Living in New York means learning to do more with less. Every inch of space matters, and every piece of furniture needs to earn its place. Over the years, I’ve learned that IKEA isn’t just about cheap furniture — it’s a creative playground for small-space living. But let’s be real: not every IKEA hack on Pinterest survives real city life.
After testing, failing, repainting, and reusing half the IKEA catalog in my apartment in Brooklyn, I’ve narrowed down the hacks that actually work — the ones that survive small-space chaos, look good, and make daily life smoother.
Turning the KALLAX Shelf into a Room Divider
When your apartment is basically one big room, “walls” are more of an idea than a structure. My solution? The IKEA KALLAX shelf.
I used the 4×4 version to divide my sleeping area from my living space, and it completely changed how the apartment feels.
- I added metal legs to lift it a few inches higher — suddenly it looked designed, not dropped there.
- Some cubes got woven baskets for storage; others stayed open for plants and books.
- I anchored it to the wall (a must in tiny spaces) for stability.
It gave me privacy, organization, and a clean visual line — all without making my place feel smaller.
The BILLY Bookcase as Built-Ins
The BILLY bookcase is IKEA’s greatest chameleon. I turned mine into what looks like a custom built-in.
Here’s the trick: I stacked two narrow units to fill a wall corner, added thin molding to hide seams, and painted everything the same color as my walls.
Now it looks intentional — not “temporary renter furniture.” It holds my camera gear, books, and a few small storage boxes. In a city where built-ins are luxury-level real estate, this hack gave me that vibe for under $200.
Upgrading the LACK Tables
Every New Yorker has owned a LACK table at some point. It’s a rite of passage.
But the plain surface and light weight can make it feel cheap. So, I covered mine with peel-and-stick wood-grain vinyl and added brass handles to the sides. Suddenly, it looked like a mid-century trunk table.
It cost about ten bucks and twenty minutes of effort. Now it’s the coffee table I never worry about — stylish enough for guests, practical enough for takeout nights.
Floating Nightstands with EKBY Shelves
Bedrooms in New York are rarely generous. To save floor space, I used two EKBY wall shelves with brass brackets as floating nightstands.
They hold a small lamp, my phone, and a book — exactly what I need.
This hack gives the illusion of space because you can see more floor. It also keeps things easy to clean (a big deal in dusty old apartments).
The IVAR Cabinet as a Mini Bar
This one feels a little fancy: I mounted an IVAR cabinet to my living room wall and stained it a dark walnut color. I added sleek handles and marble contact paper on top.
Now it’s my bar cabinet — stocked with glasses, a few bottles, and snacks. It’s minimalist, warm, and fits perfectly in a tiny corner.
When friends come over, it becomes the apartment’s social center. And when it’s just me, it hides everything neatly away.
Hidden Desk from a Wall Cabinet
When the pandemic hit, I needed a workspace fast — without turning my home into a 24/7 office.
I flipped an IKEA ENHET kitchen wall cabinet into a desk nook. Mounted at table height, with a simple folding chair, it’s now where I work, write, and edit photos.
When I’m done, I close the laptop, slide the chair away, and the corner goes back to being just part of my apartment. It’s the ultimate New York move: multitasking furniture that respects your sanity.
BONUS: The Shoe Storage That Doubles as a Bench
If you live in a walk-up, your entryway probably barely exists. I used two TRONES shoe cabinets side-by-side, topped them with a wooden board, and added a cushion.
Now it’s a bench for putting on shoes and storage for sneakers.
It looks clean, hides clutter, and takes up barely any space. Every guest ends up commenting on it — which says something for a $50 hack.
Why These Hacks Actually Work
Here’s the secret: New York apartments don’t forgive bad design.
If it doesn’t hold up, fit perfectly, or serve multiple purposes, it’s just clutter. That’s why the best IKEA hacks aren’t about crazy DIY projects — they’re about subtle improvements.
Raising a shelf off the floor to create lightness. Painting a piece the same color as your wall. Adding texture where IKEA gives you blank surfaces. The goal isn’t to hide IKEA; it’s to make it belong to your life.
The Longevity Test
I’ve lived with these hacks for over a year, and here’s the reality:
- The KALLAX divider still looks great and hasn’t warped.
- The LACK trunk table gets compliments constantly.
- The IVAR bar was the best decision — every guest ends up there.
Some projects failed — like the time I tried to paint a LINNMON desk without primer (rookie mistake). But the good ones blend utility with aesthetics, which is what city living demands.
My Verdict
IKEA hacks can absolutely work — but only if they respect your lifestyle and your space.
In my Brooklyn apartment, these small upgrades made everyday living easier and more beautiful without costing much.
If you live in a small city apartment, think of IKEA as your toolkit, not your compromise. Every flat-pack box is a chance to build something that reflects your rhythm — not just your budget.
Written and tested by Chi Tran for 123Review.net.
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