Known for its affordable furniture, IKEA is the place to set up a workspace or home office. But that's not the only thing that makes an IKEA table so popular – the gimmicks are what give them the wow factor.
IKEA desk hacks go beyond the recommended range of IKEA desks, incorporating kitchen cabinets, dressers, and cupboards and shelving to create any style, setup, and storage you may need for your workstation. The result is a customized desk for your home office that adapts to your decor and space.
We've curated a list of the best IKEA table hacks, from simple and compact tables totables in Lfor mega monster DIY tables. If youwork from homeor you need a table to peruse one weekend orelaboration, we are protecting you.
1. Bet on the texture

Using IKEA kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to set up a dedicated home office with a spacious desk and plenty of storage for books, files, equipment and more.Carley and Aaron's workspaceit is made from IKEA METOD kitchen cabinets, similar to SEKTION in the USA. A 60 cm high METOD cabinet forms one of the desk supports. You will need to raise the cabinet with the hook legs by 12 cm, rounding the table height to 75 cm. Get shorter or taller legs to suit your ideal seat height. The variety of IKEA kitchen cabinet doors means you're sure to find the style you like.
2. Maximize a small table

A small desktop setup doesn't mean it should lack functionality. Charles got the basicsIKEA PS 2014 and extended deskto accommodate a large monitor, second monitor, speakers and laptop compartment. At the same time, it keeps its small size and all the important closing features when the job is done. Modern and aesthetically pleasing workstation to maintain a healthy boundary between work and home life.
3. Get a custom wood table

Going with a custom table can provide a personal touch to your space. Stefen chose black kitchen drawers in 2 different widths. He then finished the drawers with ÖSTERNÄS leather pulls for amodern industrial style table. He finished it off with custom-cut oak planks with a rounded edge.
4. IKEA office table

If you want a single large table for 2 people, this setup is perfect for you. Finding a workbench this large is rare and usually very expensive. ThatIKEA trickmakes it much more accessible. Hebig nice tableis constructed from two KARLBY tops (98″ long) joined with 4 panel clips for a strong, stable center seam. Mark then supported the table on 2 sawhorses or trestle legs. The final touch is sanding and staining withdanish oilto bring out the rich grain and color of the nut.
5. Hide your desk in a closet

When you need a spare table but don't want it to take up the room,hide it in a closet. Emma hacked adesk hidden in an IVAR cabinet. The top of the cabinet lifts up to reveal the monitor. The sliding keyboard shelf is positioned at the proper height for a desk. The bottom of the IVAR cabinet is cut away for more legroom. And he installed furniture legs under the cabinets to raise them to table level. When closed, it looks normal.IVAR sideboard.
6. Put a table in the entryway

Find space for a table in the least expected corner. Luísa deThe McCarthy Houseshe found the square inches she needed right at the front door, under the stairs. It was long enough for an IKEA LINNMON tabletop with ADIL legs and a set of IKEA ALEX drawers. Uniting all space is thebeautiful wallpaperand splashes of color in the lamp and linen closet.
7. Put your desk on a dresser

This IKEA table hack uses the IKEA MALM chest of drawers with 3 drawers and the KALLAX 2x2 bookcase. You might be wondering why the dresser is facing outward. This takes advantage of the width of the chest, making it an excellent stable base for a32″ luxury writing desk. There is a visual variation in height between the 2 units that Shelly combined by placing a 1/2″ piece of wood in the bottom of the MALM trunk. He also reinforced the back of the MALM with plywood and added moldings to all 3 drawers and the side of the KALLAX unit. What you might not have guessed: the table top was a repurposed door. Nothing is wasted.
8. Add a thin table behind the sofa.

Lauren raided the EKBY ALEX drawers in aSlim mid-century style laptop desk. It might look like a difficult DIY project, but it's not that hard to do. The hardest part is cutting the boards. And if you can get your local hardware store likehouse depositto cut the boards to the measurements, it's done. Then,pre-stainand then stain the plates withMinwax oak wood stain. Secure the pieces to the ALEX drawers with a layer of wood glue followed by nails. The last step is to add 4table legs of your choice.
9. Sit at a retractable table

A small opportunity and Otis seized it. added aremovable portable tablein the space between the two upper drawers of the 4-drawer MALM chest of drawers. The table is approximately 74 cm, which is a good height for most people. Best of all, the folding table does not compromise the structural integrity or function of any of the drawers. When not in use as a desk, it doubles as abedside tablefor Otis.
10. An IKEA corner table hack

Is it possible to have alarge singing tablewithout the corner support leg? Yes it is, according to M3KI. You will need three 150 cm LINNMON tabletops (orTEAM CAPTAIN) and 7 table legs to complete the L-shaped table setup. Below the tables are pine planks that hold the individual pieces together and sturdy. Seems to have held up pretty well.
11. Add a table booth

