IKEA Living Room Hacks

metal cube side table hack

When it comes to furnishing your living room, IKEA is a go-to destination for many. With its affordable prices and stylish designs, IKEA furniture is a popular choice for those looking to create a comfortable and functional living space.

But there's the risk of your living room looking like an IKEA showroom if you use mainly IKEA furniture. With a little creativity and a few DIY skills, you can take your IKEA furniture to the next level and perhaps even get a few people saying, "I can't believe it's IKEA!"

From easy IKEA hacks like adding new legs to your sofa to creating custom built-in storage solutions, there are so many fabulous ways to tweak your IKEA pieces into pieces that are uniquely you. 

In this page, you'll find some of the best IKEA living room hacks to inspire your own DIY projects and help you create a space that's both stylish and functional.

Most Popular Posts on Living Rooms

Take ordinary IKEA furniture and transform them into something extraordinary. From custom built-ins to clever hidden work spaces, these living rooms showcase the creativity and ingenuity of IKEA hackers.

Whether you're looking to add some personality to your space or simply want to make the most of your IKEA furniture, these living room hacks are sure to inspire. So why not take a closer look and see how you can create a space that's stylish and functional?

Jump directly to these categories:
Bookshelves Sideboards Room Dividers
built-in living room cabinet

2 IKEA cabinets for this beautiful living room built-in

The initial plan was to have floor to ceiling alcove…

ikea built-in living room shelves hack

Now, 4 things made a big difference in this BILLY hack

BILLY built-in living room shelves get a gorgeous makeover. Claire…

living room update ideas

8 IKEA hacks and ideas for a quick living room update

IKEA hacks and ideas to give your living room a…

Living room home cinema: My stylish projector mount and hidden surround receiver

Living room home cinema: My stylish projector mount and hidden surround receiver

Stylish film projector mount and bookshelf I have been looking…

Living Room Storage

The wonder of IKEA hacking! Take IKEA furniture and modify them to fit your specific needs and space requirements.

You not only create a storage system that's tailored to your living room and the items you need to store, but also seamlessly match your style and taste.
alcove built in ikea eket hack

This $500 DIY Turned Vicky’s Living Room Alcove into a Showstopper

Home renovations can often be costly, with custom-built features racking…

cabinet door style kitkat grid

KitKat Door Style for a Sweet IVAR Cabinet Makeover

DIY enthusiast Keekshuis showcased a fantastic transformation of the IKEA…

antiquing furniture - IKEA HEMNES hack

Antiquing an IKEA Dresser into a Beautiful “Vintage” French Cabinet

Antiquing is a beautiful way to give new life and…

ikea apothecary cabinet diy

Tiny Chests turned into a Space Saving IKEA Apothecary Cabinet You’ll Love

Tired of cluttered counters and misplaced items, one woman decided…

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Coffee table and side table hacks

IKEA coffee table hacks are very popular on IKEA hackers. They are smaller DIY projects and a great starting point if you're beginning your DIY journey. But they are no less amazing. Here are some popular IKEA coffee table hacks.
metal cube side table hack

How a Basic IKEA Table Became a Viral Sensation (So Easy Anyone Can DIY It)

IKEA hacks that go viral? It’s often the simplest ideas,…

IKEA mini rave coffee table

A Festival-Inspired Hack That’s Sure To Have You Raving!

Ever wondered what it would be like to have your…

power charging ledge

Behind-the-Couch Charging Outlet: Easy Project with an IKEA Picture Ledge

As we increasingly integrate technology into every aspect of our…

IKEA LACK Side Table: 26 surprising ways to hack it

IKEA LACK Side Table: 26 surprising ways to hack it

The IKEA LACK side table is as “IKEA” as it…

ikea small side table hacks

IKEA small side table hacks: 15 minute DIY projects

The most popular small table from IKEA is the LACK…

slate coffee table lift top

Slate Coffee Table with unique lift top surface

We had the opportunity to rent an apartment in Tampa…

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How to Define Space in the Living Room

Ideas and hacks on how to define your living room space using IKEA items to create room dividers, partitions, even carve out a room for a home office.

This See Through Room Divider provides subtle separation

risor room divider

See Through Room Divider that doesn’t block the view. In our 1960s house, the Dining Area and Lounge are one open space that seemed to beg for some separation. I wanted to keep the Lounge’s…

KALLAX tall room divider with integrated desk

room divider desk ikea

We used the IKEA KALLAX modules to build a room divider with a desk. The main structure is a KALLAX 4×4 unit propped up by two 1×2 KALLAX units. Together they work perfectly as a…

Carving out a special room for a home office

billy room home office

BILLY bookcases are awesome as walls for a temporary room. Working from home is becoming a reality for more and more people. But not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated room for a home…

How to hack a renter-friendly room divider

renter friendly room divider

It took me almost a year to figure it out. I sent a help request in 2019 but here is my attempt at a renter-friendly room divider.  You can get this up by only drilling…

