Chloe Zhang
IKEA furniture is known for its accessibility, affordability, and iconic flatpack design. Its pieces are functional and easy to assemble, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking to customize their furniture to fit their unique style and space. While IKEA furniture is made from particleboard with a glossy, plastic veneer that can be challenging to paint, it can still be easily upcycled with a little creativity and some simple tools. From swapping cabinet fronts and handles to using vinyl wraps and moulding, there are numerous ways to transform your basic IKEA pieces into stylish, personalized creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting | IKEA furniture can be painted, but it is slightly more difficult due to its smooth, glossy surface. |
| Vinyl Wrapping | Wrapping vinyls can be used to customise and upcycle IKEA furniture, transforming it into a bespoke piece. |
| Moulding | Using moulding, such as bobbin or bamboo-shaped moulding, can give IKEA furniture a stylish and expensive look. |
| Hardware | Swapping out hardware such as cabinet and drawer handles for quirky accents can add a personal touch to IKEA furniture. |
| Customisation | IKEA furniture can be customised by replacing certain parts, such as legs, or by adding trim to create a built-in look. |
| Built-in Designs | IKEA hacks can range from simple DIY projects to complex built-in designs that require a higher level of skill and tools. |
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What You'll Learn
Painting IKEA furniture
Prepare the Surface:
Before painting, it is essential to prepare the surface of the IKEA furniture. Start by disassembling the piece as much as possible to make the painting process easier and more precise. Place a drop cloth under the furniture to protect your workspace. Clean the surface with a degreaser to remove any dirt, grime, or oils. This step ensures that the paint adheres properly and creates a smooth base. Once the piece is clean and dry, lightly sand the surface using 120-grit or 150-grit sandpaper. You can sand by hand or use an electric sander for larger pieces. Sanding creates a slightly rough texture, helping the primer and paint adhere better and reducing the chances of chipping and peeling.
Prime the Surface:
Priming is a crucial step when painting IKEA furniture, especially when dealing with laminate surfaces. Choose a primer specifically designed for laminate and non-porous surfaces, such as Zinsser B-I-N, Colourtrend Prime 2 or 3, or Rust-Oleum Primer. If you are painting a piece that will be in a high-traffic area, consider using a shellac-based primer like BIN Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer or the original BIN Shellac Base Primer, which offers superior durability. Always read the primer's instructions and allow adequate time for the primer to cure before proceeding to the next step.
Choose Your Paint:
Once the primer is dry, you can select your desired paint type. Satin, eggshell, or gloss paints are excellent options for a durable finish, and they typically don't require a sealer. You can also use chalk-based paint for a matte finish, but it will need to be sealed with wax or varnish for protection. Choose a paint colour that complements your decor and suits the piece of furniture you are transforming.
Paint Application:
For the best results, use a paint sprayer to achieve an even and smooth finish. Alternatively, a foam roller can provide a decent finish without noticeable brush marks. For detailed areas or touch-ups, use a high-quality paintbrush. Apply thin coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between coats. Depending on the paint type and usage of the furniture, you may need to apply two or more coats for full coverage and durability.
Sealing (Optional):
Sealing your paint job is optional and depends on the type of paint used and the intended usage of the furniture. If you used chalk-based paint, sealing is recommended to protect the surface and make it easier to clean. You can use wax or varnish as a sealant. For pieces that will be in high-traffic areas, such as tabletops or chairs, consider using a heavy-duty sealer like Minwax Polycrylic. Always follow the instructions on the sealer for drying and curing times.
Final Assembly:
After the paint (and sealer, if used) is completely dry, you can assemble the furniture if you had disassembled it earlier. Carefully handle the painted surfaces, and avoid placing items on the freshly painted surfaces for at least a week to allow the paint to cure fully. Enjoy your newly transformed IKEA piece, knowing that your paint job will last for years to come!
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Using vinyl wrap
Vinyl wrap is a durable and protective material that shields furniture from scratches, stains, and UV damage. It is also easy to apply and remove, making it a simple and low-risk way to customise your furniture. Before applying the vinyl wrap, ensure that the furniture surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. This will ensure proper adhesion of the vinyl wrap.
Take precise measurements of the areas you wish to wrap, adding a few extra inches for overlap. When you are ready to apply the vinyl wrap, start with a corner or edge and carefully peel off the backing. Position the vinyl onto the surface, using a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles as you go. Take your time to ensure a seamless and wrinkle-free application.
Once the vinyl wrap is fully applied, use a utility knife or scissors to trim away any excess material, being careful around corners and edges for a neat finish. Step back and inspect your work, making any necessary adjustments with heat or pressure. Finally, clean up your workspace and admire your transformed IKEA furniture!
It is recommended to start with smaller pieces of furniture or simple designs if you are new to vinyl wrapping. Practicing on less complex projects will help you refine your skills and build confidence before tackling larger or more intricate projects.
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Switching out handles
Switching out the handles on your IKEA furniture is an easy way to personalise your pieces and make them look unique. Most of IKEA's hardware choices are simple and functional, so purchasing handles with a more distinctive design from elsewhere is a great option for customisation.
IKEA furniture items usually come pre-drilled, except for the handles. If you want to avoid drilling holes in the wrong place, you can use the FIXA drill template (which costs $1.99) to help you align the drill holes on doors and drawers.
- Place the FIXA drill template over the drawer or door face.
- Hold the drawer handle or knob against the template to determine its placement.
- Mark the spot with a pencil.
- Drill through the drawer face at the marked spot.
- Repeat for every drawer or door.
- Mark the top of the handle and the other side of the handle with a pencil through the FIXA drill template.