Adesk sideboardhow this one by Jyll Mackie can be so cute and useful at the same time. The sideboard is a custom build that sits on top of IKEA ALEX drawer units with plywood frames and table top. If you are looking for an innovative solution, IKEA has a few options, such asPÅHL add-on unitit's himMICKE add-on unit. The key to this is to paint the cabinet the same color as the drawers and wall for a seamless integrated look.
12. Standing table hack

If you likework standing upWith a stool nearby for a little break, you'll want to add this to your cart. Two sets of KALLAX 2×2 shelves and a LINNMON table. Mount the cube shelves on the legs to elevate the cube to its most ergonomic working position. As the LINNMON table is deeper than the KALLAX units, you'll have a little bit of overhang on the back, perfect for cable routing. You will need to add a piece of wood behind the 2 KALLAX units to screw the tableIt supports. An affordable price andcool standing table trickfor under $200.
13. Work side by side

An inexpensive dual workstation that doesn't look cheap. LINNMON worktop and ADILS legs is one of IKEA's most affordable desk combinations. Also, you can get two tables from a long table from IKEA. This simple table setting is ideal for the kids' room. Provide you with the very usefulPegboard and accessories SKÅDISand simple wall shelves for even more storage.
14. Lighten up with different legs and bases

One of the best things about the IKEA desk system is the uniform height of most legs and drawers. IKEA set it at 27 1/2″ (70 cm). Which means you are not required to use the same set of legs on both ends of the table. Mix and match to find the combination that best fits your home decor. FORbutcher block bench with whitening easelthe image of the entire home office space.
15. Make space in the closet

Ahome office in a PAX wardrobeit's a great option if you want to keep all your work stuff in one place. Judit padded the sides and back of the closet so it didn't look like she was working in a closet. The middle shelf is fixed at 75 cm with a sliding table or keyboard tray below. Use the back of doors as super-large memo boards and inspiration gallery.
16. Table in a bookshop

An ideal combination ofBILLY bookshelves and desk. We love itBILLY shelf hackthat imitates theKALLAX-LINNMON table combination. First, you will need to move the fixed center shelf that comes with BILLY to a suitable height for your desk. The desk is then placed on top of the middle shelf and secured with screws, drilling upwards from the BILLY shelf to the desk. Take care to use screws of the proper length so as not to drill all the way to the top of the surface. Add OLOV adjustable feet to support the front. Finally, secure the BILLY bookcase to the wall to prevent it from falling over.
17. The thinnest IKEA table ever made

Asmall space workstationthat's as small as you can be. All you need is an empty wall to fix theMissing wall shelveswith enough space on both sides for your monitor and keyboard shelf. You will need to omit one of the shelves to fit the monitor and add a shelf for the keyboard. Unfortunately, the angled CAPITA leg that supports the shelf isIt is no longer available. (IKEA, why?!) Theseangled metal legsseems like a possible alternative.
18. IKEA KALLAX table and room dividers in one

