrobe dilemma — their daughter needed a place to hang her dresses, and Anne’s mom had given them a bunch of cute children’s clothes hangers from her childhood. She wanted to use the hangers and found that the changing table was the perfect solution.

IKEA items used: 

• SMÅGÖRA changing table
• SMÅSTAD doors
• BEGRIPA handles
• HJÄLPA hinges
• HJÄLPA clothes rail
• PLUTT adhesive hooks
• and a little SKUBB box that sits snugly in the bottom 

Other materials and tools:

• Mirror foil for inside the door
• Stickers

Repurpose Changing Table to Kids Wardrobe: 

Here are the steps Anne took to repurpose the IKEA changing table into a kids’ wardrobe:

1. Firstly, she removed the top portion of the SMÅGÖRA changing table, leaving it in its “bookcase form.” You can also add doors at this stage and turn the changing table into a storage cabinet.

2. Anne wanted space to hang up her daughter’s dresses, so she removed the middle shelf. While at it, she removed the wavy, ornamental part at the bottom as it would be in the way of the hinges. (It also wouldn’t have much use on the inside of the doors.) 

3. With the space now cleared, she installed the clothes rail. (Tip: If you push the tiny washers out of the side connector pieces, you can screw the clothes rail straight into the cabinet without using the side supports it calls for).

4. Next, she covered the inside of one of the doors with mirror foil to mimic a mirror door.

5. Installed the door handles and hinges. 

6. She covered up all the unused holes with stickers. “Thankfully, my daughter has lots of stickers!” she says.

7. Added LED lights for a fancy touch and put mirror foil on the back of the closet to enhance the effect.

10. Lastly, she added the final touches and hung up all her pretty dresses. Done! 

Her 3-year-old daughter loves it so much. She loves playing dress up and was super excited to see the pictures of her little friends.

How long and how much did it cost?

This took about a day to install. The mirror foil was 14€, and the total cost of the IKEA items was 160€, considering I already owned some. 

What do you like most about the hack?

I love how little space it takes up in my daughter’s tiny room and how it’s like a grown-up’s wardrobe. 

What was the most challenging part about repurposing the changing table?

The hardest part was installing the hinges. It called for an impromptu trip to the IKEA showroom to measure where the screw holes are on a PLATSA wardrobe (they’re 3cm from the edge). 

What to pay special attention to?

When installing the hinges, I noticed that a plastic cam-lock nut blocks the exact position to drill into the cabinet, but I just offset it down a bit and compensated when adjusting the hinges. 

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

I wouldn’t have bothered with the LED lights because they’re not bright enough to stand out. 

So, the next time you encounter a piece of furniture that no longer serves its original purpose, don’t be quick to discard it. Instead, take a page from Anne’s book and consider how it can be repurposed, reimagined, and reintroduced into your life, weaving a new chapter into your own story and creating a more sustainable, personalized, and meaningful living space. The possibilities are as limitless as your creativity, and the results can be as surprising.

The post How to Repurpose a Changing Table into a Beautiful Kids’ Wardrobe appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Your home is an extension of your unique self, so give your living space the high-end treatment it deserves by decorating it with these ten luxury home decor touches.

Luxury home touches go beyond stylish decorations and furnishings, though those are a great starting point. Take things further by transforming unexpected spaces like bathrooms and spare bedrooms into relaxing and upscale retreats.

Creating an inviting living space that feels like a five-star escape is easy with these top luxury home decor products and decorating accessories. 

1. Hanging and Standing Mirrors

Mirrors are some of the most accessible luxury decor touches you can purchase to instantly brighten your home and make it feel larger. Whether you have limited space and need to stick with hanging mirrors or love the look of an oversized floor mirror, there’s no wrong way to incorporate mirrors into your home. 

Large, ornate floor mirrors have become a trendy choice for living spaces because they add elegance to any room. You can easily style a floor mirror in bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms. 

Many shoppers gravitate towards stores like Anthropologie that have capitalized on the trend with sizable framed mirrors. If you’re shopping for modern home decor items on a budget, many affordable luxury brand alternatives offer Anthropologie mirror dupes that will give you the same chic look for less. 

2. Bold Art Wall

If you have a blank wall in your home that you’re struggling to decorate, consider creating an art or gallery wall. There are many ways to incorporate this trend, including black-and-white photo walls and eclectic wall art collections. Whatever your style preferences, a decorative wall of mix-and-match photos and art prints is a great way to liven up your space.

Try to stick with a cohesive theme for your gallery wall, so all the pieces tie together without looking random or mismatched. Consider the colors, patterns, and styles of photos or prints you plan to use and play around with placement to find the perfect design for your art wall decor. Stylish picture frames are a fun addition to your home art wall and give you some freedom to experiment with textures, shapes, and materials.

