9 IKEA Hacks That Make Hot, Humid Summers So Much Better

Unless you live on another planet (in which case, we’re so glad you stumbled upon us!), chances are good that you’ve experienced the 2018 heatwave firsthand. If the high temps and humidity are driving you indoors, these easy summer-worthy IKEA hacks will leave you feeling more refreshed than watching 17 straight episodes of Breaking Bad.

Would you believe that, with a few colorful strips of jersey material and some yarn, this dog was able to transform his IKEA Stockholm Chair into an vibrant, embroidered masterpiece? While we can’t confirm the identity of the weaver, we can confirm this Brit + Co flashy facelift is the perfect summertime project for those looking to temporarily add a splash of bright, fun color to their otherwise drab interior.

Our new summer motto is, “the less things touching other things, the better.” Decluttering your space when it’s hot out is the equivalent of pulling your hair off your neck into a top knot at the beach. This breezy, streamlined floating credenza from Sugar and Cloth makes us feel cooler just looking at it (both snowman-emoji-cool and sunglasses-emoji-cool). FYI, this chic DIY uses an IKEA BESTA shelf unit with two BESTA suspension rails, contact cement glue, polyurethane, and your choice of wood cut to size.

The correlation between rising temperatures and diminishing energy levels is a very real thing. What better way to replenish your energy reserves than with a cool lounge sesh on your very own handmade daybed? This IKEA KALLAX DIY from Atilier De Curiosite may require a little elbow grease, but the materials are super simple and easily accessible at your local hardware store. Bonus, there is a hidden storage door under the mattress for stashing sweaters, blankets, or a three-month supply of La Croix.

Perhaps the least intimidating of all IKEA hacks, this Palm Springs-esque rock planter involves three items: plant pebbles, a plastic planter, and a plant. While any plant will work, we love the idea of using aloe vera for a bonus sunburn salve (just cut it open and rub on your scorched skin). While you can probably guess the instructions for this one, head over to Poppytalk for a step-by-step tutorial. Also, it may be taboo to suggest one attempt an IKEA hack sans IKEA products, but it looks like these pebbles are low in stock, so we’re just going to leave this link to colored crushed pebbles right here.

Rope may give a room instant nautical appeal, but a little goes a long way. Too much and you may go overboard (pun intended) with faux beach house vibes. Stylist Raina Kattleston’s DIY Knotted Lamp cord works perfectly in this minimalist dining room that combines modern and traditional pieces. By simply wrapping the room’s IKEA Foto Pendant Lamp cord in rope, Kattleson give this stark dining room a subtle touch of rustic, coastal warmth.

If there’s a break in the heat, and you do venture outdoors, and even go so far as to host a get-together, maximize your summer fun with these painted wooden boxes. This is one of those 10-minute DIYs that pay off in spades. Tell Love and Party selected a bright, summery palette of acrylic paint, and just had fun with the project.

While you’re outside, grab some small flowers, plants, or herbs and dry them upside down for a couple of weeks in a cool, dry place. A closet is perfect. Then, press them in a series of IKEA frames for a simple summertime project that you can enjoy all year long. This one comes from La Delicate Parenthese, who used three different frames, for three different looks.

Here’s a great option for wee ones. When the temps rival that of the surface of Venus, this enclosed IKEA KURA bed hack from Ikeahackers feels like a shady treehouse in the great indoors. Bonus, this structure can double as a castle, cottage, fortress, pirate ship, spaceship, and/or bed, depending on the scope of one’s imagination.

Our last IKEA hack (via Freckles Chick) also gives kiddos something engaging to do in the temperate indoors that doesn’t involve a screen. For this easy DIY, a simple dowel is installed under a pint-sized IKEA LATT table to hold a roll of drawing paper. From there, molding is attached to the top to keep the paper in place, and acrylic art supply containers are affixed to the side with velcro.