This simple IKEA hack has gone viral, giving you wall panelling for just $30

When you're renovating on a strict budget, you can always rely on an IKEA hack to make your space look high-end without splashing the cash. What better way to do just that than by making DIY wainscoting using $30 picture frames? 

We're totally smitten with this super simple IKEA hack, and the internet is going crazy for it too. The best part is, you don't have to be a DIY buff to complete it. All it involves is painting several frames and attaching them to your wall, instantly elevating your room by creating a more luxe look. Here, we take a closer look at how it's done. 

A tutorial on how to complete this genius wall-paneling idea was shared by home improvement blogger Filiz (@filiz.interiors) in a TikTok video that's now racked up over 1.5 million views. In it, she uses six of IKEA's EDSBRUK black stained frames measuring 24 x 35 ¾" and costing just $35 each to imitate wainscoting in her bedroom. It's the perfect example of working smarter, not harder. 

The EDSBRUK frames were presumably chosen for their detailed molding design that looks akin to traditional boiserie, but you could use KNOPPÄNG or HOVSTA frames for a more minimalist paneling idea. 

@filiz.interior

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Filiz begins by removing the metal picture hooks and sanding the frames so it's easier for paint to adhere to the surface. You can buy the frame in white if you wanted to skip the priming step, but the dimensions only go up to 16 x 20" so your paneling will look smaller.

After applying a coat of primer (we recommend the Zinsser B-I-N primer for IKEA materials) she glues the frames to the walls at equal intervals, leaving around 5 inches of space in between. (That's right, no tools required!) Be sure to measure out the length of your own wall and calculate how many frames you'll need to buy to fit the space, allowing for a three to eight inch gap in between. Of course, this will differ depending on the size of your room. 

Once the frames are fixed and the glue has dried, it's just a case of painting them in the same color used on the rest of your walls (unless you decide to use a different paint idea on the lower half of your walls). Filiz also installs a shelf to cap her wainscoting idea for a more contemporary transitional style, but this is completely optional. If you wanted to divide the lower portion of your wall you could add a dado rail instead, or highlight your paneling with paint. 

(Image credit: Paul Reside)

That's really all there is to it. It's the sort of hack that can easily be completed within a day and the best part is there are no power tools or sawing required, as is the case with traditional wainscoting. 

If you're feeling experimental, you can adapt the idea to your space, too. You might want to extend your paneling to the ceiling using a variety of different sized frames for a palatial, boiserie look. For a more budget friendly idea, you could paint the frames a different color to the shade on your walls to make them stand out. To make a real statement, use a metallic finish for a gilded look. 

This DIY idea can even be used to decorate a rental. Rather than permanently gluing the frames to wall, you could attach them using adhesive strips, like these ones from Amazon. There's nothing stopping your from painting the frames either. This way you can brighten the bland walls in your lackluster rental without taking a brush to them and risking your deposit. 

Who knew picture frames from the world's most famous budget home store could be transformed into beautiful boiserie? And that's your next weekend project covered.