3. Luxurious Bed Frames

Your mattresses deserve the luxury treatment, too! Invest in quality bed frames for your primary and guest bedrooms to instantly elevate the space. The college days are over, and it’s time to purchase a durable bed frame to get your mattress off the floor. 

Bed frames come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find an option that’s functional and well-made without compromising aesthetics. 

Remember, bed frames can be a big financial commitment, so do plenty of research to ensure your pick will fit your needs. Many home decor stores offer budget-friendly alternatives to high-end frames, like these Cloud bed frame dupes, to help you save money. 

You can pair your bed frames with elegant headboards, bedding, and bedside accent tables to channel the five-star hotel look.

4. Barista-Quality Coffee at Home

Cookware and home appliances might not be the first things that come to mind when considering upscale decorative accents for your home collection, but they should be. Every luxury home needs a fully automatic espresso machine to energize your family and guests. While automatic espresso machines can be a splurge, they pay off in the long run since you won’t be ordering coffee out as often.

An automated espresso machine makes barista-quality drinks from home, so it’s worth the investment even if you’re not a coffee connoisseur. There can be a learning curve as you get used to operating a high-end espresso machine, but the delicious results will blow you away. Nothing screams luxury like a hot cup of espresso first thing in the morning, so treat yourself to an artisan espresso machine that can do it all.

5. Chic Dining Chairs

Every home needs a set of dining chairs, so why not invest in stylish and high-quality accent furniture pieces that can transform the look of an entire room? Whether you have a formal dining room or a cozy breakfast nook, having at least two chic and comfortable dining chairs or barstools is essential to enjoy your meals in style. If you love to entertain, dining chairs are a must-have home decor item since they also provide extra seating for guests.

The overall look of your home and lifestyle needs will heavily influence the style of dining chair you choose. Upholstered chairs, for instance, are a beautiful addition to any dining space but tend to be expensive and prone to stains. Woven wicker dining chairs have been a top pick in recent years, thanks to companies like Serena & Lily that have popularized the rattan chair trend. With so many luxurious dining chairs available, it’s easy to find the seating of your dreams.  

6. Warm Lighting

Lighting can impact a living space more than you realize, so choosing practical but stylish fixtures is essential. 

Standing lamps are an excellent option to make a bold statement and give a room plenty of light. If you prefer the warmth of smaller light sources, spruce your house up with a few table lamps. Vogue suggests paper and fabric lighting options to give rooms soft, ambient light that isn’t too harsh.

Candles give your home a cozy, luxurious feel and create a more intimate atmosphere. You can also get creative in finding stylish candleholders that fit your home’s style. 

Outdoor lighting is as essential as the lights inside your home because it improves curb appeal. Lanterns and decorative sconces are essential home and garden decor pieces to give your house personality and stand out.

7. Heated Bathroom Fixtures

Bathrooms are an underrated area for adding hints of luxury to your home, but they’re some of the most practical places to cultivate an upscale atmosphere. Your bathroom should be a peaceful sanctuary where you can start and end your day on a relaxing note. Create a spa-like environment with heated accents that will keep you toasty year-round.

Say goodbye to cold tile floors by investing in under-floor heating to help your space feel warm and inviting, even on chilly mornings. Heated tile floors are a functional way to elevate the elegance of your bathroom that will pay off for years to come. 

Heated towel racks are another simple luxury home decor touch that goes a long way. What’s more lavish than wrapping yourself in plush, warm towels after a refreshing shower? 

8. Wellness Room 

If you have an available room in your home, consider transforming it into a wellness room. Designating a quiet and peaceful space in your house makes it easy to unwind without booking an expensive spa day or wellness retreat. You can use your wellness room for anything that makes you feel re-centered and relaxed, like meditation, yoga, and journaling.   

Incorporate soothing elements like plants, rocks, and water to create a natural indoor oasis. Mini sculpture figurines, decorative fountains, and handcrafted pottery pieces make great ways to decorate your home wellness area. We also suggest accenting the space with throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and cushions or poufs for plenty of versatility. 

Every luxe home deserves a safe space where you can escape the chaos of daily life, and wellness rooms are an easy way to achieve this.  

9. Kitchen Wine Fridge

Impress your dinner guests by adding a wine fridge to your kitchen to store your favorite red, white, and rosé wine bottles. This kitchen appliance may be small, but it packs a serious punch. Considering how much time we spend cooking, drinking, and creating memories in the kitchen, it’s worth investing in functional kitchenware gadgets that amp up the sophistication.

Even if you aren’t a wine connoisseur, keeping bottles on hand when entertaining and hosting guests is a nice touch. You can also stock the fridge with champagne to celebrate special occasions and accomplishments in luxury. 

