Have you ever scrolled through Urban Outfitters’ home decor section and felt your heart skip a beat? The beautiful boho pillows, the cool abstract art, the whimsical wall hangings… they are just perfect. Then, you see the price tag, and your heart sinks a little. That unique style often comes with a cost that can make your wallet cry.
But what if I told you that you could get that same trendy, high-end look for a fraction of the price? It’s true! With a little creativity and a trip to IKEA, you can make your own gorgeous decor pieces.
Today, I’m going to guide you through three easy and fun Urban Outfitters inspired IKEA hacks. We’re going to turn simple IKEA finds into stunning decor that looks like it came straight from a designer catalog. You don’t need to be a pro crafter. You just need a little time and a desire to make your home beautiful on a budget. Let’s get started!
DIY Project 1: The Trendy Braided Boho Pillow
That gorgeous braided pillow from Urban Outfitters is a showstopper. It adds texture and a neutral, boho vibe to any sofa or bed. The original can cost you around $50, but we can make a stunning dupe for less than half of that. This DIY home decor project is the perfect place to start.
What You’ll Need
Here is a simple list of the supplies you’ll need to gather for this beautiful pillow.
| Item | Where to Find It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VIGDIS Pillowcase (20×20) | IKEA | This linen-like case is the perfect neutral base. |
| Pillow Insert (20×20) | IKEA or use one you have | A fluffy insert makes the pillow look full. |
| Macrame Cord | Craft Store or Online | A natural color works best for the boho look. |
| E6000 Glue | Craft or Hardware Store | This is a strong glue that works on fabric. |
| Scissors & Tape | Around the house | Basic crafting tools. |
| Fine-tooth Comb | Around the house | For fraying the ends of the cord. |
Step-by-Step Guide
Making this pillow is easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps!
First, put your pillow insert inside the VIGDIS pillowcase. It helps to have the pillow full so you can see where you want your design to go. If the case is wrinkly, giving it a quick iron first will make it look extra crisp.
Next, it’s time to make your braids. You’ll need to cut your macrame cord into pieces. Don’t worry about measuring perfectly! You will want four sets of short pieces and four sets of long pieces. For each braid, you need three strands of cord. Just eyeball the lengths. The short ones should be long enough to make a rainbow shape on the pillow, and the long ones should go all the way across.
Now, let’s braid! Take three strands, tie a knot at one end, and tape it to a table. This makes braiding much easier. Braid the strands all the way down, then tie another knot at the other end. Leave a little bit of cord at the ends after the knots. Use your comb to brush out these ends. This will fray them and give you that soft, tassel look. Do this for all your sets of braids.
Finally, you get to design your pillow! Lay your braids on the pillowcase to plan your pattern. The Urban Outfitters pillow uses the short braids to make two rainbow shapes and the long braids to make two wavy, snake-like lines across the pillow. Once you like the layout, use your E6000 glue to attach them. Apply the glue to the pillow in small sections and press the braid down firmly. Let it dry completely.
The Amazing Result
And there you have it! A beautiful, textured boho pillow that looks just like the expensive one. You just created a high-end Urban Outfitters dupe for under $20. This IKEA hack adds so much personality and style to your room.
DIY Project 2: Your Own Modern Abstract Art
Wall art can be very expensive, especially large pieces. That cool, abstract “Dream Team” print from Urban Outfitters can cost anywhere from $50 to over $200 depending on the size. But guess what? You can paint your own version, and it will look just as amazing. This is one of the most rewarding IKEA DIY projects.
Gather Your Art Supplies
You don’t need to be an artist to make this work. Here is what you’ll need.
| Item | Where to Find It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HOVSTA Frame | IKEA | The 12×16 size with a light wood finish is perfect. |
| Printer Paper or Cardstock | Office Supply Store | An 8.5×11 sheet fits perfectly in the frame’s mat. |
| Acrylic Paints | Craft Store | Terracotta, pink, black, and white are great colors. |
| Paint Brushes | Craft Store | Get a few sizes: thick, medium, and very thin. |
How to Paint Your Masterpiece
Let’s unleash your inner artist. This process is all about being free and having fun with paint.
