18 Quick and Easy IKEA Hacks for Small Spaces
Remodeling and Renovation Tips
Faced with ever-increasing rents and ever-shrinking apartments, inventive tenants are treating their lack of space as a creative challenge and sharing their decorating and storage solutions to help the rest of us maximize our square footage. They’ve found that when it comes to small-space furniture, good ol’ IKEA has an abundance of solutions that can be applied and repurposed in a variety of ways, from clever storage ideas for small bedrooms and bathrooms to kitchen and bedroom organization. Whether you’re moving into a dorm room or making the most of a tiny home or studio apartment, you can make it all work on a budget with these clever IKEA hacks for small spaces.
The versatile PLUGGIS bins from IKEA.
(Source: Ikea.com)
1. Hang Small Storage Containers
The PLUGGIS containers from IKEA offer a budget-friendly option for adding storage to any nook or cranny. Use a couple of Velcro strips to secure it to the inside of a cabinet or on the side of the wall for easy storage. In a dorm room, these containers are a great way to add storage to the inside of your wardrobe for socks and shoes or on the wall beside your desk to organize pencils and notepads. Running low on counter space in your kitchen? Put your sponges and dish soap in a PLUGGIS container attached to the inside of your lower cabinet.
| Q: How do I get the most storage out of my small room? A: If you’re dealing with a small space, like a studio apartment or a dorm room, you’re going to have to use some sneaky small space IKEA hacks. Find places where you can hang small shelves or store flat containers under other pieces of furniture. The best way to make that little room feel bigger is to organize your things and move them out of your way. |
The simple and practical MOSSLANDA picture ledge from IKEA.
(Source: Ikea.com)
2. Repurpose a Picture Ledge
If you’ve got a bathroom that’s not much bigger than a postage stamp and a matching pedestal sink that offers absolutely no storage or counter space, install a MOSSLANDA picture ledge from IKEA. You can fit it right above the sink and — voilà! You’ve got a stylish spot for keeping toiletries, makeup, and other essentials where they’re easy to see, grab, and use.
3. Use a Part To Make Your Bathroom Whole
IKEA bed slats hung on a wall for vertical storage.
(Source: Brit+Co)
4. Convert Bed Slats Into Wall Storage
If you’ve got an old IKEA bed or futon that’s ready for the dumpster, then you can test out one of our favorite IKEA hacks for small spaces. Use the wooden bed slats as a wall storage solution that can work in your office, living area, or even the kitchen. Add a few S-hooks to attach hanging house plants or baskets for storing odds and ends. You can also display magazines or organize clipboards and notebooks where you won’t be so likely to forget about them. Wondering where you’ll get your hands on an old IKEA bed? No worries — you can just order the slats.
The BROGRUND stainless steel towel rail from IKEA.
(Source: Ikea.com)
5. Transform a Towel Rail
If you’re at a loss for cabinet and pantry space, you may be asking, “How do I add storage to my small kitchen?” And when it comes to IKEA small space ideas, the BROGRUND towel rails are perfect for this situation.They’re like the ninjas of Transformer toys — ready for all kinds of action. Save counter or cabinet space by mounting a rail to the inside of a cabinet or on the wall to hold all the lids for your pots and pans. Need to tame all those spice jars? Install multiple towel bars on the wall a few inches apart, and you’ve got a spot to keep all those spices in line, right where you can see ’em.
IKEA’s BJURSTA wall-mounted drop-leaf table.
(Source: @goodmoodwoods)
6. Mount a Drop-Leaf Table on the Wall
This is one of the handiest IKEA studio apartment hacks. Honestly, this idea doesn’t require any actual hacking per se; just taking advantage of a great design. IKEA’s BJURSTA wall-mounted drop-leaf table can seat two for dining and work double-duty as a desk. When not in use, it keeps a low profile against the wall when you need the room. If you’re feeling handy and want to get more creative, here’s a bunch more ideas for DIY wall-mounted desks and tables.
7. Upgrade a Plain Wardrobe
If your small bedroom lacks a closet — or the one you have was designed for a bygone era — you can add storage space with a free-standing wardrobe. Give a standard IKEA wardrobe like the BRIMNES an upgrade just by adding some additional wood detail and new hardware. Then, it feels like a piece that can bring style to any room, whether it’s acting as your bedroom closet or a catch-all cabinet in your main living space.
A platform bed made from IKEA kitchen cabinets.
(Source: Nora Elli via Oh yes Blog)
8. DIY a Platform Bed With Cabinets
This one would fall under the category of IKEA Studio Apartment Hacks. When the footprint of your bedroom is small, it’s best to maximize space wherever you can. Consider mounting your bed on top of IKEA kitchen cabinets for added storage — this DIY article shows how to create a platform with steps to reach your bed. The project is no small undertaking, but it makes a clever way to save space while turning your bed into a conversation piece.
9. Use a Slim Desk as an Entryway Table
Turn an IKEA laptop desk like the VITTSJÖ into a sleek and elegant solution for a small entryway space. It’s slim enough to fit in even a small entry or hall, or it can provide separation to define areas in a small apartment. As a desk, we like how it’s got a small shelf to stash your laptop, and it even comes with self-adhesive cable clips to keep your cords in place and out of sight. Plus, you can upgrade your IKEA piece with removable contact paper on the top for an elevated look that’s easy to swap out.
IKEA’s HEMNES shoe storage cabinet.
