The Best Home Hacks

Painter’s tape is a modern miracle isn’t it? I mean, sure, the Great Pyramids are cooler, but when it comes right down to it, there isn’t much the blue tape can’t do. We’ve used it to spruce up furniture, for child safety, and to pull off quick and easy design projects. But there’s another genius use for the stuff, and we wish we’d known about it sooner. There are a few things in life that make me cringe.

Here's our top 10 countdown of predictions....

Waiting for clothes to dry is akin to waiting for a watched pot of water to boil. Anyone who’s ever done laundry knows all too well the frustration with dryers that take absolutely forever to actually do their job: they’re the worst. Like, worse than black licorice worse and that’s saying something. If you have access to a dryer at home, here’s a genius way to save time, energy, and money. And bonus, it works for both renters and homeowners alike.

The creativity never ceases to amaze us.

This is the year IKEA’s iconic FRAKTA bag got pushed to the limits, and we thought we’d seen everything it can do. Apparently not, because the blue bag can double as sporting equipment. IKEA Hackers shared a video of a six year old kid kiteboarding using the blue bag. If that’s not the hardest working bag in the world, we don’t know what is. Young Frederick wanted to kiteboard, and dad Soren grabbed him a FRAKTA.

It’s been an eventful year for IKEA’s humble, hardworking blue bag. So we really should’ve seen this holiday themed hack coming. The FRAKTA fracas started when Balenciaga released their $2,100 leather “knockoff” of the 99 cent tote. IKEA then responded with a pretty hilarious print ad on how to spot the real thing.

Step. Up. Your. Step. Stool. Game.

As much as we love schoolhouse-style lighting, it isn’t always the best idea to buy something truly vintage and hope it works. There are stores — such as Schoolhouse Electric or Barn Light Electric — who sell absolutely beautiful fixtures in this style, but they are often out of financial reach. To help you stay on budget, and get the look you want, we’ve rounded up some of the best lighting options out there, all well under $100.

Wire baskets are so extremely versatile, you should snatch them up whenever they’re on sale. They can be easily transformed into side tables, pendant lights, plant pots, bike baskets, and wall shelves, and (in a pinch) serve as fire wood holders, shoe wranglers, blanket corrals, toy boxes, and even waste baskets. Here are 10 projects that make the most out of the beauty and utility of wire baskets, plus 10 wire baskets you just might want to buy.

There’s nothing worse than those builder grade vanity strips in bathrooms, the ones that absolutely scream “HI, I’M CHROME AND WAS SENT FROM THE ’80s TO DATE YOU!!” As a renter your options are limited, but I came up with a smart way to deal with these common eyesores. Instead of swapping it out with a new light fixture, I decided to instead embrace the challenge and work with what I had. I couldn’t paint it, because that was permanent.

November 1st marks the start of Prettypegs’ PrettyHackathon Auction. Why should this interest you? Well, if you’ve been holding onto those less-than-perfect or basic IKEA pieces in hopes of giving them new, exciting life, we’ve just found the ultimate source for makeover ideas and inspiration.

From the brilliant and clever minds at IKEA.

See how to transform the simple MALM into something more.

These days, I prefer weekdays to weekends when it comes to my IKEA trips. Why, you ask? Well, as if it isn’t obvious, it means less crowds and more leisurely wandering the aisles, sans pressure. What am I looking for exactly? Maybe I have a simple list of items I need for a closet makeover, but then I spot a serving bowl that would make a perfect pendant light. Or I go in for some picture frames then can’t help but notice a kitchen cart that would be the perfect bar cart.

IKEA’s instructions are in(famous), with their illustrated diagrams, lack of words, and the oddly bulbous “IKEA man.” For the most part, with some head scratching, you can figure them out. But, as we discovered in our recent bathroom makeover, when it comes to installing a sink, the Swedish retailer left out one major detail, which is essential to the job. Read this before you shut your water off and get to work.

No more hanging around in the donation box – give them a new purpose!

Here are seven clever uses for those rods, brackets, and finials—that have nothing to do with windows.

IKEA’s IVAR collection is a very versatile system, with different ways to configure storage, and made of unfinished wood that’s a virtual blank slate for paint. But, in a recent makeover project, the big question became: could it become the centerpiece of an inexpensive rental bathroom makeover? Erika’s bathroom suffered from a distinct lack of style, so I wanted to start with a great vanity in a fun color. One of my first thoughts, when on a strict budget, is usually IKEA.

