Upgrade your office on a budget with these 12 IKEA desk hacks
With companies increasingly switching to remote and hybrid working, more and more of us are setting up an office at home.
Despite how tempting it is to snuggle up on the sofa or stay in bed and work with our computers on our laps (we all do it!), having an ergonomic workstation is essential to a comfortable and productive day’s work.
But finding the perfect pieces of furniture for your home office can be both expensive and time-consuming. Luckily IKEA is here to answer our prayers with their popular selection of affordable desks.
From as little as £30, these desks are suitable for most budgets and work with a range of decor schemes thanks to their clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Plus, the simple design makes these desks the perfect items to upcycle. Keep reading for our pick of the best IKEA desk hacks and create an inspiring space that’s a joy to work in.
12 IKEA desk hacks for 2025
1. Cover with a wall sticker
Our first IKEA desk hack is a super simple one, so it’s perfect for DIY newbies!
Buy a wall sticker that suits your study’s decor, then stick it to the surface of your desk for a fresh new look. Opt for a marble-effect wall sticker like Little Big Bell for a luxurious finish.
2. Create a design using the legs
Next up is this fantastic desk transformation by matsutake!
Matsutake upcycled their IKEA INGO desk by making a set of simple designs from strips of wood and attaching them to the legs. The desk was then sanded down and coated in glossy white paint.
The best bit – this upcycling project only costs around $5! So if you’ve got an old INGO desk that needs some love, give this hack a go and create a workstation that will be the focal point of your office.
3. Make a built in desk
This impressive hack from Hana’s Happy Home proves that adding a bespoke built-in desk to your home doesn’t have to break the bank.
This stunning design is made from two IKEA ALEX drawers for the legs of the desk with a workspace on top. Hana’s Happy Home also maximised the room’s vertical space by adding four IKEA KALLAX shelf units above the desk for plenty of storage. We love the use of wood panelling for extra texture and think it gives the desk a timeless and expensive look.
Create this custom desk for your office and enjoy lots of space for filing papers and work supplies, or add it to a kid’s bedroom and use the storage to keep toys neat and tidy.
4. Make a floating desk
Floating desks are super in style right now. Their sleek design creates a cool, contemporary vibe and frees up floor space, giving the illusion of a larger, less cluttered space.
On their blog, Yellow Brick Home shows you how to make your own floating desk using IKEA’s ENKY ALEX shelf. This is a fantastic hack for optimising smaller rooms, creating an open space that’s perfect for working in.
5. Use cube storage shelves
This IKEA desk hack is easy and affordable, so it’s ideal for those on a tighter budget who want to expand their DIY skills to save some pennies.
Pretty Providence used an IKEA desk surface and two KALLAX cube storage shelves to create this functional and tasteful workstation. Follow the tutorial to learn how to make yours.
6. Add some colour
Spruce up your desk with a splash of colour and create an uplifting space that gets your creative juices flowing.
prettylittleterrace gave her IKEA desk a chic new look by painting it sage green and adding cane webbing to the cabinet doors for rustic charm. Steal her style and repaint your IKEA desk with a timeless earthy shade.
Give your living room an update!
Keep your home looking on-trend with our round-up of 12 modern living room ideas that blend style and comfort. Whether you love a clean, minimalist look or the cosy farmhouse aesthetic, you’ll be sure to find a style that suits you.
7. Make a standing desk
Research has shown that standing desks can have many physical and mental benefits.
They can improve posture and circulation, reduce health risks that come with sitting for long periods, and boost mood and energy levels.
Adding a standing desk to your home office is a positive step that can transform your health and well-being. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
Josh Medeski breaks down how to make your own standing desk for less using an IKEA countertop and standing desk frame. He also shares tips and tricks for creating an organised workspace, including investing in a cable management tool to keep your cables tidy and a set of IKEA ALEX drawers for extra storage.
8. Add gold accents
This IKEA desk hack from Personally Andrea proves less is more and requires just one easy step to achieve a super glam result. Simply spray paint the legs of your desk gold to instantly make it look more high-end.
9. Create an L-shaped desk
Make the most of corner space by adding an L-shaped desk to your office.
Michaela Diane Designs provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to make this beautiful desk using IKEA furniture, which will totally transform the way you work. With plenty of room to lay out your materials and work supplies, the extra surface space will let you be your most productive.
Plus, there’s room for two - so you can work next to your partner or housemate for a more collaborative and social home office vibe.
10. Add dressers and bookcases
How gorgeous is this IKEA desk hack from thegoodmanhouse?
They have created an elegant workspace that blends in perfectly with the room by attaching dressers to either side of a desk and adding bookcases on top. The unit has also been painted in a soft grey for a polished look.
11. Make a desk for two people
If you and your loved one are fighting over the office, why not make a workspace you can share?
Simple Made Pretty’s tutorial shows you how to build a double desk by attaching a plywood worktop to three IKEA ALEX drawer units.
The drawers provide generous storage, and the middle unit makes a handy divider, stopping your work buddy from encroaching on your space!
12. Make a desk from toy storage
Treat your little one to the desk they’ve always wanted with this nifty hack from elocin_home!
Add a worktop to two IKEA TROFAST units for a unique desk that has built-in storage - great for keeping stationery and toys organised.
Then let your child’s artistic talents shine as they draw, paint or colour from their very own craft space.
Craft your dream desk
Create a workspace that brightens up your 9 to 5 with these clever IKEA desk hacks.
Our selection of upcycling projects covers all skill levels, so whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or a total newbie, grab your tools! It’s time to start building the desk of your dreams.
Want more home inspo…
Now you’ve given your office a stylish update, why not tackle your bedroom?
Express your style and turn an uninspiring space into your own sanctuary with our 15 bedroom wall decor ideas article.
