How To Turn IKEA BESTA Cabinets Into A Floating Bar That'll Impress Your Company

IKEA's BESTA cabinets are versatile and budget-friendly furniture pieces that serve as excellent blank canvases for customisation. This article explores five creative IKEA BESTA hacks that can elevate these basic storage units into high-end looking pieces, offering inspiration for homeowners looking to personalise their living spaces. The author, who also owns BESTA cabinets, shares their personal motivation for seeking out these transformations. One popular hack involves creating a storage bench using the lower BESTA TV bench or shelf unit. This method, exemplified by Charlotte Simpson of Lotte Studio, involves adding an upholstered back and carefully priming and caulking the unit to give it a fitted, built-in appearance. This approach effectively utilises dead spaces for storage, such as in a loft, and requires attention to detail for a durable finish. Another hack focuses on adorning the BESTA cabinets with a fluted finish. While some IKEA products offer a reeded finish, a DIY fluted design, combined with a fresh coat of paint and stylish handles, can significantly enhance the sophistication of the unit. Melanie Lissack's project, featuring lilac paint and fluted panelling, demonstrates how this can be achieved, though it requires specific painting techniques for IKEA furniture. Building a media unit is a practical and aesthetically pleasing hack for larger spaces. By combining multiple BESTA cabinets, one can create a cost-effective alternative to bespoke joinery. Clare Bolger of No Space Like Home successfully implemented this by adding a base, skirting, and frame to the BESTA units, then painting them to match the room's walls, creating a seamless and integrated look while providing ample storage. Adding glass or cane inserts to the cabinet doors offers another way to personalise BESTA units. This modification, suitable for sideboards or toy storage, can be achieved by swapping out original doors for cane webbing or reeded glass. Interior stylist Alex Stubbs suggests pairing these with wooden legs to integrate storage beautifully into adult living areas. Budget-friendly alternatives include using cane webbing by the roll or reeded glass window film. Finally, transforming a floating BESTA cabinet into a bathroom vanity is a functional and stylish hack. By attaching the unit to the wall, it provides storage without occupying floor space, creating an airy feel. This method allows for customisation in terms of paint colour and finish to complement the bathroom's overall style, as seen in a green spa-style en suite loft conversion. Many of these customisation techniques are also applicable to other basic flatpack furniture from IKEA, offering a broad scope for DIY enthusiasts. #IKEAHacks #BESTACabinets #DIYFurniture #HomeDecor #StorageSolutions #FurnitureMakeover #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendlyDecor #CustomFurniture

Fluted glass is presented as a design element that can instantly elevate the aesthetic of a space, particularly in kitchens. While high-end fabrications like those by Amuneal offer this sophisticated look, they often come with a significant cost. However, a brand called Fronteriors is introducing a more affordable alternative. Fronteriors, known for providing stylish, alternative cabinet fronts for popular IKEA storage units, has announced the upcoming release of fluted glass doors. These new door designs are scheduled to launch in the U.S. early next year and will be compatible with IKEA’s Sektion wall cabinets. Unlike IKEA's existing reeded glass fronts, Fronteriors' glass panels are inset, offering a more traditional appearance. They can also be paired with any of the company's color options, including a popular oak-wood frame. The fluted fronts from Fronteriors are expected to start at approximately $240, with the final price varying based on the door size. This offering provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking to achieve a luxurious look without the expense of custom fabrication. The article highlights the practical benefits of fluted glass doors. They offer a compromise between the upkeep required for open shelving and the complete concealment of solid cabinet doors. The opaque nature of fluted glass partially masks the contents within, making it ideal for those who desire an airy and bright kitchen aesthetic while still providing some discretion for dishes or potential clutter. Furthermore, the application of these fluted glass doors is not limited to kitchens. Kathryn Hawkes, a cofounder of Fronteriors, suggests that while initially designed for upper cabinet doors, they can be creatively used to build freestanding cabinets that seamlessly integrate into other areas of a home. This versatility allows homeowners to incorporate the luxe fluted glass style beyond the kitchen, providing an alternative to standard solid cabinet doors and enhancing the design possibilities for various spaces. #IKEAHack #KitchenCabinets #FlutedGlass #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Fronteriors #AffordableLuxury #DesignTrends

