Ikea is the poster child for youth. With staples like the $30 particle board dresser and a $99 platform bed, you’d be hard pressed to find a dorm room (or even a 25 year old’s apartment) who isn’t subconsciously endorsing the discount retailer. However, even with their furniture a little sub-par when it comes to durability, their prices provide an opportunity to look at Ikea in a whole new way: as a materials provider. And that’s exactly what a group of people around the world are using them for.

Founded in 2006, IkeaHacker – a DIY website focused on pimping out Ikea furniture, is pumping out ideas sent in from readers who’ve used Ikea’s low prices to make their own unique home creations, fully tailored to their likes and at a far cheaper price than a specialty furniture store. I’ve been combing through the site lately, and have been inspired to tackle a few of my own projects. Check out a few of my favorite hacks below.

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This one is probably my favorite and sent in by Michael who used the Lack shelving units to create a wall unit that perfectly frames his bed. Check out more pictures and info on how he did it here.

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This chair was sent in by Mandi. She takes the Klappsta char ($150) and sews her own slipcovers for them. You can check out hers and other’s seating hacks here. (You’ll have to scroll down about halfway down the page for this one.)

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This kick ass decopauge table was sent in by Guillaume. With a little bit of black paint, a poster, and some varnish, he creatively came up with a table that’s uniquely funky. Check out more here.

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