As we wrap up 2025, I dove into our site analytics to discover what you, our community of IKEA hackers, were searching for most.
The results reveal what our readers love to hack most. Storage solutions continue to top the list (no surprise there!), but we’re also seeing increased interest in maximizing vertical space and creating multifunctional furniture. The ongoing trend of transforming standard pieces into custom built-ins remains strong.
These 25 hacks represent the most sought-after ideas on IKEAhackers this year, based on search volume and page views.
What makes them so popular?
Simple: they solve real problems that real people face every day, be it toys taking over your living room, the need for a home office, or simply the desire to have furniture that doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
IKEA hacks will have you sorted.
Best of all, every hack you see here was created by someone just like you. Actual people who love their homes and want their IKEA furniture to work harder.
So whatever challenge you’re facing, we hope your search for a DIY solution starts with a trip down the IKEA hacking rabbit hole. Here goes!
The Most Searched For IKEA Hacks of 2025
1. KALLAX Hacks
The undisputed champion of IKEA hacks returns to claim the top spot. KALLAX’s versatile cube design makes it endlessly adaptable—from room dividers to window seats to craft storage. Its popularity stems from its clean lines, multiple size options, and those perfect square compartments that play well with bins, baskets, and doors. See our list of 39 of the best KALLAX hacks.
2. KURA Bed Transformations
This reversible children’s bed continues to capture parents’ imaginations. Searchable as both a low and loft bed, KURA becomes castles, houses, and adventure stations with simple modifications. Its affordability and hackability make it the ultimate grow-with-your-kid furniture piece. Check out all our fabulous KURA bed hacks.
3. Under-Stairs Storage Ideas
That awkward Harry Potter space under your stairs? IKEA cabinetry turns it into organized storage gold. These hacks prove you don’t need custom carpentry to maximize every inch of your home—just clever use of modular IKEA systems. Learn how to hack storage under stairs.
4. PAX Height Extension Cabinet
Ceilings getting taller, but PAX staying the same height? This hack addresses the gap by adding extensions to maximize the space above your wardrobe. It’s not the most polished solution, but a practical stopgap until IKEA decides to bring back the PAX extension. (Yes, I remember those days long ago when it had one!)
5. TV & Media Furniture
With streaming setups getting more complex, hackers searched for ways to hide cables, organize devices, and create stylish entertainment centers. IKEA’s modular systems offer the flexibility to customize exactly what you need without overpaying for brand-name media consoles.
6. EKET Cabinet Hacks
EKET’s smaller, more colorful cousin to KALLAX made waves this year. Its asymmetrical stacking possibilities and wall-mounting options appeal to those wanting modern, floating storage that doesn’t look cookie-cutter. See all our IKEA EKET hacks, including this trendy chrome bedside table featured above.
7. IVAR Shelving System
This untreated pine classic remains a hacker favorite because it’s basically a blank canvas. Paint it, stain it, add doors, create closets—IVAR’s simple design and solid wood construction make it infinitely customizable and surprisingly sturdy. See more IKEA IVAR Hacks.
8. KALLAX Back Panel Ideas
Why leave the back of your KALLAX boring? These hacks add wallpaper, fabric, paint, or even chicken wire to transform the plain backing into a design statement. Perfect for room dividers or units visible from multiple angles.
9. KALLAX Shelf Cube Dividers
The 13-inch cubes are great, but sometimes you need smaller compartments. These divider hacks create customized sections within each cube, ideal for organizing craft supplies, toys, or office items without buying a dozen small bins. See ideas for KALLAX shelf cubes.
10. DIY Murphy Door Bookcase
Hidden rooms and secret passages aren’t just for mansions. This hack transforms a BILLY bookcase into a functional door, creating mystery and maximizing space. Its enduring popularity proves everyone has a little Nancy Drew in them.
11. TROFAST Storage System
Parents of young children know this name well. TROFAST toy storage system with removable bins makes cleanup easier and organization visible. Hacks expand their use beyond the nursery into craft rooms, garages, and pantries.