- Drill again, and then attach the handle.
Some IKEA handles, like LANSA, LINDSAL, or VINNA, may not work with the FIXA drill template. It is recommended that you purchase an additional door front for testing before you commit to the handle installation process. You can use a piece of wood behind the door to drill into to prevent splintering.
When choosing new handles, it is important to consider the colour scheme and finishes already present in your room. Timeless styles may serve you better in the long run, especially if you don't plan on frequent updates.
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Adding moulding
First, you need to decide on the type of moulding you want to use. Crown moulding and cove moulding are popular choices for IKEA furniture DIYs. You can also use base moulding to create a "furniture look" for your kitchen island. If you're on a budget, keep in mind that paint-grade mouldings are generally more affordable than stain-grade mouldings.
Next, you'll need to measure and cut the moulding to fit your furniture. Use a miter saw or a miter box to cut the moulding at a 45-degree angle and miter it at the corners. It's a good idea to get a couple of extra lengths of moulding, as this step can be tricky and you may need to redo some cuts.
Once you have all your moulding pieces cut, assemble them onto the furniture to ensure they fit properly. Don't worry if there are small gaps or imperfections; you can fill these with wood filler before painting.
After checking the fit, it's time to attach the moulding. Glue the mouldings onto the furniture and use clamps to hold them in place until the glue dries.
Finally, you can paint or stain your moulding to match the rest of your furniture. If you're painting, it's a good idea to bring a drawer front or door from your IKEA piece to the paint store to colour-match your paint. For staining, a professional painter may be able to match the stain for you, but it can be a bit trickier.
By following these steps, you can easily add moulding to your IKEA furniture, giving it a unique and customised look.
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Customising pre-made furniture
Painting
One of the simplest ways to customise IKEA furniture is by painting it. However, IKEA furniture can be more difficult to paint than traditional wooden furniture due to its smooth, glossy surface, which is often veneered with plastic and paper foil. To achieve a flawless finish, it is recommended to use specific tools and products, such as sugar soap or washing-up liquid, and to follow expert advice for painting wooden furniture. Chalk paint, such as Frenchic Paint, is a great option for painting furniture, but may require a wax or varnish finish for protection.
Vinyl Wrapping
Another option for customising IKEA furniture is by using vinyl wraps. Architectural wrapping vinyls come in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to transform IKEA pieces into bespoke designs that suit your personal style. Vinyl wraps are easy to apply and can be used to upcycle old IKEA furniture, giving it a fresh new look.
Moulding
If you're looking for a paint-free option, interior designer Siobhan Murphy suggests using moulding to add a bespoke and stylish touch to IKEA furniture. Bobbin or bamboo-shaped moulding can instantly transform generic pieces into something more expensive-looking, and dec wood moulding is recommended for the best finish.
Hardware and Handles
Swapping out hardware and handles is an easy way to personalise IKEA furniture. The brand's hardware choices are typically simplistic and functional, so purchasing quirkier accents from elsewhere can add a unique touch. Cabinet and drawer handles are interchangeable, allowing you to update them to match changing trends or colour schemes. Plank Hardware, for example, offers fun and lilac-coloured circular knobs.
Legs
Customising the legs of IKEA furniture is another simple way to make a statement. You can switch out the original legs for different ones, such as wooden legs, or even create your own legs by gluing and painting bamboo serving bowls.
Built-Ins and Storage
IKEA cabinets can be transformed into custom-built-in pieces by using extra pieces of wood or trim to cover the cabinet legs. This is a great way to create a seamless look, especially when trying to fit furniture into tight spaces. IKEA cabinets can also be used for creative storage solutions, such as hiding not-so-glamorous pet supplies or litter boxes.
Kitchen Cabinets
IKEA kitchens are known for their functionality and ease of design, making them ideal for customisation. You can swap out cabinet fronts and old hardware for new knobs and pulls to achieve a custom-looking kitchen without a hefty budget. Companies like Nieu Cabinet Doors offer custom fronts for IKEA kitchens.
Sofas and Chairs
Customising IKEA sofas and chairs can be as simple as purchasing slipcovers. Companies like Bemz offer customised sofa and chair covers in various colours and fabrics, allowing you to have a stylish and interchangeable look without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
Interior designer Siobhan Murphy recommends using moulding to make IKEA furniture look more bespoke and stylish. Using a bobbin or bamboo-shaped moulding can make generic pieces look expensive. Murphy recommends using dec wood moulding for the best finish.
Painting your IKEA furniture is a great way to make it look unique. Unlike traditional wooden furniture, IKEA pieces are made from fibreboard and particleboard veneered with plastic and paper foil, which makes them more difficult to paint. However, with the right tools and preparation, anyone can do it. Chalk paint is a great option for painting furniture, and Frenchic Paint is an affordable choice.
Home decor YouTuber Alexandra Gater recommends using trim to make IKEA furniture look custom-built. In one of her videos, she uses extra pieces of wood or trim to cover the legs of an IKEA cabinet to make it look built-in.
An easy way to personalise your IKEA furniture is to switch out the hardware. IKEA's hardware choices are usually simplistic and functional, so purchasing quirkier accents from elsewhere can make your furniture feel more unique. Companies like Plank Hardware offer fun handles and knobs that can adorn your IKEA furniture.
IKEA furniture is easy to customise due to its flatpack nature. You can replace certain parts, such as the legs, or add extra pieces to make it more functional for your needs. For example, you can transform an IKEA cabinet into a hidden cat litter box by cutting a hole in the side and sealing the wood with polyurethane.