Kill two birds with one hit. Leendert and Nienke used IKEA KALLAX shelving to build atall room divider with integrated table. A useful dual-purpose setup in a studio that separates the home office area from other living spaces.
Have you completed any IKEA table hacks?share them with us.
FAQs
Who are IKEA hackers? ›
From what started as a hobby, IKEA Hackers has grown to be a library of thousands of IKEA hacks. These projects are shared by professionals and amateurs alike, all joined by a common love for modifying Swedish flatpacks and putting their personal stamp on mass-produced products.
How to make IKEA furniture look high end? ›- Knobs and pulls. A super simple way to add some excitement to your room is to simply change, or add knobs and pulls to your IKEA furniture. ...
- Furniture legs. ...
- Make it float. ...
- Change the tops. ...
- Switch the fronts.
One of the cheapest ways to get an adjustable height desk at Ikea is to use the adjustable Olov adjustable legs ($15/each) with a compatible tabletop. In this case we used the sit/standing desk for a counter-height crafting table. The maximum heigh you can get with the legs is 35.5″ high.
How can I make my cheap table look expensive? ›- Replace or remove hardware. ...
- Faux the finish. ...
- Display nice stuff on it. ...
- Lighten the visual load. ...
- Add white or black. ...
- Add sleek pattern. ...
- Splurge on expensive upholstery materials and methods. ...
- Change the function entirely.
A copy of the CAVELLI armchair made the new world record for the priciest IKEA furniture, fetching 151,000 Swedish kroner ($16,686.99). Launched in 1959 IKEA catalogue, the armchair was designed by the Swedish acclaimed designer and architect Bengt Ruda.
Who is No 1 ethical hacker in world? ›Since 2000, Mitnick has been a paid security consultant, public speaker, and author. He does security consulting for, performs penetration testing services, and teaches social engineering classes to companies and government agencies.
What does IKEA stand for? ›IKEA is named after the initials of founder Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd, the farm on which he grew up, and Agunnaryd, the nearby village.
Who is a biggest hacker? ›- Ian Murphy. ...
- Matthew Bevan and Richard Pryce. ...
- Jeanson James Ancheta. ...
- Michael Calce. ...
- Julian Assange. ...
- Gary McKinnon. ...
- Adrian Lamo. ...
- Aaron Swartz.
A wooden coffee table or crate can look distinctly more vintage with brass corners. Purchase a set of 4 brass corners and either glue or screw them into your furniture. Wrap your wooden chair sides in yarn. A little yarn can make wooden IKEA chairs look softer and well-worn.
How do I spice up my IKEA dresser? ›By adding extra wood panels, paint, and pretty pulls, you can instantly not only add flair to your existing IKEA dresser, but give it an upgrade that looks expensive and stylish.
How do you fancy up a desk? ›
- Hang a Wire to Display Pictures. ...
- Keep Notes in Colorful Holders. ...
- Bring in Some Greenery. ...
- Add Decoration to Your Boards. ...
- Use Fun Magnets or Push Pins. ...
- Hold Files With Decorative Bookends. ...
- Switch Out Your Mug. ...
- Add a Little Interest to Your Writing Implements.
Build your own modular desk by combining your favorite tabletop, legs, trestles or other element such as a drawer unit. Most combinations are possible and the result is a custom desk or table that really suits your needs.
What table makes a room look bigger? ›Any large coffee table, whether concrete, wood, glass or Lucite; can make a room appear larger. Clear materials allow for more translucency, making the room feel more spacious. '
What makes a beautiful table setting? ›Simplicity is the best – use simple but good quality fabrics, crockery and cutlery and try to stick to one palette (or use complimenting colours). For a rustic feel, swap flowers for potted herbs, and swap a table cloth for newspaper when serving messy foods like shellfish – and then serve right on the table.
How to spend less in IKEA? ›- Trade in old Ikea furniture for vouchers.
- Free tea and coffee.
- When is the next Ikea sale?
- Look out for ex-display bargains.
- Get extra offers and discounts with Ikea Family.
In the financial year 2022, the leading selling country of IKEA products was Germany, accounting for 14.4 percent of IKEA's total sales.
What is the most big IKEA? ›Sweden has the world's third largest IKEA (outside Stockholm; 55,221 square meters) after South Korea's Gwangmyeong store.
How do hackers not get caught? ›Hackers will often use secure software such as a proxy server to hide their identity and funnel their communications through lots of different countries in order to evade detection. Other technologies like Tor and encryption enable them to add multiple layers to mask their identity.
Which country has most hackers? ›With definitions out of the way, you can be sure of the kinds of hackers we're talking about. Indeed, China is home to the world's highest number of hackers per capita.
Has the IRS ever been hacked? ›The information was gathered off the IRS's “Get Transcript” website (which has since been shut down after discovering the hack), where hackers had to complete a screen asking very secure information on each taxpayer, including the Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, address, etc.
What does K mean in IKEA? ›
" Did you know? IKEA is named after the initials of founder Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd, the farm on which he grew up, and Agunnaryd, the nearby village.
Why is IKEA all caps? ›IKEA Is Capitalized Because It's An Acronym
The reason it appears capitalized is because it's actually an acronym. The “I” and “K” are for Ingrid Kamprad, the founder of the company. The “E” and “A” stand for the farm of Elmtaryd and the Swedish village of Agunnaryd, where Kamprad grew up.
Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is the owner of the IKEA Concept and worldwide IKEA franchisor, and they have assigned other IKEA companies to develop range, supply and communication.
Who is the scariest hackers? ›- Kevin Mitnick. A seminal figure in American hacking, Kevin Mitnick got his career start as a teen. ...
- Anonymous. ...
- Adrian Lamo. ...
- Albert Gonzalez. ...
- Matthew Bevan and Richard Pryce. ...
- Jeanson James Ancheta. ...
- Michael Calce. ...
- Kevin Poulsen.
Kevin Mitnick holds the title as the world's most famous hacker ever, with this title dating back to 1995 by the US Department of Justice. Kevin Mitnick started hacking at an early age. He broke into the realm of public attention in the 1980s after he hacked into the North American Defense Command (NORAD).
Can a hacker be traced? ›Most hackers will understand that they can be tracked down by authorities identifying their IP address, so advanced hackers will attempt to make it as difficult as possible for you to find out their identity.
What color furniture makes space look bigger? ›So, what colors make a room look bigger? For an optimum effect, go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms feel bigger and more inviting.
What makes furniture high end? ›High-end furniture uses high-quality materials such as organic cotton and sustainable wood. The extra care taken to choose the materials means that the piece will look beautiful and last longer.
How can I make my old furniture look cool? ›- #1. Strip Old Painted Finishes. ...
- #2. Clean Stain from Your Chairs, Dresser or Tables. ...
- #3. Add a Fresh Coat of Spray Paint. ...
- #4. Re-Cover Dining Chairs with a New Cushion. ...
- #5. Refinishing Furniture. ...
- #6. Go For Milk Paint.
- Sand and Clean Your Modern Furniture.
- Use Solid Wood Pieces.
- Apply the Right Paint Techniques.
- Enhance Wood Stains.
- Mimic the Wear-and-Tear Scars on Solid Wood.
- Distress Your Furniture With Sandpaper.
- Opt for the Perfect Wood Finishes.
How to make IKEA Malm dresser look expensive? ›
Add Shaker-Style Trim to Your Drawer Fronts
Line the outside of each drawer with flat strips of trim. Then, paint that trim to match your dresser. Once you've added drawer pulls, you'll have a dresser that looks like a classic Shaker-style piece—and not like an IKEA budget buy.
The best way to paint laminate furniture without a ton of sanding is to lightly scuff the surface with medium-grit sandpaper followed by a shellac-based primer. It can then be painted with the paint and top coat of your choice.
Can you customize a table in IKEA? ›With our desk configurator, you can plan the perfect Workplace for your Room or office in just a few Steps. Choose a Tabletop, complementary Legs or Table Bucks and other Additional Elements such as Attachments or Drawer elements.
How do you fix an unstable table? ›If your table legs are screwed in; make sure you have the right type of screwdriver and tighten the screws as much as possible. This will make the legs steady again. However, if the legs of your table are fixed in place using bolts, you'll need a wrench. Tighten them as much as you can to get the legs steady.
How do you make a table that doesn't wobble? ›If one of the joints is loose and that's what is causing the wobble, you can typically remedy the problem by filling the joint with glue or epoxy. Flip the table over, gently hold the legs in place, and fill the gaps with wood glue.
How to make a cute desk? ›- Hang an Inspirational Pendant.
- Display Your Team Spirit.
- Decorate a Cork Board.
- Color Your Clock.
- Add Fun to a Pegboard.
- Create a Desk Caddy.
- Personalize Your Storage.
- Share Your Memories.
You can pop a thin desk behind your couch in order to carve out a workspace. Put a small area rug underneath and add in a table lamp to make the space feel slightly separate from the rest of the room. Then, to help it blend into the space, you can layer the desk with more furniture.
What do you put IKEA furniture together with? ›To make your IKEA furniture look more professional and expensive, use glue during assembly. When applied correctly, the glue will prevent wobbling and make for strong, good-looking furniture that will last for many years. Assembly experts recommend using either white Gorilla glue or Gorilla construction adhesive.
How much weight can IKEA table legs hold? ›Q: What is the max loading weight per leg ? Ikea states in their website that it carries 125KG or about 275 pounds.
How do I protect my IKEA table top? ›We therefore advise you to varnish your ikea wooden worktop. It's very easy. Usually 2 or 3 coats are sufficient. We recommend the Worktop Varnish VPT500 which is effective in protecting all types of worktops.
How to make an IKEA kitchen look expensive? ›
If you are considering a traditional or transitional style IKEA kitchen, you can make it look more polished and finished by adding stock molding like crown molding, light rail, and baseboard from your local big box store.
How do you make a table look expensive? ›You don't need to limit yourself to the table itself, either. “Try adding some upholstered chairs or slipcovers for a curated look with a statement centerpiece, such as a natural floral arrangement or collection of vases,” says Angela Deniston, a strategic real estate advisor with Real Estate Bees.
How can I make my kitchen look luxurious? ›Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.
How do I add luxury to my kitchen? ›- Add Lighting to Cabinets. ...
- Warm Up the Space with Wood. ...
- Update the Backsplash. ...
- Make Your Kitchen Island the Focal Point. ...
- Coordinate Your Light Fixtures. ...
- Go For Luxe Metal Finishes. ...
- Refresh the Floors. ...
- Bring In More Natural Light.
Forks are placed to the left of the plate, knives and spoons to the right. Stemware is set above and to the right of the dinner plate; bread-and-butter plates sit above the forks, to the left of the place setting.