Choosing the right cabinet finish is one of the most important steps when designing an IKEA kitchen. Should you go for high-gloss doors that reflect light and create a modern vibe, or matte finishes that feel calm, soft, and timeless?
DIY IKEA Dresser Hack for Retro Gamers – Create Your Own Classic Entertainment System
16.05.2025
What happens when you combine IKEA furniture with a love for retro gaming? You get something entirely unique, playful, and surprisingly stylish. This AI-generated concept shows how a simple IKEA dresser can be transformed into a custom entertainment system-inspired cabinet – complete with classic 80s colors and pixel-era charm.
🖼️ Image generated with AI for creative inspiration only. This is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo or IKEA.
🛠️ THE CONCEPT
Instead of referencing a brand directly, we've reimagined this dresser with a personal twist. Replace the classic console logo with your own name – in this case, MICHAEL. It's nostalgic, but also fun and unique to you or your space.
Whether you're a gamer, a collector, or just someone who loves quirky home decor, this is a project that can turn heads and spark conversations.
🔧 WHAT YOU'LL NEED
-
One IKEA dresser with flat drawer fronts:
Ideal models include STORKLINTA, MALM, KULLEN, or VIHALS -
Matte paint in light gray, dark gray, black, red, and white
-
Painter's tape and rulers for straight edges
-
Optional: stencil for your chosen name (or create your own graphic)
-
Clear protective coating or spray sealant
🎨 Suggested color palette
To get that iconic retro console look, use these HEX color codes as inspiration when choosing your paints or vinyl wrap:
-
#FF4546 – Classic red (for "power" button and details)
-
#D0D0D4 – Light gray (console body)
-
#A39FA8 – Mid-gray accent
-
#343434 – Deep charcoal black (vents, panels, edges)
MALM. (Of course not AI picture, taken by me Mauritz)
🎨 HOW TO STYLE IT
-
Disassemble and clean the surfaces.
Remove drawers and make sure all fronts are free of dust and grease. -
Sketch your design.
Use a pencil to map out blocks of color inspired by the iconic 80s console – power button, cartridge slot, vents, etc. -
Apply base colors.
Tape off one section at a time and paint in layers. Allow full drying between coats. -
Add your personal logo.
This is where the fun begins. Instead of "Nintendo," choose a name: MICHAEL, JESSICA, EMMA, YOU. Print it in a bold, simple typeface or create your own variation. -
Finish with a clear top coat.
To protect the design and give a smooth finish, seal the paint with a matte or satin clear spray.
🔁 WHY THIS WORKS
-
The shape and layout of many IKEA dressers mimic the clean, blocky geometry of vintage consoles.
-
By removing branding and replacing it with something personal, the project stays playful and legally safe.
-
It makes a perfect piece for a gaming room, a kid's bedroom, or even a quirky entryway.
VIHALS. (Of course not AI picture, taken by me Mauritz)
🛋️ IKEA MODELS THAT WORK BEST:
-
STORKLINTA – Simple and budget-friendly
-
MALM – Sleek and timeless
-
KULLEN – Great for tight spaces
-
VIHALS – Roomy and modern
🧠 FINAL THOUGHTS
You don't have to be a master builder or retro expert to bring personality into your furniture. With a little paint, creativity, and the right IKEA base – your very own [Your Name] Entertainment System is ready to go.
Whether you choose MICHAEL, LISA, or something totally original, this is the ultimate fusion of nostalgia and self-expression.
Chair pads might seem like a small detail in home decor, but at IKEA they play a surprisingly big role. Not only do they add comfort to your dining chairs, but they also help set the tone for your kitchen, dining room, or balcony. Whether you want a cozy farmhouse feel or a clean modern look, IKEA has a chair cushion to match....
Dividing a room doesn't always require walls or expensive built-ins. With a little creativity, IKEA's IVAR shelving system can do the job just as well – and look great while doing it. This timeless pine series is one of IKEA's most versatile, and when used in wider formats, it becomes a stylish and functional room divider for open spaces, bedrooms,...
White kitchens are more than a trend. They are a timeless design choice that continues to dominate homes across the world. Whether you are renovating a small apartment or designing your dream kitchen from scratch, a white IKEA kitchen offers endless possibilities in style, layout and mood. Clean, bright and incredibly versatile, white cabinets from...
The hallway is the first impression of your home, but in small apartments or narrow entryways, it often becomes cluttered and overlooked. IKEA has mastered the art of turning even the tiniest space into a functional and welcoming area. In this post, we'll explore clever hallway solutions that help you stay organized without sacrificing style.
This beautifully arranged IKEA kitchen showcases the soft, calming tones of the STENSUND cabinet doors in light green. Photographed by Mauritz Interior & Design in a real IKEA showroom, it presents a traditional style with a country-inspired look, paired with practical, modern elements that make the space both functional and inviting.