IKEA dresser hacks turn basic, affordable pieces into custom-looking furniture with paint, new hardware, added molding, or creative modifications.
Clever hacks turn an obvious IKEA piece into something that looks intentional and expensive, proving you don’t need custom furniture if you’re willing to put in a little DIY effort.
1. Add Texture with Rattan
Rattan is remarkably versatile – it adds warmth and texture to almost any space. This simple IKEA Malm dresser gets a gorgeous update when its drawer fronts are covered with rattan, creating a lovely contrast against the soft baby blue paint.
Custom legs and an MDF top give it a more finished appearance.
2. Make it Soothing
This IKEA dresser started as a basic white piece, but a coat of Sherwin Williams’ Evergreen Fog paint turned it into something truly distinctive. A rustic mirror above adds an elegant touch, and the lengthened legs make it line up perfectly with the surrounding wainscoting.
3. Impress with Shaker-Style
The shaker-style panels on this IKEA Hemnes dresser make it a modern piece that fits any room. Artwork, a wall stencil, delicate dried glass plumes, and tall fluffy dried stems give this arrangement a boho chic atmosphere.
4. Change Handles
Even small changes, like swapping out the knobs, can turn an IKEA dresser into a bold centerpiece. The original white knobs on this IKEA Hauga dresser were replaced with gold ones.
This new look helps the dresser stand out and complements the nursery’s existing decorations.
5. Detail with Painable Wallpaper
Instead of buying an expensive bone inlay dresser, try a paintable wallpaper embellishment. The Sherwin Williams Cavier shade contrasts nicely with the gold knobs, giving this dresser a modern, intriguing look.
6. Paint Your Dresser
A fresh coat of paint can quickly turn refurbished furniture into custom pieces that match your style. This IKEA dresser, originally black, got a whimsical update with Dixie Belle sea glass paint, especially when paired with the decorative items around it.
Gold-toned cabinet pulls and matching gold leaf legs complete this refreshed look.
7. Spray It
Decorating a nursery can get pricey, but this IKEA dresser hack gives you a stylish look on a budget. The Tarva dresser got a makeover with green spray paint on the sides and leather pulls instead of the original knobs.
The resulting two-tone look is simple yet organic and inviting.
8. Effortless Sophistication
This IKEA dresser hack is quick and simple, but it has a big impact. The Rust Oleum chalked matte paint adds a subtle new texture, and finger pull handles replace the basic knobs for a refined, contemporary look.
9. Create a Cohesive Look
Making sure your dresser matches your room’s color scheme is a great way to get a tidy, unified look. Leather drawer pulls on this white IKEA dresser add a pop of color that ties in with other elements in this cheerful nursery.
10. Use Pole Wrap
You can get a lot of different looks just by updating an old IKEA dresser – even a luxurious one. The drawers of this Malm dresser were covered with pole wrap, giving it a sophisticated feel.
The addition of legs in contrasting colors makes this dresser incredibly chic.
11. Add More Storage
You can put two IKEA dressers together to create extra storage for your bedroom essentials. This trick uses two dressers to make a cubby-style storage unit.
Flush pull handles give this dresser a completely new look.
12. Boho-Inspired
You can easily bring a boho vibe to your decor with this IKEA dresser hack. Just paint your dresser in warm pastels that match your room’s palette, then add textural accents and plants to complete the look.
13. Fill Out Gaps
This bathroom originally had two separate vanities with an awkward gap in between. To fill that odd space, an inexpensive IKEA dresser was put in the middle.
The designer used All In One Oyster paint to give the vanity a calm, unified look.
14. Embrace Geometry
Finding a unique piece of furniture for your home can be difficult and pricey. But adding geometric panels gives this IKEA dresser a sophisticated, refined look.
The stylish drawer knobs and legs finish the dresser’s look and feel.
15. Keep It Minimal
The IKEA Malm dresser has a clean design that works well for a modern update. The cabinet pulls were painted a color similar to the drawers, making it a playful, whimsical piece that’s perfect for a nursery.
16. Add Some Art
Art is a great way to liven up a room, but don’t limit it to your walls. Here, a bold black and white bison print changes the look of this upcycled IKEA dresser.
The best part about this hack is that you can pick any art print and color scheme that fits your interior style.
17. Make it Contrasting
Updating an IKEA dresser doesn’t take a lot of materials or tools. This method uses cool, muted colors to refresh a Tarva dresser that was turned into a changing table.
The pastel tones create an ombre effect that fits perfectly with the room’s color scheme and decor.
18. Black and White Supremacy
This simple white Malm dresser was decorated with black raindrop motifs for a playful look, complementing the room’s imaginative nature theme. The wooden wall adds a relaxed, organic feel and works with the arrangement, while other accents carry the theme through the room.
19. Inspire with Campaign Style
Some hacks take a lot of time and patience, but others take just minutes – like this Malm alteration. By simply adding decorative hardware, this dresser was turned into a campaign-style piece that looks just like the real thing.
20. Keep it Simple
Simple changes are often the most effective and make the biggest impact. Gold contact paper gives this Hemnes dresser a glamorous update, making it look antique yet modern.
21. Lace Finish
This Malm hack is perfect if your style leans minimalist. The drawer fronts are covered with white lace, giving them a lovely finish.
They also feature pre-drilled pulls – you only need to attach them to your Malm chest or dresser.
22. Vintage for the Win
A vintage look for your IKEA dresser is always satisfying. Rustic gold cup pulls easily turn this dresser into an antique piece.
Curved legs and bottom detailing add to this statement piece.
23. Stick to Industrial Style
This IKEA dresser has an industrial style, perfect for a teenage boy’s room. With just wood hardener, paint, and some bold cabinet pulls, it gets a look that’s totally different from the original.
24. Try Some Cane Webbing
This clever trick uses cane webbing on the cabinet fronts and might need a bit of DIY know-how, but the result is an IKEA piece that looks completely different. The handles were adjusted and repainted to match the cane and add color to the blue-green paint.
25. Add Exceptional Details
Vintage-style glamorous dressers are hard to find and usually expensive. Luckily, with some clever modifications and a little DIY work, that look is very doable.
The drawer fronts have cane and trim for an interesting look, with gold cabinet pulls and knobs adding color, and hanging pink tassels bringing texture to this vintage-style piece.
