26 IKEA Hacks to Freshen Up Your Bedroom

New home, new season, new family member… whatever the reason, it’s time for a bedroom update. Instead of spending a small fortune for a more polished look, you can just head to IKEA or recycle the pieces you already have. That’s right, we’re bringing you IKEA hacks: bedroom edition. We’ve got gorgeous headboards, glam dressers and stylish nightstands to help you achieve the bedroom of your (affordable) decor dreams. Say goodbye to your drab, plain bedroom, and say hello to a shiny, colorful one, all thanks to our favorite Swedish furniture store.

1. Hand-Painted Pillows: This tutorial shows you how to DIY pillows, but we’re thinking you could just pick up a pile of white pillows from IKEA and spend the afternoon painting colorful patterns on them. (via Etsy)

2. Floating Credenza: If you’re updating a kid’s room or nursery, mount a dresser at their height to make toy access a little bit easier. (via Sugar and Cloth)

3. Gilded Bedside Table: Make an $8 table into an expensive-looking bedside table by adding corbels and some gold leaf. (via Style Me Pretty)

4. DIY Headboard: If that plain white bed frame keeps taunting you, cover it up with adhesive reclaimed wood. Just peel and stick — no woodworking skills required. (via Sugar and Cloth)

5. Custom Cork Board: Add some colorful wall decor to keep favorite photos, love notes and even jewelry right in sight. We’re thinking this would also be a great addition to any office. (via Oh Everything Handmade)

6. DIY Gilded Accordion Sconce: Looking for creative ways to add some lighting in a small space? Hack these pretty little lights with an IKEA accordion arm and a lampshade from Target. (via Francois et Moi)

7. Four Poster Bed: Who knew an IKEA bed could look so glam? If you’re ready to go all out, make over the Malm bed by adding posts and maybe a breezy canopy. (via Hester’s Handmade Home)

8. Floor Mat Poufs: Turn a $3 IKEA floor mat into giant poufs that would even work well outside for summer entertaining. (via Retropolitan)

9. DIY Upholstered Headboard: Upholstered headboards are expensive, but the IKEA Tarva headboard is not. Get the luxurious look with a colorful day project. (via Making Home Base)

More Ideas to Consider:

10. Nailhead Headboard: All you’ll need for this DIY are a few IKEA curtains to cover the headboard and some upholstery nails. Before you know it, you’ll have a colorful update for your kiddo’s room. (via Cuckoo 4 Design)

11. Marble Credenza: Depending on your budget, you could either put a slab of marble on top of an IKEA dresser or just go with the marble contact paper option. Either way, the result is light, bright and quite expensive looking. (via Design Love Fest)

12. Hanging Table: Save some floor space by hanging a circular chopping board next to your bed as a bedside table. (via Monsters Circus)

13. Rug Pillows: You don’t even need good sewing skills for this pillow hack. Grab some cool patterned rugs from IKEA, fold, stuff and sew. Ta-da!

14. Platform Bed DIY: Build up a platform bed using IKEA closet pieces for an awesome small-space hack. (via Apartment Therapy)

15. Bar Cart Night Stand: A little unusual, but all three of the shelves on this bar cart offer some amazing bedside storage. For anything you don’t want visible, throw it in pretty boxes. (via The Every Girl)

15. Gold Chevron Table: Add some personality to a plain white tabletop by laying out a design with tape and painting it gold or any other bright accent color you want to incorporate into your room. (via Dwell Beautiful)

16. IKEA Pouf Makeover: Looking to add some color and texture to your bedroom? Wrap the IKEA bamboo pouf in some serious swag. All you need is a pile of fabric scraps to twist together and wrap, wrap, wrap. (via Cherry and Mint)

17. Handwriting Side Table: For the most personal side table ever, write a love note across the top. Make sure you cover with a top coat so none of that love rubs away.

18. Upholstered Headboard: Sometimes you just want a little bit of height behind your head while you’re reading or have a Netflix binge. Use a piece of shelving to add extra height to the Malm bed frame. (via Place of My Taste)

19. Moroccan Wedding Blanket: We are totally head over heals in love with this Moroccan wedding blanket. Sparkling and tassled, this DIY will take some time, but the effort is well worth it.

20. Modern Pendant Light: Can you spy the IKEA hack? Whether you’re creating a little reading nook or workspace, a bedroom can always benefit from some extra lighting. (via Smitten Studio)

21. Upholstered Bench: Turn a long TV stand into a gilded bench to put at the end of your bed. The lower shelf is great for storing pretty things and the upholstered top is a fun way to bring in another accent color or pattern.

