So, you've decided to hack your IKEA™ drawers and you've found the perfect combination of Lux Hax Styl-Panels and handes. Customising with Styl-Panels is as simple as peel-and-stick, but adding handles will require a few basic tools. Here we provide step-by-step photo instructions to help you get it right the first time.

In this project, we're adding pulls to a two-drawer IKEA Malm bedside table. Malm comes with flat-panel drawer fronts and recessed finger pulls - a perfect blank canvas for any design style:

 

IKEA Malm is the perfect blank canvas. We're going to add gold tapered bow handles and Styl-Panel #1123 in mirrored gold. This is the perfect look for a luxe classic aesthetic. It "disappears" the IKEA-ness of Malm.

What if your design style is Hamptons, Boho Chic, Hamptons or Coastal Luxe? IKEA Malm is still your go-to. Coupled with Styl-Panels, the addition of handles can hide your furniture's flat-pack origins. 

Styl-Panel 1123 to suit IKEA Malm chest coupled with bamboo brass handles

 

 Styl-Panel 1114 to suit IKEA Malm paired with Lux Hax Discus handles

 

 Styl-Panel 1123 to suit IKEA Hemnes paired with Lux Hax brass Totem handles

 

Styl-Panel 1134 to suit IKEA Malm paired with the customer's own handles

What you'll need

You'll need the following tools:

• Erasable pencil for marking
• Power drill and drill bit (to match the screw size)
• Ruler or tape measure
• Pliers (or hacksaw blade)
• Phillips head screwdriver

Measure and mark the drawer centre

Measure and mark the centre of the drawer-front or where the handle will be positioned.

Mark where you will need to drill

Measure the distance from the middle of each hole in the handle and mark the drawer, accordingly.

Measure 'C to C' - centre to centre

Mark the drawer where you need to drill the handle holes.

 

Select the right screw

Some IKEA furniture (inlcuding IKEA Malm) is thicker than standard cabinetry. You may need to buy longer screws, use pre-scored "snap off" screws or cut some screws to fit. The screws need to be long enough to go through the drawer-front, yet allow the handle to fit flush with the drawer/door. Our cabinet handles use M4 (metric) screws.

Drill the drawer front

Use an electric drill with a 4.5 mm drill bit. Taking care to keep the angle straight, drill through the drawer-front. Drill from the front. Do not drill from the reverse side.

Fasten handles

Insert the screws from the back of the drawer. Then position the handle holes over the screws and tighten. Never tighten handles with a power drill. Use a screwdriver or your fingers. If your screws are too long, cut them to length or add washers.

Save hundreds

Don't pay hundreds for mirrored furniture. Create your own hero pieces and get the looks you love at a price you can afford.

Ta-da! You're done in less time than it takes to call a handyman!