10 IKEA Hacks You Can Do In a Weekend

Stray from something more expected, like gold, and paint this utility cart a bold jewel tone instead. A wooden plank cut to fit atop the drawer ups the functionality (use it as a cutting board for limes and other garnishes) and adds style points.

Idea and photo from Britt Kingery. Get the full DIY here.

Every parent knows that stepping on your kids’ Legos seriously hurts. Increase the chance of the toys staying off the floor with this cool activity table. Here, a flat Lego surface is attached to a multi-level wooden side table (it even has wheels!) to create both a play surface and a storage area.

Idea and photo from The Decorated Cookie. Get the full DIY here.

A basic metal stool looks anything but with a coat of gold spray paint and a sheepskin seat. Though a little bit of sewing ensures a long-lasting accent piece, you can opt to use safety pins in a pinch. Don’t love gold? Try any color that suits your décor.

Idea and photo from The Kitchy Kitchen. Get the full DIY here.

The right headboard makes a bedroom feel complete—but can be costly and hard to find. Enter stikwood: reclaimed wood that comes in a variety of finishes and has an adhesive backing on it. To keep the project cost as low as possible, buy the headboard from the “as-is” section at IKEA (you’re covering the whole surface, so you’ll never see any nicks).

Idea and photo from Sugar and Cloth. Get the full DIY here.

Inexpensive bookcases are a good solution for organizing in small spaces, but the simple design can look stark (especially if you have white walls). Even if you’re not confident enough in your DIY skills to add a unique base, just painting the inside a rich hue can make a huge difference.

Idea and photo from Thou Swell. Get the full DIY here.

With a few upgrades, this children’s play table can be both parent- and kid-approved. A layer of chalk paint and an added towel roll (it dispenses kraft paper!) allows kids to get creative, while attached buckets and clips corral a host of craft supplies.

Idea and photo from Style Your Senses. Get the full DIY here.

A splash of color transforms a plain old natural wood stool into an eye-catching décor piece. Try mint green or pale yellow to add vibrancy to an all-white kitchen. Or paint the top half of one white and tuck it into a corner and use it as a home for a large plant or terrarium.

Idea and photo from Style Me Pretty Living. Get the full DIY here.

Concealing wires and hardware, like printers, can keep even the busiest home office spaces and family command centers looking polished and uncluttered. Here, a drab three-door dresser is transformed into a printing station. Store the printer itself in the newly created open space and house extra paper and supplies in the bottom two drawers.

Idea and photo from Life on Virginia Street. Get the full DIY here.

IKEA’s Hemnes shoe storage cabinet comes with black knobs, but a simple swap distinguishes this piece and makes it look truly unique. Just cut a brown leather belt into strips, secure into a loop, and screw into each cabinet to create a functional and attractive pulley system.

Idea and photo from House Tweaking. Get the full DIY here.

A small metal side table can look unfinished in a room that’s otherwise updated and colorful, but a little contact paper and some spray paint can make a world of a difference. Try copper contact paper and gold spray paint for a truly refined look.

Idea and photo from Kristi Murphy. Get the full DIY here.