We didn't want to let Home Projects month slip by without covering the affordable and ever-popular IKEA hack. Whether you're a skilled DIYer with your own workshop at home or someone who'd rather shop than sew, here are 10 sources and projects — hopefully you'll find one that suits you.
- Slipcover It: Swedish company Bemz has a US site where they market removable, washable slipcovers for IKEA sofas, armchairs, and cushions. The 100% cotton prewashed covers include collections from Marimekko and Designer's Guild (shown).
- Stick a Decal on It: Based out of the Netherlands, Mykea is an online company that makes peel-and-stick decals for the most popular IKEA casegoods, shelves, and cabinets.
- Paint It: According to our Reader Intelligence Report, the key to making painted IKEA furniture look good is using plenty of primer!
- Stencil It: To really dress up an IKEA piece with paint, try a cool modern stencil, like the one Lena Corwin used to update her basic wooden dresser.
- Upholster It: We're not talking about your average upholstery job, but rather using fabric to update a bookcase or shelving unit. It's easy — click here for the low-down.
- Swap Table Tops and Legs: IKEA sells a bunch of different options for tabletops, counters, and legs that can be mixed and matched. The desks shown above were made from Lagan Countertops with Vika Inge Legs.
- Tuft It: Whit and Rachael Gardner of Our Mid Century upgraded their Karlstad Sofa by taking the cushions to a local upholsterer for button tufting. Total cost = $40.
- Cut It: Maxwell made his IKEA Frosta Stools into a two-tiered bedside table by cutting down the legs.
- Repurpose It: Taking IKEA furniture out of context gives it new life. For example, kitchen cabinets can easily be repurposed to make a floating storage credenza.
- Decoupage It: The magnetic map board shown above was made from a $15 metal IKEA Spontan Board decoupaged with vintage maps.
Photos: Bemz, Mykea, Design Sponge, Lena Corwin, The Nearest Future, Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Our Mid Century, Sarah Coffey, Michael Jon Watt
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Or you could get something from http://www.thisismykea.com/
Their stuff is pretty cool.
put a bird on it
....or... best of both worlds: paint and upholster. I did that to the chairs from my Jokkmokk set. And yes, @Jacob, the fabric does have a bird in it. :P
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8644829@N02/5078581262/
I am stoked about that slipcover site - and surprised that they have so many options! And okay, the slipcover for the Lilberg chair in my bedroom costs more than the chair actually did, but I can't even begin to use a sewing machine.
You didn't mention http://www.jcarolinehome.com/ for slipcovers. I like their Tullsta covers way more than the Bemz ones since they don't have a skirt on them.
I'm sorry but who in their right mind is going to spend 200-500 dollars on an Ikea slipcover?
Beware of any Ikea piece that requires drawers to remain properly aligned for an image to remain visually appealing -- this message brought to you by a huge Ikea dresser which requires near constant recalibration of its drawer glides...
Wow, that slipcover in the first shot is amazing! Way to wild for my interior, but I love it all the same! (Stickers in #2 as well!)
IKEA is like plain cooking -- so many ways to spice it up!!!
I just modified a $50 white Ikea slipcover to fit my own couch! Worked great to cover up my gnarly couch :)
http://www.postroadvintage.com/2011/02/my-living-room-ikea-country-style.html
saint78 -- I'm all over those bemz slipcovers. Our Ikea sofa is 10 years old and it still looks great even in white (with two kids in the house). We had a minor mishap with some dry erase marker that won't wash out and this model has been discontinued so yes...I'd rather spend the money on a new slipcover than throw out a perfectly good sofa that we're very happy with.
My fiance and I are in love with the idea of the "Go Nuts" Mykea print on our 5x5 Expedit, given our love for both squirrels and tubas.
Now just to find the doors on sale for $10 again...
I like the cupboard which has the birds and animals printed on it. This thing is best suitable for your kid's room.
lol @jacob -- if you like it then you should have put a bird on it
Lighting! I love Ikea lamp bases cause they are simple, neutral, and really inexpensive. Just make your own lampshade with the fabric of your choice. If you make, or have your lampshade made, you can line it with something sexy and fab like burnished gold or warm pink silk. Or photos you love. You can buy gorgeous fabric cheap (remnants work great) and customize the look to your place. Lighting can be ridiculously expensive...I hate that. I'd rather spend the dough on a beautiful rug. So...Ikea base...make it lux with your own shade. Oh, and don't forget their dimmers! dimmers make even the cheapest lamp look good...
http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-ikea-diy-dorothy-draper-style.html
I think this is the best ikea makeover ever in the history!
And do you know www.additik.com, stickers and posters for Ikea furniture !
I love these ideas! Ikea is so affordable, but very standard. Most of their pieces are BEGGING to be personalized.
LOVE Ikea hacks! It's a great way to get a custom look for less! We're working on some ideas for our Malm dressers, and a custom side table for the kitchen!
great ideas, but be warned if you're expecting to get an actual piece of furniture fully re-upholstered. ikea has cheap bones and any upholsterer worth their salt will be up front about that. an honest upholsterer won't do it, and a money-grubber will, but it won't last and won't be worth your money.
I have a home upholstery business. Upholstering a piece of great furniture is expensive but can be worth the expense. Upholstering a piece of IKEA is a waste of money. IMHO
my first blog post ever was on customizing IKEA furniture based on my own need to personalize the functional, but basic pieces. i probably put more time, effort and possibly money than the original piece was worth, but the final product is show stopping and truly a reflection of my taste and style.
http://www.photojeanie.com/ikea-individualized/
i fear for the day at the day i am able to upgrade to a better quality of furniture because this piece is one of my favorite craft projects.
There are many ways to make your living space beautiful using IKEA furniture. At New York Cargo Taxi we go to IKEA in Brooklyn and Elizabeth NJ every day. Same day delivery and assembly. All we need from is "shopping list" that you may do online. Send us list today by 9pm and receive wanted products tomorrow after 12pm. www.cargotaxiusa.com