Nine hacks to make IKEA furniture look high-end

IKEA is a one-stop shop for those looking to furnish a home without breaking the bank.

But its flat-pack furniture can often scream ‘practical’ rather than ‘luxury’.

Fortunately a British interior design expert has shared nine clever hacks that can be used to elevate Ikea mainstays into pieces worthy of a designer showroom.

Amanda Pollard, contributor at design and home renovation platform Houzz UK, reveals how a fresh coat of primary coloured paint can transform a basic £13 stool, or new handles can bring a luxury feel to stark white kitchen units.

The tips even tackle difficult-to-decorate spaces like children’s bedrooms and narrow hallways. Here, Amanda shares her easy-to-follow advice with FEMAIL…   

Replace the handles 

This trendy kitchen in Hackney, London, is kitted out with Ikea units that have been given a lift with one simple trick, Amanda explained.

‘The cabinets are all basic units from Ikea, which have been personalised later with leather handles.

‘The handles were apparently quite pricey, but it’s often worth paying a little extra for something if it has such a transformative effect.’

Splash of paint 

The design team at US-based firm ComfyDwelling.com transformed a £13 Bekväm step stool with a lick of primary colour paint. The paint is also used to divide up the wall in the corridor

This vibrant space is a very stylish take on a children’s storage area – but it is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. 

These parents simply took three Bekväm step stools, which cost £13, and painted each in a different primary colour. 

The look is finished by continuing the paint up on to the wall behind. 

‘The three children who live here each have their own space to put coats, bags and outerwear,’ Miss Pollard says. ‘It’s a great way to make organising fun for kids.’

Layered curtains 

Layering affordable Ikea curtains was a way to create a sense of luxury in this home in Enfield, north London. The curtains also match the colour of the quilted headboard and bedspread

‘Window dressings can be expensive, particularly if you’re looking for something that’s thick and luxurious,’ Ms Pollard writes.

‘If you don’t want to blow the budget, however, consider this simple solution. The designer of this bedroom bought three pairs of cotton curtains from Ikea and had them sewn together. 

‘The drapes are now much fuller and give this room a cosy and sumptuous look.’ 

Spice rack storage

Freelance interior stylist Curate & Display came up with this novel use for the £3 Bekväm spice rack, stacking three together to create a bookshelf in a children’s bedroom in Kent

At just £3, the Bekväm spice rack is the perfect storage solution for those on a tight budget.

Ideal for keeping oregano and paprika in order in the kitchen, but this picture shows just how handy they can be in other rooms in the house too. 

Here, four racks have been stacked up as a column of bookshelves in a child’s bedroom.  

Resize cabinets 

This Ikea wall cabinet has been resized and fitted with new, bespoke handles to ensure it does not look out of place surrounded by other high-end pieces in this trendy west London home

Ms Pollard writes: ‘This beautiful floating cabinet looks like a completely bespoke piece, but it’s actually an Ikea cupboard that’s been professionally revamped.

‘The cabinet is from the Besta range of storage furniture, and has been resized by the designer’s cabinet-maker and fitted with new, bespoke handles.’ 

The novel solution is the work of JLB property developments in London. 

Mix with high-end

This mezzanine level in a Hyde Park apartment is transformed by juxtaposing a basic Ikea desk with a pair of colourful Kartell Victoria Ghost chairs, which cost around £720 for a set of four

One of the easiest ways to make Ikea furniture to look high end is to pair it with designer pieces.

In the open study space above, created by London interior design firm Violet & George, an Ikea desk is juxtaposed with a pair of colourful Kartell Victoria Ghost chairs, which cost around £720 for a set of four.

Ms Pollard suggests: ‘If you’re going for a designer look in your own home, make the most of the simple, affordable functionality of Ikea pieces, and spend your money on other items that will elevate your room.’ 

Designer colour scheme  

Ikea cabinets in two contrasting colours give this north London kitchen a fresh, modern feel

It can be tempting to play it safe when it comes to kitchens but this stylish north London home proves that sometimes it is worth taking a risk. 

The designer chose matching Ikea cabinets in white and dark finishes to create a striking contrast and a look worthy of the most expensive show home.   

Try a different angle

The £3 Bekväm spice rack has been hung upside down in a hallway to create a mini coat rack

This might look like the perfect miniature coat rack, but in reality this is the £3 Bekväm spice rack hung upside down. 

The team at ComfyDwelling.com thought to flip the spice rack and put it on the wall in the hall. The added bonus? The bottom of the rack becomes a handy shelf.   

This space also uses the Bekväm stool below as a shoe store and perfect place to sit while tying laces. 

Fancy fittings

A brass knob on this basic £49 Hemnes bedside table ensures it matches the rest of the room

This is another example of how a change of fittings can revamp a basic piece of furniture. 

This £49 black Hemnes bedside table has been fitted with a brass knob to match the warm metallic finishes in the rest of the room. 

This very easy upgrade lifts the design and helps it to tie in with the dramatic space.