The article explores a variety of IKEA Besta hacks, providing inspiration for transforming standard IKEA furniture into custom, high-end storage solutions for various rooms in a home. These hacks cater to different DIY skill levels and interior design preferences, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and personalized aesthetics. One featured hack details the revamp of a home office using Besta cabinets. Designer Ashley Rose made the storage look built-in by adding IKEA Forbattra toe-kicks and upgrading the cabinet hardware, creating an expensive aesthetic on a budget. Another innovative hack showcases Jen Rothbury's approach to applying French cane to cut-out Besta doors. This project involves careful preparation, including sanding, priming, and cutting arch shapes, followed by painting and the addition of cane webbing, custom hardware, and new legs, resulting in a luxurious and unique piece. Ashley Rose also presents a simple yet effective color-block door transformation for Besta units. This hack involves painting the doors in contrasting colors, allowing for personalization to match various interior design trends, from playful to maximalist styles. Priming the doors before painting is recommended for optimal results. Amy's hack demonstrates how to create a designer-look cabinet using black paint and reeded glass film. By painting the Besta unit and applying reeded glass film to the doors, she achieved a sophisticated, high-end appearance for a fraction of the cost of similar designer pieces, enhancing the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic. Victoria Corrie's contribution highlights the use of plywood panels to achieve a calming Scandinavian vibe. This hack involves wrapping the Besta unit with custom-cut, mitered, sanded, and oiled plywood sheets, creating a custom and affordable piece that can make a living room appear more expensive. Victoria Corrie also details a Scandi-boho inspired sideboard created by combining two Besta units. This involved adding rattan to the doors, an oak trim, and IKEA Nannarp and Besta supporting legs, then attaching the unit to the wall for stability and to create a floating effect, which can make small rooms feel larger. For home offices, Becki Willis from Studio Van Oliver demonstrates crafting a stylish desk. This hack utilizes a Besta top panel, leaving out the middle cupboard for chair space, and wall-mounting the units to achieve a clean, floating look at a standard desk height. Shallower Besta cupboards are added above for extra storage. Cheryle Rhuda's hack introduces door overlays for a textured metallic finish. By using decorative fretwork panels (O'verlays) that fit IKEA Besta units and Inviken doors, painted and glued on, a decadent and customizable metallic texture is achieved. Updating door handles is also recommended to enhance the final look. Jo, a content creator, illustrates how to transform basic Besta units into a floating TV console. By joining multiple Besta units and mounting them on the wall, she created a streamlined storage solution that conceals clutter and maintains a clean aesthetic. This elevated storage also helps in making small living rooms appear larger, with a tip to hide cables and sockets. Finally, Kelsey showcases connecting two Besta units for extra-wide stylish storage, incorporating elements such as cut-out door panels with cane webbing, paint, and a plywood-wrapped top. This hack emphasizes creating a custom, cohesive look by joining units and using wall-mounting kits for an elevated appearance. The article concludes with general tips for successful Besta hacks, including using paint for transformation, adding texture with natural materials like plywood or rustic wood, and elevating units with legs or wall-mounting for a more expensive and spacious feel. #IKEAHacks #HomeStorage #DIYFurniture #BespokeDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FurnitureTransformation #CostEffectiveDecor #ScandiBoho

The fluted motif, a trend initially popularized by fluted glass, has expanded to various furnishings, influencing a recent upcycling project that transforms a standard IKEA cabinet. This DIY endeavor centers on modifying an IKEA BESTA storage cabinet to achieve a bespoke appearance through the addition of fluted panelling and new gold hardware. This transformation elevates the flatpack furniture item into a stylish piece. Tom Revill, Creative Director at Plank Hardware, a company specializing in IKEA customization, notes that incorporating fluted motifs into cabinetry provides a contemporary reinterpretation of classic design elements. This approach can enhance kitchen cabinets or built-in storage units, offering a versatile and visually appealing upgrade for living spaces. The project is described as a beginner-friendly upcycling idea, suitable for refreshing outdated dressers or overlooked IKEA furniture pieces. The specific hack, detailed by interiors and DIY enthusiast Melanie Lissack (@melanielissackinteriors), involved converting a plain BESTA shelf unit with doors into a fluted lilac cabinet, complemented by a marble top. The initial step was to address the absence of handles on the original cabinet by drilling holes in the doors for new hardware. Subsequently, Lissack focused on sourcing materials for the fluted detailing. While options like MDF, plywood, or PVC are available, she opted for Orac Decor's 3D wall panelling due to its lightweight nature, which prevents the cabinet doors from becoming too heavy. These panels were cut to size and affixed to the BESTA doors using an adhesive. To achieve a smooth and integrated finish, Lissack applied caulk around the seams where the fluted panelling pieces met. The next phase involved painting the IKEA furniture, adhering to standard best practices for DIY paint projects. This included applying two coats of primer to the entire unit before painting the cabinet in a lilac shade. Upon the paint curing, statement gold hardware handles were attached to the cabinet, adding a touch of character. The transformation was completed by topping the cabinet with an off-cut of a marble kitchen splashback, serving as a tabletop. The final result is a distinctive and customized cabinet. Revill emphasizes that these DIY steps enable individuals to achieve the sophisticated look of fluted cabinetry without requiring professional installation, offering a rewarding and cost-effective method to revitalize existing furniture through creativity and effort. #IKEAHack #FlutedDesign #DIYHomeDecor #CabinetUpcycling #BespokeFurniture #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #MelanieLissackInteriors

