An “Ikea desk hack” is a creative way to transform a standard Ikea desk into a personalized and functional workspace. With Ikea’s minimalist designs, many people have discovered how to customize and enhance their desks with affordable modifications. From adding storage solutions to changing finishes or incorporating unique accessories, these hacks offer endless possibilities for improving both the aesthetics and functionality of your desk. Whether you’re looking for more organization, style, or versatility, an Ikea desk hack can turn a simple piece of furniture into a standout element of your home office.
33 Ikea Desk Hack
IKEA furniture has long been a go-to for affordable, stylish, and versatile pieces, perfect for transforming any space. One of their most popular offerings is desks, which can be customized to fit any room, from minimalist home offices to creative studios. If you’re looking to enhance your workspace with a personal touch or increase functionality, here are 33 IKEA desk hacks that can help you create the ultimate work environment.
1. Create an L-shaped desk with EKET storage
Image Credit: Sarah Wissinger Credit: Sarah Wissinger
Creating an L-shaped desk with Ikea’s EKET storage units is a smart and stylish way to maximize workspace. By using two or more EKET units, you can easily form an L-shape that provides ample room for working, studying, or crafting. The modular design allows flexibility, so you can adjust the layout to fit your space and needs.
The EKET storage units offer both functional and aesthetic benefits. With plenty of compartments for organizing supplies, paperwork, or decor, you can keep your workspace neat and clutter-free. This hack combines style with practicality, turning your desk into an efficient, personalized workstation.
2. Keep it natural with plain plywood.
Image Credit: Rachel Mae Smith Credit: Rachel Mae Smith
Keeping it natural with plain plywood is an excellent way to create a minimalist, earthy look in your home decor. Plywood’s simple, raw texture adds a rustic yet modern vibe, making it perfect for DIY furniture projects, including desks, shelves, and wall panels. Its versatility allows you to easily customize and stain it to match your aesthetic preferences, from light, natural tones to deeper, richer finishes.
Plain plywood is also an affordable and sustainable material choice, offering both beauty and practicality. Whether used as a statement piece or as an understated backdrop, it adds warmth and simplicity to any space.
3. Paint BESTAS blue to add a pop of color
Credit: Amara of @thepajaamahub Credit: Amara of @thepajaamahub
Painting your Ikea BESTA unit blue is a simple yet effective way to infuse a vibrant pop of color into your space. The clean, modern design of the BESTA unit makes it the perfect canvas for a bold transformation. A rich blue tone can add energy, calm, or creativity, depending on the shade you choose, making it a great addition to any room.
This quick and affordable hack not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the unit but also complements a variety of interior styles. Whether you’re aiming for a coastal vibe or a modern statement piece, a blue BESTA can truly elevate your decor.
4. Create a triple-decker desk with IKEA pieces.
Credit: Jacqueline Clair Credit: Jacqueline Clair
Creating a triple-decker desk with IKEA pieces is an innovative way to maximize vertical space and create a highly functional workstation. By combining elements like the MALM or BESTA units, along with additional shelves, you can design a multi-level desk that offers ample storage and workspace. This setup allows you to keep essential items within reach while maintaining a tidy and organized surface.
The triple-decker desk not only optimizes storage but also gives your home office a unique, modern look. It’s a customizable solution that can be tailored to suit your needs, whether for work, study, or creative projects.
5. Decoupage a blank white or wood desk
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Decoupaging a blank white or wood desk is a creative way to personalize and transform a dull surface into a stylish, one-of-a-kind piece of furniture. By applying decorative paper, fabric, or napkins with a layer of decoupage glue, you can add vibrant patterns, textures, or even themed artwork to the desk.
Once applied, the surface is sealed with a protective varnish to ensure durability and a smooth finish. This simple yet effective DIY project allows you to customize your workspace with minimal effort, bringing a fresh, artistic touch to any room.
6. Match the desk and the cabinetry.
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Matching the desk and cabinetry is an essential element of creating a cohesive, harmonious workspace. When both pieces share complementary colors, materials, or finishes, they work together to establish a unified aesthetic. This can be achieved by choosing matching wood tones, similar paint finishes, or coordinating hardware details.
Whether the style is modern, traditional, or industrial, matching the desk and cabinetry helps in making the room feel well-organized and thoughtfully designed. A balanced approach between functionality and aesthetics ensures that both the desk and cabinetry are visually pleasing and contribute to an efficient, stylish work environment.
7. Go with serene green.
Credit: Fariha Nasir Credit: Fariha Nasir
“Go with serene green” is a design choice that evokes tranquility and calm. This soothing color can transform any space, creating an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Whether used on walls, furniture, or accents, serene green promotes a sense of balance and harmony, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or workspaces.
This versatile shade pairs beautifully with neutrals, soft whites, or even earthy tones, enhancing natural light and bringing the outdoors inside. Whether opting for a soft sage or a deeper moss, serene green is a timeless choice that fosters mental clarity and well-being, making it perfect for any serene environment.