With the launch of their latest Winter Collection of textured throws, warm candles and confectionery goodies, IKEA aims to help add a little magic to the holiday season. But the company hasn’t forgotten the most important part of gatherings — comfortable seating. If spare chairs don’t have a place in your small space, consider another option: temporarily transform your stools or side-tables into the perfect perch for your guests.

Basic cabinetry is just the start of a great kitchen. So even when you begin with some simple boxes — like inexpensive ready-to-assemble ones from IKEA — you can configure them in smart ways that feel more special. Then, once you layer on color, extra features and details, your kitchen can reach another level. Take notes from these clever projects and hacks that squeezed out every drop of style from basic cabinets, and think how to apply them to your own space.

After spotting this bright pink, approachably Boho IKEA hack on the internet superhighway, we knew we had to share it with you. After hitting up the IKEA ‘as is’/clearance section, Becky and Kelsey (aka The Sorry Girls) knew they could make something out of this compact, but slightly boring desk situation. They snatched it up, took it home and worked their DIY magic! From Becky and Kelsey: We started by priming then painting our set pink.

Construct - or deconstruct - the perfect home accents from a stool.

Headboards have served a lot of purposes over the course of time. They protected us from drafty winters and uninsulated walls, they served as a symbol of opulence and luxury, and most recently, they have provided storage and overall aesthetic to bedrooms everywhere. So in keeping with the theme of functional and aesthetic furniture, we’ve created the easiest and most inspirational headboard of all time and using just one simple material!

IKEA hacks are often inspiring, but there are so many I’ve never tried myself because they take too long and require tools that I don’t have–and they’re often furniture pieces that I just don’t need. So when I found myself wandering the floors of IKEA recently, and the TOPPIG lantern presented itself as a possible hanging planter, I knew it was a hack I was willing to try because I could do it quickly and with minimal supplies.

Do you have a tiny bathroom without a vanity? Sure, you could go on without a vanity, but you know there always seem to be this mound of things around the sink begging to be put away, begging to be placed out of sight. Perhaps one of these small space bathroom vanity hacks could be the solution to your no storage and no space woes? Option 1: Take a piece of furniture and cut it to fit Basically any dresser can be turned into a vanity with little work.

Whether you’re in a prime location to see the solar eclipse or not, this easy wall sconce is a sight to see, and it doesn’t require any protective eye wear. This project is the perfect way to add layers and depth to your home lighting (can anyone say hygge?!). To top it off, it requires absolutely no wiring, and no outlet. Count me in. With the simple push of a button (or remote) you can enjoy your own “eclipse of the home” for far beyond 2 minutes and 40.1 seconds.

You may have caught a look at Amina and Salvatore’s incredible house tour and if not, seriously, how could you miss it? It’s what all your rainbow and unicorn and glitter dreams are made of! What was so surprising, aside from the sheer amount of color packed into 650 square feet of rental space, was the amount of projects they created themselves.

I’ve been on a lighting kick lately. Maybe it’s because I just re-read The Little Book of Hygge. To me, light — whether it’s natural or created — is king when it comes to your home. Not all of us have floor-to-ceiling windows or an expansive budget for beautiful light fixtures. And many DIY lighting projects require at least a little bit of electrical wiring. Not in the case of this Paper & Stitch IKEA globe light hack, though.

I spy with my little eye another IKEA hack done right. If you scored high on the Spot the IKEA Quiz, I have no doubt you’ll be able to spot this IKEA piece turned high-end Scandinavian home decor. This project, along with many like it, further proves how a simple change in perspective can dramatically alter the success of a space.

I don’t know about you, but come summer I decide it’s time to read all those books I’ve been meaning to start (notice I didn’t say “finish”), and I accumulate magazines galore. Maybe it’s the more frequent trips to the beach and strolls through the airport news stands? Or maybe it’s that life seems to slow down a bit.

After a move that left her with more square footage, but less counter space, Stephanie was on the hunt for something to house her all important espresso machine in a stylish and functional way. Realizing that a good old fashioned IKEA hack was in order, she set about giving her soon-to-be-java-cart a new look. And I think we can all agree, it’s a grande idea! From Stephanie: While most people style kitchen carts into bar carts, we knew our cart had to be for cappuccinos.

