10 Brilliant Ikea Hacks and Furniture Flips That We Learned on TikTok

When we’re scrolling through TikTok, there’s always one video that stops us dead in our tracks: Ikea hacks. These furniture flips and DIYs are affordable, creative and downright fascinating. Transforming an ordinary bookcase into arched built-ins? Genius. Elevating a regular ol’ cabinet into a contemporary rattan console? Sign us up. We can’t seem to look away, and neither can the other 344.1 million users who have viewed the hashtag #ikeahack. So, without further ado, here is the crème de la crème of Ikea hacks, from ones that incorporate the fluted surfaces trend to Organic Modernism-approved boucle fabrics.

One of the hottest emerging trends of 2021 is fluted accents—aka rounded molding that covers a wall, giving it a more textured finish—and brass hardware. So, when DIYer and founder of XO My Home, Kim Bai saw West Elm’s Quinn Media Console, she *understood* her assignment. Using the Ikea Kallax, fluted trims, brass legs and some white chalk paint, Bai converted a run-of-the-mill cabinet into a luxury designer console. Bravo. (Psst: Here are Bai’s step-by-step instructions if you want to try this at home).

You’ve probably noticed by now that minimalism is taking over the design scene. That means taking a less-is-more approach to open shelves and maintaining clutter-free countertops. However, as much as we love this aesthetic, we’re not quite sure what we’re supposed to do with all of our stuff. Answer: this DIY of the Ikea Billy Oxberg Cabinet. With just a little fluted trim, chalk paint, and acrylic and brass cabinet pulls, this DIYer crafted a coastal farmhouse cabinet that could be a part of Serena and Lily’s latest collection.

Spanish-style arches in cabinets, doorways and fireplace surrounds are having a huge moment. But they’re not exactly a practical investment. “Not only does it take costly skilled carpentry work to add arches, but homes that mention arches in their listing descriptions sell for 1.3 percent less than similar homes…and take two days longer to sell,” according to Zillow’s Amanda Pendleton. Not to worry, because Tamara Smith of @mygrandparentschair has a hack that’s budget-friendly and removable for when you want to put your house on the market. With just a few layers of dramatic paint, trim and hardboard, Smith transformed the Ikea Billy Bookcase into a timeless, custom built-in bookcase that’s so right now (you can find the IG tutorial here).

Confession: We love a good designer dupe, and this Studio McGee-inspired hack is insane. Julianna Claire of Blush & Camo took the Ikea Tarva 6-Drawer Chest and flipped it into a beautiful handmade piece with some cane webbing, brass handles and weathered oak stain. The finished work looks nearly identical to McGee & Co’s Summer six-drawer dresser, so you can get the vibe until you can afford the real deal. Find the full tutorial here.

When it comes to textile trends for 2021, boucle upholstered pieces are mecca. But, like most items in the luxury design world, most of these cozy statement pieces are astronomically expensive. Finally, we’ve found a boucle DIY that we can actually afford! The talented Drew Scott of Lone Fox took the Ikea Tullsta Armchair and converted it into a highly-sought after staple with boucle fabric and pool noodles. Yes, you heard us, pool noodles. Check out the full video of how he did it here.

We get it; DIYing fluted accents are all the rage. But sometimes, they can come out looking messy and “homemade.” Not in this case. This DIYer used medium-density fiberboard, two Bekant tabletops, wooden dowel rods and a coat of matte black paint to create a dining table that even Kelly Wearstler would covet. It’s chic, it’s sophisticated, it’s edgy AND it doesn’t cost a fortune. We’re clearing our weekend plans to take this one on.

Jonesing for the Anthropologie Reese Mirror? If it’s out of your budget, consider this easy this DIY instead. All you need is two sheets of plywood, some trim wood, and nine packs of Ikea's Lots mirrors, and you’re good to go! Check out this tutorial by The Sorry Girls for a step-by-step guide to bringing it to life.

Helping your houseplants survive winter can feel like an exercise in futility (not to mention how ugly indoor greenhouses can look). Now, there’s a hack that’s both chic and functional, so you can have your (vegetarian) design cake and eat it too. Using the Ikea Rudsta Cabinet, grow lights and a rechargeable fan, this DIYer created a plant sanctuary that tons of DIYers have replicated on the @ikeagreenhousecabinet Instagram page.

There’s a pattern here: Everything Anthropologie touches turns to gold—and we can’t afford all of it. Thankfully, clever DIYers like @__karaweber have saved our wallets with this clever Ikea Malm Dresser hack. All she used were these adorable brushed gold cabinet handles and this vinyl textured wallpaper to create a boho-luxe look that’s easily Anthro-passable.

Last but not least, this light hack (because who doesn’t love a good rattan pendant?). Using the Ikea Seagrass Lamp Shade, this DIYer took Jute Twine, Command Hooks and Dimmable + Hands-Free lights to create a simple, easy, and renter-friendly rattan pendant light that’ll be sure to give your apartment character.