We Gave a Furniture Flipper $50 — Here's What She Bought at IKEA
Getting new furniture is expensive — especially if you shell out for something totally custom. But giving a new life to old furniture not only costs a lot less, but also gives you the freedom to create the piece of your dreams. Not to mention, a furniture flip is also a more sustainable option than buying brand-new.
Stephanie Petrich, the blogger behind the DIY site SPetrichHome, is no stranger to flipping furniture. For her, the main goal is to improve a piece — and give it a designer feel — without the cost of buying new. While she might scour curbs, thrift stores, and other secondhand sources for her furniture, she turns to other sources for the accessories and materials she uses in her upgrades. One favorite shop? IKEA, of course. “I love IKEA for its affordability but also the versatility of its products in transforming something old to something new,” Petrich says.
I challenged Petrich to shop for her best furniture-flipping finds at IKEA with a super-slim budget — just $50! Here’s how she said she’d spend the money for the best results.
SMEDSTORP Legs 2-Pack
IKEA
$20
Buy Now
SMEDSTORP Sofa Legs, Oak Natural Finish
Cost: $20 per pair
Whether elevating a piece of furniture or going for a totally new look, sofa legs can make a big difference. “Simply adding or changing the legs on a piece of furniture can change the whole look of the piece,” Petrich says.
Although her style preferences range from MCM to modern looks, IKEA has several options for refreshing your furniture. For a shorter, boxier leg, try the VINLIDEN or opt for the spindly VISKAFORS to add personality. Both sets are also just $20 for four, meaning you have more to spend on other accessories.
GRIBBOL Knobs 2-Pack
IKEA
$5
Buy Now
GRIBBOL Black Knobs
Cost: $5 per pair
Just like adding a necklace or pair of statement earrings to an outfit can elevate a look, new knobs can totally transform a piece of furniture. That’s why Petrich says swapping hardware is one of the best things you can do to add to or change a dresser. “It’s one of the most visually impactful yet cost-effective things to add to a piece of furniture,” she says.
If the sleek, black style isn’t a fit for your piece, consider the round, stainless steel KALERUM — also $5.00 for two — or splurge on the orange leather ÖSTERNÄS handles, which will make a statement for $16.00 a pair.
ROSENMANDEL Black-Out Curtains
IKEA
$24.99
Buy Now
ROSENMANDEL Blackout Curtains
Cost: $24.99 per pair
You’re probably wondering why a window treatment is on Petrich’s list, but she begs you to hear her out. “OK, this one might be a little odd, but if you are trying to update a chair seat — to either add a cushion or to reupholster — using fabric from a curtain panel can get you a much nicer piece of fabric for a cheaper price point,” she says. Brilliant!
Not only are blackout curtains reasonably priced, but they are sturdy and an excellent fabric replacement in a pinch. For an even cheaper option, consider the blue BENGTA curtains ($9.99 per panel) or spend a little more on the MAJGULL, which is $39.99 per pair and has three color options.
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
