IKEA Hack: How to Add Stylish Trim to Any Cabinet Door
16.11.2025

IKEA Hack: How to Add Stylish Trim to Any Cabinet Door

Looking to upgrade a plain IKEA cabinet without spending a fortune? This simple DIY trim hack transforms any flat cabinet door into something elegant, custom, and designer-worthy. Best of all: you only need a few tools, some trim, and an afternoon.

What You’ll Need

  • A cabinet to upgrade (the one shown is the IKEA Ivar)

  • Mitre box + saw

  • Staple gun suitable for brads

  • Brads (twice as long as the trim thickness)

  • Trim pieces (thin trim works best — 8–10 mm)

  • Wood paint in your chosen colour

  • Sandpaper

  • Optional: acrylic caulk for seamless corners

Step 1 — Find Your Cabinet

Start with a secondhand cabinet for maximum savings and sustainability. Flat-front doors work best. The Ivar from IKEA is perfect for this hack — lightweight, sturdy, and easy to customise.

Step 2 — Measure Twice, Cut Once

Measure the long and short sides of your cabinet door. You’ll be framing the door with trim, so accurate measurements are key for clean corners.

Step 3 — Cut the Trim at a 45° Angle

Use your mitre box to cut the trim according to your measurements.
Cut each end at a 45-degree angle to create neat, professional-looking corners. A Japanese pull saw makes this step even easier and gives smooth, clean cuts.

Step 4 — Attach the Trim With Brads

Position the trim on the cabinet door and secure it using brads that are twice as long as your trim is thick.
A reliable tool for this step is the Rapid RPC4, which loads both fine-wire staples and 15 mm brads — perfect for small DIY trim work.

Step 5 — Fill the Gaps (Optional but Worth It)

For a seamless finish, fill any small gaps between the trim pieces with acrylic caulk.
Tip: Mix a few drops of dish soap into water and use it to smooth the caulk with your finger. It keeps everything neat and non-sticky.
Let the caulk dry before painting.

Step 6 — Paint Everything

Paint both the cabinet and the trim in the same colour to get that clean, cohesive look.
We used NCS 2830-Y18R, a warm, modern tone that completely elevates the cabinet’s appearance.

Allow it to dry… and admire your upgraded, custom-looking furniture!

All Done!

In just a few simple steps, you’ve transformed a basic IKEA cabinet into a sleek, stylish piece with added character. It's affordable, beginner-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.

Your next weekend project is ready when you are.