IKEA Hacks (Using Cut-to-Size Materials)

IKEA hacks have become one of the most popular ways to create a bespoke look on a budget, and we love seeing how our customers transform flat-pack furniture into something completely unique. With a few smart tweaks like adding cut-to-size MDF, trims, tops or side panels - simple IKEA units can look fully built-in and custom-made.

This page is a growing collection of the IKEA hack projects we’ve worked on, featuring real customer transformations and the materials we supplied to help bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re planning a full built-in, upgrading a cabinet, or exploring your first DIY project, these examples are a great source of inspiration for what’s possible with the right cut-to-size pieces.

Check back as we add more projects over time!

Transforming IKEA furniture into bespoke built-ins is one of the most popular DIY projects right now, and this IKEA Besta hack is a perfect example of how cut-to-size MDF can completely elevate flat-pack pieces. @edwardian_property_parade wanted fitted storage in the dining room alcoves, but without the high cost of fully bespoke joinery. By combining affordable IKEA Besta units with made-to-measure MDF panels, she created beautiful alcove built-ins that look seamless and custom-made.

Once the Besta cabinets were assembled, she used our cut-to-size MDF sheets to box in the sides, add a top panel, and create clean infills for that fitted, wall-to-wall look. After sanding, filling and caulking the MDF, the whole unit was primed and finished in Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year 2025 – Cinnamon Slate, a warm blend of heathered plum and velvety brown that ties the space together perfectly. The end result is a budget-friendly built-in that looks completely bespoke.

What We Supplied:

• Cut-to-size MDF panels for both sides of the Besta units
• A made-to-measure MDF top panel
• MDF infill pieces to achieve the built-in look
• Accurate sizing based on the alcove measurements provided
• Smooth MDF ideal for priming and painting (Perfect for any IKEA Besta built-in hack)

IKEA hacks don’t always need to involve full built-ins - sometimes a simple material upgrade can completely transform a piece of furniture. In this project, Sophie (@my_eclectic_home_designs) gave her IKEA bedside cabinets a stylish upcycle using our custom-cut mini fluted panelling, proving how effective decorative panelling can be for refreshing flat-pack furniture.

The fluted panels were cut to size to fit the drawer fronts precisely, making installation straightforward while ensuring the vertical grooves aligned neatly across the cabinet. After lightly sanding and priming the MDF with Zinsser, the panels were finished in Dulux Perfect Oyster, creating a soft, modern look that elevates the original IKEA cabinets without replacing them. This IKEA upcycle is a great example of how fluted panelling can be used on IKEA furniture to achieve a bespoke, high-end finish with minimal changes.

Want to try your own IKEA hack? We can cut wood sheets such as MDF and Plywood to your measurements.