Screen with greens: Make an Indoor Plant Room Divider

Screen with greens: Make an Indoor Plant Room Divider

This is our hack of the PINNIG coat rack and shoe bench into an indoor plant room divider. Which we now call “The Pinnig Sprout Screen”. Backstory We have always wanted a room divider to have clear…

Making a Pax Room in the Living Room

Making a Pax Room in the Living Room

Hello Everybody! I am very excited to share with this community and everybody what I have done in my little apartment in hopes to help others who may have the same problem that I had.…

IKEA Bookshelf Hacks

Other than the fact that IKEA bookshelves are made to store a lot of stuff, they are affordable and so hackable. Which makes them a popular choice for built-in bookshelf hacks and so much more. Here are our top IKEA Bookshelf Hacks.
ikea wall storage besta hack

10 years later, Uwe’s IKEA Wall Storage Hack Gets a Glow Up

IKEA hacker Uwe Christiaens is back with a fresh twist…

faux fireplace made from IKEA BILLY bookcase

This One DIY Project Will Instantly Add Cozy Charm to Your Home

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp,…

billy bookcase flip with scalloped trim

Quirky Scalloped Details Change a Boring IKEA Bookcase Into a Stylish Piece

Farwa Moledina, a resourceful DIYer, elevated a plain IKEA BILLY…

ikea liatorp bookcase hack

These IKEA Doors complete this impressive DIY Built-in Bookcase

BILLY may be the king of built-in bookcases but don’t…

built in bookshelves ikea billy knoxhult hack

The making of beautiful Built-in Bookshelves: A DIY Success Story

Katja Nordkvist is a DIY enthusiast who recently completed an…

kallax built in before

We built in the KALLAX for a totally new look

I wanted to have shelving and storage in my home…

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IKEA Hacks for sofas, poufs and stools

Upcycle or customize an IKEA sofa, armchair, stool and pouffe to create a unique piece of furniture that reflects your personal style and meets your specific needs. We go beyond adding new legs to the sofa or reupholstering the cushions to show how much more you can do with your IKEA sofa, armchair or ottoman.
IKEA EKET sofa storage bench

Sleek Behind the Sofa Storage Bench made with Bargain Corner Finds

Tara @taraxhome_ was frustrated with the clutter taking over the…

diy ottoman ikea hack

DIY Ottoman: 3 easy ways to make one

An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can…

chaise FRIHETEN

FRIHETEN sleeper sectional downsized into a chaise

Our cats had basically destroyed this poor couch (see photo…

solsta pallbo footstool with storage

Old IKEA footstool gets makeover and new storage

I’m coming back with what I love the most, giving…

double poang hack

IKEA snuggler – 2 seater POÄNG style

First things first, I wouldn’t have been able to do…

KOARP armchair upgraded in a very, very good way

KOARP armchair upgraded in a very, very good way

Scripto took the KOARP armchair with a metal frame and…

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All our IKEA Living Room Hacks

metal cube side table hack

How a Basic IKEA Table Became a Viral Sensation (So Easy Anyone Can DIY It)

IKEA hacks that go viral? It’s often the simplest ideas, brilliantly executed, mixed with a healthy dose of “It’s so easy, even you can do it” appeal. The latest sensation comes from Ayse Balci of @interiorundco, whose stylish DIY project has been turning heads on Instagram, amassing an impressive 115,000…

ikea wall storage besta hack

10 years later, Uwe’s IKEA Wall Storage Hack Gets a Glow Up

IKEA hacker Uwe Christiaens is back with a fresh twist on his popular ‘BESTÅ wall’ hack. After receiving feedback on his previous creation, Uwe decided to refine his design for a more seamless integration with his home. “I had comments about the finish, colors, and how it did not match…

faux fireplace made from IKEA BILLY bookcase

This One DIY Project Will Instantly Add Cozy Charm to Your Home

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to trade in beach towels for cozy blankets and invite the warmth of fall into our homes. Nothing adds to that cozy atmosphere quite like a fireplace with flickering logs. Jim Grischow recently turned an ordinary IKEA BILLY…

IKEA mini rave coffee table

A Festival-Inspired Hack That’s Sure To Have You Raving!

Ever wondered what it would be like to have your own mini rave in your living room? Well, Piers Helm did just that. Recently, he turned a boring old IKEA coffee table into a tiny, neon-lit dance floor complete with a DJ, clubbers, and even a smoke machine. It’s like…

Designer Hacks An IVAR Arched Cabinet Unlike Any We’ve Seen

Designer Hacks An IVAR Arched Cabinet Unlike Any We’ve Seen

When Interior Designer Hannah Drakeford decided to give her living room a fresh look, she didn’t just think outside the box – she painted it orange! This clever DIYer transformed four IVAR cabinets into a stunning statement piece that’s as functional as it is eye-catching.Tired of dusting open shelves and…