This article details how home decor designer Yvonne Ellen transformed an IKEA Billy bookcase into a unique and personalized display cabinet, offering an affordable and creative solution for refreshing existing furniture. The Billy bookcase, known for its practicality and versatility as a shelving and book storage unit, can lose its appeal over time. This DIY trick provides a way to refresh it without significant expense. The transformation process begins with repainting the bookcase. Yvonne Ellen suggests utilizing existing paint pots for a budget-friendly approach. After cleaning the unit, pastel paints can be applied, with different colors layered for subtle or bold contrasts. For her project, Yvonne Ellen used Farrow & Ball Faded Terracotta for the exterior and LICK Green 09 for the interior of the cupboards, demonstrating a harmonious color combination. Next, the article highlights the importance of enhancing organization within the bookcase by adding rails, hooks, and storage boxes. Emphasizing the utilization of vertical space, Yvonne Ellen recommends installing items like gold rails and hooks, available at IKEA, to create hanging storage for items like teacups. Additional shelving, such as IKEA PALYCKE clip-on baskets and IKEA CISSAN napkin holders, can be incorporated to hold lightweight items, maximizing storage efficiency and organization within the unit. Another crucial step involves installing lighting to improve visibility within the display cabinet. Yvonne Ellen used a battery-powered motion-sensor light, easily sourced from online retailers like Amazon, to illuminate the contents. This simple addition enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the display. The final stage focuses on personalization through detailing. Yvonne Ellen considers this the most enjoyable part of the process, as it allows for a unique and exclusive finish. She applied gold leaf to the bevelled edges of the doors to match her personal style. The transformation is completed by adding decorative handles, such as the vintage-looking green and gold handles from Anthropologie, which contribute to a more expensive, art-deco appearance. This comprehensive approach demonstrates how a common furniture piece can be elevated into a bespoke display unit, allowing individuals to showcase their favorite items without needing to purchase new furniture. #IKEAHack #BillyBookcase #DIYHomeDecor #FurnitureTransformation #DisplayCabinet #HomeUpcycling #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecorating #StorageSolutions

This article details how Bay Area-based designer Kendra Joseph of Rise Up Home, along with her husband, ingeniously transformed two IKEA Besta units into a functional and aesthetically pleasing banquette with integrated storage. The project was part of a larger conversion of their 400-square-foot detached two-car garage into a guesthouse, which included a bathroom, bedroom, and kitchenette. The primary motivation for the banquette was to create comfortable seating for hosting friends and family while maximizing storage in a compact space. The Besta units, which are typically used as media cabinets, were repurposed to serve as the base for the banquette. Their shallow depth, just under 16 inches, made them an ideal choice for seating while also providing hidden storage for items like blankets, board games, and serving platters. The total cost for the project ranged from $250 to $300, with savings achieved by utilizing existing materials such as lumber and screws. The most significant expenses were the IKEA Besta units themselves and the wood required for the waterfall top. The DIY process involved three main steps. First, the Besta units were assembled according to IKEA's instructions. Subsequently, a rectangular frame was constructed from salvaged redwood 2-by-4s to provide a sturdy base underneath the units. Cross beams were added for additional support, and both a traditional torpedo laser and a laser level were used to ensure the frame's evenness and consistent seating height. The second step focused on securing the structure and enhancing its functionality. The two base frames were connected with wood screws, and the entire assembly was then securely attached to the wall using base plates. A support box, also made from 2-by-4s, was installed in the corner where the two benches met, allowing for comfortable seating in that area. The entire structure was then painted with Benjamin Moore’s Midnight using a paint sprayer to seamlessly match the existing kitchenette cabinets. The final step involved creating the banquette's top and sides. Maple-wood boards were sourced from a local lumberyard and precisely cut to fit the dimensions of the structure. A key element of the design was achieving a seamless miter-edge joint for the waterfall effect, which required careful measurement and preparation. The couple consulted YouTube tutorials for guidance, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning to avoid material waste, especially given the cost of lumber. After applying wood glue to the undersides, the boards were carefully positioned and nudged into place with a hammer to ensure a snug fit. Once the glue dried, the custom banquette was ready for use, providing both seating and discreet storage solutions for the guesthouse. This project exemplifies how readily available IKEA products can be creatively adapted to meet specific design and storage needs within a budget, making it an accessible option for DIY enthusiasts looking to enhance their living spaces. #IKEAHack #DIYFurniture #BanquetteSeating #SmallSpaceSolutions #HomeRenovation #StorageSolutions #GuestHouseDesign #BudgetDecor

