How to Give Your IKEA Tabletop a Stylish DIY Makeover

DIY

If you are into DIY, your IKEA tabletop is just waiting for a glow-up. That plain, white laminate slab? It has got potential. With the right trick, you can make it look like a high-end butcher block – without the high-end price tag.

Let’s be honest, real wood is pricey. And when you are setting up a craft room, home office, or even a cozy kitchen nook, dropping $300 on a countertop feels unnecessary. TikTok creator Molly B (@mollybhome) thought the same thing. She wanted that deep woodgrain look, but she was not about to blow her budget. So she got smart and crafty.

Contact Paper

Her secret weapon? Contact paper. Yep, the sticky roll stuff that used to line your grandma’s shelves is back. And now it is stylish. Molly took an IKEA LILLTRÄSK tabletop and gave it a serious facelift using wood-look contact paper she grabbed online. It cost less than lunch, but the results? Total luxury vibes.

Start by wiping down the surface. Dust, crumbs, or grease will mess up your finish. The cleaner the base, the smoother the stick. This part matters.

Wrap It Like a Pro

Then comes the good stuff. Unroll the contact paper and line it up with one edge. Go slow. Peel and press as you move along. Use a smoothing tool – or just a credit card wrapped in a soft cloth – to push out air bubbles as you go. Keep it tight, keep it smooth, and don’t rush it.

Got edges? Tuck them under or trim them clean. Some people use a hairdryer on low heat to help stretch and seal the corners. It’s not a must, but it helps the wrap look pro. And once you are done? Step back and admire your brand-new “wood” tabletop. It will fool just about anyone.

Make It Functional & Stylish

This isn’t just about looks. The contact paper adds a soft, wipeable finish that is perfect for messy hobbies, kids’ homework zones, or makeshift workspaces. It protects the surface underneath and makes cleaning up paint, crumbs, or coffee spills a breeze. Function meets flair.

SHK / Pexels / If you are using the table a lot – say for crafting, heavy work, or kitchen tasks – you can even seal the top with a thin acrylic sheet or glass panel. That way, you get the look and a little extra durability.

Need a different color? There are dozens of contact paper options out there – dark walnut, light oak, whitewashed pine. Pick the tone that fits your style and space. You could even switch it out seasonally if you are really into refreshing your vibe. Because it is low-cost and low-commitment, DIY upgrades like this give you room to experiment.

Add a Quick Fix That Lasts

One thing to keep in mind: while this hack is fast and easy, it is still a temporary fix. Over time, corners may peel or the surface might scratch. But the beauty of it? You can redo it anytime. For under ten bucks and fifteen minutes of your time, it is no big deal.

Plus, the satisfaction of pulling off a transformation like this is real. There is something awesome about turning a basic piece into something that feels custom. It gives your space a personal touch – and shows that style doesn’t have to come from a high-end showroom.