22. Hemnes Nightstand: Underneath that paint is natural wood just waiting to get out. With a little sanding and gloss, upgrade the Hemnes side table into a stylish nightstand. (via Apartment Therapy)

23. Ombre Plant House: If you’re not tired of ombre yet, play with an adult version of a dollhouse and turn it into a fun little plant display. (via Monsters Circus)

24. Gem Mirror: Grab a little round mirror and wooden clock face and mount this beauty over your dressing table for some seriously good vibes. (via Design Love Fest)

25. Wire Basket Side Table: We are a little obsessed with this bright and sunny hack, but you could play around with different wood stains and colors to find the perfect combo that works with your decor. (via I Spy DIY)

26. Under Bed Drawers: Don’t let small-space living cramp your style. Add IKEA drawers underneath your bed for extra storage. (via Nur Noch)

What bedroom DIYs have you been working on lately? Share your projects and hacks in the comments below!

Back to school time is here yet again, and like any renewed school year, it makes me think about 2018 me and how excited I was to *finally* move into a dorm. Though considerably grimy and painstakingly dim, I was able to make the less-than-new space my own and give things a little refresh! By employing my own passion for interior design, endlessly scrolling the Pinterest boards I had made for college, and studying just about every dorm room essential IKEA had to offer, my freshman year started off swimmingly.


The 25 picks below are pre-college Meredith-approved because of their functionality, style, *and* affordability – arguably the most important value of them all. I present to you: the greatest IKEA dorm shopping list to peek before the semester starts! Take advantage of IKEA’s Get Ready for College Event on July 22 + 23, with even more exclusive savings and offers taking place through July 21-25.

BAGGEBO Shelf Unit ($25)

Whether it's used for textbook storage or bar cart essentials (don't go too crazy), this simple shelf unit will save you on floor space if your dorm room or college apartment feels a tad... cramped. The clean design allows for easy pairing with the existing dorm furniture your university may offer!

MICKE Desk ($80)

This minimalist desk easily fits into tight corners if you're working with limited space. The pull-out drawer can fit plenty of notebooks, chargers, and other desk-side necessities! It offers the perfect home base for study seshes, FaceTime calls, or quickly scarfing down your dorm room dinner in-between classes.

NISSAFORS Utility Cart ($30)

Consider yourself blessed if you scored a dorm room with a kitchen! This swanky rolling cart will be the sturdy host of spice jars, cooking oils, snacks, small kitchen appliances, and really, whatever else you picture yourself (and the roomies!) using it for.

MÖJLIGHET Headset + Tablet Stand ($6)

You know your study game wouldn't be the same without your trusty iPad and headphones, so keep them close using this sleek stand. It'll hold your gear all nice and stable, so you can keep on learning – distraction-free. Bring it from your dorm to the library in a cinch!

SOMMARVICKER Twin Duvet Cover + Pillowcase ($25)

Dorm time is not the time to be boring – make it your own! If you're a certified color-lover like us, this reversible sheet set will excite you to no end. ✨​

ÖVNING Utility Cart ($80)

This bookcase-turned-rolling cart has the capacity to carry everything you'd need for class. Take your dorm room storage a step further by inserting bins and boxes into the shelf spaces – you'll feel prepared and squared away before the semester even starts!

ÖVNING Desk Accessories Organizer ($15)

Every student from the cool art majors to the biochem baddies will love this pick. This organizer has tons of pockets at the ready to help you carry pens, sticky notes, highlighters, and the like from class to class! The handle on top makes transportation laughably easy, all while keeping your dorm room desk mess-free.

KLASSRUM Rug ($80)

Checkered patterns have taken over, and this rug is filled with *so* much checkered personality! The neutral-leaning color palette (with a pop of vibrance, of course) lets you match this pick with the rest of your IKEA dorm shopping list – it's too easy.

MÖJLIGHET Twin Duvet Cover + Pillowcase ($15)

For a milder, yet equally statement-worthy bedspread, this speckled set comes in handy. It carries *a lot* of different colors so you can accent your bed with solid-colored pillows and eye-catching blankets! If you're lucky enough to not be sleeping on a twin bed come school time, IKEA has a plethora of sizes to choose from.

PÄRKLA Storage Case ($2)

Don't let your clunky, chunky winter-wear clog up your closet. With these extremely affordable storage bags, you can pack up everything you're not wearing, and stow it away under your dorm room bed for safe keeping. Trust me, you'll want that big winter jacket handy, come October. 🥶​

GLADHÖJDEN Sit / Stand Desk ($299)

Standing desks are surging in popularity RN, and I'm *so* jealous of anyone who gets to bask in all their glory during college. In just the pull of a lever, you can manually adjust the height of this desk – so when you're tired of sitting studying, you can study... standing up. Fancy!

