If you’re looking for a fun, affordable way to upgrade your home décor, you’re going to love these 20 brilliant DIY IKEA dresser hacks. Whether you want a modern bedroom look, a boho vibe, hidden storage, or a high-end custom aesthetic — IKEA dressers are the perfect blank canvas.
Why?
Because they’re inexpensive, easy to assemble, and their simple structure makes them ideal for painting, adding hardware, customizing fronts, installing legs, and transforming into entirely new furniture pieces.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 clever, beginner-friendly IKEA dresser hacks you can try today using popular models like the MALM, HEMNES, TARVA, RAST, BRUSALI, and more.
Let’s start creating!
1. Paint It for a Complete Transformation
The easiest hack?
Paint.
A fresh coat can completely change a dresser’s personality.
Best Ideas
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Matte black for a modern look
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Off-white for a farmhouse vibe
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Pastel colors for nursery or kids’ rooms
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Bold jewel tones (emerald, navy, burgundy) for a dramatic feel
Tip:
Use primer to help the paint stick to IKEA’s laminate surfaces.
2. Add Chic New Hardware
Most IKEA dressers come with plain knobs or none at all. Upgrading your hardware instantly makes it look high-end.
Options
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Gold bar pulls
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Leather strap pulls
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Vintage knobs
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Crystal knobs
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Matte black modern handles
Swap hardware = instant glow-up.
3. Install Furniture Legs for a Modern Upgrade
Adding legs gives your dresser:
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Height
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Elegance
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Airflow under furniture
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A more expensive look
Choose wooden mid-century legs, tapered legs, or metal hairpin legs.
4. Create a Built-in Look with Trim
Transform a basic IKEA dresser into a custom-built piece by adding wood trim around the drawers.
What you need
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Thin wood strips
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Wood glue
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Paint
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A saw
Once painted, your dresser will look like a high-end designer piece.
5. Turn the TARVA or RAST into a Nightstand
These unfinished pine dressers are perfect for:
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Rustic nightstands
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Modern bedside tables
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Two-tone nightstands
Just paint, stain, and add hardware.
6. Add Cane Webbing for a Boho Aesthetic
Cane webbing on drawer fronts adds beautiful texture.
How to do it
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Remove drawer fronts
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Attach cane webbing
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Reinforce with adhesive
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Add modern hardware
Ideal for boho, Scandi, or coastal decor styles.
7. Turn a Dresser Into a TV Stand
An IKEA dresser can become a sleek media console.
How
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Remove top drawers
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Add shelves for storage
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Install cable holes
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Add legs and new hardware
Works best with HEMNES or BRIMNES dressers.
8. Make a Changing Table for a Baby Room
The HEMNES 3-drawer dresser is a popular DIY changing table base.
Just add:
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A changing tray
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Anti-tip brackets
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Soft-close hardware (optional)
You get extra storage + a spacious changing surface.
9. Add Wallpaper to the Drawer Fronts
A high-impact, low-effort hack.
Ideas
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Floral wallpaper
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Geometric patterns
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Marble effect
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Metallic accents
Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for easy removal.
10. Create an Entryway Console Table
Convert your dresser into a practical entryway console.
Steps
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Raise the height using legs
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Add a wood top
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Install stylish hardware
Stores shoes, bags, and essentials while looking great.
11. Two-Tone Paint Hack
Paint the drawer fronts one color and the frame another.
Examples:
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White body + wood drawers
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Navy drawers + gold hardware
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Black drawers + walnut top
Adds subtle style without major effort.
12. Add a Solid Wood Top
Upgrade the MDF or laminate top by adding a solid wood topper.
Use:
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Oak
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Walnut
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Pine (stained)
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Butcher block
Gives an instant luxury look.
13. Turn It Into a Coffee Bar
Any small dresser can become a mini coffee station.
Add:
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Mug hooks
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A tray for coffee tools
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Baskets inside drawers
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A decorative backsplash (tile stickers work great!)
Perfect for small kitchens or apartments.
14. Create a Kids’ Art Storage Cabinet
Turn a compact dresser (like the RAST or MALM) into a colorful art organizer.
Add:
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Chalkboard paint
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Labels
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Organizers inside each drawer
Super functional and fun.
15. Add Molding for a Traditional Look
Adding crown molding or panel molding can give your IKEA dresser a classic, traditional vibe.
Paint it afterward for a seamless finish.
16. Convert Into a Bathroom Vanity
A bold, functional hack — especially using the HEMNES dresser.
Steps
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Cut holes for plumbing
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Install a sink
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Waterproof the interior
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Add marble or quartz countertop
Now you have a custom vanity at a fraction of the cost.
17. Apply Fluted Wood Panels
Fluted panels are trending — and they look stunning on drawer fronts.
Use:
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Half-round dowels
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Reeded trim
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Textured PVC panels
Paint them for a sleek, modern look.
18. Transform It into a Bar Cabinet
Perfect for entertaining.
Ideas
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Remove top drawers
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Add wine rack
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Install LED strip lights
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Apply high-gloss paint
The result: a stylish bar on a budget.
19. Use Stencils for Artistic Drawer Designs
If you love creative DIYs, stencil patterns give your dresser a unique personality.
Popular stencil patterns:
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Mandala
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Geometric lines
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Moroccan tile
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Florals
Use contrasting colors for bold impact.
20. Turn It Into a Pet Station
A dresser can become a pet feeding station or storage unit.
Add:
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Pull-out drawer with bowls
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Litter box area (hidden)
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Toy and treat storage
Stylish + functional for pet parents.
Final Tips for DIY IKEA Dresser Hacks
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Always sand glossy surfaces before painting.
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Use primer for laminate dressers.
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Upgrade hardware to instantly improve the look.
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Don’t skip anti-tip brackets (safety first).
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Get creative — IKEA furniture is meant to be customized!
FAQs: DIY IKEA Dresser Hacks
1. Which IKEA dresser is best for hacking?
The TARVA, RAST, MALM, and HEMNES dressers are the most popular because they’re simple, affordable, and easy to customize.
2. Do I need special tools for these hacks?
Most hacks only require basic tools like a drill, paint, a saw, and sandpaper.
3. Can I paint directly over IKEA laminate?
No — always sand lightly and use a bonding primer first.
4. How much do dresser hacks usually cost?
Most cost between $20 to $100, depending on the materials.
5. Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes! Most IKEA hacks are perfect for beginners and require minimal building experience.