Flexible and fun inspiration for your upcoming DIY projects.

If you've spent the past couple years binge watching episode after episode of Fixer Upper—this post is for you.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Finding affordable art that you actually like is one of the hardest parts of furnishing a home. And once you finally find the pieces, you realize that frames cost even more than the art itself (yikes!). As per usual, IKEA (combined with brilliant bloggers around the web) saves the day with wall decor DIYs and art-hanging hacks that are totally within budget. You can kiss those blank walls buh-bye.

When your bedroom is too small to even fit a nightstand, this homemade ledge for your bedside wall is the next best alternative. Constructed from the parts of two $4 BEKVAM spice racks, this little shelf is perfectly sized for holding a glass of water, your phone and a pendant lamp—so everything you need is right within reach.

The $35 unfinished pine dresser from IKEA is a blank slate for your creativity. To show how it can be customized to match any decor style—no matter if your signature look is understated or over-the-top—we hacked this dresser two ways. Keep it simple with some paint and a bit of patterned gift wrap, or embrace elaborate bohemian details with bone-inlay stenciling. Either way, you’re going to get extra storage with serious style.

After spending $60 (or more…gasp!) on a single candle, it makes sense to enjoy that luxury purchase as long as you can. Even after the candle has been burned, the pretty glass container it came in can still be used to beautify—and maybe even organize—your home. Careful, these brilliant ways to reuse a candle jar may reignite your diptyque obsession. Above: Gritty Pretty puts a set of Diptyque candle holders to use sorting all of the typical bathroom essentials.

The cube-shaped EKET cabinet has us thinking outside the box, to all the stackable, modular options this simple design presents. By adding wheels to the bottom and stacking one on top of another using Velcro, you can easily switch out the cabinets or roll them from room-to-room—proving that this little storage unit has big potential.

Get more greenery at home, and keep more green in your wallet.

When you combine any full-of-promise IKEA product and a $5 can of spray paint, the results are nothing short of a DIY miracle. Whether coated with a glamorous layer of gold, or covered in a lush, nature-inspired green, it’s amazing how a simple color change can make these IKEA pieces almost unrecognizable. Thanks to some spray paint, these chameleons are able to blend into any environment—yet remain the stars of the show.

When space is tight and money’s even tighter, IKEA is our happy place. Browsing the $30 wheeled carts and the $10 towel racks (both spotted above), it suddenly seems possible that we can actually afford a stylish, organized home. Even the fact that we have a teeny-tiny closet (or no closet at all…eep!) seems easily fixable. And it is—just follow the lead of the inspiring, IKEA-filled rooms ahead.

Most people think of storage pieces as a bit of a necessary evil. Nobody gets excited about chests of drawers or towel bars — or do they? We love a good IKEA hack, and we especially love IKEA hacks that turn hardworking furniture that expands the storage capacity of your space into a statement piece that makes the room. The result of these projects is the best of all possible worlds — furniture that’s budget-friendly, functional, and also beautiful.

Sug-what? Pronounced seew-grew, this sticky substance is like moldable glue that’s clay-like out of the package, then hardens to rubber after 24 hours. People have found all sorts of ways to fix and create things with this flexible, interesting stuff. But perhaps most intriguing is its potential for renters.

The first time I saw Sugru, I was admittedly skeptical. A coworker was smearing it on a torn phone charger cord, and it seemed like the kind of mushy Play-Doh you didn’t necessarily want to slather all over your nice, clean electronics. But a couple days later, my work pal showed me the repaired charger—the rubber had hardened, but could still be bent, and the charger itself worked like a charm. Now I’m a Sugru convert.

Walk into almost any hardware or craft supplies store and you’ll find a bin full of inexpensive wooden dowels. Buy one of these 48-inch-long wooden wands for under $5, and magically transform it into a useful organizing tool — everything from a DIY pegboard to a simple coat rack, like the one in the entryway above. If your home’s in need of some serious organizing help (whose isn’t?), let these hardware store hacks put things in their place.

I feel fairly confidant in my ability to spot an IKEA hack, but this project had me doing a double take. Christina’s project is not a casual, pick up and craft DIY, but it’s so perfectly executed that we had to share!

