That basic wooden bunk bed sitting in IKEA’s warehouse has more potential than most people realize when they wheel it home in those familiar yellow bags. These IKEA Mydal hacks & ideas will completely transform your perspective on what this simple $299 frame can actually become in your home.
The beauty of the Mydal lies in it’s straightforward pine construction that practically begs to be customized and modified. Whether your dealing with a tiny kids room or trying to maximize space in a studio apartment, this versatile frame serves as the perfect foundation for countless creative projects.
From cozy reading nooks to sophisticated loft beds, the possibilities are truly endless once you start thinking outside the box.
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Rainbow Painted Slats Transform Basic Bunk Beds
Those colorful painted slats on the ladder rungs completely change the whole vibe of this bunk bed setup. The brilliant rainbow stripes in blues, greens, yellows, and pinks turn what would be plain wooden ladder steps into something that screams fun and creativity.
The genius behind this hack from @v_gostyahh shows how simple acrylic paint can make such a huge difference. You could easily recreate this by taping off sections of your Mydal ladder and painting each rung a different bright color – it’s probably one of the easiest modifications you can do.
The playful curtains and personalized name signs add extra charm, but those rainbow ladder steps are definitely the star of this transformation.
Vertical Slat Paneling Creates Cozy Hideaway
The most brilliant part of this transformation is how vertical wooden slats turn the basic Mydal frame into a private fortress. @_nordisch attached thin wooden planks to the back and sides, creating defined walls that make kids feel like they have their own secret room.
Those white pom-pom garlands aren’t just cute – they’re genius because they soften the wood’s natural texture without blocking the open feel. The slats probably took some measuring and a drill, but the result looks way more expensive than the original bed frame.
You could easily paint these slats in any color or even add small hooks between them for hanging storage pouches.
Sage Green Paint Transforms Basic Bunk Beds
This gorgeous sage green transformation proves that a simple paint job can completely change the whole vibe of your kids room. The soft, muted green color gives these Mydal bunk beds a sophisticated look that feels way more expensive than the original pine wood.
What makes this hack so brilliant is how @elh_co kept the clean lines of the original design while adding that pop of color. The sage green pairs perfectly with the warm cream pillows and natural wood side table, creating a cohesive space that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
You could easily recreate this look with any quality furniture paint and maybe try different colors like navy blue or even a dusty pink for a different mood.
Neon Cloud Light Transforms Mydal Bedroom
The soft white Mydal frame gets a serious upgrade with that gorgeous neon cloud light mounted above the top bunk. This simple addition creates such a dreamy atmosphere that makes bedtime feel special instead of like a chore.
What makes this setup from @velveteen_babies so brilliant is how the warm glow bounces off the white walls and creates this cozy cocoon effect. The cloud shape feels playful but not too childish, so it’ll grow with your kid through different phases.
You can find similar neon signs online or even make your own using LED strip lights and some creative wire bending.
Stylish Wooden Slat Safety Rails Transform Everything
Those gorgeous vertical wooden slats aren’t just for looks – they’re a brilliant safety upgrade that completely changes how the Mydal bunk bed feels in the room. The natural pine wood creates this amazing fence-like barrier that keeps kids secure while they sleep, and honestly, it looks way more expensive than what you’d pay for the basic frame.
Adding these slats is surprisingly simple since you can cut them to size and attach them directly to the existing frame structure. The best part is how they make the whole bed feel more private and cozy, almost like each kid has their own little hideaway instead of just a regular bunk bed.
You could easily paint these slats in any color you want or even stain them darker for a more sophisticated look that grows with your kids.
Bunny Wallpaper Transforms Basic Bunk Bed
The warm cream bunny wallpaper turns this simple wooden bunk bed into a cozy burrow that any child would love. @sanna.emelie created this charming space by keeping the natural pine wood finish untouched and letting the playful wall pattern do all the talking.
White bedding with tiny print details complements the neutral color scheme perfectly without competing with the busy wallpaper design. The wicker basket labeled “TOYS” adds practical storage while maintaining the rooms earthy, natural vibe.