TINGBY Side Table on Casters ($65)

It's a dinner table. It's a bar cart. It's a bookshelf. It's whatever you want it to be! This cart-on-wheels is straightforward in design and offers open, visible space for storage.

HÄSTVISKARE Mini Drawer Chest ($17)

No clutter in this dorm! This mini drawer has reachable slots for junk, notebooks and all that dreaded homework you have to do between parties and orientations. It's hardy enough, so you could potentially stack several drawers atop one another – or just opt for one to prop your laptop on.

RIGGA Clothes Rack ($25)

I really loved the look of an open closet when I was about to move into my dorm. This clothes rack gives you just that – plus, more than anything, you've got a 'fit conveniently locked and loaded whenever you're jetting out on the weekends! 🔥​

FIXA 17-Piece Tool Kit ($13)

Because you never know when you'll need to play Bob The Builder in your dorm room. Can you fix it? I hope you can, because your parents won't be able to when you're away from home! 🤪

LOTE 3-Drawer Chest ($35)

This micro-sized drawer chest would make the *perfect* entryway dumping spot – that is, for keys, mail, and other miscellaneous items. If you find you don't like it in a certain spot, this piece is easily transportable, thanks to the top handles.

OLSERÖD Side Table ($40)

You'll find yourself not having the energy required to even get out of bed to do homework (while working, I still face the same dilemma), which is where this side table comes in. Pull it out or tuck it away with ease by your bed or sofa when it's work or play time.

STUK 7-Compartment Storage ($14)

Your dorm closet alone won't cut it. *Especially* if you've already hit all the back-to-school clothing sales. Trust me, you're going to need some extra storage hacks to accomodate all your lewks. This hanging compartment from IKEA is a game-changer for storing folded jeans, pants, and other garments that don't exactly work well on hangers.

PRUTA Food Container ($2 / 3-pack)

These cheap food storage containers are going to save you immensely during late-night library seshes, so you can pack your own midnight snack to munch on. You could *also* use them for leftovers, or sneaking out some food from the dining hall. Guilty! 🧐

BILD Poster Set ($6)

You can't forget the walls, of course! Dorms would be pretty boring (and not very home-y) without some cool wall decor. This poster set brings some zing to your bland white interior – just make sure you're using dorm-friendly Command strips to tack 'em up!

NÄVLINGE LED Clamp Spotlight ($16, was $20)

The very last thing you want to be in college is the annoying roommate. If you're a night owl, and your roomie's simply not, opt for a beside spotlight to illuminate your side of the room and keep them from grumpily waking up at 2AM. This one can clip onto most surfaces to accomodate your own night gremlin hours. 😵‍💫​

BOLMEN Toilet Brush + Holder ($1, was $2)

Keep that dorm bathroom clean – I beg of you! This toilet brush is *so* cheap, there's really no excuse not to get one.

RÅNEN Basket ($3)

Communal showers are not the move IMO, but if you have to put up with them, you can at least make getting clean a pinch more enjoyable. This waterproof basket can carry all your soaps, shaving essentials, and other shower items from place to place without everything getting lost in a jumble! Don't forget to stock up on some shower slippers, either.

TISKEN Suction Cup Basket ($8, was $9)

Alternatively, if you're set with your own suite bathroom (like I was), these suction cup baskets are easy to apply to tile walls to hold your shower stuffs in place. I *still* use these in my bathroom to this day!

HÖLASS Bin with Lid ($4)

Opt for another IKEA dorm pick with longevity – I have this one in my bathroom, too – this lidded trash bin. It keeps your waste out of sight, no matter what it may be, and keeps scents inside to preserve the smell of your dorm!

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via IKEA

Piper Ratliff's outfits on The White Lotus are exactly what I'm looking to add to my spring and summer wardrobe for 2025. Piper's (Sarah Catherine Hook) style is the perfect mix of bohemian and classy that gives off a certain laidback elegance. And considering I'm a Carolina girl myself (not to mention I'm actually from the beach), I know exactly how to achieve that ultimate vacation vibe. Here are the best sundresses for a White Lotus look...without any of the drama.

Keep reading for the best sundresses to add some Piper Ratliff & White Lotus magic to your summer wardrobe.

How To Get Piper Ratliff's style from 'The White Lotus.'