You’ll be the best dinner party host in town by furnishing your kitchen with a wine fridge.

10. Natural Greenery

The last unique home decor touch we recommend adding to your living space is various greenery accents. Publications like House Digest suggest bringing the outdoors inside to give your home a natural and sustainable aesthetic in 2023. 

Faux indoor topiaries and live plants can give areas like your entryway a refreshing touch of botanical beauty. You can also stock your home with glassware like vases and jars to spruce up your bedside table or coffee table with live flower and plant centerpieces.

Giving your house a touch of greenery on the exterior is easy, thanks to planters and wreaths. Research what plants will thrive in your environment and invest in quality pots and planters that will always stay in style. Greenery gives your home an effortlessly inviting feel, making it a must in any luxury living space. According to Piedmont Healthcare, keeping indoor plants has scientifically proven health benefits, including better air quality and reduced stress levels.  

These luxury home accents and decor ideas will instantly elevate your living space, creating a peaceful escape you look forward to enjoying daily.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. 

The post 10 Luxury Home Decor Touches To Elevate Your Living Space appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

IKEA has taken a significant step towards improving furniture safety. A week ago, the Swedish home furnishing giant announced its inaugural patent pledge, offering its Anchor and Unlock innovation for broader adoption.

This innovative feature is designed to enhance furniture stability, specifically addressing the prevention of tip-over incidents, aligning with IKEA’s ongoing commitment to customer safety.

At the core of IKEA’s initiative is the VIHALS chest of drawers, the first global product to feature Anchor and Unlock. This technology aims to reduce the risk of furniture tip-overs and represents a notable step in IKEA’s journey to enhance the stability of clothing storage furniture.

Tragic history

IKEA has weathered several incidents of furniture tipping over in recent years. These incidents have prompted the company to take action to improve safety.

In response, IKEA has launched several initiatives, including the recall of millions of dressers and other furniture items, as well as the implementation of new safety measures and warnings on its products.

The company has also launched a national campaign to educate consumers on the importance of anchoring furniture to prevent tip-over accidents. While IKEA has taken steps to address this issue, it remains a sobering reminder of the importance of furniture safety and the need for consumers to take precautions to protect themselves and their families.

Prioritizing Safety: The Anchor and Unlock Innovation

IKEA firmly believes in securing clothing storage furniture to the wall for maximum safety. The Anchor and Unlock feature encourages customers to properly anchor their chests or dressers. When correctly anchored, the unlock mechanism enables users to open multiple drawers simultaneously. Without proper anchoring, only a limited number of drawers can be accessed. This feature not only minimizes tip-over risks but also emphasizes the importance of wall anchoring for chest of drawers.

The VIHALS chest of drawers is the first IKEA product to incorporate Anchor and Unlock. Customers can choose from three versions, including a 4-drawer chest and two 6-drawer dressers, all part of the VIHALS storage solutions range for a cohesive home look.

Marie Klaesson, Manager for Range Area Bedroom Furniture at IKEA of Sweden, stated, “VIHALS is just the beginning. In the years ahead, we will continue to develop products with innovative stability features for our global customers. Each product will offer a tailored solution, incorporating different features and innovations.”

Continuing the Stability Journey: GREÅKER Cabinet

IKEA’s commitment to safety extends to its recently introduced GREÅKER cabinet, which features custom hinges designed to open at a controlled angle, further enhancing stability. Like other IKEA products, GREÅKER should always be anchored to the wall to ensure maximum safety.

A Pledge for Collaboration

IKEA, with its 80 years of experience in improving life at home, has accumulated a wealth of patented inventions related to clothing storage furniture stability. Carl Ervér, patent manager at IKEA of Sweden, commented, “At IKEA, we value our innovations and protect them through patents. However, in this case, we hope others will consider adopting Anchor and Unlock for their products too. For us, clothing storage furniture stability is about collaboration rather than competition.”

IKEA’s patent pledge outlines the terms under which others can adopt the Anchor and Unlock innovation, aiming to encourage furniture manufacturers to follow suit. For more details, visit the patent pledge page on IKEA.com.

Embracing Innovation: IKEA’s Commitment

IKEA’s journey of innovation continues, as it remains dedicated to developing clothing storage furniture with new stability benefits and features. All IKEA chests of drawers currently meet industry standards in markets where they are sold and are safe when properly anchored, following assembly instructions.

For decades, IKEA has included tip-over restraints with taller chests of drawers and other products, emphasizing the importance of wall anchoring. The goal is to make anchoring furniture second nature to customers.

IKEA looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the industry, legislators, regulators, standard-setting committees, consumer safety advocates, and customers to promote safe furniture use and create safer homes.