This approach proves that sometimes the best modifications happen around the bed frame rather than to it directly.
Wooden House Frame Transforms Basic Bunk Bed
This genius hack by @tovgemaakt turns a simple MYDAL bunk bed into a magical house-shaped hideaway that any kid would love. The natural wood frame creates an instant cozy fort feeling while keeping the beds functionality intact.
The slanted roof design uses additional wood planks to build up the house structure around the existing bed frame. Built-in wall niches provide perfect spots for books, nightlights, and favorite stuffed animals without taking up floor space.
You could easily customize this idea with different wood stains, add shutters to the window openings, or paint the frame in bright colors to match your childs personality.
Sheer Curtains Transform Basic Bunk Beds
The flowing white curtains attached to this mint green Mydal bunk bed create private sleeping nooks that feel like cozy hideaways. @sheenajohnsrude hung sheer fabric panels from ceiling-mounted tracks, giving each bunk it’s own little sanctuary.
Installing curtain rods or tracks around the bed frame doesn’t require any permanent modifications to the Mydal structure. You can choose different fabric weights and colors to match your room’s theme, from heavy blackout curtains for better sleep to colorful patterned panels for a playful vibe.
This simple addition turns a basic bunk bed into something that feels way more expensive and custom-built than it actually is.
Green Paint Transforms Basic Mydal Into Cozy Nook
Sometimes the most dramatic transformations happen when you ditch the natural wood finish completely. This gorgeous forest green paint job by @wendyhgilmour turns the basic Mydal into something that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
The rich green color creates this amazing built-in feeling, especially when you add matching paint to the ceiling slats above. You could easily recreate this look with any high-quality furniture paint, and the beauty is that green works with literally any bedroom color scheme.
That festive red bow adds the perfect seasonal touch, but imagine how stunning this would look year-round with different colored accents.
Dreamy Canopy Transforms Basic Bunk Bed
The flowing white canopy draped over this natural wood bunk bed creates an instant fairytale vibe that any kid would love. @sotarehome attached lightweight white fabric to the ceiling above the top bunk, letting it cascade down gracefully around the frame.
This simple modification doesnt require any permanent changes to the bed itself, making it perfect for renters or anyone who wants flexibility. The neutral cream-colored curtains around the bottom bunk add privacy while maintaining the cohesive look throughout the room.
You could easily swap out the white fabric for different colors or patterns to match your child’s personality or room theme.
Rope Netting Transforms Basic Bunk Beds
That brilliant rope netting stretched across the top bunk turns an ordinary Mydal into something that looks like a treehouse fort. The natural jute rope creates this awesome climbing wall effect that makes bedtime way more exciting for kids.
The sage green paint job on the frame gives the whole setup a calming, earthy vibe that works perfectly with the rope texture. @bungalow_to_our_home added those clever canvas storage pockets along the side which are super practical for keeping toys and books organized.
You could easily swap the jute rope for colorful climbing rope or even add some fairy lights woven through the netting for a magical nighttime effect.
Fabric Canopy Transforms Basic Bunk Beds
This genius canopy hack takes the ordinary Mydal bunk bed and turns it into something that looks way more expensive than it actually is. The flowing cream-colored fabric drapes beautifully over the pine frame, creating a dreamy fort-like atmosphere that kids absolutely love.
What makes this transformation so brilliant is how @sotarehome added curtains around the bottom bunk too, giving each sleeping space it’s own private hideaway. The neutral linen fabric works perfectly with the natural wood tones and doesn’t compete with the room’s other design elements.
You can easily recreate this look with basic curtain rods, some lightweight fabric, and a few simple brackets attached to the bed frame.
Wire Baskets Transform Your Mydal Storage Game
Those white wire storage baskets attached underneath the top bunk completely change how you use the Mydal bed frame. The genius move here is adding extra storage where you’d normally just have empty space that collects dust and lost socks.
The wire baskets from @rumbelowrooms hold everything from books to stuffed animals without looking messy. You can find similar wire baskets at most home stores, and they’re easy to mount with simple brackets that won’t damage your bed frame.