8. Create one long desk for a wall-to-wall office space.
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Creating one long desk for a wall-to-wall office space is an excellent solution for maximizing productivity and style. By extending a single, continuous desk along an entire wall, you create a spacious work surface that accommodates multiple tasks, equipment, and storage without the clutter of separate desks. This design promotes organization and efficiency, ideal for home offices or collaborative workspaces.
A wall-to-wall desk can be customized to fit the room’s dimensions, offering ample space for computers, books, or even décor. With built-in shelves or drawers, this setup helps streamline the workspace while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
9. Use ALEXes to create a homework haven.
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Using ALEXes (modular storage units) to create a homework haven is a smart way to organize and enhance a study space. These versatile units provide ample storage for books, stationery, and other study materials, helping to keep the workspace clutter-free. By arranging ALEXes in a way that suits the room’s layout, you can create designated areas for writing, reading, and organizing tasks.
Incorporating a comfortable chair and good lighting alongside the ALEX storage creates an inviting and efficient environment for focus and productivity. With everything in its place, students can feel motivated and ready to tackle their homework with ease.
10. Pair a live-edge top with an ALEX (or any IKEA) base.
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Pairing a live-edge top with an ALEX (or any IKEA) base creates a stunning blend of natural beauty and modern functionality. The organic, rustic charm of the live-edge wood contrasts beautifully with the sleek, minimalist design of the ALEX drawers. This combination elevates any workspace, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical storage.
The live-edge top provides a unique, one-of-a-kind look, while the ALEX base ensures ample storage for supplies, papers, and gadgets. This fusion of styles not only enhances the visual appeal of a desk but also offers an efficient, organized solution for both home offices and creative spaces.
11. Use two IKEA EKETS for a mid-century modern setup.
Credit: @seasonsincolour Credit: @seasonsincolour
Using two IKEA EKETS units is an excellent way to create a stylish mid-century modern setup. The clean lines, geometric design, and functional storage of EKETS effortlessly complement the retro aesthetic of mid-century modern decor. Arrange the units in a stacked configuration or side by side to create a minimalist yet functional focal point for any room.
These versatile units are perfect for displaying decorative objects, storing books, or keeping everyday items organized. Paired with a sleek, wooden desk or a vintage-inspired chair, EKETS provide a practical and eye-catching storage solution, bringing both style and order to your space.
12. Creates three surfaces for working with a smart IKEA setup.
Credit: Natalie Credit: Natalie
Creating three surfaces for working with a smart IKEA setup is an efficient way to maximize productivity and organization. By combining various IKEA pieces like desks, shelves, and storage units, you can design a layout that offers distinct areas for different tasks. One surface can be dedicated to computer work, another for writing or crafting, and a third for organizing materials or display.
This modular approach allows you to customize the workspace according to your needs, keeping everything within reach. With smart storage solutions and versatile designs, an IKEA setup helps create a functional, clutter-free environment for focused work.
13. Add a Live-Edge Wood Top to a LINNMON Desk
If you want to add some natural charm to your IKEA desk, consider swapping the standard desk surface with a live-edge wood slab. The LINNMON desk is a perfect base for this hack, as its minimalist design allows the organic beauty of the wood to shine. Attach the wood to the existing frame using heavy-duty brackets for a sturdy, one-of-a-kind desk that combines the best of both worlds—modern and rustic.
14. Transform a MICKE Desk into a Standing Desk
The MICKE series is known for its compact design and sleek look, but it can be easily transformed into a standing desk with a few modifications. Simply add height-adjustable legs or raise the desk on a set of sturdy blocks. This hack can improve posture and encourage a healthier working position, while still maintaining the minimalist appeal of the MICKE desk.
15. Add Drawer Organizers to the HEMNES Desk
The HEMNES desk offers ample storage but can sometimes become disorganized. To solve this, add custom drawer organizers to keep everything in its place. IKEA’s own drawer dividers, or even small baskets and boxes, can be used to create compartments for pens, paper, and other essentials. This simple addition can significantly improve organization and functionality.
16. Upgrade Your Desk with LED Strip Lighting
Give your desk a modern and ambient touch by adding LED strip lighting underneath the desk surface or along the back edge. This simple IKEA hack can transform your workspace, providing task lighting for late-night work or a warm, cozy glow during the day. Pair this hack with a dimmer switch for adjustable lighting and a personalized feel.
17. Repurpose KALLAX Units as a Desk Base
The KALLAX series, which is typically used for shelving, can be easily repurposed as a solid and stylish desk base. Stack two KALLAX units side by side or on top of each other to create a sturdy foundation for a custom tabletop. Add storage boxes or baskets in the open cubicles for a functional yet aesthetically pleasing setup.
18. Create a Floating Desk with LACK Shelves
For a modern, space-saving option, consider creating a floating desk using LACK shelves. Mount the LACK wall-mounted shelves at desk height, and add a slim tabletop on top. This minimalist design provides a sleek workspace without taking up floor space. The floating look is perfect for small rooms or modern, industrial-style offices.
19. Add a Pop of Color with ALEX Drawers
ALEX drawers are a classic IKEA piece known for their storage potential and clean lines. You can hack the ALEX unit to create a bold, colorful workspace. Use removable peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint the drawer fronts in vibrant hues to give the desk a playful, energetic vibe. Pair with a neutral desk surface for balance and a fun contrast.
