Ikea furniture has become a staple in homes across the globe, offering affordability and functionality. However, their ubiquitous nature can sometimes lead to a lack of individuality in interior design. That’s where Ikea hacks come in! By creatively repurposing and modifying Ikea pieces, you can achieve unique and stylish furniture that reflects your personal taste. In this article, we’ll explore 26 fantastic Ikea hacks specifically designed to elevate your bedroom with stunning nightstands. From minimalist chic to bohemian flair, there’s an idea here for every style and budget.
Purple and Gold Glam
Embrace a touch of regal elegance with a purple and gold nightstand. Start with a simple Ikea nightstand like the TARVA or the RAST. Paint the frame a deep, luxurious shade of purple, allowing the wood grain to peek through for a touch of rustic charm. Then, add gold accents. This could be achieved by replacing the knobs with ornate gold pulls, adding gold leafing to the edges of the nightstand, or even attaching a mirrored gold tray to the top. This color combination is trending in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing appreciation for opulent and dramatic interiors. Pair this nightstand with velvet bedding in complementary shades of purple and gold for a truly luxurious bedroom experience.
Minimalist Scandi Chic
Scandinavian design continues to be a popular choice for its clean lines, functionality, and focus on natural materials. For a minimalist Scandi nightstand, choose an Ikea piece like the SELJE or the HEMNES in a light wood finish. Keep the original wood finish or paint it a crisp white for a brighter look. Avoid overly ornate hardware, opting instead for simple, sleek knobs or handles in brushed nickel or black metal. Consider adding hairpin legs to elevate the nightstand and create a sense of lightness. Decorate with a single potted succulent, a minimalist table lamp with a linen shade, and a stack of design books in neutral tones. This minimalist approach creates a serene and calming bedroom atmosphere that is both stylish and functional.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Embrace a free-spirited vibe with a bohemian-inspired nightstand. The Ikea RAST is a perfect base for this hack. Paint it a vibrant color like turquoise or coral, or leave it natural and add intricate details using stencils or decoupage. Consider replacing the drawer fronts with woven rattan panels or adding macrame fringe along the bottom edge. Decorate the top with a collection of globally inspired trinkets, a vintage ceramic lamp, and a stack of colorful books. Layering textures and patterns is key to achieving the bohemian look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different materials and styles to create a truly unique and eclectic nightstand that reflects your personality.
Industrial Chic with Metal Accents
Industrial design is characterized by its raw, unfinished aesthetic and the use of metal and wood. The Ikea FJÄLLBO nightstand, with its metal frame, is an ideal starting point for this hack. Leave the metal frame in its natural state or paint it black for a more dramatic look. Replace the wooden shelves with reclaimed wood or stained plywood for a more rustic feel. Add industrial-style hardware, such as pipe fittings or metal brackets, to enhance the industrial vibe. Decorate with a metal task lamp, a vintage clock, and a few framed black and white photographs. This style is gaining popularity in urban lofts and modern apartments, particularly in the US.
Coastal Calm with a Nautical Touch
Bring the tranquility of the coast to your bedroom with a nautical-themed nightstand. Start with a simple Ikea nightstand like the LACK or the NESNA. Paint it a soothing shade of blue or white. Add nautical accents such as rope handles, seashell knobs, or driftwood details. You could even decoupage the drawers with nautical maps or vintage postcards. Decorate the top with a seashell collection, a framed nautical print, and a small glass jar filled with sand and sea glass. This style is particularly popular in coastal regions of the US and Europe and is perfect for creating a relaxing and serene bedroom environment.
Mid-Century Modern Marvel
Mid-century modern design is known for its clean lines, geometric shapes, and use of warm wood tones. The Ikea BESTÅ can be transformed into a stylish mid-century nightstand. Add tapered wooden legs to elevate the piece and give it a retro feel. Paint the frame a warm walnut or teak color, or cover it in a wood veneer. Replace the knobs with brass or chrome pulls for a vintage touch. Decorate with a vintage ceramic lamp, a stack of mid-century design books, and a small sculptural object. This style is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the US, as people appreciate its timeless elegance and functionality.
Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a rustic farmhouse nightstand. The Ikea TARVA is a perfect blank canvas for this style. Leave the wood unfinished or give it a distressed whitewash finish. Replace the knobs with antique-style metal pulls or even repurposed drawer pulls from old furniture. Consider adding a chicken wire panel to the drawer front for a touch of farmhouse charm. Decorate with a vintage mason jar filled with wildflowers, a rustic table lamp with a burlap shade, and a stack of vintage books. This style is particularly popular in rural areas of the US and Europe, and it creates a warm and inviting bedroom atmosphere.
Hollywood Regency Glamour
Embrace old Hollywood glamour with a luxurious and sophisticated nightstand. Start with an Ikea nightstand like the MALM or the HEMNES. Paint it a high-gloss black or a dramatic shade of emerald green. Replace the knobs with crystal or mirrored pulls. Add decorative molding or trim to the edges of the nightstand for a touch of opulence. Decorate with a mirrored tray, a crystal table lamp, and a framed black and white photograph of a Hollywood icon. This style is perfect for creating a glamorous and sophisticated bedroom that exudes luxury and elegance.