The woven storage baskets on the bottom shelf add even more organization while keeping that cozy, natural look that makes kids bedrooms feel welcoming instead of sterile.
Golden Curtains Transform Your Mydal Into Fort
This brilliant mustard yellow curtain hack turns an ordinary Mydal bunk bed into the ultimate hideaway space. The rich golden fabric creates a cozy cave-like atmosphere that kids absolutley love for reading, playing, or just chilling out.
Installing these curtains is surprisingly simple with just a few curtain rods attached to the bed frame. @klein_maatje_com shows how the warm yellow color adds such a cheerful pop against the white bed structure.
You could easily swap out different colored fabrics to match your child’s room or create seasonal changes throughout the year.
Ceiling Nets Transform Basic Bunk Beds
The white rope netting stretched across the ceiling turns this ordinary Mydal bunk bed into something that looks like a ship or treehouse. @mommodesign used simple ceiling hooks and rope mesh to create this overhead safety feature that doubles as a play element.
The teal walls make the natural wood frame pop, while the netting keeps toys and pillows from falling down below. You can find similar rope netting at marine supply stores or online, and it’s way easier to install than you’d think.
The fairy lights woven through the mesh add that cozy nighttime vibe that makes bedtime feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Teal Stripe Transformation Makes Triple Bunks Pop
Sometimes a simple painted stripe can completely change the whole vibe of a bunk bed setup. @adriancrook nailed it with this bright teal accent that runs horizontally across all three Mydal frames, creating one cohesive unit instead of separate beds.
The genius part is how the stripe connects everything visually while still letting each bunk maintain it’s own personality with different bedding patterns. You could easily recreate this with painters tape and any bold color that matches your kids room – maybe bright orange or forest green would look amazing too.
This hack proves that you don’t need complicated modifications to make a huge impact, just one confident color choice.
Bright Yellow Paint Transforms Multiple Bunk Beds
The bold sunny yellow paint job on these stacked Mydal frames creates an instant focal point that screams fun and creativity. This vibrant transformation by @moodkidsnl shows how a simple coat of paint can completely change the whole vibe of a kids room.
Orange window frames add an extra pop of color that complements the yellow perfectly, while patterned wallpaper backing each bunk adds texture and personality. The checkered bedding and red gingham curtains bring in classic patterns that balance out all the bright colors.
You could easily recreate this look with any bold paint color that matches your kid’s personality – maybe bright blue or forest green for different moods.
Built In Bunk Bed Transforms Small Space
The gorgeous olive green paint job completely transforms this basic Mydal frame into something that looks like it cost thousands of dollars. This custom built-in look is achieved by extending the frame all the way to the ceiling and adding matching paint to the surrounding walls.
The addition of under-bed storage drawers with brass handles makes this hack super practical for kids rooms. @wendyhgilmour really nailed the cozy cabin vibe with those small brass sconces and the beautiful floral bedding that pops against the rich green.
You could easily recreate this look in any color that matches your space, from navy blue to soft sage or even a warm terracotta.
House Frame Transformation Creates Cozy Sleeping Nook
The wooden house frame attached to this Mydal bunk bed completely changes the whole feel of the room. @monia_sebben has created something that looks more like a playhouse than just another bed frame.
Building the triangular roof structure from additional wood pieces gives kids their own little hideaway space. The white paint keeps everything looking clean and matches perfectly with the original Mydal’s simple design.
You could easily customize this idea by adding curtains to the house frame or painting it in different colors to match your child’s personality.
These IKEA Mydal hacks & ideas prove that creativity and a modest budget can produce absolutely stunning results that rival expensive custom furniture. The satisfaction of transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary is just as rewarding as the money you’ll save in the process.
Remember that safety should always come first when modifying any bed frame, especially one that will be used by children. Double-check all screws and reinforcements before letting anyone climb up to enjoy your masterpiece.
Your next weekend project awaits, and it’s going to be more amazing than you ever thought possible.