The Unique DIY That Makes An IKEA Tarva Dresser Look Even More High-End

If you live for a good DIY, you'll find that IKEA is a haven of untapped potential. Much of their furniture is strong and high-quality while remaining inexpensive and relatively simple in design. There are even IKEA hacks that will change the way you DIY, making them an excellent starting point for any project. 

If you're looking to spruce up your room, this TARVA dresser is the perfect place to start. It exemplifies the sturdy, simplistic concept, though it doesn't have to stay simple. Take some inspiration from some more high-end designs and roll up your sleeves — with some textured fabric, stain, and a few pieces of wood trim, you can transform your basic dresser into a stylish, mid-century modern-inspired statement piece. The simplicity of this project isn't even the best part — it saves you money. DIYing can save you hundreds of dollars compared with buying the inspiration piece. With a quick search, you can find what you like and totally redesign your dresser without the hefty price tag. All you need is a few materials and a plan. Your dresser will be unrecognizable and fully your own.

You'll start by removing any accessories, such as handles. Then you should sand the surface and paint, or stain, the color you'd like. The trick to painting IKEA furniture's difficult surfaces is finding the right primer, so make sure to choose one specifically designed to work with the material your furniture is made out of. Once covered, you'll glue down your cloth material on the drawers. Materials like raffia, rattan, or burlap are good options, but you could also go with a sturdy patterned fabric if you're looking for a more colorful alternative. After your fabric is dry, lay and staple a few thin wood pieces to frame the drawer and add depth. Paint or stain the wooden outline to match the rest of the piece. Finally, reattach or replace the handles for the drawers and your gorgeous new piece is complete.

Once your main project is complete, decorate your new dresser to further style your space. Decorate with mirrors, candles, or flowers to truly tie the room together, add some drawer pulls that reflect your personal taste, or keep it simple if you're going for a more minimalistic look. The final result is custom to you, so don't be afraid to get creative.