10 Ikea Hacks That'll Totally Transform Your Kids' Rooms

Ribba Frame in White ($20)

Kirsten at 6th Street Design School sprayed the inside of Ikea's Ribba frames with primer before painting to ensure that the paint would adhere. The finished look of the artwork in her little boy's room is much closer to what you'd get from a custom framer than a $20 grab-and-go find!

Latt Table and Chairs ($20)

We're simply in love with this Latt set makeover featured on Apartment Therapy. Transform a drab and simple set into something that's the focal point of your playroom.

Mydal Bunk Bed in Pine ($159)

This little girl's bedroom in her family's Boston loft features the most colorful transformation of the Mydal bunk bed you'll ever see. Other than the basic construction of the bed, there's nothing too DIY-y about it. Her savvy mom (it helps that she's the creative director of an online design/gift shop) just mixed and matched the bedding on the two bunks — including a cheery Marimekko spread on the bottom — for a really fun and playful look.

Ikea PS Cabinet ($99)

Tricia of Simplicity in the South was inspired by Restoration Hardware's industrial-chic (but superpricey!) steel cabinets and decided to go the DIY route instead. Starting with the Ikea PS cabinet, she transformed it with a faux patina finish to get the look — for a whole lot less.

Stainless Steel Grundtal Mirror ($35)

With just a bit of creativity and elbow grease, the superbasic Grundtal mirror is transformed into an industrial rope mirror with a nautical vibe — perfect for a nursery or little boy's room.

Lack Coffee Table ($20)

If you've ever been in the market for a toy-train table, you know that they don't come cheap. But the simple tutorial on Sweet Bella Roos offers an inexpensive alternative that gets the job done in style. (Side note: Ikea sells a 20-piece wooden train set for $10 — the same cost as one "Thomas" character!)

Lappljung Ruta Pillow ($10, available in-store only)

Bleach was the magic potion that transformed the Lappljung Ruta pillow into this chic and cheerful cushion that could be used on an armchair, glider, or bed.

Tarva 3-Drawer Chest in Pine ($80)

The Tarva three-drawer chest is functional, but to be honest, it's also pretty boring. Turn it into a trendy study in ombré with this easy tutorial from Why Don't You Make Me? We love this for a nursery, and it could easily grow along with your little one.

Bekvam Step Stool ($25)

There's no paint required for this supereasy washi-tape stool makeover. It adds a fun pop of color, whether your kids use their step stools in their bedrooms, playrooms, or to reach the bathroom sink.

Tarva Six-Drawer Chest in Pine ($149)

One of our very own editors gave new life to the six-drawer Tarva with a midcentury modern makeover inspired by a much pricier piece from Room & Board. Photo: Lauren Turner