21 Creative Malmbäck Ikea Hacks
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If you’ve been here before, you’ll know how much I LUV IKEA hacks and today I’m focusing on IKEA Malmbäck shelving. Enjoy these creative Malmbäck IKEA hacks!
IKEA products are affordable, reliable, and easy on the budget. Their versatility lets you mix and match pieces to fit your space and reflect your personal style.
Take a look around your house. Does your bathroom need an upgrade? Are you looking for a way to organize kid’s toys? Is your pantry a disaster area that you prefer not to step into? Or, do you just have a dull corner that needs some TLC?
IKEA shelves are like blank canvases just waiting for a little inspiration. Read on for my 21 creative Malmbäck IKEA hacks!

1. Laundry Room Shelves
Source: @afinnishwifewithaswedishlife
I’m starting with the laundry room, because mine was a disaster until I discovered this creative IKEA hack.
Malmbäck shelving is budget-friendly, easy to install, and instantly uplifts the laundry – a room that is not usually at the top of anyone’s decor list!
How neat and clean is this setup? I love the pot plant that brings a touch of nature into the room.
2. DIY Propagation Station
Source: @mykindaorganisedhome
Are you looking for a new hobby?
Turn an IKEA shelf into a stylish plant propagation station by adding small test tubes like these for the rooting cuttings.
It’s a space-saving, budget-friendly way to test your gardening skills and grow a plant collection indoors while doubling as eye-catching decor.
3. Toy Storage & Display Shelf
Source: @thinking_dreams
Give your kid’s toys a stylish home with an IKEA shelf – no more stepping on rogue action figures!
The toys are neatly displayed, easily accessible, and off the floor.
Remember to mount the shelves low down, so that little ones can reach (and pack away!) the toys without your help.
4. Nail Polish Organizer
Source: @missesmuffinmakeup
If your nail polish drawer looks like a kaleidoscope of colors – but not in a good way – this IKEA Malmbäck shelf hack will come to the rescue.
It’s a great way to organize your nail polishes by color and type, and see what you’re missing – I mean, who can resist buying another shade?
5. Floating Plant Wall Shelf
Source: jenniferrizzo.com
Bring a touch of nature, greenery, and freshness into your home! It’s the perfect way to uplift your mood.
Jennifer Rizzo offers a tutorial on creating a fabulous indoor garden using an IKEA Malmbäck shelf. It’s a great addition to an entryway, a breakfast nook, or a family room.
Small plastic pots like these will be perfect for holding your plants.
6. Hallway Decor Shelf
Source: @vickys_home_and_garden
How innovative is this homemaker?
She turned an IKEA shelf upside down so her vase and candle holders would fit – and it looks just as good as right-side-up.
Create the look with a set of decorative candle holders like this.
7. Heartwarming Memory Ledge
Source: @rebeckas.hem
Isn’t it a bit tiring trying to enjoy photos on a tiny mobile screen? Why not go old school?
Print your favorite photos and turn an IKEA shelf into a memory ledge.
You’ll create a stylish display that brings those fabulous sentimental moments to life.
8. Kids Floating Bookshelves
Source: businessinsider.com
I love this idea! Use IKEA shelves to create a cozy reading nook for the kids. Place the shelves low down so that little ones can reach the books.
Display the books with the covers facing outwards – the fun images will encourage them to grab a book instead of watching TV.
Let them snuggle up in a fun plush elephant chair like this, perfect for staying cozy on a chilly night.
9. IKEA Bedside Ledge Hack
Source: @my_home_plus_bhutan
Here’s a genius hack for a small bedroom where you don’t have space for a bedside table.
An IKEA Malmbäck shelf installed above your bed will allow you to keep all your nightly essentials close by.
10. Radiator Cover
Source: @house.on.the.wharf
Get creative and turn the top of your radiator into an attractive shelf for displaying fun ornaments and lush plants.
How cool is the African vibe with the wooden mirror and the zebra vase? I found a similar starburst mirror design on Amazon!
11. Stylish Pantry Shelf
Source: @ain.amykamal
You don’t need a huge budget to organize and rearrange your pantry.
IKEA shelves are perfect for storing and displaying dry goods in stylish glass canisters like these.
It’s an easy way to keep everything neat, accessible, and looking like a high-class grocery store.
12. Retro Art Showcase
Source: @melanielissackinteriors
I’ve always wondered how to make the dull corners in my hallway look attractive – and here’s the answer.
IKEA shelves cut at an angle fit snugly into the corners creating stylish ledges for displaying your treasured artworks.
13. IKEA Picture Ledge Hack
Source: athomewithashley.com
Looking for a fun DIY project for a rainy weekend?
Get the whole family together and create an awesome set of kid’s bookshelves decorated with rainbow-colored split wooden balls like these.
Follow the tutorial to turn an IKEA shelf into a magical book display.
14. Discreet Wine Rack
Source: ikeahackers.net
Calling wine lovers with limited space in your kitchen.
Take two lengths of IKEA shelving and attach them to the wall above your countertops.
The shelves hold bottles of wine perfectly with the lower lip stopping the bottles rolling off. It also keeps the wine discreetly out of sight!
15. Bathroom Makeover
Source: @thelavictoirehome
IKEA shelving is a game-changer in the bathroom, giving you style and storage at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.
You’ll instantly create space for bath and shower essentials, plus a spot for decorative accents or framed pictures to add a personal touch.
Opt for fluffy white towels like these to create a crisp, fresh, spa-like feel.
16. Side Table Hack
Source: @dmonsquirky
Who knew three simple IKEA shelves could turn into the perfect side table?
Use one shelf as the tabletop and the other two as a sturdy base – instant furniture magic!
For extra flair, you can spray paint the table and add some chic hardware. It’s DIY fun with a stylish twist.
17. DIY Headboard Hack
Source: @dekorsisters
If you’re struggling with a bed without a headboard, this creative IKEA hack will solve the problem.
You need a shelf and a piece of MDF board cut to size. They make a stylish and practical headboard you can decorate in colors of your choice.
18. Toy Car Collection Showcase
Source: @suezamri
I love it when kids take pride in their toy collections, and I’m always one to encourage them.
With IKEA shelves, they can neatly display their favorite toys, action figures, or stuffed animals, turning cleanup time into a fun and easy habit.
Plus, it makes their space look extra cool!
If your kids love toy cars like these, this is a fabulous budget-friendly set to get them started.
19. Camera Gear Storage
Source: @tanithome
Are you a photographer or have another hobby that needs storage space for loads of gadgets? An IKEA open shelf unit is ideal for holding all your stuff.
The units are versatile, inexpensive and can be customized to fit your space.
20. Mr & Mrs Cocktail Bar
Source: @wethewees
This playful idea is perfect for couples. Mount two IKEA shelves – one for him and one for her – creating a personalized mini bar.
Stock them with your favorite cocktail essentials and add a few self-watering hanging planters like these for a fresh touch of nature.
21. Lego Entryway Key Shelf
Source: ikeahackers.net
Do you have a box full of mismatched or forgotten Lego pieces?
This IKEA shelf hack creates the perfect storage space for your house and car keys, ensuring they never get lost again. And, it uses Lego blocks as fun decorations.
Follow the easy steps to make your own unique, colorful entryway key shelf.