DIY has never been easier than it is today. We live in a time where you can create your own custom furniture and joinery. But most of this is thanks to IKEA.
“IKEA’s flatpack furniture has completely transformed how we furnish our homes,” James Bryant, Founder of CutMy, says. “And for those homeowners who want to elevate furnishings even further, the addition of made-to-measure panels, shelving and surfaces will give each piece a whole new look. It’s about turning something off-the-shelf into something that feels considered and bespoke.”
Affordable and easy to install, they’ve been the go-to for renters and affordable living for decades. But recent viral hacks have helped many (including myself) to transform their spaces on a tight budget.
The Obsession With The BILLY Series
I personally caught BILLY fever two years ago and haven’t made a full recovery. When I had to renovate my own derelict flat in Central London, I knew I didn’t have a big budget to hire contractors; I needed to redo everything and could only manage to hire an electrician and plumber. So IKEA came to my aid and of course, four standard BILLY bookcases and some MDF turned what could’ve been a £3k+ endeavour into a £300 one.
I picked up some tips from the viral BILLY bookcase wall hacks at the time and the rest is a glamorous study with a shelf on history.
In my opinion, BILLY bookcases are the best IKEA product, not just because they’re cheap but because they’re also really quick and simple to build. I was able to put up four bookcases by myself in a day and with some measuring and DIY plinths, give it a sturdy base, coving, built-in lights and an access panel for sockets on both sides. It has made my study easily my favourite room in my flat.
How To Love IKEA When You’re Not A DIYer
I also appreciate that not everyone is as DIY-savvy as me. Luckily, we’re now in a place where companies sell custom facades, doors and panels to complement IKEA’s ranges.
“Using cut-to-size materials allows homeowners to upgrade without starting from scratch, helping to elevate both style and function,” James says. “The result feels far more premium, but at a fraction of the cost of full custom cabinetry.”
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