Even though I’m long past the days of furnishing my first post-college apartment, IKEA is still one of my favorite retailers when I’m in search of incredibly affordable and durable furniture basics.
And now that I’m a parent, IKEA is a go-to source when I’m updating my kids’ spaces, which is exactly why I’m sharing these simple yet upscale-looking IKEA kids room ideas with you.
My two kids—now ages 11 and 7—have benefitted from many IKEA shopping trips over the years. They both have IKEA dressers in their bedrooms, one has an IKEA nightstand, and their old (now defunct … sniff, sniff) playroom used to be filled with so many IKEA favorites.
One of the best parts of IKEA furnishings is that they’re often easy to customize—whether you’re painting a piece a different hue, swapping out the knobs or pulls, or putting your own creative spin on their decor for easy IKEA hacks.
But first, let’s talk basics.
These are my favorite IKEA furniture pieces that I’d buy again and again.
Can you hack them? Absolutely.
But they’re also pretty wonderful on their own.
Best IKEA Kids’ Furniture for IKEA Hacks: My 10 Favorite Pieces
IKEA has plenty of great furniture that would work well in kids’ spaces, but I also find that strolling through their stores can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a good sense of what you’re looking for.
So in the spirit of making your next IKEA shopping trip less stressful, here are my favorite IKEA furniture pieces that work well for toddlers, teens, and even adults. (Yes, these are easy pieces to hack, too!)
- MALM dresser: My favorite IKEA dresser. Comes in a variety of configurations.
- MALM nightstand: This classic IKEA nightstand is all about the hidden storage.
- MALM dressing table/desk: The versatile table can double as a vanity or a desk.
- HEMNES dresser: Another great dresser option. Swap out the knobs to make it look custom.
- HEMNES bed: You’ll have this classic-looking bed for years.
- HEMNES nightstand: This is another easy favorite. Classic yet easy to personalize if you want.
- MYDAL bunk beds: These bunks are sturdy and the pine is easy to customize with paint or stain.
- MICKE desk: This minimalist IKEA desk blends easily with any decor style.
- NORDKISA nightstand: This IKEA nightstand is stylish and offers plenty of hidden storage.
- BILLY bookcase: A go-to piece, I’ve used BILLY bookcases in my kids’ rooms for years.
Easy IKEA Kids Room Hacks
That’s the beauty of IKEA furniture: You can use it as is straight out of the box, or you can personalize their furniture to reflect your own style.
To get your creative juices flowing, here are 10 great IKEA kids’ room hacks, ranging from DIY IKEA LEGO tables to upgraded dressers, and so much more.
#1: DIY IKEA Kids’ Table Hack
Ashley from Sugar & Cloth added IKEA Moppe storage drawers underneath a standard children’s table. What a brilliant way to store craft supplies, LEGOs, and small items, keeping them within arm’s reach.
#2: Coastal IKEA Hack Malm Dresser
There are endless possibilities when it comes to the IKEA Malm dresser. I upgraded my daughter’s IKEA Malm dresser using O’verlays and leftover grasscloth wallpaper.
#3: DIY IKEA Hack Kids LEGO Table Hack
Philip from Saving Talents used the IKEA Trofast storage system to organize his kids’ LEGOs.
Read more about this simple IKEA hack here.
#4: DIY KURA Kids Bed IKEA Hack
What child wouldn’t love a bed turned into a “house” with a handmade roof? Chelsea at Lovely Indeed nailed it … literally. This simple IKEA bed hack is such a cute idea for little ones.
Check out this fun KURA bed hack here.
#5: DIY Painted HEMNES Kids Dresser IKEA Hack
DIYs don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is a simple can of paint and some new knobs. That’s exactly what Ariel of PMQ for Two did here in her daughter’s nursery. Adorable!
Take a look at this easy (and beautiful) HEMNES dresser hack.
#6: DIY IKEA Hack Hemnes Daybed Canopy Bed
If you have a daughter, you’ll love this easy idea for leveling up your IKEA pieces. Julia of Tag and Tibby upgraded the bed’s knobs and added a sheer canopy to a daybed to create a space fit for a princess.
Learn more about this adorable hack here.
#7: DIY IKEA Hack Rast Dresser
I’m always a fan of making IKEA furniture look more polished, and that’s exactly what Brittany of By Brittany Goldwyn did with this simple yet impactful dresser glow up.
Don’t let the woodworking piece of this intimidate you—if you don’t have woodworking tools at home, just ask the friendly folks at your local hardwood store to cut the new dresser “top” to size for you! Then all you have to do is apply stain and glue the new “top” to the existing dresser.
Check out this fun IKEA Rast upgrade here.
#8: DIY IKEA Trofast “Built-In” Closet Storage Hack
Do you keep toys in your child’s bedroom? If so, then this is a brilliant hack you’ll want to try. Angela of Blue i Style created a built-in look inside her son’s closet, complete with multiple IKEA Trofast storage bins. This is a great hack for a playroom or dedicated storage closet, too.
Take a peek at Angela’s smart IKEA Trofast closet storage hack.
#9: DIY Kids LEGO Desk with IKEA Trofast Storage Hack
Here’s another great use of the IKEA Trofast storage system. Vineta of The Handyman’s Daughter created a desk with built-in Trofast bins to store everything from crafting supplies to small toys.
Check out this DIY desk hack here.
#10: DIY Midcentury Modern IKEA Hack Hemnes Dresser
Would you believe this dresser is from IKEA? Morgan of Charleston Crafted totally fooled me, too! This project is yet another example of what’s possible with paint, new knobs, and a dash of woodworking.
Take a closer look at this beautiful IKEA Hemnes dresser hack.
If you didn’t love IKEA furniture and accessories already, hopefully this post has inspired you to take a trip to your local IKEA … or to upgrade that old IKEA dresser you’ve owned for years to give it new life.
What other IKEA pieces are awesome to hack? Tell me in the comments!
Want More IKEA Hacks?
- Check out my Henriksdal dining chair IKEA hack
- Create your own Kallax cushion IKEA hack
- Several more ideas for IKEA hacks for your home
- My super easy IKEA Poang chair IKEA hack