Your bathroom counter is drowning in makeup tubes and your bedroom dresser looks like a beauty supply store exploded on it. These brilliant IKEA vanity hacks & ideas will transform any ordinary furniture piece into a glamorous makeup station that actually keeps everything organized.
IKEA’s affordable furniture becomes the perfect canvas for DIY beauty enthusiasts who want luxury looks without the designer price tag. You can turn basic pieces like the HEMNES dresser or MALM dressing table into stunning vanity setups that rival expensive custom builds.
The best part is that most of these transformations only require simple tools and a weekend afternoon to complete.
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Luxurious White Storage Units Inspire Bedroom Elegance

This stunning white vanity setup shows how simple Ikea Alex drawer units can create a seriously elegant makeup station. The crisp white finish looks expensive and the multiple drawers give you tons of storage for all your beauty essentials without any clutter showing.
What makes this design from @uliaverbij so smart is how the Komplement pieces work together to form one long continuous surface. The center space is perfect for tucking your legs under while you get ready, and those black handles add just the right amount of contrast against all that white.
That stacked round ottoman is genius too since it gives you flexible seating that you can adjust to the perfect height.
How White Malm Drawers Ground Any Vanity

Taking two Ikea Malm drawer units and positioning them on either side of a clear acrylic chair creates the ultimate beauty station that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The white finish keeps everything looking clean and fresh, while those gold handles add just the right amount of glamour without being too fancy.
The wood countertop bridges both drawer units perfectly, giving you tons of surface space for all your makeup and skincare products. @thesavvy.home shows how the natural wood tone warms up the white base and creates a nice contrast against the modern acrylic chair.
You could easily swap the gold handles for black ones or even leather pulls if you want to change up the vibe completely.
Tropical Wallpaper Patterns Unify Natural Bedroom Vibes

This stunning Ikea Malm dressing table setup shows how bold botanical wallpaper can completely transform your beauty routine space. The gorgeous sage green and cream leaf pattern creates such a calming backdrop that makes getting ready feel like a mini vacation every morning.
That fluffy pink mongolian fur stool adds the perfect pop of texture and femininity against all those tropical vibes. @caffeineandcacti really nailed the balance between natural elements and glam touches with this setup.
The round black-framed mirror and white desk accessories keep everything looking clean and organized without competing with that show-stopping wallpaper.
Cool Glass Display Tops Modern Vanity Setup

The glass top surface transforms these Ikea Songesand drawers into a makeup lover’s paradise with clear views into every compartment. This incredible hack lets you see your entire collection at once without opening a single drawer.
The white oak finish keeps everything looking clean and modern while the Hollywood-style bulb mirror adds that perfect lighting for application. @maison_patchouli really nailed the balance between function and glamour here.
You could easily recreate this by adding custom glass panels to your existing drawers and organizing your makeup collection underneath for instant visibility.
Ornate Mirrors Frame White Malm Setup

The crisp white Malm dressing table gets elevated with an absolutely gorgeous decorative mirror that steals the show. @itsjulianna_a chose this ornate white frame that looks like something from a fancy French boutique, and it totally transforms the whole vibe of the vanity area.
That fluffy pink pillow on the chair adds such a cute touch and makes the whole setup feel more luxurious than it actually is. The Parisian theme with the Eiffel Tower art and mini tower really ties everything together perfectly, creating this dreamy French-inspired corner.
The best part is how the ornate mirror makes the basic Malm look way more expensive while still keeping all the practical storage you need for your makeup routine.
Marble Countertops Upgrade Basic Ikea Units

These Ikea Godmorgon units get a seriously luxe makeover with dramatic marble countertops that make the whole bathroom feel way more expensive. The warm sage green cabinets paired with those stunning white and grey marble surfaces create such a sophisticated look that nobody would guess these started as basic Ikea pieces.
The geometric checkerboard tile adds another layer of visual interest without competing with the marble’s natural patterns. Those leather cabinet pulls in a rich tan color bring warmth to the cool marble and tie everything together with @sarahshermansamuel‘s signature style.
You could easily recreate this look by swapping out standard Godmorgon tops for marble or even high-quality marble-look quartz.
Glass Top Surface Lends Professional Makeup Station

