The 6 Most "Hackable" IKEA Pieces You Should Add to Your Home, According to Designers

IKEA is renowned for its stylish, affordable furniture, but its potential for customization truly sets it apart. Here at The Spruce, we love a good IKEA DIY, and as it turns out, so do many interior designers. While spaces filled with IKEA furniture often have a bad reputation in the design world for lacking character and being “cookie-cutter,” interior designers are well aware of the hackable potential of IKEA pieces. 

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking to add a personal touch to your space, interior designers have selected six of the best “hackable” pieces from IKEA to spark your creativity.

KALLAX Shelf Unit

The KALLAX shelf unit is one of IKEA’s bestsellers, and it’s Lisa Welch’s top pick for the best hackable IKEA pieces. Lisa Welch, president and founder of Los Angeles-based Welch Design Studio, says the KALLAX’s versatility and storage space make it easy to hack. 

It can be personalized using IKEA products, including baskets, boxes, KALLAX inserts, and more. Take it a step further and transform your KALLAX into a bench with a cushion on top, add a countertop and make it a kitchen island, or paint it a fun color for a brand-new look.

BILLY Bookcase

BILLY bookcases are arguably some of IKEA’s most hacked pieces. They are affordable, low-profile, and basic—in the best way possible. You can customize them using IKEA products (like adding OXBERG doors) or spruce them up at home.

Paint and wallpaper are a couple of Welch’s favorite ways to transform BILLY bookcases for her clients’ spaces. They are also a popular choice for DIY built-ins.

RASKOG Utility Cart

The RASKOG utility cart is versatile and multi-purpose on its own, and it can be made even more so with a bit of DIY power. 

“This little trolley isn’t just for kitchen duty!" says Magda Callery, an interior designer based in the UK and founder of Style by Magda. "I’ve turned it into everything from a chic bar cart to a mobile craft station."

This three-tiered metal cart is available in black, white, and mustardy yellow and is set on wheels for easy maneuvering. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with this one—the possibilities are truly endless.

“Give it a splash of metallic spray paint, pop on some stylish hooks, and suddenly, it’s hosting cocktail hour," Callery says. "It’s the Swiss Army knife of IKEA—tiny but mighty and always ready for its next role."

MALM Dresser

The MALM collection is one of IKEA’s most iconic lines, offering bed frames, side tables, dressers, and more. This collection is beloved for its simple appearance and structure, which makes it versatile and suitable for various spaces in the home. These same qualities make MALM ripe for hacking, particularly the dressers. 

“The MALM dresser may seem basic, but it can turn into a showstopper with some DIY love," Callery says. "Add some trim to the drawer fronts, add hardware, and there you are—you’ve just created a “custom” piece that looks nothing like its flat-pack origins."

HEMNES Shoe Cabinet

Another IKEA best-seller, the HEMNES shoe cabinet, is a designer favorite. This piece offers a unique, slim storage solution for footwear that is not easily found elsewhere. Plus, its simple and clean appearance makes it the perfect blank slate for some DIYing.

“Add some decorative knobs, paint it a bold color, and you’ve got yourself a sleek entryway console that’s secretly hiding all the clutter. It’s the furniture version of a mullet—business in the front, party (or shoes) in the back!” Callery says.

You can even join multiple cabinets to create a double—or triple-wide unit that better fits your space. The possibilities are truly endless!

IVAR Cabinets

Anything in unfinished pine begs for a DIY makeover, so it's no surprise that the IVAR cabinets are popular among interior designers. 

“IVAR cabinets are great for built-in storage or as a desk base," Welch says. "I like to stack them to create unique configurations, and you can add a solid wood countertop for a chic desk surface, blending functionality with style."

Don’t be afraid to pull out the paint or wood stain and have some fun with these pieces. It’s practically what they’re made for.