That cheap bookshelf from IKEA doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s anymore. With the right techniques and materials, high end ikea hacks can transform basic furniture into pieces that rival expensive designer brands.
The secret lies in understanding which IKEA pieces have the best bones for transformation. Smart DIYers know that items like the KALLAX shelving unit, HEMNES dressers, and IVAR shelving system offer solid construction that can handle serious upgrades.
These aren’t your typical Pinterest projects that fall apart after a few months.
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Built In Sage Green Wardrobe Transformation
This stunning sage green built-in wardrobe shows how a basic Ikea Platsa system can become something completely luxurious with the right modifications. The rich green paint color and custom paneling transforms the plain wardrobe doors into what looks like expensive custom millwork.
The brass round knobs add that perfect finishing touch that screams high-end design, while the four lower drawers provide tons of practical storage. @haswellhouse really nailed the proportions by extending the unit all the way to the ceiling for maximum impact.
You could easily recreate this look with different paint colors like navy blue or charcoal gray, or even switch out the brass hardware for black pulls for a more modern vibe.
Grid Pattern Makeover Transforms Basic Ikea Bench
This Ikea Svansbo vintage bench got a complete personality transplant with some clever tiling. The black and white geometric design turns what used to be a plain surface into something that looks like it belongs in a fancy design magazine.
The transformation by @j.e.s.s.i.c.4 shows how simnple materials can completely change your furniture’s vibe. You could try different grid sizes or even swap the colors to match your room’s palette.
Those clean white legs already had that modern minimalist look, but now the checkered top makes the whole piece feel intentional and expensive.
Sage Green Pantry Gets Luxurious Storage Upgrade
This gorgeous sage green pantry transformation proves that basic Ikea rails can look absolutely stunning with the right approach. The genius behind this makeover used Ikea Hultarp rails in a sophisticated sage green that makes everything look way more expensive than it actually was.
What really makes this work is how @frankie_jayne.home painted the entire space in that same calming sage tone, creating a cohesive look that feels totally custom. The brass accents on the rail system add that perfect touch of warmth against the cool green walls.
You could easily recreate this look by spray painting your own Hultarp rails in any color that matches your space, or even try a contrasting metallic finish for more drama.
Custom Wood Slat Panels Transform Basic Storage
This entryway proves that adding vertical wood slats can make any IKEA cabinet system look like it costs thousands of dollars. The natural wood tone creates this amazing contrast against the crisp white cabinets, and it instantly makes everything feel more expensive and architectural.
What makes this hack so clever is how @cozynized used the slats to hide storage while creating a designated hanging zone for daily essentials. The combination of closed storage below and open hanging space above just makes so much sense for busy families.
You could easily recreate this by mounting thin wood strips vertically on any flat surface and adding a simple black hanging rod.
Bold Red Billy Bookcase Gets Statement Makeover
This vibrant red transformation proves that the humble Ikea Billy bookcase can become a showstopping focal point with just some paint and vision. The rich crimson color creates such a dramatic backdrop for books and treasures, making everything pop against it’s bold surface.
What makes this hack from @rosieandthefarm so clever is how the red paint completely changes the bookcase’s personality from basic to brilliant. The brass knobs on the bottom cabinets add that perfect touch of sophistication that elevates the whole piece.
You could easily recreate this look with any high-quality red paint and some new hardware for under fifty dollars.
Cane Webbing Transforms Basic Bunk Beds
This Ikea Kura bed transformation proves that natural textures can make budget furniture look like a custom piece. The genius here is adding cane webbing panels to the headboard and side railings, which gives it that expensive boutique hotel vibe that costs way less than buying a designer bunk bed.
The warm terracotta curtains underneath create a cozy reading nook while hiding storage perfectly. @huisje.volgeluk nailed the color palette by mixing dusty pink tones with natural wood and woven textures.
You could easily swap the cane webbing for bamboo screening or even fabric panels if your looking for different textures.
Marble Countertop Transforms Basic Ikea Drawers
This stunning transformation by @defoliefixers proves that basic Ikea drawers can look like expensive custom cabinetry with the right treatment. The dark charcoal base units get wrapped in wood-effect vinyl while a gorgeous marble-look countertop creates that luxurious hotel vibe.
The beauty lies in how simple materials create such a sophisticated look that nobody would guess started as budget furniture. Those sleek black drawer fronts paired with brass hardware make everything feel way more expensive than it actually was.
You could easily recreate this same effect using different vinyl finishes or even try a concrete-look countertop for a more industrial feel.
Billy Bookcase Gets Serious Gallery Vibes
This sage green Ikea Billy bookcase transformation by @deemshome proves that basic furniture can look like expensive gallery pieces. The muted olive tone creates such a sophisticated backdrop for displaying sculptural ceramics and modern decor that you’d never guess it started as a budget bookshelf.