The article presents 18 inspiring IKEA Besta hack ideas, demonstrating how basic IKEA furniture can be transformed into bespoke and stylish storage solutions for various rooms and purposes. These hacks cater to different DIY skill levels, interior styles, and budgets, offering creative ways to personalize and elevate the standard Besta range. One featured hack involves revamping a home office with bespoke cabinetry. Ashley Rose from the Sugar and Cloth blog made cost-effective Besta storage cabinets appear built-in by adding IKEA Forbattra toe-kicks, showcasing a budget-friendly way to achieve a high-end look. Another innovative idea from Jen Rothbury of @crack_the_shutters demonstrates applying French cane to cut-out doors for a luxurious aesthetic. This DIY project involves sanding, priming, cutting arch shapes with a jigsaw, painting, and then stapling French cane to the inside of the doors, completed with custom handles and legs. Kim Bui from xomyhome.com created a custom, fluted credenza that aligns with 2024 trends. This hack involves building the Besta unit, attaching fluted trims with a nail gun, adding pine boards for legs and a tabletop, and then painting it in a dark, plummy shade like 'Darkroom' by Sherwin Williams, at a significantly lower cost than buying a designer piece. Ashley Rose also presents a colorful Besta unit with painted doors to create a vibrant color-block effect. This simple yet effective hack allows for personalization through various color palettes or patterns, suitable for playrooms or as a feature in other rooms, emphasizing the importance of priming before painting. Amy from @firststepontheladder created a designer-dupe sideboard by combining black paint and reeded glass. This hack involves priming and painting the Besta unit black and then applying reeded glass film to the doors, achieving a sophisticated look for a fraction of the cost of a high-end cabinet. Victoria Corrie of @carnesure.house showcased a calming Scandi-vibe storage unit by adding plywood panels. This affordable DIY involved cutting plywood to size, mitering edges, sanding, and oiling before gluing it to the Besta unit, enhancing a living room's aesthetic on a budget. Corrie also enhanced doors with cane detailing for a Scandi-boho look, creating a large sideboard from two Besta units. This involved adding rattan to the doors, an oak trim, and IKEA Nannarp legs, then attaching the unit to the wall for support, providing an achievable DIY with significant cost savings. Becki Willis from Studio Van Oliver transformed Besta units into a stylish desk for a home office. This hack involves mounting Besta frames on the wall at desk height, leaving out the middle cupboard for chair space, and adding shallower Besta cupboards above for extra storage, offering a clean, floating look with minimal DIY effort. Charlie and Dan from @the_welham combined mouldings and wax for a unique wood-effect finish. They added pine mouldings to a black Besta unit, painted it, and then applied browning wax with a stiff brush to create a dark, wood-effect appearance, offering a luxurious minimaluxe trend aesthetic. Cheryle Rhuda of O’verlays introduced door overlays for a textured metallic finish. This simple project used decorative fretwork panels, painted and glued onto the Besta unit and Inviken doors, along with updated door handles, to achieve a decadent look. Jo from @alongwithjo created a floating TV console by joining Besta units. This hack involved mounting joined Besta units on the wall with brackets, adding a glass top and IKEA Lappviken doors, providing hidden storage and maintaining a clean aesthetic, ideal for decluttering and making small living rooms appear larger. Kelsey from @summer.collective connected two Besta units for an extra-wide, stylish storage solution. This comprehensive hack included cut-out door panels with cane webbing, paint, and a plywood-wrapped top, all mounted to the wall for an elevated, custom appearance, serving as a wide media unit. Lisa Haddon from @the_haddon_home built a bespoke home office with double desks and extensive storage. This project involved configuring Besta units with room measurements, boxing them in, sanding, and painting them in Dulux Egyptian Cotton to achieve a premium finish at a significantly reduced cost compared to custom carpentry. Anda Blumberg of @andablum created simple Scandi-style storage by adding stained rustic planks to a basic Besta unit. This minimalistic approach utilized upcycled materials and leftover paint, adding a personal touch and a sustainable element while keeping costs down. Sanda Stojakovic from Stojakovic Designs created a statement sideboard with bold color and texture. This hack involved adding wood moulding strips for a reeded effect and painting the unit a striking red, which contrasts with sage green wainscoting, resulting in a bespoke and expensive-looking piece. Kat Sanders from @thebarnrenovation built a bespoke media wall with tongue and groove detailing and open compartments. This project involved proper priming and painting with a satin finish, and adding cornice and skirting to elevate the look, making it appear as a high-end built-in unit. Lauren Southern of @southernoutlook created built-ins with beadboard for a perfect living room focal point. This wall-to-wall media unit included integrated lighting and concealed storage, achieved by centering Besta units, filling gaps with MDF panels, and finishing with coving. Haley Paszkiewicz of @haleypasz made a corner bench with storage and DIY cushions. This complex hack involved building Besta units on a custom wooden base, adding drawers with reeded fronts, painting the unit, and creating no-sew cushions, resulting in a stylish and functional budget-friendly piece. General tips for successful IKEA Besta hacks include transforming units with paint for a cohesive or accent look, adding texture or natural materials like plywood or wood wrap, and adding height through legs or wall mounting to create a more expensive and elevated appearance. #IKEAHacks #HomeStorage #DIYFurniture #InteriorDesign #BestaHacks #BudgetDecor #CustomCabinetry #HomeDecor #ScandiDesign

The article explores popular IKEA hacks trending on TikTok, offering creative and budget-friendly solutions for home design and decoration. It highlights four specific hacks discovered in February, demonstrating how simple IKEA products can be transformed into custom-looking pieces. The first hack addresses storage challenges in spaces with sloped ceilings. Typically, the Pax system is a go-to for storage solutions, but for an attic with an awkward slope, creator Emma Courtney ingeniously utilized Sektion kitchen cabinets as a shorter base. This allowed for a build-up that accommodated the sloped architecture, while still integrating Pax doors for a cohesive look where vertical space permitted. This approach showcases adaptability and smart product repurposing to overcome design constraints. The second hack focuses on upgrading basic floating shelves. TikToker Emma Dittmer devised a quick and effective method using IKEA’s Hultarp pot rails. By flipping these polished brass rails on their sides and securing them to existing shelves, she not only prevented items from falling off but also added a custom, bespoke touch. The brass finish allowed for seamless coordination with other fixtures in the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic for a mere $9. The third featured hack involves creating an affordable slatted feature wall. Aboli, known as @spruce_n_spice, detailed her project of transforming a plain transitional space into a stylish focal point. By carefully arranging slats, she crafted an accent wall that provides a sophisticated backdrop, particularly for an oval Lindbyn mirror. This hack demonstrates how readily available materials can be used to add architectural interest and define a space without a hefty investment. Finally, the article presents a clever DIY for a bamboo lamp. TikTok user Patri, or @LovinHope__, showcased a transformation where two Blanda bowls were combined to form a chic light source. The hack involved using wood beads to conceal the seams where the bowls joined and twine to hide the Hemma cord, resulting in an elegant, custom-made lamp. This illustrates how everyday kitchen items can be repurposed into decorative lighting, adding warmth and personality to a room. Collectively, these IKEA hacks exemplify how creativity and a DIY approach can significantly enhance home interiors, offering practical solutions for storage, aesthetic upgrades, and unique decor pieces, all while keeping costs down. The article serves as an inspiration for individuals looking to personalize their living spaces using accessible and affordable resources. #IKEAHacks #DIYHomeDecor #FloatingShelves #SlatWall #BambooLamp #HomeRenovation #BudgetLiving #InteriorDesign #TikTokTrends