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Like I mentioned earlier, all of Piper Ratliff's best outfits are a mix of three things: bohemian, classy, and fitted. While the aesthetic is giving girl off duty, her attention to detail means she always looks put together. Because if you ask me, that's the secret to always looking expensive! Her best outfits feature pieces that are fitted in a flattering way, her accessories are intentional, and everything in her outfit is working together. In this case, less is more.

8 Dresses For Summer 2025 Piper Ratliff Would Approve Of

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Midi Dress

This gorgeous dress is perfect for both spring and summer, and it's flirty while still offering plenty of coverage. Plus the blue and white color combo is so giving Carolina.

Madewell

Madewell Seamed Squareneck Midi Dress

To channel Piper's more minimalist outfits, this khaki dress is flattering, elevated, and it lets your accessories take center stage.

J. Crew

J. Crew Squareneck Midi Dress

If you prefer to keep your accessories, low-key, a printed dress will do all the heavy lifting for you. And this print is totally giving White Lotus!

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi Dress

You can never have too many fit and flair dresses if you ask me. Especially when they feature fluttery sleeves and a dreamy gingham print.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie LSPACE Calla Midi Dress

For the ultimate beachy look, opt for a lightweight, strappy dress. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day or a colorful bodysuit at night.

J. Crew

J. Crew Fitted-Waist Shirtdress

If there's anything that makes sense for a preppy Carolina girl, it's a collar. Add some raffia sandals for a Piper Ratliff-approved boho edge.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Strapless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Y'all, I can't stop thinking about this dress. The silhouette! The color! The detail! It's the perfect thing to pack for any vacation...whether or not you're showing up to a White Lotus resort. ;)

Amazon

CUPSHE Beach Dress

Comfy, casual, and some eye-catching details? Sign me up.

Which Piper Ratliff-inspired look will you be rocking this summer? Don't forget to read up on Everything You Need To Know About The WhiteLotus Season Finale.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

IKEA remains a prominent home decor source around the world given its affordability, uniqueness, and customization. If you’ve scrolled for any period of time on your social media app of choice, you’ve undoubtedly seen an “IKEA Hack'' or two. One of the coolest things about IKEA’s often unpronounceable products is the ability to make it your own with a few simple changes, like switching the color, adding a unique texture, or swapping out hardware. But if you’ve ever poured blood, sweat, and tears into a cute little DIY, only for it to scratch immediately, I promise you’ve made a very common mistake. Among those tailored options are a few important rules to remember that could make or break your DIY project.

Different Types Of IKEA Materials

Before I share my tips, let’s identify a few key materials that IKEA sells because the treatment of each will vary. ☝️

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

Wood

While IKEA lists wood as the first source on their “choosing materials” page, I've yet to own a real wood piece from IKEA. They do sell “untreated,” or “raw” pine products like this IVAR Cabinet which can be used as is or easily painted or stained to your desired color. Ordinary primer, paint, stain, and sealant are all you need to transform these pieces with ease.

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

Composite

However, more likely than not, if you’ve purchased any IKEA piece in the past, it’s been made of a composite material — which is just a combination of two or more materials. The Swedish superstore says they use composite because “it’s strong, low maintenance, low price, and light.” All of which are true, however, composite cannot be treated as wood or any of its components.

www.tiktok.com

Replying to @allybee05 those $45 bookcases? Those are made of MDF! It’s sturdy and affordable however is not water proof, can’t be sanded the same way as wood, and can split under stress. Many MDF pieces are laminated giving them that smooth, shiny surface that paint just doesn’t like to stick to without primer #mdf #basicwoodwork #diybasics #mdfboard

IKEA’s famous BILLY line — with an estimated purchase of once every 5 seconds — is made of a myriad of materials including particle board, fibreboard, and melamine. This gives it that classic shiny, smooth surface that’s synonymous with affordable furniture.

Unlike wood, composite can’t be painted, stained, or even sanded. The laminated surfaces of these kinds of pieces require special attention if you want to make it your own.

IKEA sells these pieces as “finished,” meaning they’re non-absorbing — a trait you typically want in brand-new furniture. However, this means that any paint added to its surface will simply sit on top of the composite finish, rather than soaking in. You may also notice that they’re more likely to chip, scratch, and show more overall wear than traditional wooden furniture or other single material furniture. This, of course, will likely lead you down a paint rabbit hole to revive them.

How To Prepare Your IKEA Furniture For Paint

While it’s not impossible to paint, whether to save an older piece or customize a new one, it does require a few extra steps before cracking open a paint can.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Drop cloth
  • Fan or respirator mask
  • Painter’s tape
  • Paint brush and paint roller
  • Deglosser or liquid sandpaper OR a high-grit sanding block (around #150-180)
  • Primer
  • Paint

Prep Your Workspace

You will be using several products with high fumes and the potential for spills, so I recommend placing your IKEA piece on a drop cloth, in a highly ventilated area or outside. Otherwise, I suggest using a fan or respirator to protect yourself.