The glass surface transforms ordinary Alex drawer units into something that belongs in a high-end makeup studio. This setup from @7021instyle shows how a simple glass top can completely change the functionality of your vanity space.
Those white Alex drawers provide tons of storage while the glass creates a smooth workspace thats easy to clean. The Komplement organizers inside keep all your makeup sorted and visible through the transparent surface.
You could easily swap the glass for marble or acrylic depending on what vibe your going for in your room.
Neutral Accessories Modernize Classic Malm Setup

This clean white Ikea Malm dressing table gets a serious glow-up with it’s perfectly coordinated accessories and that gorgeous round mirror. The neutral color palette creates such a calming vibe that makes getting ready feel less rushed and more luxurious.
What really makes this setup work is how @mic__key_c chose accessories in matching tones of cream and beige. The sculptural vases with dried flowers and the woven storage basket add texture without creating visual chaos.
That compact stool underneath is pure genius since it provides extra seating while keeping everything looking streamlined and organized.
Pink Wood Stain Modernizes Ikea Malm Drawers

This stunning transformation shows how a simple wood stain can completely change the look of basic Ikea Malm drawers. The warm pink-toned wood stain creates such a sophisticated vanity setup that nobody would guess it started as plain white furniture.
The genius lies in how the stain brings out the wood grain texture while adding this gorgeous peachy-pink hue that feels so current and fresh. @idealhomeuk styled it perfectly with that cute velvet stool and hanging rail system that maximizes storage without taking up floor space.
You could easily recreate this with different stain colors like sage green or warm oak depending on your bedroom’s vibe.
Glass Desktop Tops Enhance Vanity Storage

The transparent glass surface transforms the basic white Alex drawers into something way more sophisticated than you’d expect. This brilliant setup by @victoria._.picks shows how adding a simple glass top can make your storage look twice as expensive.
Those clean white Alex units provide tons of hidden storage while the glass keeps everything looking light and airy. The wooden trim around the edges adds warmth and prevents the glass from looking too cold or clinical in the space.
You could easily recreate this by ordering custom cut glass from any local glass shop and adding your own wooden edge detail with some basic woodworking skills.
LED Lighting Modernizes Minimalist Gray Vanity

Sometimes the simplest ideas create the most stunning results, and this sleek gray setup proves that perfectly. The creator @_fat.jona transformed basic Alex drawers into something that looks like it belongs in a luxury spa.
The real magic happens with those blue LED strips that illuminate the open center section and underneath the countertop. This creates this amazing floating effect that makes the whole vanity feel more expensive than it actually is.
You could easily recreate this look by adding battery-powered LED strips to your own Komplement vanity setup and choosing that same clean white stool for the perfect finishing touch.
White Lack Shelves Brighten Corner Vanity

The genius behind this setup lies in how the white Malm dressing table gets completely transformed with simple additions. Those crisp white Lack shelves create perfect storage cubbies on both sides, turning a basic vanity into a beauty station that rivals expensive custom builds.
Hollywood-style bulb lighting around the mirror makes everything feel glamorous, while the shelves hold everything from makeup palettes to decorative touches. @lovelilia_mua shows how strategic placement of these affordable shelves maximizes every inch of corner space.
The white finish keeps everything cohesive and bright, proving that simple modifications can create the most stunning results.
These IKEA vanity hacks & ideas prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create the perfect makeup space in your home. Whether you chose to add LED strip lighting, mirror upgrades, or custom drawer organizers, each modification brings you closer to having that dream vanity you’ve always wanted.
The beauty of working with IKEA pieces is their versatility and how easy they are to customize. You can always add more modifications later as your collection grows or your style changes, making these vanity solutions perfect for renters and homeowners alike.
Now it’s time to grab your tools and start building the makeup station that will make every morning feel like you’re getting ready in a high-end salon.
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