The IKEA IVAR cabinet, a simple pine wood furniture piece, has gained significant popularity as a versatile item for home DIY and customization projects. Originally part of a shelving system introduced in 1967, the IVAR cabinet's untreated wood, ideal dimensions, and affordability make it an excellent canvas for creativity, as noted by Jana Cagin, founder of Prettypegs, a company specializing in customizing IKEA furniture. This article explores seven innovative hacks to elevate and transform the IVAR cabinet, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various home styles. One popular transformation involves creating a floating sideboard. By mounting the IVAR cabinets directly onto the wall, a sleek, space-saving credenza can be achieved. This method is particularly effective for small living rooms, as it frees up floor space and contributes to a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Adding a custom wood top and minimalist handles further enhances this sophisticated look, with a coat of paint providing the finishing touch. Another creative approach involves painting patterns on the IVAR cabinet. Beyond solid color coats, individuals can explore various paint ideas, such as trending stripes for a 'stripe drenching' scheme or whimsical designs for a children's playroom. This technique allows for significant personalization and the integration of the cabinet into specific thematic decor. Matching the cabinet's paint color with the wall, a technique known as color drenching, is a highly popular home decor trend. This method creates a cohesive and immersive feel within a room. For example, painting IVAR cabinets and surrounding walls in a rich burgundy shade, such as Sherwin-Williams' Sommelier or Farrow & Ball's Etruscan Red, can produce a striking and on-trend result. This hack emphasizes the rewarding journey of transforming simple pieces into something special. Applying a reeded or fluted finish to the IVAR cabinet is another effective way to elevate its appearance. These textured finishes are currently trending in interior design, particularly for wall paneling, and can significantly enhance the perceived value of simple furniture. While DIY options involve wooden slats or reeded panelling kits, specialized companies like Prettypegs offer ready-made fluted panels designed specifically for IVAR cabinet doors, making customization accessible even for those without extensive DIY experience. Replacing handles and adding legs are among the easiest and most impactful furniture upcycling methods. Since IKEA IVAR cabinets typically come without legs or stylish handles, this hack offers a straightforward path to personalization. Adding chic wavy handles and sphere-shaped legs, for instance, can drastically alter the cabinet's aesthetic, making it appear more bespoke and designer-like. Companies such as Prettypegs, Plank Hardware, and Etsy offer a wide range of options for hardware and legs. Decorating the IVAR cabinet with wallpaper or decorative stickers provides another avenue for adding color and pattern. Utilizing leftover wallpaper from other projects or opting for custom-sized peel-and-stick wallpapers, such as those created through collaborations like Prettypegs and Photowall, can transform the cabinet's surface. Designs like the 'Morning Light layer design' offer a sophisticated and unique touch. Finally, incorporating rattan or cane inserts can give the IVAR cabinet a sophisticated and modern look, aligning with recent interior design trends. Similar to how these inserts are used in IKEA KALLAX hacks to create customized bar cabinets, applying them to IVAR cabinets can result in a piece that is virtually unrecognizable from its original budget-friendly flatpack form. This demonstrates the potential for transforming basic furniture into high-end-looking pieces through thoughtful customization. #IKEAIVARHacks #FurnitureUpcycling #DIYHomeDecor #IKEACustomization #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorStyling #SmallSpaceSolutions #CreativePaintIdeas #CaneInserts

