21 IKEA Hacks for Small Rooms
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Do you have a small room that feels cramped, cluttered, and lacking in style? You may be eager to upgrade, but are not sure where to start, that’s where these IKEA hacks for small rooms come in!
Welcome to IKEA – easy-to-assemble, budget-friendly Swedish furniture that you can mix-n-match, hack, and decorate as you desire.
Think – cozy reading corners, stylish hallways, compact kitchen islands, kid’s play desks, bathroom makeovers, and even storage for sporting gear!
With some simple DIY skills and imagination, you can transform a small room into an attractive, functional space that the family will love.

1. Toddlers Play Corner
Source: @joanas_view
Are you struggling with a messy corner filled with jumbled toys and an unhappy toddler? IKEA Trofast toy storage solutions make it easy to organize toy collections.
By combining the sturdy frames and easy-slide boxes, you can build a stylish unit that fits right into your small space.
2. Kids Room Wall Storage
Source: @everlyroseprints
Why waste precious vertical wall space in a small room when you can install IKEA Trofast shelves and bins to organize toys, puzzles, soft teddies, and even clothes and shoes?
Pack toys lower down so little ones can reach them and become independent, and best of all – they can pack them away all by themselves when playtime is over.
Place rainbow colored plastic bins like these on the shelf to hold smaller items.
3. Family Command Station
Source: @rebekkamaela
Keeping track of family arrangements can become hectic, but you don’t need a large space to set up a family command center.
An IKEA Bestå unit and an IKEA Skådis pegboard with shelf and bucket accessories work like a charm.
Everything is organized and within easy reach – no more scrambling for keys, schedules, or misplaced homework projects.
4. Slim Hallway Cabinet
Source: @mis__rincones
Make use of every inch in a small hallway and install an IKEA Hemnes slim shoe cabinet for the family to stash shoes when they arrive home.
It fits flush against the wall for a neat fit. Create a warm welcome with a charming ‘home’ sign like this. It’s a thoughtful touch for any room.
5. Kitchen Appliance Storage
Source: @rumah.sara
Small kitchens often lack countertop space, making it difficult to keep your appliances accessible.
IKEA comes to the rescue with a fabulous Förhöja wooden trolley. Use the top shelf for your appliances and the lower shelves for storing dry goods in stylish glass jars like these.
6. Elegant Glassware Display Cabinet
Source: @rayana.interior
This sleek glass-front IKEA Bestå cabinet hack offers a refined way to showcase your cherished glassware and tableware.
I’m loving the clean lines and the modern, sophisticated look, perfect for a small living or dining space.
7. Rolling Cart Reading Corner
Source: @familjehacks
Want to encourage kids to read but don’t have space?
An IKEA Råskog rolling cart is a great choice, allowing you to pull it out when needed and pack it away when you’re done.
Create a cozy corner with an L-shaped couch and a plush warm throw like this.
8. IKEA Hallway Hack
Source: @graficats
Make the most of a small gap in a hallway by providing a cozy bench for relaxing and loads of storage underneath.
This IKEA hack uses kitchen units painted a lovely neutral beige color. Add some cozy cushions and a plush blanket to create an inviting space.
9. Kids Play Area
Source: @limmaland
Kids shouldn’t miss out on a play area if they have a small bedroom.
This fabulous hack converts IKEA Alex drawers into a work desk and a play area, complete with a cool car ramp.
Want to treat the kids on a special occasion? Here’s an awesome set of friction-powered toy cars in assorted colors with fire engines, police cars, school buses, and more.
10. Bathroom Shelves Hack
Source: @salefluent
Starting your day in a small, cluttered bathroom isn’t exactly the mood boost anyone needs.
An IKEA Vilto shelving unit fits snugly into a corner and offers space for towels, bathroom essentials, and a few lovely ornaments. It instantly upgrades your bathroom and makes the most of your compact space.
11. Laundry Corner
Source: @cozynized
How clever is this idea? The homeowners transformed part of their utility room into a functional laundry area, maximizing the small space with
IKEA Trofast shelf units and sliding bins.
Take note of the labels – it’s a great idea to give everything its own space and quickly find what you’re looking for.
For even more organization, place plastic baskets like these on the top shelf for seasonal items.
12. IKEA Plant Wall Hack
Source: @homegirlsdiy
Bring the joy of nature into your home when you turn a small section of a dull room into a stunning indoor garden using an IKEA Hyllis shelf hack.
Add potted plants to each tier, mix in some trailing vines, and you have a vibrant little jungle that brightens the whole space.
13. Cozy Corner Hideaway
Source: @gemmajaynestylist
How perfectly does everything come together here to create an inviting and stylish space?
The cool shades of gray make the small room look larger and are perfectly complemented by the lush green plants and a luxurious bright red throw like this.
14. Sporting Equipment Wall Storage
Source: @dwell.organized
The last thing you need taking over a small room is a messy pile of sports gear. I was at a loss on how to organize bats and rackets until I came across this genius hack.
Vertically mounted IKEA picture rails with door knobs and ropes turn blank wall space into a stylish, organized display for sporting gear.
15. IKEA Bed Slat Bathroom Hack
Source: @teresacooperhomes
Don’t you think IKEA bed slats are too attractive to hide under a mattress? Take a look at this amazing idea for a small bathroom!
Hang small buckets over the slats to hold shower essentials and add beautiful woven hanging baskets like this to display your fleecy towels.
16. Kitchen Island
Source: @anniesloanhome
If your small kitchen doesn’t have room for an island, don’t stress.
An IKEA Förhöja kitchen trolley rolls in with extra counter space and handy storage exactly where you need it.
Plus, you can tuck it away when you’re done – it’s a smart, budget-friendly and space-saving solution. I’m lovin’ these green tones!
17. Stylish Hallway Decor
Source: @my_home_light
Here’s a wonderful example of how delicate decor and perfectly placed pieces can transform a small entranceway into a stylish first impression.
Create the look with IKEA Kallax cube storage and add natural hyacinth baskets like these. Mount a full-length wall mirror, add greenery, and finish the look with a vase of pampas grass like this.
18. Under Sink Bathroom Hack
Source: @mybohoabode
Here’s another brilliant IKEA hack for transforming your small bathroom.
Make the best use of your under sink area by using IKEA Kallax cubes filled with lovely woven baskets. You’ll turn an unused and unsightly area into an attractive, functional space.
19. Cozy Kitchen Nook
Source: @house.506
Set up your own cozy time-out nook in a small kitchen using an IKEA Förhöja kitchen trolley.
It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a lazy cup of coffee, or even finishing up some late-night work.
Plus, you gain the added advantage of extra drawers and shelves to store kitchen essentials. A win all-round!
20. Weekday Organizer
Source: @amysmealplan
Is this real life? It’s the ultimate solution to tame those chaotic weekday mornings and get the kids ready for school.
IKEA Trofast units can easily become a Monday-to-Friday organization hub for school clothes, sports gear, books, and shoes.
Add bold, easy-to-read day name labels like these to eliminate any confusion when the kids are stumbling around half-awake.
21. IKEA Plant Wall Hack
Source: @lafede1909
If you’re still not convinced that beautiful wooden IKEA bed slats should not be hidden under the mattress – take a look at this fabulous indoor garden.
It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to refresh a small, drab room while also giving you a fun and fulfilling new hobby.