Ever looked at your backyard and thought, “This could be so much better”? You’re not alone!
If your outdoor space feels a little soulless, listen up. You don’t need a full renovation to make a big impact.
With a few clever IKEA hacks, your backyard can transform into the perfect spot to watch the sunset and roast marshmallows.
Here are 10 quick and easy IKEA DIYs and ideas to get you started. All totally doable, even for beginners.
10 Backyard Ideas That Instantly Upgrade Your Space
1. Turn a KALLAX Unit into a Garden Bench
The KALLAX unit is incredibly versatile. By adding a couple of hinges and a wooden top, you can turn it into a stylish garden bench with storage. So useful for storing gardening tools or outdoor games.
You can add legs to prop it up a little. Or wheels to the bottom for a mobile seating solution that you can easily move to where the summer party is. Top it with cushions and pillows for comfy seating, and you’re done.
Just remember to keep it out of the rain, as the KALLAX is all paper inside!
2. Transform a LACK Table into Accent Lighting
Got an old LACK table? Turn it into an outdoor accent light. Cut a square hole in the tabletop and remove the paper filling. Then, line the cavity with plastic. Lay some stones and an LED candle in the middle.
When it gets dark, your DIY light will make your yard look super cozy and special. Plus, you still have space around the light for drinks and snacks.
3. Use a RÅSKOG Trolley as a Mobile Bar Cart
The RÅSKOG trolley isn’t just for kitchens. Use it as a mobile bar cart for your outdoor gatherings. It’s just the thing you need for icy summer cocktails, snacks, and party essentials. When the party’s over, roll it back inside for easy storage.
Add a NORRÅVA wooden lid or a chopping board to the top shelf to make a mini countertop for slicing up fruits or mixing fancy drinks.
4. Create a Rolling Umbrella Table for Pool Days
Need shade that moves with you? Take an IKEA PS FEJÖ self-watering planter and a SNUDDA lazy Susan and turn them into a rolling umbrella stand. Now you have a cool little table which is the ideal surface for holding your sunscreen, phone, or book while you’re swimming or lying in the sun.
The umbrella gives shade exactly where you need it, and the wheels mean you can easily push it around as the sun moves.
5. Turn a BILLY Bookcase into Garden Tool Storage
Take your old BILLY bookcase outside and give it new life as a very handy garden storage cabinet. Reinforce the BILLY frame with 1×2 wood boards. Add some hooks inside for hanging tools like rakes and shovels, and use the shelves for flower pots, seed packets, and gardening gloves.
This awesome hack keeps all your garden stuff organized and hidden away, making your patio look much neater. Plus, it adds a fun touch to your outdoor space that’s way more interesting than a plain old storage box. Your garden tools finally have a home, and you’ll always know where everything is.
6. Grow Plants Up a Stick
Don’t have much space? Go up! Turn FÖRENLIG pots into a floating garden by hanging them from a garden rod. Just drill small holes at the bottom of each pot, then use cable ties to create stoppers on the rod so the pots stay put.
You can grow colorful flowers, tasty herbs, or even small veggies all in a row without using any floor space! Hang a solar lamp on the hook for that extra special vibe in the evenings.
7. Use the HEJNE Shelving Unit as a Potting Bench
Need a potting bench? The HEJNE is an excellent choice. Customize it with a coat of weather-resistant stain and add hooks for tools. You’ll find that the slatted shelves are practical for storing bags of soil, pots, and other gardening essentials.
8. Hide Your Garden Hose in a Shoe Box
Tired of your messy garden hose ruining your yard’s look? The IKEA TRONES shoe cabinet can fix that problem. Take this slim cabinet, cut a small hole in the back panel to fit the tap, and mount it over your water spigot. And just like that, you’ve got the perfect hose hideaway.
The TRONES is just the right size to hold a coiled garden hose, and its flip-down door makes it easy to pull out the hose when you need it and tuck it away when you’re done.
Paint the cabinet a fun color to match your outdoor space, or leave it white for a clean look.
This clever trick keeps your yard looking neat and tidy, and no one will ever see that tangled hose mess again. It’s so simple but makes such a big difference in how your outdoor space looks.
9. Create a Fire Bowl with a BLANDA BLANK Bowl
@siefshome OMG can’t wait for those longe summer nights and create cozy vibes with this selfmade fireplace 🤍 #diyfireplace #ikeahack #ikeadiy #buitenhaard #diyoutdoorproject #diyfireplace #diyproject #diytok #actiondiy ♬ Midnight Pretenders – Tomoko Aran
Make an ultra chic mini firepit using an IKEA BLANDA BLANK stainless steel bowl. Spray paint the bowl, if you want to.
Next, fill the bottom of the bowl with pebbles or decorative rocks, then add a small container of gel fuel in the center. Light it up, and you’ve got a little flame that’s just right for setting the mood.
The best part? It’s portable, so you can move it wherever you want – on your table or deck. Just remember to be careful with fire and never leave it unattended.
10. Create a Cozy Hangout with NÄMMARÖ Furniture
@schereleimpapier Balkon Makeover 🪴🌅🌊 Mein neuer Lieblingsplatz ist fertig 😍 Wie findet ihr unsere kleine Outdoor Oase? Für den Bezug vom Sitzpolster habe ich einfach eine Outdoortischdecke zweckentfremdet 😉 Und die Pflanzen-Regale sind eigentlich Schuhregale von Ikea, die ich einfach mit Outdoor Lasur gestrichen habe 🖌️ die waren bei uns von 20 auf 5 Euro reduziert, da habe ich direkt 6 Stück mitgenommen 😅 #schereleimpapier #selbstgemacht #diy #ikeahacks #ikeahack #selbstgemacht #homediy #einrichtungsideen #ikeahome #diyideen #ikeahackers #balkondeko #diy #diyideas #balkon #balkonmakeover #makeover #balkonien #holzarbeiten #ikeatok ♬ A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
We love the IKEA NÄMMARÖ range for the outdoors. This modular wood furniture can be set up in tons of different ways to fit your space just right.
Use the pieces as they are for a nice seating area, or get creative and mix them up! You can push the chairs together to make a lounger, arrange them in a circle for game nights, or spread them out for a party.
The best part? The NÄMMARÖ comes with storage boxes that can double as tables – we love it for hiding toys, cushions, or garden stuff when not in use.
Add some colorful outdoor pillows and a throw blanket for those cooler evenings. Your backyard will instantly become everyone’s favorite place to hang out.
The wood looks natural and pretty, and it’s made to handle rain and sun, so you don’t have to worry about bringing it inside every time the weather changes.
10 DIY Projects To Make Your Backyard Amazing
So there you have it. I’d love to know which of these hacks and ideas you’re most excited to try. Drop a comment below.
And if you’ve already done some cool IKEA outdoor hacks, share them with us. We could all use more inspiration!