Interior designer Melanie Lissack transformed IKEA Metod kitchen wall cabinets into a bespoke, floating media console for her narrow living room. Initially, Melanie sought a sleek, streamlined storage solution that offered more space than her previous freestanding unit, but faced budget constraints for custom carpentry or expensive marble tops. She opted for three IKEA Metod wall cabinets as the structural base, recognizing their potential for customization beyond typical kitchen use due to their slimline design and fuss-free doors. The original glossy, white melamine finish of the cabinets and the visible joins of the cut-to-size MDF top were aesthetically unappealing, prompting the need for a creative and cost-effective transformation. Melanie partnered with Cover Styl, a brand specializing in adhesive surface covers, to achieve a high-end look without the high cost. For the console's top, she selected 'NE70 Mat Beige Marble' film, which provided an incredibly realistic marble appearance, effectively concealing the MDF and its joins. For the base units, she chose 'AB06 Painted Wood' film to color match her walls, adding subtle texture and visual interest to the piece. This strategic use of self-adhesive films completely disguised the flat-pack origins of the IKEA units, transforming them into a sophisticated, contemporary media console with a soft, pastel hue. The project was completed in less than a weekend, showcasing the ease and speed with which IKEA hacks can be executed to achieve significant design impact. The resulting media unit not only provided ample storage, addressing Melanie's practical needs, but also enhanced the aesthetic of her living room with a Scandi-style elegance. The transformation demonstrated that with innovative materials and a designer's eye, budget-friendly IKEA furniture can be elevated to look entirely custom-made, integrating seamlessly into a home's decor and fulfilling specific design aspirations. Melanie expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting how unrecognizable the unit became from its initial state, and praising the quality and realism of the Cover Styl films. #IKEAHack #MetodCabinet #MediaUnit #ScandiStyle #DIYHomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendly #FurnitureTransformation #CoverStyl

The IKEA MALM chest of drawers is a popular, affordable, and versatile piece of furniture often chosen for its sleek and simple design. However, its minimalist aesthetic can sometimes appear too plain for some interiors, leading to a surge in creative IKEA MALM hacks. Pinterest searches for “IKEA MALM” and “IKEA MALM hack” have increased by 130% in the last six months, highlighting a growing interest in personalizing this ubiquitous item. Interior stylists like Laurie Davidson of Style Makers emphasize its potential as a 'blank canvas' due to its plain design and affordability, allowing for a high-end look at a fraction of the cost through creative modifications. One of the most favored hacks involves adding rattan panels to the drawer fronts. Content creator Jennifer Liu, known for her IKEA bar hack with cane inserts, demonstrates this by soaking rattan webbing and gluing it to the drawer fronts, then framing it with stripwood. She further enhances the piece by adding handles and legs, transforming it into a more sophisticated item. The inclusion of legs is a common modification, as lifting the dresser off the ground can reduce its bulky appearance. Options range from simple furniture legs to more playful designs, such as ball-shaped legs. Alternatively, mounting a two-drawer MALM unit to the wall creates a floating look, ideal for saving space in smaller areas like hallways or as a dressing table, especially when paired with a curved wall mirror and a sculptural table lamp for a boutique hotel aesthetic. Painting the MALM unit is another effective way to dramatically alter its appearance. For a successful transformation, using a shellac-based primer, such as Zinsser B-I-N, is recommended to ensure paint adhesion to the veneer. Dark, moody shades like Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue can make the unit appear custom-made. For a more playful touch, individual drawers can be painted in different pastel tones, turning the MALM into a unique piece for a child’s room. For those preferring a traditional or vintage aesthetic, adding decorative beading, such as bobbin moulding, can effectively transform the modern MALM into a period-style piece, showcasing the versatility of the furniture. Stylists note that such transformations are particularly impressive as they demonstrate how modern furniture can be given a period look affordably. The MALM chest can also be repurposed for entirely different functions, such as a kitchen island. This hack typically involves combining multiple MALM units and adding a wooden worktop, offering a budget-friendly solution for kitchen island ideas. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok feature examples of these transformations, illustrating how three MALM chests can be combined to create a functional and stylish island. Finally, incorporating a fluted finish is a trending option, reflecting the popularity of fluted panelling in 2025. Adding fluted dowelling or cane webbing to drawer fronts can evoke a Parisian apartment chic, particularly in light, Scandi-inspired bedrooms. This can be further elevated with antique brass handles to achieve a high-street-meets-high-end look without significant expense. These diverse hacks demonstrate the potential of the IKEA MALM chest of drawers to be customized beyond its original flat-pack appearance into a stylish, personalized piece of furniture. #IKEAHacks #FurnitureUpcycling #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #InteriorDesign #MALMDresser #RattanPanels #KitchenIsland #FlutedFinish

