Flatpack, but make it bespoke – the IKEA hack tips and tricks I swear by
Are these hacks the secret weapon your home's been missing?
Interior designer Natalie Jahangiry is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on decorating a home to suit a busy family life while sticking to your aesthetic values, too. See the rest of her articles here.
Let’s be honest, bespoke furniture is beautiful, but it comes with a price tag (and to all the carpenters out there, we love you, but sometimes we need a cheaper fix). As an interior designer, it might sound controversial to point you toward IKEA, but from a practical standpoint, with tight budgets, and tighter timelines, it’s a conversation worth having.
Because here’s the truth: IKEA can be bespoke and beautiful, if you’re willing to bring a bit of creativity and effort to the table. Starting with a flatpack base doesn’t mean settling for generic, it’s about making smarter, more expensive-looking decisions without the cost.
Article continues belowSo the real question is… are you willing to invest a little time to save money? Let’s explore.
The rise of the IKEA hacker generation
We all know the cost of living is at its peak right now, but that hasn’t dulled our desire for beautiful, personality filled homes. If anything, it has sharpened it. Post COVID (do I dare mention it again?) and with more time being spent at home, the more we long to create a sanctuary away from the chaotic current climate. We’re no longer just decorating spaces, we’re curating on tighter budgets than ever before.
And that's where the IKEA hacker generation comes in. It’s not just about saving money (although that’s a big part of it); it’s about taking control.
Social media has completely shifted the way we approach interiors, what used to feel unattainable now feels replicable (although sometimes it looks a lot easier than it is, believe me!). With a bit of vision, a lick of paint, and some clever upgrades, a standard flatpack piece can suddenly pass for something far more bespoke and more importantly unique to you.
IKEA hacks sit right in that sweet spot between accessibility and individuality, you’re starting with something everyone has, but ending with something that feels entirely your own.
And let’s be honest, there’s a certain satisfaction in being able to say, “I made that”.
My IKEA home hacks
As a doom scrolling Instagrammer, I’m constantly in inspiration overload (who isn’t?), but lately I’ve noticed my algorithm shifting hard toward IKEA hack content, and honestly… I’m here for it! I’ve always been a DIY kinda girl, and nothing feeds that mindset more than furniture hacking. So let me tap into a few ways I’ve explored IKEA hacks in my own home.
Here's some of the hacks I've taken on and hopefully succeeded in… I'll let you decide.
Office: Statement bookcases
One I get asked about a lot is where the custom units in my office are from… and the answer is IKEA’s good old reliable Billy Bookcases! At just £35 each, I bought three and started with a quality primer, followed by a first coat of the same paint I colour drenched the room in (Coat, La Torre).
Once I fitted them in place, I used wood filler to cover the extra holes to give a more bespoke look, then finished with another coat of the main colour in an eggshell finish.
The end result looks like they were made for the room, and I couldn’t be happier, especially for a grand total of just £165!
Kitchen: Floating shelf
This was a cheap and easy one. Before we started the kitchen renovation (follow the journey here), I upcycled our old space by creating a floating shelf using two LACK shelves.
I trimmed them to size, primed and painted them to match the scheme, and they worked a treat for just £40. Winning!
Living Room: Arched alcove units
Now with this one, I want to state from the outset, it ended up being a bit of a halfway house. We bought IKEA units for the base and had originally planned to create the arches ourselves. However, it quickly turned into one of those “looks easier than it is” kind of projects.
With time not on our side, we decided to bring in a carpenter to build the arches and integrate the IKEA units, which are the IVAR pine cabinets. They’re really great, affordable base units, and I’ve seen plenty of brilliant tutorials on how to personalise them in different ways also.
Kids Area: Workbench
When we first moved into our current home, I used two TROFAST toy storage units and headed to the local wood yard to have a piece of wood cut to span across them, creating an open desk in the middle. It turned out to be one of the best simple hacks, instantly creating a full play area for the girls and giving them a dedicated space to play, draw and get creative.
It was such an easy and affordable way to make the most of the space, and I loved how it kept everything organised, while still feeling open and practical for the kids everyday use.
Dining Room: Glass display cabinet
I didn’t actually do much to these cabinets to make them feel bespoke. I used Billys again (I do love you Billy!), paired with the OXBERG glass doors. I swapped out the handles, then styled them with my favourite glassware and dinner sets, along with some artwork and bar bits and bottles. If I were buying again now, I’d probably go for the newer oak/walnut range, which can look really classy when styled well.
I started with two double units, then later added two open Billy bookcases on either side, where I installed glass racks for hanging cocktail glasses and added some quirky artwork. This one’s all about simple styling, but it really works a treat!
My top IKEA hacking tips
1. Primer and paint are everything
Prep is key… no shortcuts here. Those slightly plasticky finishes (hello Billy) need a light sand and a solid primer like Zinsser B-I-N to get paint to stick properly.
Finish with a durable paint with a slight sheen, and if you want longevity, seal it with a clear matt lacquer.
2. Build it out
Adding a base frame, plinth, or extra wood detailing instantly takes something from flatpack to bespoke. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, especially for wardrobes and built-ins.
3. Add trims for impact
Mouldings and trims (like Decwood, Trims & Co) are a simple way to transform a flat surface. Minimal effort with maximum payoff, and it gives that high-end, custom look and feel.
4. Swap the hardware
Never stick with standard handles. Switching these out hardware is one of the quickest ways to elevate a piece. Think brushed brass, wood, leather or oversized styles for instant impact.
5. Fill, caulk, repeat
This is the real secret. Fill holes, caulk edges, smooth everything out. It’s what turns “assembled” into “built-in”.
6. Mix IKEA with bespoke
The magic is in the mix. Pairing IKEA basics with custom elements like worktops, artwork, wallpaper or frames hugely elevates the overall design.
And if you need a little inspiration, here are a few of my go-to's
One of my biggest IKEA DIY inspirations is Laura, the genius behind House Project UK. She’s turned her ideas into a full on resource, even publishing a book (Nailed it) alongside all the tips she shares.
I’ve also been swooning over this side cabinet hack for ages (one day I will try to recreate it).
And here a few more accounts I always come back to for ideas:
Happy hacking!
