If you haven’t already noticed by now, we’re completely obsessed with just about everything IKEA, especially their sofas.
But while we love IKEA for its versatile Scandinavian designs and affordable prices, it can be a bit of a challenge to put together a space that doesn’t also look like Joe’s from accounting, Aunty Mae’s from down the hall and cousin Sally’s (who by the way, just had to get the same white, 3-seater Ektorp as yours).
And that white Malm dresser that she just bought? Pfft. Now that’s just flat-out copy-cat behaviour.
Well, OK it’s not really Sally’s fault that her home set up looks like everyone else’s, and unfortunately, yours — it’s just a natural by-product of IKEA’s furniture being so accessible at down-to-earth prices.
UN-IKEA YOUR IKEA FURNITURE
The IKEA BESTA storage cabinet with Norse Interior’s Marie door design in Tanned Leather.
Yup, you read that right.
Hey, we love an amazing IKEA-inspired space as much as anybody else, but as you can already tell, too much of a good IKEA thing can turn out to be a not-so-great thing.
QUICK IKEA HACK #1: PUT ON A NEW FRONT
The original IKEA Malm Dresser in Oak Finish (left) with Norse Interior’s Astrid drawer fronts in Silver Sage and Kristina pulls in chrome (right).
IKEA’s BESTA and MALM series of cabinets, TV stands, dressers and night stands are popular for a reason — they’re minimalist and stylish, yet gentle on the wallet.
The downside? You can instantly tell where they’re from when you see them.
But with this ‘whoops-I’ve-got-an-IKEA-showroom-in-my-living-room’ vibe as a potential downside, there’s also an upside, and it’s this: That you can easily upgrade the exterior of these pieces just as quickly and affordably by giving them a ‘second skin’ from Norse Interiors.
The company’s sleek, minimalist wood and cane fronts — featuring soft, understated geometric lines and woven cane — are designed to take your everyday IKEA pieces from blah to high-end statement makers in minutes.
These fronts are also perfect for upcycling your old, worn-out IKEA storage pieces into brand-new looking ones so you don’t have to send old furniture that works perfectly well to your local (and likely, already filled-to-the-brim) landfill.
Our favorite part of this hack? Upgrades start from just $60 per dresser drawer front, or $90 for a single cabinet front.
QUICK IKEA HACK #2: GIVE IT A LEG UP
The IKEA BESTA storage cabinet with Norse Interior’s Cane door design in White and Ilse Chrome Legs.
One of the simplest but often overlooked IKEA hacks around is to give your favorite pieces new legs (literally).
Whether it’s your 5-year-old BESTA TV stand or worn-out looking KARLSTAD sofa, you’d be surprised at how a new set of legs can make your space look more expensive than it really is without you having to spend a small fortune.
Prices start from $10 per sofa leg or $25 per storage unit leg.
Pro tip: Swap your cabinet or sofa’s wooden legs with metal ones for a polished, contemporary look.
QUICK IKEA HACK #3: PULL OUT THE STOPS
The smallest details can make a huge difference, and we’d say this holds true more than ever when it comes to the handles on your IKEA storage units.
Make a bold statement without going over the top with Norse Interior’s brass or chrome on lucite knobs and pulls.
Starting from just $9 per piece, these check our box as the easiest and most affordable way to upgrade your IKEA.
QUICK IKEA HACK #4: SLIP ON A NEW STYLE
As much as we love shopping for a new sofa, armchair or set of dining chairs, we always try our best to do right by the ones we already have, even if they’ve accumulated a multitude of stains, scratches and rips from wear and tear over the years.
This is why we’ll never get tired sharing this hack: Have your pre-loved IKEA seats looking as good as new with a slipcover.
Better yet, give yourself permission to experiment and have fun with fabrics and colours you’d never buy a brand new sofa in, with our removable, machine-washable slipcovers.
At prices that start from just $139, you’ll be getting a brand-new looking sofa for a whole lot less.
Love what you’ve seen from our friends at Norse Interiors? You’ll find even more IKEA hacking ideas and resources at norseinteriors.com.
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by Ali Rehman
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