A few coats of nail lacquer can polish off your personal style, but aside from adorning your fingers, nail polish can actually come in really handy around the house. You probably already know that a little dab of clear polish can stop a run in a pair of stockings, but did you know it can fix broken tile and keep screws from coming loose?

2017 is a new year, which means another of fun year of watching all the ways IKEA stuff gets wrangled and reshaped by its buyers. Janel previewed her top picks from the new catalog last year, and now I’m predicting all the clever hacks iterations on those products in the coming months. Join me as I share ALL the ways to DIY your favorites…. IKEA says: What We Predict: The LIXHULT is a dream come true for cat owners.

IKEA says: Whether for a walk-in wardrobe, hallway solution or a business, ELVARLI storage system provides open storage that’s easy to get just right, while looking nice. ELVARLI storage system is the result of some innovative development at IKEA to create flexible, beautiful and lightweight storage. ELVARLI storage system is elegantly designed with attention to small details like seamless joints and invisible fittings.

IKEA says: Perfect for the living room, KVISTBRO storage table is a great way of combining the function of a sofa table with practical storage and attractive display. Based on a metal basket design, the wired pattern is beautiful in itself, but the basket can also be used for displaying all sorts of things like blankets, books or even kids toys. What We Predict: Wire baskets are endlessly useful— little superstars that fit in every room of the house.

IKEA says: The FLEKKE daybed is four functions in one: seating, single bed, bed for two, and two big drawers for storage. The backrest mounts on the right or the left side of the daybed. Real wood veneer will make this bed age gracefully. What We Predict: Buyers will find countless ways to make this daybed more custom, not to mention comfortable. DIYers will capitalize on the built-in storage and make it even more functional for small spaces.

IKEA says: Sometimes installing a large kitchen isn’t necessary, or too expensive and time-consuming. That’s why SUNNERSTA mini-kitchen was developed. Ideal when living in a small space, this free-standing kitchen meets the needs of customers who want basic kitchen functions with easy installation and at a great price. The SUNNERSTA cart gives extra storage on the side.

IKEA says: The idea behind GRÖNADAL rocking chair was to make a rocking chair that joins different materials and expressions in unexpected ways. Rattan and ash are vibrant natural materials that age beautifully, and create an interesting contrast to the powder-coated steel. The seat and back are hand-woven using traditional techniques, while the light shape brings modern Scandinavian design to mind.

IKEA says: Let us introduce a modern-looking side table that’s small and flexible enough to be placed anywhere in the home. GLADOM tray table is made from smooth metal in soft and dusty yellow or green. It comes with a removable tray that looks nice by itself placed on the floor or wherever it’s used for serving. What We Predict: These GLADOM tables are already pretty damn adorable and useful, but consider spray paint cans loaded, locked and aimed in their direction.

IKEA’s description: The herringbone pattern has a beautifully pleasing geometry to the eye. In BARKABODA countertop the pattern in dark brown wood adds true elegance to the kitchen. The countertop is made durable with a layer of solid wood that covers a particleboard core. This technique not only gives a genuine expression of solid wood, but is a good environmental choice as it’s resource-efficient.

Okay, I’m going to be honest up-front: I want to tell you some sort of inspiring story about how, after years of stabbing myself in the eye with a liquid liner marker I finally mastered winged eyeliner or something. I want to write something about the triumphant moment where I held the liner aloft, a single tear welling up in my suddenly beautifully lined eye.

Basic frames are easy to come by—you probably have one lying around the house, and if not, they’re a dime a dozen (ok, they’re $1 each) at your local dollar store. But the art to fill them? That’s typically the harder, much more expensive part. Instead, change your frame of mind and stop letting these pieces play supporting roles. In these DIY ideas, the frames steal the show. IKEA rethinks the wreath frame, this time using actual picture frames.

Bar carts are entertaining secret weapons: 1) They free up kitchen storage from all those liquor bottles; 2) they encourage guests to help themselves; and 3) when styled nicely, they just look so festive, sparkly, and adult-ish —they are party decorations on wheels. While IKEA doesn’t sell one per se, their products offer endless opportunities to hack a bar cart that’ll cost less than a round of drinks.

