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5 IKEA Favorites Made Better by a DIY Paint Job

Cody Calamaio

The IKEA name has come to represent smart, affordable home solutions for homeowners and apartment dwellers of all ages. But with the popularity comes easy recognition; if you’ve outfitted your room in purchases from a big box store, it can feel like you own the same furniture as everyone on your block. Fortunately, a can of spraypaint or a bucket of fresh color can be all it takes to make the store’s best-sellers unrecognizable. Paint transforms the standards into custom looks that are uniquely you. These easy redos don’t require a lot of time or money, which means your affordable furniture still won’t break the bank after cost of additional materials. Click through our inspiration gallery to find ideas for your next IKEA upgrade.

1. Just Peachy


photo: thesweetbeastblog.com

To create the perfect entryway table, these homeowners transformed IKEA’s three-tiered console table using a saw and paint. Cutting off the bottom shelf freed up more room to stand boots and shoes underneath, and leaving the bottom third unpainted creates a trendy “dipped” look.

Related: 8 Unique Ways to Build Your Own Table

 

2. Splashy Kitchens

photo: brownstoner.com

Most kitchen cabinets come in standard neutral tones, but these IKEA cabinets were retrofitted with custom doors by a local millworker. The splash of bright blue paint provides a unique and cheerful look to inspire a little fun in the kitchen.

Related: 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets

 

3. Set The Bar High

photo: stylemepretty.com

A desk doesn’t have to be limited to writing utensils and papers: This IKEA laptop table was converted into a chic bar cart with just a few simple touches. A coat of jade spray paint updated the metal frame, and caster wheels plus an acrylic shelf for extra storage were added to its base.

Related: 17 DIY Mini Bars to Mix Up Your Home Decor

 

4. Design Details

photo: pinkavenueblog.com

Budget DIYs can look like they cost a big chunk of change. This IKEA upgrade used rectangular drawer pulls glued to the inside corners of a glass-topped coffee table to create a luxurious Art Deco look. With a coat of gold paint, it looks like it cost and arm and a leg.

Related: Knobs of Note: 16 Ideas for a Cool Cabinet

 

5. Built-In Bliss

photo:  ustagirlblog.com

These homeowners faked built-in shelves using four of IKEA’s ever-popular Billy bookshelves and some crown molding.  A coat of paint along the back wall (like this robin’s egg blue) pops against the crisp, white structure and really highlights the shelves’ contents.

Related: 10 Insanely Creative Shelves You Can DIY