Modern Monochrome Magic
Create a sleek and sophisticated look with a monochrome nightstand. Choose an Ikea piece like the ALEX or the LACK in black or white. Keep the entire nightstand in a single color, including the hardware. Consider adding a contrasting accent, such as a white lamp on a black nightstand, or vice versa. Decorate with minimalist objects in the same color scheme, such as a black ceramic vase or a white sculptural object. This style is perfect for creating a clean and uncluttered bedroom aesthetic that is both modern and timeless.
Geometric Pattern Play
Add a touch of visual interest to your bedroom with a geometric patterned nightstand. Start with a simple Ikea nightstand like the KULLEN or the SELJE. Paint it a solid color and then use painter’s tape to create geometric patterns. You can paint the patterns in contrasting colors or use metallic paints for a more dramatic effect. Alternatively, you can use stencils or wallpaper to create the geometric patterns. Decorate with objects that complement the geometric theme, such as a geometric patterned lampshade or a vase with angular lines. This style is perfect for adding a touch of personality and visual interest to a minimalist bedroom.
Bold and Bright Color Block
Inject a dose of vibrant color into your bedroom with a color-blocked nightstand. Start with an Ikea piece like the RAST or the MOPPE. Divide the nightstand into sections using painter’s tape and paint each section a different bold color. You can use complementary colors or create a rainbow effect. Be bold and experiment with unexpected color combinations. Decorate with accessories in coordinating colors to complete the look. This style is perfect for adding a playful and energetic vibe to your bedroom and is particularly popular in contemporary interiors.
Natural and Organic Textures
Embrace the beauty of natural materials with a nightstand that features organic textures. Start with an Ikea piece like the TARVA or the IVAR. Leave the wood unfinished or apply a natural oil finish to enhance the grain. Consider adding woven baskets or rattan panels to the drawers or shelves for added texture. Decorate with natural elements such as a potted plant, a collection of stones or crystals, and a woven throw blanket. This style is perfect for creating a calming and grounding bedroom environment and is particularly popular in eco-conscious and bohemian interiors.
Space-Saving Murphy Nightstand
Maximize space in a small bedroom with a Murphy nightstand. Start with a wall-mounted Ikea shelf like the LACK or the EKBY ALEX. Attach hinges to the shelf so that it can be folded down when needed and folded up against the wall when not in use. Add a small lip to the front edge of the shelf to prevent items from sliding off. Paint or stain the shelf to match your bedroom decor. This clever hack is perfect for small bedrooms or guest rooms where space is at a premium.
Floating Nightstand Illusion
Create a sense of lightness and airiness with a floating nightstand. Start with a wall-mounted Ikea shelf like the LACK or the EKBY ALEX. Install the shelf a few inches below your mattress height to create the illusion that it is floating. Choose a shelf that is deep enough to hold your essentials, such as a lamp, a book, and a glass of water. Paint or stain the shelf to match your bedroom decor. This style is perfect for creating a minimalist and modern bedroom aesthetic.
Repurposed Suitcase Chic
Add a touch of vintage charm to your bedroom with a repurposed suitcase nightstand. Find a vintage suitcase at a flea market or antique store. Clean and restore the suitcase as needed. Attach legs to the bottom of the suitcase to create a stable nightstand. You can use hairpin legs, wooden legs, or even repurposed furniture legs. Decorate the top of the suitcase with a vintage lamp, a stack of old books, and a framed photograph. This unique and stylish hack is perfect for adding a touch of personality to your bedroom.
Ladder-Inspired Nightstand
Create a unique and functional nightstand using an Ikea ladder shelf like the BEKVÄM or the VILTO. Lean the ladder against the wall next to your bed. Use the shelves to store books, magazines, and other bedside essentials. You can also hang a small basket from one of the rungs to hold smaller items. Decorate the ladder with a string of fairy lights or a trailing plant for a touch of whimsy. This hack is perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your bedroom and is particularly popular in Scandinavian and bohemian interiors.
Upcycled Crate Nightstand
Give new life to old wooden crates by transforming them into a unique and rustic nightstand. Find wooden crates at a craft store or repurpose old shipping crates. Sand and clean the crates as needed. Stack the crates on top of each other to create the desired height and configuration. You can paint or stain the crates to match your bedroom decor. Decorate the top of the crates with a vintage lamp, a potted plant, and a stack of books. This eco-friendly and stylish hack is perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your bedroom.
Mirrored Glam Nightstand
Add a touch of Hollywood glamour to your bedroom with a mirrored nightstand. Start with an Ikea nightstand like the MALM or the HEMNES. Attach mirrored tiles to the front and sides of the nightstand using strong adhesive. You can use square or rectangular tiles, or even create a mosaic pattern. Decorate the top of the nightstand with a mirrored tray, a crystal lamp, and a vase of fresh flowers. This glamorous and sophisticated hack is perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your bedroom.
Copper Pipe Industrial Nightstand
Embrace the industrial trend with a copper pipe nightstand. Purchase copper pipes and fittings from a hardware store. Cut the pipes to the desired length and assemble them into a frame using the fittings. You can create a simple rectangular frame or a more elaborate design. Add wooden shelves to the frame to create a functional nightstand. Decorate the top of the nightstand with a vintage lamp, a potted succulent, and a stack of design books. This stylish and unique hack is perfect for adding an industrial touch to your bedroom.
