If you’ve ever looked at your old IKEA HEMNES bed and thought, “I really want to upgrade this,” but then saw the price tags on designer beds and promptly backed away… same, friend. Same.
I bought my HEMNES bed what feels like a lifetime ago—back when it was the go-to frame for anyone trying to make their bedroom feel put together without breaking the bank. But fast forward 15 years (and countless design trends), and I was craving something softer, curvier, and totally custom.
Spoiler alert: I finally did it. And it turned out dreamy.
🛠️ My IKEA HEMNES Bed Hack: The Full DIY Makeover
I knew I wanted a curvy, upholstered bed—the kind you see in luxury catalogs or designer reveals—but I did not want to spend $2,000+. So I grabbed my jigsaw, some budget-friendly supplies, and got to work transforming this basic frame into something straight out of a boutique hotel.
Here’s the full breakdown so you can try it too.
✨ Materials I Used:
- IKEA HEMNES bed frame (mine is queen size)
- Jigsaw (for cutting the new shape)
- Upholstery batting (lots of it!)
- Staple gun
- Spray adhesive
- Curtain panels (used as fabric!)
- Brackets + screws (to reassemble everything)
- Primer + paint
- Target sheet set (for the canopy)
- Curtain rods
- Optional: thrifted tree + green paint for a holiday throwback 🎄
🪚 Step-by-Step: How I Transformed My IKEA Bed Frame
1. Design Your New Shape
I wanted that beautiful curved silhouette you see in high-end headboards, so I traced a soft arch directly onto the headboard and footboard using a large bowl and level for symmetry.
Then I cut out the curves using my trusty jigsaw (don’t be intimidated—it’s easier than it looks!).
2. Upholster the Headboard & Footboard
Next up: batting and fabric!
- I layered the batting first, wrapping it snugly around the curves.
- Then I covered the whole thing with curtain panels (yes, curtain panels!), stapling them to the back using a heavy-duty staple gun.
- I used spray adhesive in spots where I wanted the fabric to lay extra smooth.
Why curtains? They’re affordable, come in gorgeous patterns and textures, and give you way more yardage than standard fabric bolts.
3. Prime, Paint & Reassemble
I gave the side rails and bed base a fresh coat of primer and paint to match the vibe. Then, using some metal brackets I swear by, I reattached the newly upholstered pieces.
4. Create a DIY Canopy
This might be my favorite part! I used a sheet set from Target and simple curtain rods to create a dreamy canopy behind the bed. It adds softness, height, and that cozy, collected feel I love.
5. The Holiday Throwback Tree 🌲
And just for fun (and major nostalgia), I thrifted this little green plastic tree and painted it to match the vintage ceramic tree my grandmother used to put out every Christmas. It’s now sitting proudly next to my bed, bringing all the feels.
🛏️ Why I Love This IKEA Bed Hack
This project turned out better than I ever imagined. It took a bit of elbow grease, but now I have:
- A curvy, upholstered bed I adore
- A fully custom look for under $150
- A space that feels soft, special, and 100% me
And the best part? I didn’t have to toss my perfectly functional bed frame—I just upgraded it.
📸 Before & After
I mean… the transformation speaks for itself, right?
If you’re on the fence about taking the jigsaw plunge or wondering if you can pull off a fabric flip—trust me. You can do this. And if you’re sentimental like me, toss in a little holiday tradition while you’re at it.
💬 Let’s Chat:
Have you ever flipped a piece from IKEA? Or do you still have your HEMNES bed too?! Tell me in the comments—and let me know if I should do the matching nightstands next. 😉
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