IKEA’s got so many things going for it, especially for those of us with kids. There are tons of great IKEA hacks for kids’ rooms and kid-friendly spaces … and that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today.
What’s not to like about IKEA? The designs are pretty streamlined — meaning they can fit with any decor style — and the price point can’t be beat.
But my favorite thing about IKEA stuff?
The fact that there are so many clever hacks out there that’ll completely elevate basic IKEA pieces, especially for those of us with kids who still want a comfortable, stylish home.
I’ve tackled a few IKEA hacks myself, but also have spent hours and hours scouring Pinterest and Google for the best IKEA hacks for family-friendly homes.
And there are some REALLY good ones out there.
In fact, I can almost guarantee you have one of the furniture items mentioned below that’s just crying out for a quick DIY makeover.
Take a look and let me know if you’d tackle any of the IKEA hacks below — these are my favorite 15 I found.
For each hack, I’m sharing the IKEA items that were used, why the hack is so smart for a family-friendly home, and how much effort (easy/medium/hard) each project requires.
Leave me a comment below and let me know which one would be perfect in your home!
Psst! Here are some other posts about IKEA tips and tricks that you’ll love:
- Turn your shelf into a reading bench with THE easiest IKEA Kallax hack
- 7 simple, stylish IKEA hacks for kids’ playrooms
- This IKEA Henriksdal hack gives you custom upholstered chairs on the cheap
My favorite IKEA furniture hacks for kids & family homes
An IKEA Gulliver Changing Table Turned LEGO Table
Source: Erin Spain Blog
IKEA item(s) used: Gulliver changing table
Why it works: It’s a great answer to that million-dollar question: “What the heck do I do with the changing table now that my littles are out of diapers?” Well, this LEGO table is the perfect way to upcycle that old changing table into something that your big kids will enjoy.
Level of effort: medium
IKEA Henriksdal Chairs Turned into Custom-Looking Upholstered Chairs for Cheap
Source: Kate Decorates
IKEA item(s) used: Henriksdal chairs
Why it works: Custom upholstered dining chairs are every decor lover’s dream, but the price tag? Not so much. Especially with a bunch of sticky toddler fingers around. This is an easy way to get unique-looking chairs at a fraction of what they’d normally cost.
Level of effort: easy
Basic Coffee Tables Become Cute Playroom Storage
Source: Oh Joy!
IKEA item(s) used: Lallerod storage coffee table
Why it works: A coffee table and a storage bin? On wheels? Count me in! And these babies are so easy to dress up … just grab some spray paint and give ’em a fresh new look.
Level of effort: easy
Plain Jane Step Stools Are Turned into Fun, Colorful Furniture
Source: This Little Street
IKEA item(s) used: Bekvam step stool
Why it works: Grab some paint and wallpaper and you’ve got yourself a fabulous stool makeover! This is such a simple way to add color and personality to the kids’ bedrooms or bathrooms.
Level of effort: easy
Simple Wooden Shelves Go Upscale With Super-Chic Caning
Source: Christina Healy via Domino
IKEA item(s) used: Flisat wall shelves
Why it works: Bland bookshelves become totally chic when you add some caning to them. Seriously, though … how cute are these?!
Level of effort: easy
The Beloved Kallax Bench Becomes a Favorite Reading Spot
Source: Kate Decorates
IKEA item(s) used: Kallax shelf
Why it works: This easy no-sew cushion project takes a basic shelf and turns it into a bench. All you need is some MDF board, foam, fabric, and a staple gun.
Level of effort: medium
A Wooden Kids’ Table Turns into a Stylish Seating Spot
Source: The Sweetest Occasion
IKEA item(s) used: Latt table and chairs
Why it works: Dressing up IKEA basics is simple, and the possibilities are endless! This cute table and chairs set got a fabulous makeover with some spray paint and a sheet of gift wrap.
Level of effort: medium
Besta Cabinets Become Colorful, Mod Storage
Source: Sugar & Cloth
IKEA item(s) used: Besta cabinets
Why it works: The best way to spice up any basic IKEA piece is to add paint. And that’s exactly what Ashley did here. Easy peasy yet such a big (and beautiful) impact!
Level of effort: easy
Basic Shelves Become an Adorable Sweet Shoppe
Source: Damask Love
IKEA item(s) used: Kallax shelf
Why it works: How cute is this little Kallax-turned-sweet shoppe?! Attaching the dowel rods and creating the awning takes a bit more effort than some other IKEA hacks, but the end result is pretty dang adorable.
Level of effort: hard
Cork Place Mats Become the Perfect Kitchen Command Center
Source: Sarah M. Dorsey Designs via Infarrantly Creative
IKEA item(s) used: Cork place mats, which are no longer available … but these Susig cork desk pads would work
Why it works: If you’re anything like me and constantly trying to keep track of school permission forms and grocery lists and birthday party invites, then an oversized command center might be just what you need. These large place mats are the perfect foundation for your new favorite organization hack.
Level of effort: medium
Simple IKEA Hardware Creates a Fun, Bold Coat Rack
Source: IKEA
IKEA item(s) used: Losjon wall hangers
Why it works: I love two-for-one deals with DIY projects — this one gives you extra storage and doubles as a fun work of art. What could be better?!
Level of effort: easy
A Coffee Table Becomes a Fun Kids’ Workbench
Source: IKEA Hackers
IKEA item(s) used: PS coffee table (no longer available, but a simple Lack table would work just fine)
Why it works: Kids’ toys are so expensive, so why not take 30 minutes and throw together your own? This lucky toddler got a new workbench thanks to an IKEA coffee table and a painted pegboard. So fun!
Level of effort: medium
Turn a Simple Storage Cart into a Homework Station
Source: Smashed Peas and Carrots
IKEA item(s) used: Raskog storage cart
Why it works: And the versatility award goes to … the IKEA Raskog cart! Turn this bad boy into a storage station for just about anything. I love how Maggie transformed this basic cart into a simple homework station on wheels.
Level of effort: easy
Give a Plain IKEA Dresser an Upgrade With Temporary Wallpaper
Source: Remodelaholic
IKEA item(s) used: Hemnes dresser
Why it works: Removable wallpaper is a simple way to dress up a plain white piece of furniture. And when the kids’ tastes change in a few years, no problem … peel it off and no one will ever know it was there.
Level of effort: easy
An IKEA Ottoman Turned Colorful, Patterned Living Room Centerpiece
Source: Rebecca Propes
IKEA item(s) used: Soderhamn ottoman
Why it works: IKEA has plenty of solid-colored upholstery, but ottomans like this one are easy to dress up using your own fabric. There’s no sewing required for this hack — just grab fabric and a staple gun, and legs if you want ’em.
Level of effort: medium
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