Integrating a bar into a home introduces a sophisticated element, serving as a focal point for entertainment and aesthetic enhancement. The creation of a home bar, whether a full wet bar or a more modest standalone setup, involves careful consideration of both functionality and style. These spaces, much like miniature kitchens, require durable and attractive materials, such as glass cabinetry for showcasing elegant glassware. While wet bars can increase a home's value, they represent a significant undertaking. Alternatively, standalone bars or even bar carts offer versatile and attractive solutions for those seeking a less intensive project. Designing a home bar presents an opportunity for making a distinct design statement. The choice between dark and light color palettes can significantly influence the ambiance, with sleek black paint lending a high-end feel. Incorporating reflective surfaces like mirrors or mirrored backsplashes can further elevate the sophistication of the space. The strategic placement of the bar is crucial; it should be situated in an area where guests commonly gather, ensuring accessibility and encouraging social interaction. Efficient use of space is also paramount, necessitating design choices that maximize both horizontal and vertical areas, such as the inclusion of wall shelves for additional storage. Beyond practical considerations, the aesthetic details are key to making a home bar stand out. This can involve unexpected accent colors, metallic finishes, or unique decor elements that inject vibrancy and personality. The article highlights several examples of home bar designs, showcasing a range of styles and configurations. One example features a custom kegerator within a basement bar, complemented by decor from Target and fixtures from Sinkology and Pfister, illustrating how personalized touches can create a distinct space. Another instance describes a basement bar from Classic Bars, designed with a sleek aesthetic and integrated appliances like a fridge, dishwasher, and microwave, emphasizing seamless functionality within a stylish environment. Further examples include a wet bar ingeniously placed under a staircase, demonstrating creative use of often-overlooked spaces. A “lady’s cave” with a full bar, complete with Z Gallerie stools and sports-themed decor, exemplifies how a home bar can reflect personal interests and create a dedicated recreational zone. Other illustrations feature a built-in china cabinet doubling as a coffee bar with leathered granite countertops, and a bar integrated into a dining room with Amazon stools and steampunk-inspired wall gears. The article also presents examples of renovated spaces, such as a basement transformed from a mother-in-law suite into an entertainment room with new cabinets and granite countertops. A 19th-century ice chest repurposed as a bar in a bungalow, along with a collection of pewter in a bar niche, highlight the integration of vintage and decorative elements. Practical designs like a breakfast nook serving as a coffee and wine bar, equipped with dual wine storage and a Miele coffee system, demonstrate multifunctional approaches. A rolling bar cart displaying crystal decanters and a repurposed carved armoire functioning as a wine and coffee bar in a master bedroom underscore the versatility of portable and adaptable bar solutions. Lastly, an indoor pool and spa area featuring a custom bar, a small home bar with simple cocktail ingredients for guests, and a dry bar with arabesque tile extending storage in a townhome illustrate diverse settings and scales for home bar integration. Each example reinforces the idea that a home bar, regardless of its size or complexity, can significantly enhance a home's appeal and provide a unique space for enjoyment and entertaining. #HomeBars #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EntertainmentSpaces #RenovationIdeas #CustomBars #WetBars #BarCarts #DesignInspiration

This article explores various IKEA entertainment center hacks, providing creative and budget-friendly solutions for media storage. The focus is on transforming standard IKEA furniture into high-style, functional media consoles that address common living room dilemmas such as tangled wires, electronic gadget clutter, and general disarray. The article emphasizes that these hacks offer a luxurious look without the high cost associated with bespoke built-in units. One featured hack involves transforming an IKEA Besta unit into a stylish media console. Caitlin Marie Design successfully achieved a design-driven aesthetic for under $400 by combining two Besta frames, support legs, Nannarp legs, shelves, soft-closing hinges, and Hanviken doors. The process involved assembling the frames and legs, then attaching hinges, doors, and knobs. For media use, small holes were cut in the Besta frames' backing to allow for wire management, ensuring a clean and organized appearance. Another innovative hack showcases the use of IKEA Billy bookcases to create sleek, built-in entertainment centers. Carolin Friese of @house_to_home.interiors achieved a contemporary look by painting the bookcases matte black, adding new handles, and incorporating a custom header and molding. This approach provides contrast in large spaces and results in a custom-built aesthetic, ideal for stylish Netflix binges. Art Deco-inspired door fronts are presented as a way to elevate IKEA Besta units. Lucie from @the.aesthetic.eye utilized Pretty Pegs' Arch Front Layers doors and black Harry knobs to convert basic Besta cabinets into a chic, bespoke piece that also offers significant hidden storage. IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets are repurposed into a chic floating TV sideboard in another hack. Interior designer Melanie Lissack used three Metod cabinets, finishing them with a marble film-covered MDF top for a luxurious yet affordable appearance. The cabinet doors were also covered with a specialized film from Cover Styl', chosen to color-match the walls and add texture, enhancing the overall aesthetic and making the unit unrecognizable from its original form. For a modern farmhouse aesthetic, designer Velinda Hellen created a media center using IKEA Besta units combined with Semihandmade DIY Slab Fronts. This solution addressed the need for both closed and open storage in a small space, discreetly hiding children's toys while maintaining a sophisticated look. Shiplap backgrounds, custom paint, and vintage sconces further enhanced the farmhouse style. Sarah Sherman Samuel's IKEA Besta hack involves two Besta media units, suspension rails, wooden ball legs, custom doors, and new hardware. This designer hack includes a clever solution for hiding the TV behind a visually appealing tapestry, which can be rolled up when the TV is in use, maintaining a cozy and aesthetically pleasing environment in a room with high ceilings. An IKEA Sektion system is utilized for a traditional-meets-contemporary look in a pool house. Jill Ellis Creates combined Sektion boxes with Semihandmade Shaker Supermatte fronts and contemporary leather pull handles to achieve a high-end, custom built-in appearance on a budget. The article also highlights a shiplap-inspired hack using an IKEA Besta TV unit as a base for a floating console, upgraded with Semihandmade doors and soft-close hinges for a streamlined look. Shelfology provided floating shelves and a white top, creating a stylish modern farmhouse living room idea. Finally, for apartment spaces, a paneled IKEA Besta system with matte black bar pulls and brass wall lights creates a glamorous, space-saving media center with a floating finish, ideal for hiding unsightly items while adding an airy feel. #IKEAHacks #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #MediaConsole #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesign #BestaHack #BillyBookcaseHack #MetodCabinetHack