(Source: Ikea.com)
10. Add Vertical Shoe Storage
The worst part about having a small entryway is not having space for all your shoes. IKEA’s shoe cabinets (HEMNES and TRONES) are ultra slim, so they take up less room than most shoe racks. The cabinets tilt open so you can tuck your shoes neatly away and out of sight, yet they’re still handy when you need them. (Bonus: There’s enough area on the top for keeping small items like your keys, wallet, and phone close at hand.)
(Source: Julia Naftulin)
11. Convert a Shelf Into a Closet
If you need more space to hang your clothes (and who doesn’t?!), mount one of the BERGSHULT / SANDSHULT shelves to your wall, then add a metal rail from one of the IKEA hanging systems like MULIG. It gives you a bit more real estate for hanging clothes, plus you can still use the shelf space for folded tops and sweaters, hats, and accessories.
IKEA’s RIBBA picture frames, modified and used as under-bed storage.
(Source: Faith Towers)
12. Transform IKEA Frames Into Rolling Underbed Storage
Get clever with your underbed storage by combining a few of IKEA’s RIBBA picture frames with some casters and hardware. Take on this fun DIY project to create closing suitcase-style storage that rolls under your bed with ease, or keep it simple and leave it open for out-of-sight shoe storage.
13. Have Your Bookcase Do Double Duty
An open-cubby style bookcase like this white BILLY model is a versatile furniture option for storing toys. You can put wicker baskets inside the square spaces, or you can put a small triangle on top of the bookcase and use the cubbies as a dollhouse. And, yes, if you’re looking for book storage for small spaces, it’ll work for that, too.
| Pro Tip: If you want the look of a built-in bookshelf but don’t want to spend lots of time — and money — dealing with a renovation, you can stack multiple BILLY bookcases and paint them the same color as your walls. Instant luxury! |
A bedside table made from one of IKEA’s EKET cubes and some hairpin legs from Etsy.
(Source: IKEA Hackers)
14. Convert a Cabinet Into a Stylish Bedside Table
This clever IKEA Hacker used one of IKEA’s large EKET cube cabinets and some hairpin legs from Etsy to create a stylish (and, dare we say, mid-century modern-esque) bedside table. Depending on your own personal style, you can use any sort of legs and paint the EKET to match your decor.
An IKEA spice rack, repurposed as a necklace organizer.
(Source: cupcait.com)
15. Use a Spice Rack To Organize Necklaces
IKEA hacks for small spaces include accessories, too. Keep your necklaces untangled and off your dresser by simply installing a BEKVÄM spice rack above your dresser or beside your vanity, and secure as many small screw hooks as you please for a convenient (and cute) way to store and display your necklaces and bracelets. (Bonus: The small shelf on top is a great place to put beauty products!)
A DIY ottoman made from an IKEA coffee table, foam, and fabric.
(Source: melo-drama.com)
16. Make Your Own Chic Ottoman From a Simple Coffee Table
This DIY project is definitely a project, but it’s totally worth it. Blogger, stylist, and photographer Krys Melo came up with this ingenious (and stunning) IKEA hack, and we’re so glad she did! Basically, you start with the simple VITTSJÖ glass-top, nesting tables from IKEA, build the frame of the longer table, spray paint it, attach a support board and foam to the top, cover with fabric, add buttons, and WOW! (Be sure to check out Melo’s blog for more detailed instructions and pictures!)
17. Give Stuffed Animals a Place To Hang
Think IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT multi-use hanger is only for belts, scarves, and other accessories? Think again. If you’re looking for toy storage ideas for small spaces, this one is an adorable solution that combines form and function. Put stuffed animals and other small, soft toys in this hanger, and then place it on a wall hook. It looks great and gets those lovies off the floor.
| Pro Tip: Looking for more suggestions on how to make the most of your home’s playroom or play area? The PODS Blog has some great suggestions that’ll grow with your child and keep them entertained. |
Custom hanging planters made from IKEA’s FRYKEN basket set.
(Source: Faith Towers Provencher)
18. Turn IKEA Baskets Into Multi-Tier Hanging Planters
This is one of the cutest IKEA hacks for small spaces for those of us who like to fill our homes (no matter how small) with all manner of house plants. Using the FRYKEN basket set from IKEA, some paint, and 10 inches of parachute cord, you can create the hanging planter of your dreams. This adorable and functional three-tiered planter is super customizable, looks amazing, frees up floor and counter space, and keeps your precious plant babies safely out of reach of any cats or dogs that may be cohabiting in your space.
Get Creative and Think Outside the (IKEA) Box
While living in a small space often requires streamlining your stuff, it can be fun to get creative with your storage solutions. We hope these hacks help you make the most of your limited square footage and maximize your small home with just a few tools, DIY ideas, and IKEA basics. In addition to these hacks, you can always take a walk through the IKEA showroom to get more inspiration. Just remember: You don’t have to use something exactly the way it was intended. Hang it up, turn it on its side, or pair it with another piece. Have fun!
Looking for more space-saving solutions? Check out our list of must-have small apartment furniture or learn about storing your stuff in a PODS container at one of our storage centers.
Heather Magness is a member of the PODS Blog creative team. When she’s not formatting images and blog layouts, you can find her writing a song, watching a movie, or enjoying the great outdoors.
* IKEA is not sponsored by or affiliated with PODS or any of the companies referenced herein. IKEA did not endorse, promote or authorize anything stated herein.
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