12. Behind-the-Door Storage Shelf
Every inch counts in small spaces. This clever hack utilizes dead space behind doors for shallow storage. Absolutely perfect for an entryway drop zone, cleaning supplies, or bathroom essentials.
13. PAX Wardrobe System
PAX consistently ranks high because it’s IKEA’s answer to custom closets at a fraction of the cost. With infinite configuration options, the PAX wardrobe adapts to any space, any style, and any storage need—from walk-ins to reach-ins.
14. BESTÅ Storage System
The sophisticated sibling to KALLAX, BESTÅ offers sleeker lines and door options for a more grown-up aesthetic. Popular for living rooms, home offices, and bedrooms, it’s the hack base for those wanting Scandinavian minimalism with hidden storage.
15. IKEA Mudroom Hack
First impressions matter, and an organized entryway sets the tone. This hack transforms shelving units into custom mudroom solutions with benches, hooks, and cubbies. An easy and budget-friendly way to create a mudroom.
16. SKÅDIS Pegboard Accessories & Ideas
Pegboard had a major glow-up with SKÅDIS, and hackers took it further with accessories and creative applications. From craft rooms to kitchens to garages, its Scandinavian take on organization is both functional and Instagram-worthy.
17. Murphy Bed from PAX Wardrobes
Guest room or home office? Why not both? This sophisticated hack builds a fold-down Murphy bed into PAX units, creating a multi-purpose space that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or storage. It’s expensive to buy but surprisingly achievable to DIY.
18. Mud Kitchen DIY
Outdoor play got an upgrade with IKEA mud kitchens. This mom transformed IKEA crates into a fun outdoor kitchen where kids can “cook” with nature and wash up with a functioning tap.
19. Bed Hacks
From platform beds with built-in storage to canopy transformations, bed hacks remain perennially popular. They solve the biggest furniture challenge in any bedroom: making your bed special without spending thousands.
20. Kitchen Islands & Carts
Real estate agents know: kitchens sell homes. But custom islands cost a fortune. IKEA hacks using KALLAX, BESTÅ, or actual kitchen cabinets create functional islands with storage at DIY prices.
21. Shoe Storage Solutions
The eternal struggle: where to put all the shoes? From entryway solutions to closet organizers, these shoe storage hacks have answers for every shoe collection, regardless of size or space constraints.
22. Large LEGO Table for Older Kids
As kids age out of Duplo blocks but dive deeper into complex LEGO builds, this hack addresses the need for serious building space. Using larger IKEA tables or desk surfaces with built-in storage underneath, these LEGO setups provide ample room for elaborate creations while keeping thousands of tiny bricks organized.
23. IKEA Desk Hacks
Remote work made home offices essential. These IKEA desk hacks create custom workspaces from IKEA parts. Our collection of hacks ranges from standing desks to corner desks to wall-mounted fold-downs, demonstrating that productive workspaces don’t require expensive office furniture.
24. Built-in Closet for Sloped Ceilings
Attic bedrooms and top-floor spaces with angled walls get the short end of the storage stick. This hack used PAX closets to maximize every inch of an awkward space where standard furniture won’t fit.
25. Room Divider Hacks
Open-concept living isn’t for everyone, and studio apartments need definition. These room divider hacks create separate zones without the permanence or expense of walls. From shelving units that divide and store to decorative screens, IKEA pieces become functional boundaries that maintain flow while adding privacy. These room divider hacks are perfect for work-from-home setups, studio apartments, or simply creating distinct living areas.
Wrapping Up
The trends are clear: we’re obsessed with storage, customization, and making the most of every inch. Whether you’re tackling a sprawling home or a tiny apartment, these most-searched hacks of 2025 show what happens when creativity meets flat-pack furniture … suddenly, that impossible space doesn’t seem so impossible anymore.
What will 2026 bring?
If this year’s searches are any indication, we’re not slowing down. So grab your Allen wrench, fire up that imagination, and let’s see what transformations await.
Happy hacking!