Adding custom paint and removing some shelves transforms the Billy into compartmentalized display cubbies that feel super intentional. Each ceramic piece gets it’s own little spotlight moment, from the curvy white vases to those geometric sculptures that probably cost more than the bookcase itself.
The key is choosing one cohesive color palette and treating each shelf like it’s own mini art installation instead of just storage space.
Warm Terracotta Ivar Gets Mid Century Makeover
This gorgeous transformation turns the basic Ikea Ivar cabinet into something that could easily cost thousands at a boutique furniture store. The rich terracotta paint job completely changes the whole vibe, making those simple pine slats look like expensive mid-century design.
What makes this hack so brilliant is how @kastjenaardemuur added those sleek hairpin legs underneath. The styling with that round mirror and vintage accessories really sells the expensive look too.
You could try different earth tones like sage green or even a deep navy blue to match your space.
Custom Wood Doors Transform Basic Kitchen Cabinets
This stunning transformation by @eikpunt proves that IKEA kitchen cabinets can look absolutely premium with the right modifications. The secret lies in replacing those standard cabinet fronts with custom fluted wood doors that create this rich, textured appearance.
The warm walnut-toned wood runs from floor to ceiling, creating a seamless wall of storage that completely disguises it’s humble IKEA origins. The vertical grooves add depth and sophistication while the integrated oven placement looks totally professional.
You could recreate this look by ordering custom doors from companies that specialize in IKEA replacements, or even attempt to create the fluted texture yourself with wood strips and careful measuring.
Ceiling Medallion Transforms Simple Pendant Lighting
That gorgeous brass ceiling medallion completely changes the game for the basic Ikea Holjes light fitting. @sanna.emelie shows us how adding this ornate ceiling rose and coloring the globe dusty pink makes the simple pendant look like it cost hundreds instead of the usual Ikea price tag.
The rich coral-toned glass shade gets elevated by the decorative mounting which you can find at most hardware stores or online. The medallion acts like jewelry for your ceiling, making even the most basic light fixture appear custom and expensive.
You could try this trick with different colored Holjes shades too – the brass works beautifully with cream, sage green, or even black glass globes.
Dusty Blue Arched Alcoves Transform Kitchen Storage
These gorgeous arched alcoves prove that Ikea Sektion cabinets can look absolutely stunning with the right modifications. The dusty blue paint inside these custom-cut openings creates such a beautiful contrast against the soft gray cabinet fronts.
What makes this hack from @housewithhome so impressive is how they added those curved tops to regular rectangular cabinet openings. The brass picture light and carefully styled accessories make these shelves look like they belong in a million-dollar home.
You could easily recreate this look by cutting MDF to create the arch shape, then painting the back wall in your favorite accent color.
Crushed Velvet Transforms Basic Söderhamn Seating
This emerald green crushed velvet cover completely transforms an ordinary Ikea Söderhamn sofa into something you’d find in a luxury boutique hotel. The rich forest green fabric catches light beautifully, creating depth and texture that makes the whole room feel more expensive.
What makes this hack so brilliant is how @bemzdesign chose a fabric that looks way more premium than the original Söderhamn covers. You can pick from tons of different velvet colors and textures to match your style, whether you want jewel tones or something more neutral.
The installation is surprisingly simple – these custom covers slip right over the existing cushions without any complicated sewing or modifications needed.
Fluted Wood Panels Transform Basic Storage Completely
This gorgeous sideboard proves that Ikea Eket cabinets can look way more expensive than their price tag suggests. @abby_roadhome created this stunning piece by adding flexible fluted wood panels to the front of the white cubes.
The warm blonde wood creates vertical lines that add texture and sophistication to what would otherwise be pretty basic storage. You could easily recreate this look using birch or oak fluted panels, which come in adhesive strips that are super easy to apply.
The natural wood legs lift the whole unit off the floor and make it feel like a proper piece of furniture instead of mounted cubes.
Billy Bookcase Gets Dreamy Arched Makeover
This stunning sage green built-in wall unit proves that IKEA Billy bookcases can look completely custom with the right modifications. The genius behind this transformation was adding elegant arched tops to each section, which instantly makes the whole setup look like expensive millwork.
What really makes this hack shine is the careful attention to paint color and styling. @kinevinje chose a soft sage tone that feels both modern and timeless, then filled the shelves with colorful ceramics and glassware that pop against the muted backdrop.
You could easily recreate this look by cutting MDF arches and attaching them to your Billy units, then painting everything in one cohesive color for that seamless built-in effect.
