4 Simple (and Affordable) Tricks to Make Your IKEA Furniture Look Luxe

IKEA Cabinets
Sarah Sherman Samuel

Although IKEA continuously releases fresh, modern home furnishing and décor collections, the Swedish retailer will always be known for affordable, accessible products. Oft associated with first apartments and budget decorating, IKEA has long been a destination for no-fuss décor. However, with a few small alterations, even the most basic pieces of furniture found here can be amped up.

Clever bloggers have been inventing easy IKEA furniture hacks for years, making it more foolproof than ever to update just about anything in your home. You can dress up your dresser, create a more professional-looking desk, add hardware to a simple mirror, and give any piece of furniture a midcentury-modern element. Ahead, shop everything you need to bring these IKEA hacks to life.

Find beautiful hardware, unique contact paper, leather accessories, and tapered furniture legs fit for a DIY project. When you're done, no one will know your home is filled with IKEA furniture.

If You Have a Dresser—Personalize It

Any IKEA dresser can be transformed into an expensive-looking piece of furniture with a few easy upgrades. The simplest way to elevate a plain dresser, side table or chest is to upgrade the original knobs with stylish replacements. You can tailor the piece of furniture to match your aesthetic by finding beautiful knobs in a variety of colors and textures. Think brass, agate, or glass hardware.

IKEA Koppang 3-Drawer Chest $99.00
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Anthropologie vista knob
Anthropologie Vista Knob, Set of 2 $20.00
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If You Have a Desk—Give It Some Texture

Transform a bare desk from IKEA with this easy DIY trick. Simply find contact paper in a pattern or style that suits your décor and lay it carefully on the top of the table. Whether you choose marble, wood, or trendy terrazzo, you'll be left with an entirely new piece of furniture to inspire your best work.

IKEA Linnmon/Lerberg Table
IKEA Linnmon/Lerberg Table $53.00
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The Home Depot RoomMates Terrazzo Peel and Stick
The Home Depot RoomMates Terrazzo Peel and Stick $30.00
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If You Have a Round Mirror—Make It Modern

A large round mirror makes a statement on its own; however, with a clever IKEA hack, you can turn an affordable mirror into a modern, expensive-looking one. A quick Pinterest search will reveal that all you need are two leather belts and a chic hook to make it happen. Secure the cut belts to the edge of the mirror; then hang it on a stylish wall hook for an upgraded look.

IKEA Stockholm Mirror $129.00
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H&M Leather Belt $18.00
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If You Have a Shelf Unit—Give It Midcentury Modern Twist

An ordinary shelf unit (and really any other table or dresser) from IKEA can quickly be reimagined with a midcentury-modern feel. This easy IKEA hack calls for a set of tapered wooden legs. You can simply screw them into the base of your furniture and either embrace their natural material or paint the new legs to match the piece you're upgrading. The simple swap will completely transform your furniture.

IKEA Kallax Shelf Unit $40.00 $35.00
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Design 59 Inc. IKEA Mid-Century Modern Sofa Leg Conversion Kit $43.00
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