DIY Ikea Play Kitchen Hacks to Make it One-of-a-Kind
Take your child’s pretend play to the next level with these clever IKEA Duktig hacks.
When it comes to play kitchens, the Ikea Duktig reigns supreme. Simple, sturdy, and endlessly customizable, this classic toy has captured the hearts of parents and kids alike. But did you know that with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your Duktig into a one-of-a-kind play kitchen that perfectly reflects your child’s style and interests?
From adding personalized touches to completely revamping the design, there are endless possibilities for hacking this affordable and versatile piece of furniture. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy makeover or a full-scale renovation, we’ve got a hack for you that’s perfect for any kid’s playroom or little girl’s bedroom or boy’s bedroom.
So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a fun and rewarding DIY adventure. With a little imagination and a lot of love, you can create a play kitchen that your child will cherish for years to come.
Creative Ikea Duktig Hacks
1 — Paint the play kitchen to match your child’s room or personality.
Give your Ikea Duktig play kitchen a fresh new look by painting it. Choose a non-toxic paint and use a brush or roller for a smooth finish. Spray paint is also an easy option. This method will take longer but spray paint will not have to be smoothed out.
2 — Transform the look with decals.
Use decals for fun patterns or themes like animals, space, or transportation. Something simple like a wood star decal can instantly transform the Duktig kitchen from a minimalist piece to a mid century modern style.
3 — Upgrade with a backsplash using tiles, wallpaper, or even contact paper.
Add a splash of personality to the Ikea kitchen with a custom backsplash. Choose from tiles, wallpaper, or even contact paper to create a unique and stylish look. Go modern with subway tiles or opt with a bold boho wallpaper from a vintage feel. Check out our roundup of bold wallpaper designs for fun ideas.
4 — Change the countertop.
Give your Ikea Duktig kitchen a complete makeover by replacing the existing countertop. Choose from a variety of materials, such as wood, marble, or laminate, to create a custom look that matches your child’s style. There are lots of options on Etsy for prefabricated and precut replacements if you don’t want a full on DIY project.
5 — Replace the glass doors.
Add a touch of vintage charm to your Ikea Duktig play kitchen by replacing the glass doors with rattan ones. Cane decor adds texture and warmth to any space. You can purchase pre-caned panels or learn to cane the doors yourself. This DIY project is a great way to personalize your play kitchen and give it a unique look. We did a similar Ikea hack project to our Ikea drawer fronts.
6 — Swap out the existing fixtures.
You can easily paint the existing handles, rod and faucet. Or as with any Ikea hack, you can completely replace the original plastic fixtures with more colorful or decorative ones.
7 — Enhance with additional new hardware.
Enhance your Ikea Duktig with additional hardware for a more realistic kitchen. Add stove knobs that turn and click, swap out when of the interior shelves for a play oven rack, or install a play gas stove top with realistic burners. These additions will improve your child’s imaginative play and make the kitchen feel more like a real-life appliance.
8 — Build a realistic microwave.
Give your Ikea Duktig play kitchen a realistic touch by customizing the microwave with a functioning light, timer, and knob. This tutorial takes it up a notch with an actual working microwave.
9 — Install a functioning faucet with plumbing.
Switch out the plastic play faucet with an actual functioning faucet with plumbing! This DIY project imitates a regular plumbing system that would keep the water hidden. Use an automatic water pump (that can easily be purchased on Amazon) and connect it to a water supply using plastic tubing. The end result is a fun and interactive feature that will enhance your child’s imaginative play.
10 — Change out the sink.
Painted sinks are common with most of the Ikea kids kitchen hacks. But you can go over and beyond by replacing the toy sink with one of your own in a different shape, size or material. Keep in mind that this is easier to do if you also change out the countertop. Just make sure that all the screws and pieces line up.
11 — Attach a small refrigerator or cooler to the side of the kitchen.
Add a realistic touch to your Ikea Duktig play kitchen by attaching a small refrigerator, and then, fill it up with play food. You can use a toy refrigerator or a real one that has been modified for play. This particular toy fridge is also another Ikea cabinet hack.
12 — Turn a cabinet into a play oven.
Combine toy oven knobs and/or oven decals to create a custom oven door.
13 — Dish it out with a DIY dishwasher.
Apply a kitchen dishwasher button sticker set to the front of one of the cabinets to create a functional-looking dishwasher. This easy hack is perfect for those looking to customize their play kitchen without a lot of effort or expense.
14 — Integrate fluted panels.
Freshen this neutral Ikea kid kitchen with ribbed fluted panels for a modern and stylish upgrade. First, sand down the cabinet doors. You’ll need a saw to cut the strips. But then, the panels can be easily applied to the front with strong wood glue.
15 — Construct additional cabinets or shelves for storage.
Increase storage space in your Ikea Duktig play kitchen by building additional cabinets or shelves. You can use wood, MDF, or other materials to construct custom storage solutions that fit your kitchen’s dimensions and your child’s needs. This DIY project is a great way to keep your play kitchen organized and clutter-free, while also providing additional space for your child’s toys and accessories.
16 — Light up the Ikea toy kitchen.
Install battery-powered lights in the microwave and oven to simulate cooking and baking. For under-cabinet lighting, use LED strips or small spotlights to illuminate the countertop and create a more realistic kitchen atmosphere.
17 — Elevate the attachments.
Elevate the Duktig (literally) for a modern and minimalist look by removing the attached shelves and microwave. This will create a more open and spacious feel. Once you’ve removed the unnecessary components, float the play kitchen against the wall for a sleek and contemporary design. This hack is perfect for smaller spaces or if you prefer a simpler aesthetic.
18 — Transform the play kitchen into a cozy cafe.
Turn your Ikea Duktig play kitchen into a charming cafe for endless pretend play fun! Add a coffee machine, a cash register, and menu boards to create a realistic cafe atmosphere. Encourage your child to play barista and serve up delicious drinks and treats to their imaginary customers. This hack is a great way to spark creativity and imagination while providing hours of entertainment.
19 — Chill out with an ice cream shop.
Transform your Ikea Duktig play kitchen into a delightful ice cream shop! Add an ice cream maker, ice cream cones, and colorful toppings to create a realistic ice cream parlor.
20 — Convert it into a mobile coffee cart.
Give your child a fun and functional play experience by transforming their Ikea Duktig play kitchen into a movable coffee cart. Add a push bar to the side and attach a donut holder on the other side. Your little barista can serve up delicious coffee and donuts to their friends and family.
More Ikea Hacks
Looking for more ways to personalize your Ikea furniture and make it truly your own? Check out these creative and budget-friendly Ikea hacks below —
- 16 Genius Ikea Desk Hacks You Need In Your Life
- Genius Ikea Besta Hacks for a Stylish & Functional Home
- Inspiring Ikea Kallax Hacks for Every Room
- 19 Creative Ways to Hack Your Ikea Malm Dresser
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