With a commitment to designing products that withstand the rigors of everyday life, IKEA strives to make homes a safer place for everyone.

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Teresa Casamonti shares two ways to hack an affordable and functional Montessori rotating bookshelf for her kids using IKEA pieces and some wood boards.

A rotating bookshelf is a great way to encourage young children to read and engage with books. A rotating bookcase promotes independence and autonomy by allowing children to easily access and choose their books.

It also helps to keep books organized and within reach, making it easier for children to find and select the books they want to read. Additionally, a rotating bookshelf can be a fun and interactive addition to a child’s playroom or bedroom, adding an element of excitement and playfulness to the space.

A rotating bookshelf is an excellent investment in your child’s education and development and can help foster a lifelong love of reading.

1. Round Rotating Bookshelf

This DIY project is perfect for book-loving toddlers, allowing them to access and choose their favorite books easily. The bookshelf has two levels, making it ideal for younger children.

She says in her Instagram caption that she’s been looking for a cheap alternative to rotating bookshelves for a long time and finally made her own with this easy IKEA hack.

To create the bookshelf, you’ll need three IKEA SNUDDA lazy susans, but it can also be made with one IKEA SNUDDA lazy susan and 2 round wood boards of the same size.

The process involves cutting the wood pieces to form the center cross pieces, attaching them to the lazy susans, and securing the round tops. Get the wood pieces cut at your local hardware store like Home Depot if you don’t have the right tools for the job.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a rotating bookshelf using IKEA SNUDDA lazy susans.

Materials for a rotating bookshelf:

• 3 x IKEA SNUDDA lazy susan
• 38 cm x 28 cm (15″ x 11″) plywood board x 2
• 18 cm x 28 cm (7″ x 11″) plywood board x 4
• Paint

Step 1:

Cut the wood pieces for the center vertical pieces. For each level, you’ll need one long piece and two short pieces to form a cross.

Step 2:

Stand a long wood piece across the center of the lazy susan and draw a line down the left and right sides to indicate the wood piece’s thickness. Drill two pilot holes where the screws should go. To make it easier, use double-sided tape to fix the vertical pieces to the round top before screwing them to the round top. This will help keep the boards in place.

Step 3:

Screw in the long wood piece to the lazy susan. Repeat the same steps for the two side pieces. Now, you should have a cross on the lazy susan.

Step 4:

Remove the rotating base from the second SNUDDA lazy susan. Lay it on the first cross and mark where the vertical pieces meet the second SNUDDA top. To secure the round top, drill down from the surface of the lazy susan into the vertical piece below.

Step 5:

Now place the remaining vertical pieces on the second SNUDDA top and mark where they should go. Drill pilot holes and repeat the process.

Step 6:

Lastly, add the last SNUDDA lazy susan on top. Again, this should have the base removed.

Step 7:

Cover up the exposed screw heads with wood filler. Sand the entire rotating bookshelf to remove any sharp edges and splinters. Paint the bookcase in the color you want. Teresa’s revolving bookshelf is painted in MissPompadour’s soft green.

Let dry, and fill the cubbies with your kids’ favorite books. It’s a fun and functional addition to any playroom or kids’ bedroom. It will make a fantastic end table in a reading nook or a practical storage unit for remote controls and decorative items.

2. Tall vertical rotating bookshelf

Teresa’s DIY rotating tall bookcase not only looks fantastic but is also incredibly easy to assemble, making it an excellent project for anyone to replicate. This space-saving bookshelf is taller and best suited for older children. Its freestanding slim design allows it to fit into unused corners, such as at the end of a bed.

The front-facing book display lets children browse and select their books quickly.

Its compact size makes it easy to store and move around as needed. The book stand is renter-friendly and useful where you can’t put up wall shelves or built-in bookshelves.

If you’re making this for adults, you can go taller. Or ditch the wheelbase altogether and go for a leaning modern book rack.

Materials for a tall rotating bookshelf:

• 1 x wooden board (120cm x 55cm / 47″ x 21.6″)
• 1 x wooden board (55cm x 26cm / 21.6″ x 10″)
• IKEA MOSSLANDA picture ledge x 6
• Caster wheels x 4

Step 1:

Measure a distance of 40 cm (15.7″) between each picture ledge and install the picture ledges to the wood board.

Step 2:

The picture ledges at the bottom should be installed flush to the edge of the wood board.

Step 3:

Screw in the small wooden board under the bottom picture ledges to stabilize the structure.

Step 4:

Install the caster wheels on the small wood board. With the wheels, you can move the bookshelf anywhere and roll it into any room.

Step 5:

Sand down and paint it as you like.

Step 6:

Display books on the shelves, front-facing.

Which rotating bookshelf do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.

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