Flipping through the Anthropologie catalog is a transportive experience that feels like stepping into a modern Bohemian dreamland. Inspired by the much-coveted Anthro aesthetic, we’ve pulled together some bedroom DIYs that capture the look, complete with tassels, giant pom-poms and tons of texture. Grab some yarn, your bedroom is about to get a mini Anthro-makeover.

If you’re a fan of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, or if you’ve spent a lot of time on Pinterest in the past couple of years, then you probably know about the wildfire popularity of shiplap, a type of wood paneling. Technically speaking, “real” shiplap has grooves at the top and bottom, called rabbets, which allow the pieces to overlap for a watertight seal.

Does anyone else feel like printer design is stuck in the 90s (and not in a cool crop-top-with-mom-jeans way)? While we’re still holding out for a designer edition hoverboard/printer all-in-one to use at our standing desk, here are a few tips and tricks to keep your overbearing hunk of plastic from being the focal point of your workspace.

When it comes to taming my ever-growing collection of stuff, there’s really nothing simpler or more useful than a wire basket. To be honest, I have five (is that too many??) in my bedroom alone. And while I love how functional they are for stashing everything from notebooks to ribbons, they can start to feel a little utilitarian.

When professional kitchen renovators get into the IKEA hacking game, the results are pretty spectacular. Combine NW Homeworks‘ knowledge and experience with IKEA’s products’ mutability, and you get things like the space above, which is chock full of special features and custom touches.

No matter if you have a non-existent entryway or a spacious foyer, this is one of those spots where clutter seems to pile up before anyone notices. Lucky for us, we can always count on IKEA as an endless source of inspiration for team clutter control. Add one of these hacks or upgrades to your entryway and you’ll gain some extra storage space that also makes a great first impression. When in doubt, wall mount.

One of the best things about IKEA pieces is the myriad ways you can tweak, hack, tinker with, and customize them to create beautiful, unique pieces on a reasonable budget. And the changes you make don’t have to be big, time-consuming ones — sometimes all it takes is just a little effort (and a little ingenuity) to turn a piece into something you’ll be proud to show off. Take a look at these seven super-simple IKEA hacks.

See what your workspace could look like...

There should be a medical or scientific term for that visceral aversion to seeing cords and ugly electronic boxes (something on par with trypophobia for example). Getting rid of them is an endless quest as fraught with difficulty as getting tickets to see Hamilton with Lin-Manual Miranda in the lead role. Figure out how to cover up those unattractive bits— and improve the look of your home in the meantime —and you’ve truly mastered the art of organization and storage.

Living in a studio apartment presents some unique challenges—your bed is always right there, your kitchen is practically non-existent, and let’s not even get started on entertaining—but it also opens up opportunities for creative solutions. Rather than buy ready-made furniture or shelves that were designed for a much larger home, DIY perfectly proportioned decor and you might find that your place feels less crowded.

If you’re short on space, lofting your bed is one of the best ways to magically gain square footage. However, sleeping in the sky is not without its challenges—I’m looking at you, late-night ladder navigation. Here are 14 ways to make your loft bed dreamy. The built-in cubby smartly stores extra pillows and blankets—and books, if you’re me. The addition of a bedside outlet is so helpful, allowing for a phone charger, radio, fan, and more.

making a comeback 9″ x 11″ frame that has an interior depth of at least ¾” and spring-loaded backing clips on the back of the frame. I used this picture frame. 36″ x 12″ piece of black felt 1″ White plastic letters Pencil Scissors Ruler or T-Square Hot glue gun Mitre or circular saw Qty 18 – 3/16″ thick square balsa wood dowels, 24″ long 1.

In their original states, a white pendant lamp and an unframed mirror are blank canvases for creativity. Add the beauty of natural woven fibers and some hits of eye-catching color, and you have a sunny lamp that will brighten any room and a mirror that will turn heads. Put these two DIY ideas on your summer project list so you can enjoy the results all year long.

Serena & Lily IKEA FJELLSE Bed (I only had space for a single, but go for the queen!) Molding of your choosing (I used two of these from Home Depot) Set of IKEA VÄSENTLIG Curtain Finials White Spray Paint Set of Table Legs (I used these from Lowe’s) 2 Tee Nuts (make sure the thread size matches your table legs) 24″ Open Cane Webbing Wood Glue Saw Hammer Clamps Staplegun 1. Spray paint all the pieces before you get started. 2.