22 IKEA Dining Room Hacks That Look Expensive
Creating a stylish dining room doesn’t always mean spending thousands of dollars on designer furniture. IKEA has become a global favorite for people who want functional, affordable, and adaptable pieces. But here’s the fun part—you don’t have to leave your IKEA pieces looking “basic.” With a bit of creativity and DIY spirit, you can transform standard IKEA furniture into something that looks straight out of a luxury interior magazine. These IKEA dining room hacks are about taking something simple and adding your personal touch—through color, texture, finishes, or clever styling.
In this article, we’ll dive into 22 ideas that can help you turn an ordinary dining room into a luxurious space without blowing your budget. Think of it as upgrading IKEA into “designer IKEA.”
1. Upgrade the IKEA INGATORP Table with a Marble Contact Paper Finish
The INGATORP table is already one of IKEA’s most elegant pieces. But if you want it to look even more upscale, try wrapping the tabletop with marble-effect contact paper. The shine of marble instantly creates a luxurious vibe, while the durability of contact paper makes cleaning easy. This hack costs very little, yet the transformation is striking. Imagine walking into a dining space where the table looks like imported Italian marble—your guests won’t believe it came from IKEA.
2. Paint IKEA IVAR Cabinets as a Built-In Dining Hutch
The IVAR series is plain pine wood, which makes it perfect for hacking. By painting it in a deep navy or olive green and adding brass hardware, you can create the look of a custom dining hutch. Line the shelves with glassware, plates, or wine bottles, and suddenly, your dining room feels like a stylish European home. This hack blends storage with style, giving you both function and beauty.
3. Turn the IKEA LACK Shelf into a Floating Buffet
A buffet table can cost hundreds, but with a few LACK wall shelves, you can mimic the look of a floating buffet. Mount two or three shelves side by side, and paint them in the same color as your dining walls for a seamless effect. Add a few gold handles or place decorative trays on top, and you’ll have a space-saving buffet that looks elegant and minimal.
4. Transform the IKEA BILLY Bookcase into a Built-In Sideboard
The BILLY bookcase is one of IKEA’s best-selling items because it’s so versatile. In the dining room, you can hack it into a full wall unit by adding trim and molding. Paint it in the same color as your walls for a “built-in” effect, and use the shelves for dinnerware display. Once styled with glassware and ceramics, it looks like a custom-built dining sideboard—without the heavy price tag.
5. Upgrade IKEA HENRIKSDAL Chairs with Luxe Fabric
The HENRIKSDAL dining chairs are sturdy and comfortable, but their covers are basic. Swap the fabric with velvet or linen slipcovers for an instant luxury look. If you’re good at sewing, you can DIY custom covers. Otherwise, ordering high-quality slipcovers online can still be cheaper than buying designer dining chairs. With rich fabrics, the chairs will look like they belong in a five-star restaurant.
6. Create a Modern Bar Cart from an IKEA RÅSKOG Trolley
Dining rooms often double as entertaining spaces. The RÅSKOG trolley is originally designed for kitchens, but spray-painting it gold or matte black transforms it into a chic bar cart. Add glass shelves, attach a wine rack underneath, and top it with cocktail essentials. This hack makes your dining room feel glamorous and ready for entertaining.
7. Elevate IKEA EKBY Shelves with Leather Straps
Wall-mounted shelving in dining rooms adds storage and character. The EKBY shelves are affordable but look plain. By replacing their brackets with leather straps, you instantly give them a designer edge. This detail feels artisanal, warm, and luxurious—perfect for displaying wine bottles, books, or decorative bowls.
8. Add a Gold Base to the IKEA DOCKSTA Table
The DOCKSTA table has a clean, modern pedestal style that’s often compared to designer tulip tables. To make it look even more high-end, spray-paint the base in gold or brass. The metallic touch adds glamour, especially when paired with bold dining chairs. This hack is easy yet powerful in changing the mood of your dining space.
9. Use IKEA KALLAX as a Banquette Bench
A dining banquette creates a cozy and luxurious feel. By turning the KALLAX shelving unit on its side and adding a custom cushion, you can create a banquette against the wall. This not only saves space but also adds hidden storage. Pair it with a round IKEA table, and suddenly, your dining corner feels like a chic café nook.
10. Customize IKEA MALM Dressers as a Buffet
The MALM dresser isn’t just for bedrooms—it can serve as a sleek dining buffet. Upgrade it with stick-on wood slats, brass pulls, or even cane webbing for a designer vibe. Place it against the wall, add a mirror above, and style it with candles and vases. No one will ever guess it started as a bedroom dresser.
