
We know you’ve been yawning over that Malm dresser for a while now, and the Maskros pendant is starting to feel total boresville. Oh, and then there’s that Expedit leaning against the wall that you can hardly stand to look at anymore. Well, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered together 35 of the brightest and best IKEA hacks we could find. Paintbrushes to the ready!
1. Tarva Coral Dresser: This IKEA hack just proves that you can make gorgeous pieces from basic IKEA furniture. Can we steal that coral color? (via Thislewood Farms)
2. Fancy Stools: Stools deserve personality, too! Use some painters’ tape and spray paint to give it to them. (via Funky Time)
3. Reading Nook: A couple of rugs tacked up on the wall makes for a cozy reading space. You provide the pillows. (via Mommo Design)
4. Pastel Foto Shades: Painting with pastels is an easy way to add a feminine touch to any room. (via Remodelista)
5. Bright Stool Mod: Put the paintbrush away and dive into your stash of washi tape to complete this bright stool hack. (via Fellow Fellow)
6. Dotty Wall: A couple packs of Losjon hangers mounted symmetrically can give you an art piece as well as functionality. (via Ikea Blog)
7. Malm Dresser: It’s obvious why the Malm dresser is so popular for hacks. It’s basically a blank canvas just waiting for you to splash it up. The stickers on this one make it bright enough for any kiddie’s room. (via Handmade Charlotte)
8. Bright Blue Kids Table: $25 is a great price when it comes to a child’s table and chairs set. But what makes it even better is when you see this hack and realize the opportunity $25 brings. (via Acire Adventures)
9. DIY Storage Container: Cut, glue and go find an awesome place for your new lamp shade turned storage. (via A Bubbly Life)
10. Yellow Raskog Cart: Tired of the color of your Raskog? We vote paint it yellow. (via Clarissa)
11. Train Track: A little glue and some foam can take the train from a desolate desert to the city. (via Kickcan and Conkers)
12. Neon Paint: Girly office or teen bedroom, neon can add the wow factor you’re looking for. So go add some to your versatile IKEA furniture! (via Babble)
13. Donut Rug: Everybody loves donuts! Put them under your feet with this be-sprinkled rug. (via The House That Lars Built)
14. Pop of Green: A basic Molger painted bright green is a perfect way to bring a pop to a nursery or child’s bedroom. Not to mention, it makes for the ideal place to store all those stuffed animals. (via Donkey and the Carrot)
15. DIY Neon Planter: Would you believe that this gorgeous planter used to be a pendant shade? Amazing what you can do with a lampshade these days. (via Jade and Fern)
16. Knobby Dresser: Paint the knobs on a Tarva chest for a pop of color on a natural background. (via Casa del Caso)
17. Kitchen Cart Hack: Bring color to your kitchen and paint your Forhoja cart in a bright hue, like robin’s egg blue. (via Nikoo’s Photos)
20. Ikea Pillow Case into Tote: For you super crafters, use a pretty IKEA pillowcase to make a unique carryall. Yes, your book AND iPad will fit in there. (via Melissa Esplin)
21. Open Shelving: A couple painted Ekby brackets and some shelves will give you a fab place to display all your books, plants and family pictures. (via Stilsucht)
22. Chalkboard Toy Storage: Paint the front of your toy chest with chalkboard paint to make for easy labeling and easy pick-up. (via Mommo Design)
23. Colorful DIY Bench: You only need a few color samples to make this bench. Or even recycle painted wood you might already have. (via Likes of Us)
24. Wrapped Baskets: All you need is embroidery thread in ombré colors to make these baskets that equate a perfect combination of color and nature. (via Tell Love and Chocolate)
25. Washi Tape Dollhouse: Let your little lovey choose the colors and then you can help them turn a cabinet into a bright dollhouse, imagination ready. (via Ikea Blog)
26. DIY Fuschia Chest: Uhhh fuschia? Now why we didn’t we think to paint our furniture with fuschia! (via For Chic Sake)
27. Dots Lantern: Bring that paper lantern pendant shade up to date with some dotty stickers. You can even let the kids help. (via Mommo Design)
28. Canopy Crib: This lovely canopy crib is fit for any nursery. How will you add it in yours? (via Mommo Design)
29. Neon Polka Dot Pots: Give some plain white pots a facelift with some office stickers and Mod Podge. Perfect for those succulents you’ve been wanting to put on your desk. (via For the Love of)
30. Colorful Patterned Stool: A bit of wallpaper and some paint will have this plain Bekvam stool looking gorgeous. Make a unique one for each set of little toes. (via This Little Street)
31. Ombré Dresser: Brighten up your dresser space with a coat of ombré. And you know we love ombré. (via Babble)
32. Primary Desk: Is your IKEA desk looking a bit drab? Channel your inner Mondrian and use blocks of primary color to transform the eyesore into an art piece. (via Apartment Therapy)
33. Bookcase Playhouse: Put two bookcases together and cover with fabric to create the perfect place to read and store books. (via Mommo Design)
34. Scalloped Chairs and Table: The kids table doesn’t have to be only for kiddie creativity. Use your own imagination and add a colorful scalloped edge to their imagination station. (via Haus o Hem)
35. Colorful Maskros Lamp: That maskros wearing out its welcome? Give it new life with tissue paper cut into flowers. (via Ungt Blod)
Do you have an IKEA piece that you think needs a makeover? Does one of these projects inspire you? Let us know below!
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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