Our Favorite IKEA Hacks

By Home Contributor Paige Ronchetti

serving tray // white dresser // wood dresser // dollhouse // step stools // coffee table

I love me some IKEA. If I had to pick a furniture/home store as my best friend, I think the blue and yellow palace would be it. That might be a bit surprising for someone like me to admit, but for real: they're affordable, you can find literally everything in one place (right down to paper napkins if you're throwing a party), and they feature a variety of styles. I know some people think it's "dorm furniture" and therefore beneath them, but those people are missing out for all of the reasons I just mentioned, PLUS they won't get to do any cool IKEA hacks after they get home. Lame.

Hacks tend to fall into two categories: dressing an item up, or turning an item into something else. Both are equally awesome and there were so many great examples floating around that I had a hard time choosing favorites. In the end I had to play the whole "what would I want in my house" game and went from there. (I literally cannot choose an Ultimate Favorite from this list today, so don't ask. Ha.) Hacks are a great way to customize a piece for your space. IKEA tends to make things in limited colors--my only minor quibble with them--but getting your hack on takes care of that problem. And if you're feeling extra creative, you can take some of the unassembled parts and mix them with other things. The coffee table above, for example, has midcentury legs added to a Lack tabletop.

All of this talk makes me want to run out and buy some paint! And maybe gold leaf! And I DO think I need some of those midcentury legs...  How do you feel about IKEA hacks? Have you made any? Which of these is your favorite? And if you had to pick a furniture store BFF, what would it be? -Paige

I'm with Paige on this one. Those who think they're above IKEA are missing out. It's my favorite furniture store too, and I can't wait to try out some of the hacks that she's shared here! In addition to writing for Bubby and Bean as our Home Contributor, Paige works as an Interior Designer (check out her biz, The Room Kit) and blogs over at Little Nostalgia. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. 

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