11. Frame IKEA PAX Doors for a Built-In Pantry Look
Storage makes a dining room functional. If you have space, hacking IKEA PAX wardrobes with custom trim and paint can give you the illusion of a built-in pantry. This not only hides clutter but also makes the dining area feel polished and expensive. Add elegant knobs or brass pulls, and it feels completely custom.
12. Dress Up IKEA TULLSTA Chairs with Fringe or Trim
Accent chairs can completely change a dining room’s atmosphere. The TULLSTA chair is affordable and comfy, but adding decorative trim or fringe at the base makes it look custom. Imagine deep velvet chairs with golden fringes—suddenly your dining room looks like a Parisian salon.
13. Add Cane Webbing to IKEA BESTÅ Cabinets
Cane webbing is trending in interior design because it adds warmth and texture. By attaching cane panels to the doors of a BESTÅ cabinet, you instantly upgrade it to look like a designer sideboard. This hack blends Scandinavian simplicity with a tropical luxury feel—perfect for a dining room refresh.
14. Hack the IKEA LERBERG Shelf into a Wine Rack
Wine storage can be expensive, but with an IKEA LERBERG shelf and a few DIY adjustments, you can create a stunning wine rack. Paint it black, tilt some shelves for bottle storage, and add a wood top. Styled with glasses and decanters, this piece looks like it belongs in a vineyard-inspired dining room.
15. Create a Luxe Lighting Effect with IKEA SINNERLIG Pendant
Lighting is everything in a dining room. The SINNERLIG pendant is popular for its natural rattan look, but you can hack it by spray-painting it black or gold for a luxe finish. Pair it with a dimmer switch, and you’ll create an intimate, upscale atmosphere without needing a pricey designer chandelier.
16. Turn IKEA TARVA Drawers into a Rustic Buffet
If you love farmhouse or rustic dining styles, the TARVA drawers are perfect for hacking. Stain the wood, add black hardware, and maybe a marble top, and you have a charming buffet. Styled with ceramic pitchers and fresh flowers, this hack adds warmth and character to your dining space.
17. Use IKEA GRUNDTAL Rails as Hanging Storage
Hanging storage in dining rooms can look chic if done right. IKEA GRUNDTAL rails, originally for kitchens, can hold cutting boards, serving spoons, or small baskets. Painted black or brass, they transform into elegant, functional storage while keeping your dining space clutter-free.
18. Turn IKEA MICKE Desk into a Slim Buffet
If your dining room is small, the MICKE desk can be repurposed as a buffet table. Its slim design fits tight spaces, and by upgrading the handles and painting it in a chic color, it looks like a custom piece. Add wall art above, and you’ve got a stylish dining corner.
19. Use IKEA FROSTA Stools as Extra Seating or Side Tables
Dining rooms often need flexible seating. IKEA FROSTA stools are simple, but painting them or upholstering the tops makes them look chic. They can double as side tables or plant stands when not in use. This hack adds both style and practicality to your space.
20. Style IKEA NORDEN Gateleg Table as a Compact Dining Table
Small-space dining rooms need clever solutions. The NORDEN gateleg table folds down when not in use but can expand for guests. By painting it a bold color and adding chic knobs, it becomes both stylish and practical. This hack makes it look less like a “utility piece” and more like designer furniture.
21. Upgrade IKEA RIBBA Frames for Dining Room Gallery Walls
Art transforms dining rooms. Instead of spending hundreds on frames, use IKEA RIBBA frames but upgrade them with gold leaf edges or paint finishes. Fill them with black-and-white photos or abstract art prints, and your dining space instantly feels curated and high-end.
22. Use IKEA SKOGSTA Bench for Luxe Dining Seating
The SKOGSTA bench is rustic but can be transformed with a padded cushion in linen or leather. Pair it with a long dining table, and you have a communal dining experience that feels warm and stylish. This hack is perfect for those who want both elegance and functionality.
Final Thoughts
Your dining room doesn’t need to cost a fortune to feel like a luxurious space. With these 22 IKEA dining room hacks, you can blend creativity with affordability. The beauty of IKEA is in its simplicity, which allows you to experiment with finishes, textures, and styling. Each hack here shows that a little effort can make ordinary furniture look like a designer investment.
Think of your dining room as the stage where memories are made—dinners with family, laughter with friends, quiet morning coffees. By making the space beautiful and unique, you’re not just upgrading furniture, you’re upgrading experiences.