20. Incorporate Pegboards for Easy Access Storage
If you need quick access to supplies like pens, scissors, or even headphones, consider mounting a pegboard above your desk. IKEA offers affordable pegboards in various sizes, which can be customized with hooks, baskets, and shelves. This simple hack transforms your desk area into an organized, accessible space while keeping essentials within arm’s reach.
21. Turn a BILLY Bookcase into a Desk Organizer
The BILLY bookcase, when placed horizontally, makes an excellent desk organizer or even a low-profile desk. Add a piece of plywood or a custom-made tabletop to create a surface for your work. Use the cubbies for storage, organizing books, files, or decorative items. This hack adds both style and functionality, offering more storage than a traditional desk.
22. Install Cable Management with EKBY Wall Shelves
IKEA’s EKBY wall shelves can be used to create a minimalist floating desk setup with built-in cable management. By adding cable clips, zip ties, or cable sleeves, you can organize all of your wires under the desk or along the wall. This keeps everything neat and tidy, preventing cables from cluttering your workspace and giving your desk a clean, modern look.
23. Create a Custom Desk with a HEMNES Sideboard
If you need more storage and space for a larger work area, hack the HEMNES sideboard into a custom desk. Simply remove the top of the sideboard and replace it with a larger desktop or keep the original top for a more traditional look. The drawers provide ample storage for office supplies, making this hack a stylish and functional solution for a home office.
24. Add a Corkboard to Your Desk for Organization
Create a functional workspace by adding a corkboard to your desk area. You can mount a corkboard behind your desk or even attach it to the side of your desk for quick reminders and notes. IKEA offers simple corkboard options that can easily be customized to fit your style, making this an easy and practical hack.
25. Swap Out the Legs for Hairpin Legs
For a more industrial or mid-century modern look, swap the standard IKEA desk legs for hairpin legs. These thin, metal legs create a stylish and elevated desk, perfect for those who prefer a more vintage or minimalist aesthetic. Choose legs that are tall enough to give your desk the desired height, and attach them securely to the desk surface.
26. Repurpose a GALANT Desk for Dual-Purpose Use
The GALANT series is highly versatile and offers a range of configurations. You can repurpose a GALANT desk to serve dual purposes—use it as a workspace during the day and a crafting or dining area at night. Add wheels to make it mobile, or install a set of dividers or drawers to create a multifunctional space that’s easy to reconfigure.
27. Create a Desk with Storage from IVAR Units
IVAR units, commonly used for storing clothes or tools, can be adapted into a sturdy desk base. Use multiple IVAR cabinets or shelves stacked together to form a workspace with ample storage. Customize it with a wooden desktop and additional shelving to create a versatile and organized desk area that fits your needs.
28. Use PAX Wardrobe Doors for a Hidden Desk
If you want a concealed workspace, hack a PAX wardrobe to include a fold-out desk. By adding hinges to the inside of the wardrobe doors, you can create a hidden desk that only appears when needed. This hack is perfect for those who need a work area but don’t want it to dominate the room when not in use.
29. Create a Compact Desk with the LACK Coffee Table
For smaller spaces, hack an IKEA LACK coffee table into a compact desk. The LACK table is simple and minimal, making it ideal for a DIY desk conversion. Remove the top and replace it with a larger work surface, or add storage trays under the table for office supplies. This hack provides a functional desk for tight spaces without compromising on style.
30. Use a RAST Nightstand for a Micro Desk
The RAST nightstand can be repurposed into a tiny desk or writing nook. With a small top and a couple of drawers, it’s ideal for tight spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. Simply add a small piece of wood to the top to create a flat surface, or use the existing drawers for supplies. This simple hack makes for a highly affordable and functional desk solution.
31. Incorporate a Plant Shelf into Your Desk Design
Plants can brighten up any workspace and improve air quality. IKEA’s range of shelving units can be hacked to create a plant shelf on top of or next to your desk. Use IKEA planters or repurpose small baskets to add greenery to your workspace. Combining plants with your desk will not only make it more inviting but also help you feel more productive.
32. Create a Wall-Mounted Desk with HÖLLVIKEN Mirror
For a space-saving solution, try using the HÖLLVIKEN mirror frame to create a wall-mounted desk. The mirrored surface will add a sleek, reflective look, making your workspace feel larger. Attach a slim desk surface under the mirror frame, and you’ll have a chic, minimalist desk that maximizes vertical space in small rooms.
33. Upgrade with a Comfortable Chair from IKEA
While this isn’t technically a desk hack, pairing your new desk setup with a comfortable, ergonomic chair is key to creating a functional workspace. IKEA offers a variety of affordable chairs, from adjustable office chairs to cushioned lounge chairs. Choose one that complements your desk and provides the necessary support for long hours of work.
Conclusion
IKEA’s wide range of affordable furniture and customizable solutions offers endless possibilities for creating the perfect desk setup. Whether you’re looking for better storage, a unique design, or a more ergonomic workspace, these 33 desk hacks can help you achieve a personalized, functional area tailored to your needs. With a little creativity and some IKEA furniture, your ideal workspace is just a hack away!
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