16 Genius Ikea Desk Hacks You Need In Your Life
Discover the ultimate IKEA desk hack guide for a stylish and functional workspace upgrade. From sleek minimalism to cozy rustic charm, find your perfect style.
It’s no secret that IKEA is known for its affordable, minimalist design and modular products. Which is why it’s a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and interior designers alike.
The concept of “IKEA hacking” involves taking these basic pieces and creatively customizing them to not only elevate their functionality, but also to tailor it to your unique style and space. All while of course staying under budget!
From our DIY vanity Ikea hack to our DIY kids table, our home is full of Ikea projects. So with a little imagination and a few DIY skills, you can convert a standard IKEA desk into your very own workspace of your Pinterest dreams.
Planning Your IKEA Desk Hack
Before you start your IKEA desk hack, it’s important to plan. Consider your workspace and home office needs, the amount of surface area required, storage solutions, and of course your preferred style. Do you lean towards a minimalist Scandinavian look, or is a warm, cozy vibe more your style? Perhaps you’re all about sleek, modern lines. Identifying your needs and style will help guide your hack.
Tools and materials:
Most IKEA hacks can be achieved with basic tools and materials, including:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head)
- Drill
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue or adhesive
- Additional hardware (legs, handles, etc.)
- Measuring tape
Popular IKEA desk models for hacking:
Several IKEA desk models serve as excellent bases for hacking:
- Linnmon/Alex Combo: Known for its simplicity and storage capacity.
- Micke: Compact and perfect for small spaces.
- Kallax: Offers versatile storage options. There are so many creative Ikea Kallax hacks.
- Malm: Sleek and straightforward with a clean look. The line was originally designed as a dresser but Ikea Malm Hacks have proven that it can be so much more.
Best Ikea Desk Hacks
1 — Here for The Herringbone
Our small corner townhouse office may have lacked in size but it more than made up for it in style and charm. This Herringbone countertop makes the perfect Ikea table hack and brings such warmth to the space and a floating desk is always a good idea when space is limited.
2 — Cozy Boho Vibes
Warm and inviting, this rattan cane desk hack combines Alex drawers, ADILS legs and a butcher block countertop to create the perfect workspace for two in a home office makeover. The cane webbing and trim on the drawer fronts add a Boho touch to the rattan furniture trend.
3 – Built In Bedroom
This bedroom workspace combines the Alex and Kallax systems. You would never know that this built in custom workspace is from IKEA. Obviously this hack is for the seasoned DIYer and a little more involved, but the payoff and finished space is more than worth any blood, sweat and tears.
4 – The Best BESTA
One of the most popular items at IKEA is the BESTA. This oak Ikea desk hack pairs the BESTA cupboard with the ALEX drawers to create a custom workspace that now looks like something from a magazine. If this isn’t bougie on a budget, then we don’t know what is.
5 – Budget Friendly Hack
This budget friendly desk hack will have your wallet doing a happy dance. For under $100, you get a desk with storage shelves and a more than generous workspace. This hack includes the IKEA LINNMON desktop and can be customized to suit your style which we always love.
6 – Gilded Gold
She is beauty, she is grace. This gilded gold desk is so sleek and sophisticated, you would never know it’s IKEA. Style Me Pretty used the VIKA desk and some gold foil to elevate a plain white desk to a sophisticated custom design.
7 — Gold Foil Front
Another inspiration idea for our readers who love gold, check out this easy customization. This Ikea Alex desk hack is finished with faux brass fronts that are created with gold foil transfer sheets.
8 – Homework Station Hack
Even the kiddos need a place to work, and this homework station hack blends the popular ALEX drawers with a waterfall laminate countertop and the results are truly incredible. Not only would your kids have an amazing place to crank out their Algebra, but Mom and Dad could maybe sneak in and borrow it from time to time too. It’s that chic!
9 – Extra EKET
The EKET is another popular Ikea furniture item that easily conceals and organizes making it a great option to hack with to complete your room. A little spray paint went a long way to bring the warmth and depth this hack needed to the units.
10 – Double The Desk, Double The Fun
This bright and cheery double desk would be the perfect addition to any room. From a bedroom to a kitchen, it is low profile and multifunctional. We love the incorporation of the Skadis pegboard which adds so much versatility to the space.
11 – BILLY Bookcase Hack
The Billy Bookcase hack may be one of the greatest Ikea office desk hacks of all time. We love everything about the space from the muted and calming colors, to the lighting and styling. It’s a 10/10 and makes the perfect Ikea office desk hack.
12 – Trim is Everything
As with most Ikea desk ideas, the trim is everything. Adding a custom trim to your IKEA products really goes the extra step and makes them look like custom built-ins and like they were always built for that space. We love the addition of the Ikea filing cabinet for storage and an overall sleek look of an already elegant space.
13 – A Standing Ovation
This standing desk hack uses the IVAR cabinets which are lovely in their natural pine but would also be stunning if painted or stained to suit your space. You could easily build a space like this in your living room where your office clutter is stored in the cabinets and it simply serves as a stylish corner.
14 – ALEX Desk Hack
The ALEX drawers are an IKEA staple which is why you can find so many hacks for them. This DIY Ikea Alex desk hack requires a little bit more woodworking skill and a little more elbow grease compared to others. However, the end result is an absolute show stopper. We love the color, bead board, the hardware… We love it all.
15 — Dollhouse Desk
There really isn’t anything the ALEX drawers can transform into! And this time it’s a Dollhouse Desk with truly one of the cutest hacks we have ever seen. This dollhouse desk hack customizes the drawer covers to mimic dollhouses. It’s the perfect piece for a kid’s playroom or little girl’s bedroom.
16 – The Ultimate Spacesaver
If space is limited and you need to keep your workspace low profile, then this space saving hack is for you. This IKEA hack combines 4 BESTAS and 1 LINNMON to create a sleek shelf that transforms into your office workspace. Not only is it functional but it would make a cool party trick too.
Easy Desk Accessories DIY’s
Now that you have inspiration for a custom desk, you’ll need some accessories and organizers for your desk space. Check out some of our favorite projects below —
- DIY Desk Organizer with a cork board that requires no nails, hammers or drills to make.
- Hexagon DIY Pen Holder
- A space saving DIY Nesting Desk Organzier
- Store your office supplies inside and pin your reminders using this DIY Cork Storage Box.
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