6 Genius Ways to Hack IKEA’s Newest Products in 2023

published Jan 17, 2023
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

IKEA has produced enough tried-and-true furniture staples since its founding that some hacks just feel like classics (think: BILLY bookshelf revamps and HEMNES dresser redos). But if you’re feeling especially adventurous, look to IKEA’s newest products. These new releases are fresh enough that hacks are few or even nonexistent, which means that the DIY world is your oyster.

The new releases below are some of the best IKEA has to offer in terms of affordability, practicality, and hack potential. Here, get the low-down on these six winning IKEA buys that we can’t wait to add to our carts, and ideas for how we’d hack them.

Credit: IKEA

SKUFFEN Shoe Box

IKEA is a treasure trove of organizational basics, but in recent collections, they’ve introduced items that focus on storage that can also act as displays. The SKUFFEN was designed for shoes, but the lightweight, durable aluminum frame and 360 views make us wonder what else could the SKUFFEN show off?

Hack it: Plants! The acrylic sides and removable front of the SKUFFEN lend themselves perfectly to a bookcase-sized terrarium. Use clear bathroom caulk along the bottom edges to completely waterproof and flip the removable front to the back to disguise.

Credit: IKEA

VARHAUG Room divider

The VARHAUG room divider is the latest and most robust divider among IKEA’s offerings. IKEA actually suggests using the thicker panels as a bulletin board in the product description, but we think it’s worth hacking it one step further.

Hack it: Remove the attachment pieces at the top and bottom joints and add French cleats to the back to hang as a triptych on your wall. You can further customize the boards by covering them in a richer fabric (Shelby of Farmhouse Living used gray burlap above) or mounting them in a decorative frame.

Credit: IKEA

HOVET Mirror

It can be difficult to find large mirrors that are both affordable and high quality, but HOVET manages to achieve both. The frame is made of anodized aluminum (available in both silver and black), and the surface is actual glass — not the flimsy “reflective mirror surface” you’ll find on cheap door mirrors. Hooks on the back give you flexibility to hang this either horizontally or vertically.

Hack it: Variations of this mirror DIYs took TikTok by storm in 2022, and it’s easy to see why. Each DIYer has their own method, but all of them are relatively easy to pull off and many require no power tools. Since the HOVET is already a solid base, you can fake mirror inlays by sectioning the mirror with black electric tape. Use a uniform pattern like The Sorry Girls did for an industrial look, or try a smaller pattern in the corners like Teresa of Create Beautiful Things for a transitional look.

Credit: IKEA

NORBERG Wall-Mount Drop-Leaf Table

The extra wall storage built into the NORBERG drop-leaf table makes it a unique storage solution for small spaces. This would be a great option in teeny kitchens that can’t fit a whole dining table, or as a home office solution if you don’t want to sacrifice floor space for a desk.

Hack it: Upgrade the shelves with brass shelf rails and deck out the back with statement wallpaper, and the simple table transforms into a decadent speakeasy. (Use this clever Murphy bar from Shades of Blue Interiors as inspo.) You can make the storage even more unobtrusive by adding a couple hinged doors to the front.

Credit: IKEA

BILLY Drawer

IKEA estimates that around the world, a BILLY bookcase is sold every five seconds — that’s how popular this staple is. But beyond the standard options for single or double wide, short or tall, and various door fronts, IKEA hasn’t released new items that added functionality until now. This BILLY drawer features casters on the bottom so it can slide smoothly out of the lowest shelf of your BILLY bookcase.

Hack it: Revisit your favorite BILLY hacks with the new lens of bottoms drawers. The drawer is a good opportunity to add texture — like with cane webbing or column covers — and character with statement handles.

Credit: IKEA

TROFAST Storage Combination

The TROFAST system also got a new addition to its lineup with the TROFAST mesh drawers. The line previously only had opaque bins, but IKEA has increased its offerings to include steel mesh baskets in four colors (gray, blue, green, and red). This might not seem like a major change, but the new material can make more sense in different applications.

 Hack it: The mesh baskets are ideal for storing items that need air circulation, like clothing or certain pantry items. Fake a built-in linen closet by painting the TROFAST frame the same color as a nook like Kelin of Hydrangea Treehouse did here. TROFAST also happens to be a good working height, so try putting two back to back and adding a countertop to create a functional pantry island.