Start by laying out your paper. Mix your paints to get the colors you want. You can add white to lighten the pink or create a soft gray by mixing black and white.
Now, take your thickest brush and dip it in the light pink paint. Make one messy, loose stripe right down the middle of the paper. Don’t try to make it perfect! The beauty is in the brushstrokes.
Keep going with your other colors. Use the photo of the Urban Outfitters art as a guide. Add stripes of terracotta, gray, and coral next to each other. Use different-sized brushes to create different line thicknesses.
Once your main stripes are done, grab your thinnest brush. Use black paint to add small, delicate lines and details. This is what makes the art look complex and interesting. There is no right or wrong way to do this—just paint what feels good.
Let your painting dry completely. Then, place it inside the HOVSTA frame’s mat and put it all together.
Gallery-Worthy for Less
You just made a custom piece of art for about $15! It looks stunning and has a personal touch that you can’t buy in a store. This affordable home decor project proves you don’t need a big budget to have a stylish home.
DIY Project 3: A Whimsical Moon Cycle Banner
That hammered metal moon banner from Urban Outfitters is so dreamy and whimsical. It adds a touch of magic over a bed or a fireplace. The original sells for over $40. We can create a similar vibe with a very clever and simple IKEA hack.
Materials for Your Banner
This project is super affordable and has a big impact.
| Item | Where to Find It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FÖRSTÅ Wooden Tags | IKEA | These come in a pack and are the perfect shape. |
| Gold Metallic Paint | Craft Store | This gives the wood a faux-metal look. |
| Macrame Cord | Craft Store or Online | To hang your banner. |
| Paint Brush & Scissors | Around the house | Your basic crafting tools. |
Creating Your Banner
This is probably the easiest of the three IKEA hacks.
First, lay your wooden tags on a piece of paper to protect your table. Paint one side and the edges of each tag with your gold metallic paint. You might need two coats to get a nice, solid color. Let them dry completely.
While they’re drying, prepare your hanging cord. Cut a long piece of macrame cord. The length depends on how long you want your banner to be. Tie a small loop at each end of the cord. This will make it easy to hang up later.
Once your gold tags are dry, it’s time to assemble the banner. The tags come with little strings. Simply untie them and then use those same strings to tie each tag onto your long macrame cord. Space them out evenly.
A Touch of Magic
This project costs less than $10 and looks so chic. While our version uses diamond shapes instead of moons, it captures the same whimsical, boho style of the original. It’s a beautiful piece that adds sparkle and charm to any wall.
Why These IKEA Hacks are a Game-Changer
Creating a home you love shouldn’t break the bank. These Urban Outfitters inspired IKEA hacks show that with a bit of imagination, you can get a high-end look for less. You save money, you get to have fun with a creative project, and you end up with unique pieces that tell a story.
FAQs
How to make IKEA furniture look more expensive?
You can make IKEA furniture look fancy. Try changing the knobs and handles. A fresh coat of paint makes a big difference. You can also add new legs to lift it off the floor. This makes it look custom and more expensive.
How do I make my IKEA bookcase look more expensive?
You can make your bookcase look high-end. Paint it a dark, rich color. Add nice wallpaper to the back panel. This adds pattern and depth. You can also add trim or molding around the edges. This makes it look like a custom built-in piece.
How to make KALLAX look expensive?
Making a KALLAX unit look expensive is easy. First, add legs to lift it up. You can also add doors to some of the cubes. Use nice woven baskets instead of fabric bins. For a big change, place a finished wood panel on top.
Can I sell my IKEA hacks?
Yes, many people sell their IKEA hacks. You can sell your finished pieces online. Just be honest about what it is. Call it an upcycled or customized IKEA item. This is very common on sites like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace.
What is the 2/3 rule for a sofa?
The 2/3 rule helps you choose a coffee table. Your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This makes the space feel balanced. The table will not look too big or too small. It is a simple guide for good design.
Which Hack Will You Try First?
Now you have three amazing projects to choose from. Will you cozy up with the braided pillow, create your own masterpiece with the abstract art, or add a touch of magic with the moon banner?
Let us know in the comments below which DIY project was your favorite! We’d love to hear about your creations.