The Simple Trick That Makes IKEA MOSSLANDA Shelves Look Way More Chic

Like many other beloved IKEA furniture items, the MOSSLANDA picture shelves are a true chameleon. With a little DIY magic, you can transform them to fit your unique creative vision. IKEA hacks that change how you DIY are a great way to elevate simple and affordable items; this picture shelf is no exception. According to TikToker Ashley of @east_shore_home, a great trick to elevate the look of these $8 to $20 shelves (depending on length and color) is to flip them around so that the larger side faces forward — creating extra space under the shelves for hidden strip lights.

While the official IKEA assembly instructions note that the shelf should be installed so that the larger back panel lays against the wall with the front ledge facing forward, this interior design-savvy TikToker mixed it up for a chic new look, which she also elevated with textured wall panels. Ashley used a power drill with a drill bit to create new holes to hang up the shelves and then secured them with the help of a ratchet screwdriver. The result? Sleek and modern feature shelves with underlighting in a small alcove.

In this particular hack from @east_shore_home, the MOSSLANDA shelves were used to elevate the style of simple bookshelves with the help of LED lighting and Fluted Wall Panels from Orac Decor. After installing the shelves, the next step was to measure strips of LED lights and attach them underneath the lip of the shelves. The wall panels were then measured and cut to fit the space with a jigsaw tool before being secured to the walls with an adhesive. The last part was to fill the original holes on the shelves, sand, prime, and paint them to perfection.

Recreating this hack perfectly will cost you around $160, including the price of the shelves. However, since much of the high cost is attributed to the 3D wall panels, you can modify the setup for a similar look that won't break the bank. Consider using more affordable Art3d wall panels or Graham & Brown paintable beadboard wallpaper instead of the Orac Decor panels. Other items, including a ratchet wrench, HOMELYLIFE LED Strip Connectors, and Roukle LED light strips, can be found on Amazon at a reasonable price.

While Ashley opted for a sleek white for the shelves to fit her modern aesthetic, you can feel free to get creative with colors and textures. For example, the shelves can be painted in a darker color to fit a moody aesthetic, or you could add metallic wallpaper as the backdrop for a luxurious look. From there, all that's left is to decorate the shelves with your favorite items, from books to sentimental tchotchkes.