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The 5 Best IKEA Hacks We've Found On TikTok (& 6 That Aren't Worth Trying)

IKEA products can be repurposed in countless ways. If you're searching for a clever, creative, and affordable hack, IKEA can open a world of possibilities. From reimagining furniture to maximizing storage, DIY enthusiasts on TikTok have tried it all. Not only can IKEA hacks enhance the practicality of your home, but they can also add aesthetic value. Although the items tend to be basic in nature, there are many ways to give them a stylish upgrade.

While some IKEA hacks can change your interior for the better, others should be avoided at all costs. Not every DIY is worth trying, especially if it can cause significant damage to your space. In addition to highlighting the best IKEA hacks on TikTok, we've also outlined a handful you should skip because the risk is much higher than the reward. Use these tips and tricks to determine which hack is ideal for your unique space.

Create a glowing shoe display with the KALLAX

This KALLAX concept is proof that storage hacks can be fun and functional. If you want to create a dynamic display for your prized possessions, steal inspiration from this stylish, light-up shoe display IKEA hack. TikTok user @shanebain_ used the 30 x 30⅛ inch KALLAX unit with four compartments. Then, he adhered LED push lights underneath each shelf to illuminate the cubicles. You can purchase the Amazon Basics LED puck lights to create a similar effect. For a playful look, opt for the Amazon Basics Color Changing variation.

A stylish, low-budget sideboard with LACK and RÖDEBY

IKEA's LACK TV stand can easily be upcycled and turned into a stylish entryway table or sideboard. @sues_daily used the RÖDEBY armrest trays to cover the sides in a textured wood finish. After painting them white, she added another coat of cream paint over the entire piece. Finally, she screwed on new wooden legs to match the natural aesthetic. If you prefer a more modern look, you can opt for the RÖDEBY armrest tray in black and avoid painting it altogether. If you want more storage in your sideboard, you can use the KALLAX TV unit instead of LACK.

Reconfigure the BILLY shelves to create a coffee cart

The BILLY bookcase can be so much more than just a storage unit. Follow @interiorxlifestyle's lead and flip the piece on its side. Next, remove the side panel of the BILLY unit and replace it with a longer BILLY shelf. This will give you more space to add a marble countertop. As a last step, add wheels to the bottom of your new mobile coffee cart! If you desire, you can add doors to conceal the interior storage. For an easier alternative, hang a half-size curtain across the front of the unit. Consider LAMIT's Short Kitchen Curtains in linen from Amazon.

Design a modern coffee table with BLANDA MATT serving bowls

Rounded DIY coffee tables are trending, and it's easy to see why. @lonefoxhome created a designer-inspired coffee table by gluing three sets (of two each) BLANDA MATT serving bowls together. He crafted the tabletop with a piece of plywood that was cut to his liking. After sanding down all of the elements, he covered all of the pieces in a dark wood stain. Be aware, the stain may result in an uneven finish across both the "legs" and the plywood top. As an alternative to a stain, you can also prime and paint the DIY table.

Turn the OSTBIT plate rack into a floating bookshelf

@carolinepaabol's TikTok is proof that creative IKEA shelf hacks don't have to be complicated to make a major impact. If you want to try your hand at DIYs but you're not ready for a full construction project, this is the perfect hack to try. All you have to do is turn the OSTBIT plate rack and use double-sided adhesive to create a floating bookshelf. If you're worried about the weight of the books, you can use a strong mounting tape like Gorilla's Tough & Clear Double-Sided Tape. To emphasize the floating effect, try painting your OSTBIT plate rack the same color as your wall.

Don't create a weak bed base with the KALLAX shelving units

This hack by @fb.concept on TikTok may look appealing, but it is a real safety hazard. The single-row KALLAX shelves can only hold 29 pounds and the double-row can withstand a maximum of 50 pounds. They are not meant to hold a bed and a human body. Plus, with no support beams in the center, the bed frame will likely fall through. A much better alternative is to select an IKEA bed that already includes built-in storage like the BRIMNES.

It's not worth the trouble to DIY a mushroom lamp with IKEA dishware

While it might be tempting to craft your own mushroom lamp with household items, TikTok user @our_home_style learned the hard way that DIYs don't always turn out as you imagine. She painted the inside of the IKEA BLANDA serving bowl and the LODRÄT beer glass. After putting a battery-powered light inside, she realized you could see the lines of paint. Thus, it became a mushroom ornament rather than a lamp. If you're still intent on trying this hack, use spray paint rather than a paintbrush. You should also use high-quality furniture paint like this spray paint from Rustoleum.

It costs less to buy a kitchen island than to try this KALLAX DIY

@home_with_kaitlyn on TikTok created a makeshift kitchen island with the KALLAX shelving unit. The finished kitchen island cost her £200.00, or approximately $262.00 USD. There are rolling kitchen islands on Amazon for a similar price, which you might opt for instead to save yourself the hassle. For example, the Shintenchi Rolling Kitchen Island Cart is currently priced at $149.99. However, the wooden top on @home_with_kaitlyn's DIY version is larger, so it may be worth the DIY if you need a bigger workspace. If you choose to follow the hack, try sealing your KALLAX shelves with waterproof paint because they can be damaged by moisture.

Don't take the dangerous risk of building a side table with IKEA glass bowls

While turning cheap items into stylish side tables has become a popular DIY hack, this variation by @kleinstadtcoco has its flaws. She used the IKEA BLANDA serving bowls to create a base. This is a risky design because the bowls are hollow and made of glass. That means that if you lightly bump the side table, it has a high chance of shattering on the floor. As an alternative, you can use wooden serving bowls and fill them with cement to create a solid foundation.

Consider the unlikely longevity of a DIY concrete LACK shelf

There are several things to consider before building DIY concrete surfaces. User @lizbesanson wrapped the LACK shelf in fiber tape — which is crucial if you want this hack to be a success. Then she applied two coats of cement on top of the fiber tape. The finished look is stunning, but the longevity is questionable. Be aware that cracks in the concrete may develop from the wood expanding and contracting. However, if you love a perfectly imperfect look, the cracks may add to the charm of your space.

Don't rely on double-sided tape when trying the IKEA grid mirror hack

The IKEA grid mirror wall hack is very trendy. However, @jessebaak on TikTok made a crucial mistake. Unfortunately, you can't rely on double-sided tape when directly adhering the BLODLÖNN mirrors to your wall. While the mirror wall might look stylish at first, the panels will fall down over time. Several TikTok users commented to confirm that they had the same issue. The solution is simple — hang your panels with a stronger adhesive! As a damage-free option, try Command Picture Hanging Strips.

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