This IKEA bed hack is incredibly simple and perfect if you want an affordable, functional piece with more character than a plain white IKEA frame. With just a few materials and some hot glue, you can transform the BRIMNES daybed into a timeless rattan-accented piece that looks custom-made.
The IKEA BRIMNES is an ideal option for a multipurpose room, guest room or a child’s bedroom. It functions as a daybed with a trundle that expands from twin to an approximate king, and it offers built-in storage. To give mine a warmer, less modern look, I added natural cane webbing and half-round reed trim to the drawer fronts and side panels.
Table of contents
- Materials to DIY a Rattan Daybed
- How To: IKEA BRIMNES Daybed Hack Directions
- Is the IKEA BRIMNES bed comfortable?
- More IKEA Furniture Hack Ideas
Materials to DIY a Rattan Daybed
- IKEA BRIMNES daybed frame
- MEISTERVIK or similar foam mattress (two thin mattresses work well for stacking/trundle)
- Raffia or grasscloth (about 4 yards) – optional, used to soften contrast between cane and white drawer
- Cane webbing, 24″ wide (about 4 yards total; cut to fit drawer fronts and side panels)
- Half-round reed (about 30 ft) for trim
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Durable hot glue sticks (Gorilla Glue or similar)
- Handles or knobs of your choice
How To: IKEA BRIMNES Daybed Hack Directions
I recommend using stronger hot glue sticks for durability. If you prefer a subtler transition from white to natural cane, add a layer of raffia or grasscloth under the cane webbing. This step is optional but helps create a softer, more finished look.
If you add grasscloth, remove each drawer from the bed to make the application easier. Cut the grasscloth about 1/8″–1/4″ smaller than the drawer front and glue it to the perimeter and center of the drawer face.
Cut the cane webbing roughly 1/8″ smaller than the drawer front so it sits inside the edges. Use the webbing’s woven lines as a guide for straight placement. Apply hot glue around the drawer perimeter (and over the grasscloth if used), then smooth the cane webbing into place, working in sections so the glue sets properly. Trim any excess cane that overlaps the edges.
Cut the half-round reed pieces to length, mitering each end at 45 degrees to create clean corners. Hot glue the reed trim around the cane webbing, taking care not to let any trim hang over the drawer edge—otherwise the drawer may not close smoothly.
Repeat the process for the second drawer, then slide both drawers back into the daybed. Install the handles or knobs you chose; if you’re replacing handles, you can drill new holes straight through the cane webbing and drawer front where needed.
For the side panels, follow the same steps but apply the materials inside the recessed panel rather than on top. Cut the grasscloth (if using) slightly smaller than the panel area and glue it in place.
Measure and cut the cane webbing to fit each panel, again keeping it about 1/8″ inside the edges, and glue it along the perimeter only so it lays flat. Then add reed trim with mitered corners, gluing the pieces carefully and matching corners for a seamless look. Repeat on the opposite side panel.
Take your time aligning corners and trimming edges so drawers slide freely. Once both drawer fronts and side panels are covered and trimmed, reassemble and enjoy the updated look.
Is the IKEA BRIMNES bed comfortable?
The BRIMNES makes a great guest bed or kids’ bed. It works well with two thinner foam mattresses like the MEISTERVIK, which stack when used as a twin for added cushioning. When the trundle is pulled out, the two mattresses lie on one level to form an approximate king size bed; that top layer can feel thinner, so consider a mattress topper if you expect frequent overnight use.
Overall, the bed’s functionality, storage and simple design make it an excellent base for this rattan hack.
More IKEA Furniture Hack Ideas
If you enjoyed this project, try other simple IKEA hacks to personalize your space:
- IKEA Hack: DIY Rainbow Bookshelves
- Rattan IKEA BESTA Hack – TV stand makeover
- DIY simple wood toy shelf (Montessori inspired)
- IKEA kitchen reveal with custom cabinet fronts
Have you customized an IKEA piece? Personalizing budget-friendly furniture is a great way to make your home feel unique.
Easy Rattan IKEA Brimnes Bed Hack
Materials
- IKEA BRIMNES bed
- MEISTERVIK or similar mattresses (2)
- Raffia or grasscloth, about 12 ft (optional)
- Cane webbing, about 12 ft
- Half-round reed, about 28–30 ft
- Gorilla or heavy-duty hot glue sticks
- Handles or knobs (2)
Equipment
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Drill (if adding or replacing handles)
Instructions
- Use durable hot glue sticks for a stronger bond. If adding grasscloth, remove the drawer to make application easier.
- Cut the grasscloth about 1/8″–1/4″ smaller than the drawer front and glue it along the perimeter and center.
- Cut cane webbing about 1/8″ smaller than the drawer front, align using its woven lines, and glue around the perimeter, smoothing as you go. Trim excess.
- Measure and cut half-round reed trim with 45° mitered ends. Glue the trim around the cane, ensuring it does not hang over the drawer edge.
- Repeat for the second drawer and reinstall. Add handles or knobs as desired; drill through the cane webbing if needed.
- For side panels, apply grasscloth (optional) inside the recessed panel, then glue cane webbing to the perimeter and add reed trim the same way.
- Match corners carefully and trim any overlapping material so drawers open and close properly.
Notes
Tips:
- Work in small sections since hot glue sets quickly.
- When adding new handles, drill holes through the cane webbing and drawer front where needed.
- Ensure cane webbing or trim does not extend past drawer edges or the drawers may not close properly.