Interior designer Thayná Alves transformed basic white IKEA Lack shelves into a unique decorative feature for a musician's home office. The inspiration for this hack came from a pair of Air Jordan 11s, specifically their round laces, which reminded Alves of hiking rope. The client's office, adorned with Supreme skateboards, a Kaws statue, and vintage Porsche posters, needed a shelving solution that was less conventional than the standard IKEA offering. The initial purpose of the shelves was to conceal old laundry hookups in the wall, and Alves aimed to integrate them more seamlessly with the room's eclectic style. Alves sourced six different colors of climbing rope from a local REI store, noting that outdoor supply stores often provide a wider variety of colors and thicker materials compared to general hardware stores. The entire modification process for the shelves took approximately one hour. The project involved creating decorative, non-functional brackets using the climbing rope, giving the shelves a distinctive, shoelace-inspired upgrade. The supplies required for this DIY project include an IKEA Lack shelf, climbing cord, a drill, circular metal rings, two spring links, two cup hooks, hot glue, scissors, and painter’s tape. The first step involves setting up the shelf's original bracket onto the wall studs and attaching the shelf to ensure proper alignment. Two cup hooks are then screwed into the wall above the shelf, from which the spring links are hung. The shelf itself is temporarily removed from its hardware. The next critical step is to carefully drill four holes, one in each corner, through the shelf. Alves emphasizes caution, as the shelves are primarily made of cardboard and can easily crack if too much pressure is applied. To mitigate this risk, painter’s tape is applied along the long edges of the shelf to provide support during drilling. After drilling, the shelves are reattached to their brackets. Following this, metal rings are placed around each of the eight drilled openings and secured with hot glue. This step serves to cover the potentially rough edges created by the drilling process, giving the finished product a clean and professional appearance, especially if the MDF chipped during drilling. The final and most intricate step involves weaving the rope through the holes. Given that the interior of the shelf is hollow, a technique is employed to facilitate this: a slice of painter’s tape is shaped into a cone around the end of the climbing cord, providing extra weight and a pointed tip to guide the rope through both holes more easily. A generous amount of cord is pulled through to reach the spring link and feed back through the other set of holes. This process is repeated for both sides of the shelf. The cord is then cut, and the ends are tied off with a single knot, completing the custom shelf hack. #IKEAHack #DIYHomeDecor #ShelvingSolution #CreativeDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #RenovationIdeas #CustomFurniture

The bar cart, despite its historical presence and functional appeal, is no longer considered the primary choice for home entertaining among interior designers. Emerging design trends point towards more integrated and sophisticated alternatives for housing beverages and bar accessories. This shift reflects a move towards more permanent, aesthetically cohesive, and often space-saving solutions. Designers are increasingly favoring bar cabinets as a chic and practical replacement. These pieces offer ample, concealed storage for glassware, bottles, and cocktail tools, maintaining a tidy appearance when not in use. Customization is a key benefit, allowing homeowners to repurpose existing furniture like hutches or dressers into functional bar cabinets. Dieter Vander Velpen highlights the transformative power of a well-designed bar cabinet, noting how features like integrated lighting and mirrored interiors can dramatically enhance the ambiance of a space. Kathy Kuo appreciates their ability to act as a strong anchor piece in living or dining rooms, providing discrete storage beyond just bar essentials. Louis Duncan-He also observes the rising popularity of converting various furniture pieces, such as small dressers or sideboards, into dedicated bar areas, emphasizing their utility for both practical storage and ambient lighting. Another significant trend is the dedicated home bar, which can vary widely in scale and style. This option represents a more substantial commitment than a portable bar cart, but it offers a more impressive and integrated solution for entertaining. From expansive, dedicated bar rooms to compact, elegantly arranged small home bars, the focus is on creating a specific area for drink preparation and enjoyment. Noz Nozawa describes designing elaborate wet bar areas within wine cellars or speakeasy-style rooms for clients with larger homes. The distinction between a wet bar, which typically includes a sink and water supply, and a dry bar is also relevant, with wet bars offering enhanced functionality. Bar nooks, often hidden within existing architectural features or disguised as other furniture like bookshelves, represent a clever and space-efficient alternative. This approach allows for a discreet yet sophisticated bar setup, ideal for maximizing space and creating a unique conversational piece for guests. Noz notes that built-in bars are frequently incorporated into nooks within larger entertaining spaces, such as dining rooms or movie rooms. While the traditional bar cart may be losing its status as a primary beverage station, it remains valuable for its versatility and portability. Designers are now repurposing bar carts for various storage needs beyond drinks, utilizing them for books, toiletries, or decorative displays. Louis Duncan-He praises their versatility, mentioning their use in living rooms, offices, and even primary closets and bathrooms. Noz confirms that bar carts are still incorporated into designs, often for aesthetic purposes, serving as a display platform for vessels or flowers rather than purely for cocktail ingredients. Ultimately, while bar carts continue to offer convenience for hosting due to their mobility, the evolving preferences in interior design lean towards more built-in, permanent, and thoughtfully integrated solutions. These alternatives provide enhanced aesthetics, better organization, and a more sophisticated entertaining experience for modern homes. #BarCartAlternatives #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeBarIdeas #BarCabinet #BarNook #RepurposedFurniture #HomeDecor #EntertainingSpace #FunctionalDesign