POÄNG high-back and low-back armchair

When IKEA Becomes the Hacker: Classic POÄNG Gets an Official Makeover

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has introduced a fresh take on one of its most iconic designs, the POÄNG armchair, as part of its Nytillverkad collection celebrating the company’s 80th anniversary. The new low-back version of the beloved chair aims to blend nostalgia with modern sensibilities, offering a more social seating…

power charging ledge

Behind-the-Couch Charging Outlet: Easy Project with an IKEA Picture Ledge

As we increasingly integrate technology into every aspect of our lives, the need for convenient charging solutions grows. Gülcan Öztürk, a creator who works from home, found herself in a common predicament—constantly using her phone and laptop while wanting to relax on the sofa, but the power sockets are in…

alcove built in ikea eket hack

This $500 DIY Turned Vicky’s Living Room Alcove into a Showstopper

Home renovations can often be costly, with custom-built features racking up thousands in expenses. Instagram DIYer Vicky and her husband show that with a bit of elbow grease and can-do spirit, gorgeous modifications can be achieved without breaking the bank. The first-time DIYers took on the challenge of creating built-in…

billy bookcase flip with scalloped trim

Quirky Scalloped Details Change a Boring IKEA Bookcase Into a Stylish Piece

Farwa Moledina, a resourceful DIYer, elevated a plain IKEA BILLY bookcase with scalloped wood trim, turning it into statement furniture that complements her kitchen. Moledina needed additional storage for her growing family, and the BILLY bookcase, with its adjustable shelves and glass doors, seemed like the ideal solution. However, once…

cabinet door style kitkat grid

KitKat Door Style for a Sweet IVAR Cabinet Makeover

DIY enthusiast Keekshuis showcased a fantastic transformation of the IKEA IVAR, transforming the cabinet doors into a style reminiscent of the iconic chocolate wafer.She admits that the DIY process was a trial and error and “not everything is as tight” as she would like. “But the overall turned out pretty…

antiquing furniture - IKEA HEMNES hack

Antiquing an IKEA Dresser into a Beautiful “Vintage” French Cabinet

Antiquing is a beautiful way to give new life and personality to furniture pieces while creating a worn, vintage look. Whether you’re hoping to update a hand-me-down dresser or make a flatpack piece feel unique, distressing and aging techniques can take boring furniture pieces and make them look distinctive. In…

IKEA EKET sofa storage bench

Sleek Behind the Sofa Storage Bench made with Bargain Corner Finds

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…

ikea apothecary cabinet diy

Tiny Chests turned into a Space Saving IKEA Apothecary Cabinet You’ll Love

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…

narrow bench diy aged and distressed

Beat up an IKEA narrow bench for amazing vintage vibes

Antique benches, with their charming dents, scratches, and all, can cost a pretty penny. But Claire wanted one for her home and decided to upcycle an old IKEA SKOGSTA bench into a vintage narrow bench. In an impressive display of creativity and resourcefulness, Claire took a saw, drill, and hammer…

diy ottoman ikea hack

DIY Ottoman: 3 easy ways to make one

An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used as a footrest, extra seating, or coffee table. It typically has a padded top and may have storage space inside. Ottomans come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, making them a popular choice for any room in the…

ikea liatorp bookcase hack

These IKEA Doors complete this impressive DIY Built-in Bookcase

BILLY may be the king of built-in bookcases but don’t be quick to dismiss the other IKEA bookshelves that can work just as beautifully. Matthew’s choice is the LIATORP half-panel-glass-door combo. The delicate shapes and details of the IKEA LIATORP series evoke a sense of country living. The door is…

IKEA LACK Side Table: 26 surprising ways to hack it

IKEA LACK Side Table: 26 surprising ways to hack it

The IKEA LACK side table is as “IKEA” as it gets. Minimal. Particleboard exterior. “Honeycomb” interior. Easy to assemble. The IKEA LACK side table (21 5/8″ x 21 5/8″ x 17 3/4″) sells for $16.99. Not too long ago, IKEA started producing a smaller side table (13 3/4″ x 13 3/4″)…

built in bookshelves ikea billy knoxhult hack

The making of beautiful Built-in Bookshelves: A DIY Success Story

Katja Nordkvist is a DIY enthusiast who recently completed an impressive hack of IKEA KNOXHULT cabinets and BILLY bookcases. She transformed these basic pieces into custom built-in bookshelves that showcase her decorative items. What I love about it is the closed storage cabinets at the base and open shelving at…

ikea besta hamptons makeover

IKEA BESTÅ sideboard hack in boho Hamptons style

When Karolina moved from a small studio to a newly built house, the construction ate up most of her renovation budget. That pushed her to learn how to update the look of her old furniture and furnish her new home affordably. The DIY projects grew from a need to a…

ikea tarva dresser hacks

20 IKEA TARVA Hacks to go from Basic to Beautiful

IKEA TARVA dressers are affordable, durable, and easy to construct, making them one of the Swedish manufacturer’s most popular products. TARVA dressers seamlessly combine simple designs with untreated solid wood, creating a blank canvas that works well with other styles and IKEA furniture items. Currently, there are 3 TARVA dressers…

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