In this post, I’ll be walking you through a beginner-friendly Ikea cabinet makeover that turns simple Ikea furniture into a more elevated, custom-looking piece.
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I am definitely not a professional furniture flipper, and this was my first time ever painting a composite or particleboard Ikea piece. That said, the end result exceeded my expectations enough that I wanted to document the process step by step. If you have an older Ikea cabinet, shelf, or table that still functions well but no longer fits your space aesthetically, this project is a great way to give it a second life.
When the urge to tackle a home project hits, I tend to want results quickly. While there is absolutely a traditional, time-intensive way to refinish furniture that involves heavy sanding, long curing times, and multiple specialty products, this makeover was intentionally designed to be beginner friendly and realistic for real life. The goal was transformation without turning the project into a week-long ordeal.
Why This Ikea Cabinet Makeover Made Sense
This project started when I replaced my old bar console setup, which was made from two Ikea Eket cabinets placed side by side. After upgrading to a larger hutch-style storage unit, I was left with two floating cabinets that no longer had a home. Structurally they were still in great shape, but visually they felt unfinished and a little too modern for the rest of my living room.
Rather than donating or storing them, I decided to separate the two cabinets and give each one its own personality so they could be reused in different areas of the space. One cabinet would remain lighter and minimal, while the other would be transformed into a darker, moodier accent piece.
After a bit of research, chalk paint stood out as the most approachable option for painting Ikea furniture, especially laminate and particleboard surfaces. Chalk paint adheres well, offers great coverage, and does not require extensive prep work, which made it ideal for a first attempt.
To elevate the design beyond a simple paint job, I also added peel-and-stick trim molding to the cabinet doors. This small detail completely changed the overall look and helped the cabinet feel more traditional and intentional.
The entire project took me three days to complete but I’d say it’s totally beginner-friendly. I also found all the materials on Amazon (click here to visit my storefront) which is beyond convenient if you’re like me and have a serious aversion to hardware stores. Let’s get into it!
Easy Ikea Cabinet Makeover Materials
All of the supplies used for this Ikea cabinet makeover were ordered online, which made the process especially convenient. If hardware stores are not your favorite place, this project is very doable without stepping foot in one.
- sandpaper or sanding sponges
- peel and stick trim molding
- ruler
- level
- sharp scissors and/or miter shears
- shellac primer
- chalk paint – I used this one by House & Canvas in the color “shadow”
- polyurethane sealer
- paint brushes or rollers – these are my favorite!
Having the right brushes made a noticeable difference. Short-handled, angled brushes are especially helpful when working inside cabinets or along detailed trim.
Step One: Surface Prep and Light Sanding
The first step was cleaning the cabinet thoroughly to remove any dust, residue, or oils. This is especially important for Ikea furniture, as laminate surfaces can prevent paint from adhering properly if they are not cleaned well.
Once clean, I took the cabinet outside and lightly sanded all surfaces. This was not a deep sanding process. The goal was simply to scuff the surface enough to help the primer grip. This step took about ten minutes total and felt like a worthwhile insurance policy even though some primers claim sanding is optional.
After sanding, I wiped everything down with a damp cloth to remove dust and let it dry completely before moving on.
Step Two: Adding Trim Molding for a Custom Look
Before applying any paint, I added decorative trim molding to the cabinet doors. This step completely changed the personality of the piece and added visual interest that paint alone could not achieve.
I measured each cabinet door and decided on a rectangular frame that felt balanced within the existing door proportions. Using a ruler and level, I lightly marked the placement of each corner in pencil.
The peel-and-stick trim molding was cut to size using sharp scissors. While miter shears would have made this easier, careful measuring and slow cuts worked just fine. Each piece was cut at a forty-five degree angle to create clean corners.
Once cut, the trim was applied directly to the cabinet doors using the adhesive backing. This process was surprisingly easy and very forgiving. If something was slightly off, the trim could be repositioned before pressing it firmly into place.
Step Three: Priming the Cabinet
After the trim was installed, I applied two coats of shellac-based primer to the entire cabinet, including the trim. Shellac primer is particularly effective for laminate surfaces and helps prevent tannins or finishes from bleeding through the paint.
Each coat was applied evenly with a brush, making sure to get into corners and along edges. I allowed about two hours of drying time between coats. The primer created a solid, slightly matte base that made the next step much easier.
Step Four: Chalk Paint Application
The following day, I moved on to painting. I chose a chalk paint shade that sits somewhere between navy and black, which added depth without feeling too heavy. Chalk paint tends to dry quickly, so working in thin, even layers is key.
I applied two coats of chalk paint, allowing approximately thirty minutes of drying time between coats. The coverage was excellent, and by the second coat, the cabinet looked completely transformed.
The brushes I used worked well for both flat surfaces and detailed areas around the trim. Short, controlled strokes helped minimize visible brush marks, although some texture is natural with chalk paint.
Step Five: Sealing for Durability
On the third day, I sealed the cabinet with one coat of matte polyurethane sealer. This step is essential when using chalk paint, especially for furniture that will be touched or styled frequently. Without a sealer, chalk paint can scuff easily and is difficult to clean.
Ideally, I would have lightly sanded between coats and applied a second layer of sealer for an ultra-smooth finish. However, at this point the combined layers of primer, paint, and sealer were starting to add thickness. The cabinet doors were already brushing against the frame slightly, so I chose to stop after one coat.
The finish still felt durable and protective, which was the main goal.
Final Touches: Hardware Upgrade
To complete the Ikea cabinet makeover, I replaced the original knobs with antique-inspired pulls. This small change made a big impact and tied the piece into the rest of the room’s decor. Hardware is one of the easiest ways to elevate furniture, especially when working with simple silhouettes like Ikea cabinets.
Once the hardware was installed, the cabinet finally felt finished.
Speaking of changing knobs and pulls, I also ordered some bronze antique inspired knobs for the new bar hutch units from Wayfair. The little basic round chrome knobs it came with were just not the vibe.
This project reminded me that furniture does not need to be expensive or custom-made to feel special. With a bit of paint, thoughtful details, and realistic expectations, even the most basic Ikea pieces can be transformed into something that feels personal and elevated.
While the finish is not perfectly smooth and there are visible brush strokes if you look closely, those details do not bother me. They add character and remind me that this was a hands-on DIY project, not a factory-produced piece.
If you have been considering painting Ikea furniture or trying chalk paint for the first time, this is a great place to start. The process is forgiving, accessible, and incredibly satisfying.
I hope this Ikea cabinet makeover inspires you to repurpose something in your home rather than replacing it.
Looking for more inspo!? Check out my Pinterest Board for more home decor and DIY projects… updated daily!
This post was all about thrifted wardrobe staples. If you like this content, check out these posts below!
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Xx Laura
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