Woven Cane Doors Transform Basic Storage Units
These gorgeous cane-webbing doors completely transform an ordinary Ikea Pax wardrobe into something that looks like it came from a high-end furniture boutique. The natural rattan texture adds warmth and sophistication to any room, making storage feel more like a design statement than a necessity.
The beauty of this hack lies in it’s simplicity – you just need to replace the standard Pax doors with custom cane-fronted panels. @fronteriors shows how the woven texture creates visual interest while still keeping your belongings neatly hidden away.
You could easily customize this look by choosing different cane patterns or even painting the frames in bold colors like navy or forest green.
VITTSJO SHELF HACK
This gorgeous hack from House of Hawkes is right up our street, and is one project we are currently undertaking ourselves (watch out for pictures!). An elegant brass frame with glass or marble (or both!) shelves is a must have for all well-designed living rooms!
This is where you can really go to town dressing your room with stylish items you’ve collected, book stacks and small plants. Carrying out this hack will save you a great deal of money for all those knick-knacks too!
It’s a very simple upcycle, just requiring the incredibly reasonably priced VITTSJO shelf unit, gold spray paint and a bit of elbow grease to sand the frame down. To add marble effect shelving you can also use marble vinyl.
SKOGSTA BENCH HACK
We love this Alice and Lois hack just as it is, but can imagine using a faux fur for the upholstery as an added bit of luxury!
I think it is so important, if you have space, to include a bench in your hall design. Not only can you and your visitors comfortably remove shoes but also when you sit down you take a moment to enjoy your surroundings and the hall is often an overlooked part of the house.
To achieve this upcycle you will need enough 1 inch foam to cover the seat and enough fabric of choice (go on….faux fur it!) to cover the seat + 8 inches on each side. To fix the fabric use a staple gun on the underside. The good thing about faux fur is that the fur covers the folds you need to make in the fabric!
Related posts:
39 Ikea Hacks that are Simple and Super Stylish
12 Ikea Products you don’t Need to Hack
LACK GLASS TABLE
Yes, Lack, in a post about high-end Ikea hacks! But you have to admit, it looks awesome! Ok, so the actual Lack table is completely covered up, but it creates the perfect frame for this upcycled gem.
We think this glass-effect table from Ich Designer would look great in ANY house and you can achieve it with the simple addition of mirrored acrylic sheets (cut to size 55cmx55cm, polished edge).
LINNMON TABLE HACK
It’s a very simple one, but so effective. This Linnmon table top hack from The Surznick Common Room gives you an idea of how easily you can adapt some of Ikea’s products to create something that is both professional and beautiful.
We love hairpin legs (which you can get in all sorts of finishes… we like brass of course!) and the addition of these legs to a simple Linnmon table top is all you need for a stylish coffee table/desk/dining table/dressing table.
ALEX DESK HACK
Get out the old gold spray paint again! This fantastic hack from The Lifestyle Directory on Ikea Hackers upgrades what is already a great product from Ikea to something just that little bit more stylish.
I love my home office and have spent a good deal of thought on designing it to maximise productivity and serenity, as well as looking so damn good! Why not spend a bit of time getting the right equipment in your home office, like this desk, to create the perfect work environment?
MINNA PLANT BAG HACK
One of their very own hacks, Ikea came up with a great way to get that popular ‘plant in a bag’ look with their very durable Minna fabric (unforutnately not available anymore – but you can get any water resistant fabric or heavy fabric with a cheap planter inside it). You can customise this with paint as they have done or just leave it in it’s original colour.
Warning! You will need to do a bit of sewing (gasp!). But it really doesn’t need to be neat as the bag looks best in a relaxed state. If you simply leave the plant in it’s original pot (with drainage holes) and put that on a cheap pot dish inside the bag then you don’t have to worry about the plant becoming waterlogged, nor the bag getting wet.
Why not try it, as in the picture, with an aloe vera plant or a snake plant?
KALLAX DOLLHOUSE
Why should the kids miss out on all this Ikea hacking!? Once again a very basic piece of Ikea furniture used to great effect with this dollhouse. We love the interior styling the young designer has gone for in these rooms (lol!).
Add a lovely house-shaped frame of black washi tape to the wall behind. Then have some fun adding in mini versions of your favourite furniture (or perhaps your children’s favourite I suppose).
Ikea themselves sell dollhouse furniture which are mini versions of their own products. But you can just browse amazon for a great range of dollhouse furniture.
The best part about mastering high end Ikea hacks is the money you’ll save while getting exactly what you want. Instead of spending thousands on designer furniture, you can create custom pieces that fit your space perfectly and reflect your personal style.
Remember to take your time with each step and don’t rush the finishing touches. Quality hardware, proper prep work, and attention to detail makes the difference between a hack that looks homemade and one that looks professionally crafted.
Your guests will never guess these stunning pieces started life in a Swedish warehouse.