Reminder: The higher the grit number, the smoother the finish. You typically want to start with a lower number and work your way up. The lower grit numbers are coarser, removing dirt, grime, paint, and any shiny materials, while a higher grit number is for finishing and leaving a smooth surface.

Say Goodbye To Shine

Since these materials are designed to repel water and other materials, they will repel paint too. To knock back some of the shine and prepare the surface for paint, use liquid sandpaper, a deglosser, or simply sand the surface until you get the piece to a flat or matte finish.

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

Keep in mind that this is composite and not actual wood, so you don’t want to sand too hard and expose the “center” below the thin layer of laminate or melamine. The goal is simply to remove the “waterproof” layer without damaging the structural integrity of the piece.

Clean The Surface

Next up, you want to remove all that dust or residue that comes from step 2. To do this well, I recommend using a lint-free, microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution like vinegar and hot water or mineral oils.

My secret weapon for any painting project is tack cloth. It’s a sticky, mesh cloth that you can get for a few dollars at any hardware store, and it grabs any lingering sawdust, hair, or dust in general, ensuring that your surface is clean.

Prime With Shellac

www.tiktok.com

That inexpensive, MDF furniture that’s super slick? Paint will slide right off that. Shellac primer will help it stick so this is a NON-NEGOTIABLE when updating your IKEA furniture #ikeabookshelves #billybookcasefromikea #paintingmdf #diypaintingtips

There are plenty of paints that claim to be both a primer and paint in one, and while this works beautifully for ordinary wood or drywall interiors — I highly advise against it when it comes to IKEA composite materials. It may save you some time upfront, but in my experience, any paint without the correct primer scratches off far too easily.

Best practice is to use a shellac-based primer. You'll see three main types of primer at the store: oil-based, latex, and shellac primer. Shellac is by far the most expensive and smelliest of the three, but it works wonders in preparing previously un-paintable surfaces. I recommend using Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Primer.

Next, you'll want to roll the primer with a high-density foam roller. These rollers are designed for smooth surfaces and won’t leave paint roll lines the way a roller with a nap would. You should only need one coat, unless your piece has significant damage or you’re covering a darker color.

Be Patient

Another common mistake when prepping IKEA furniture for paint is rushing through this process. While you may only need one coat of shellac primer, you still need to give it proper time to dry and adhere, which often means waiting until the next day to actually roll on the paint. Each primer will have its own specific instructions on dry-time, but a good rule of thumb is to wait 6 hours for it to dry before applying paint.

Finally Time To Paint

If you’ve prepped the piece properly, you’re free to use latex, acrylic, or even chalk paint. I prefer an ordinary interior latex paint — the same stuff I use on our walls — because it’s affordable and I usually have it on hand already. That’s the beauty of shellac-based primer: you can then customize it to your heart's content with any color or kind of paint.

Get Inspired To Customize Your IKEA Furniture!

A quick search for IKEA hacks online will yield millions of results. In addition to paint, here are a few of my favorite ways to take your IKEA piece from basic to brilliant.

www.tiktok.com

IKEA HACK: Add hardware to furniture #homedecor #tiktokartists #diy #howto #learnontiktok #fyp #foryoupage #decor #beforeandafter

New Hardware

Hardware is so inexpensive and can really elevate a standard piece of furniture. Even if you’re just looking to refresh an older piece, you can often get an entire set of new door knobs or handles for under $40. Many of IKEA pieces come without hardware and it’s a simple DIY anyone can do with just a drill and measuring tape.

www.tiktok.com

LET’S JUST PRETEND THE CROWN MOULDING IS INSTALLED OKAY? 🤪 #fyp #diy #builtins #ikeahack #homedesign #homedecor #cozyathome #wallpaper #taylorsversion #ts

Wallpaper

I’ve seen so many creative uses of wallpaper and contact paper when it comes to IKEA hacks. Whether you utilize a textured wallpaper for dimension or add a surprisingly pop of color inside your drawers, you have plenty of options to choose from!

www.tiktok.com

IKEA HEMNES Nightstand Hack #ikeahack #ikeaflip #furnitureflip #furnituremakeover #furnitureflipper #beforeandafter #ClearGenius

Pole Wrap/Wood Texture

Pole wrap has made a big splash in the DIY scene, but it can be pricey. Adding any sort of molding, trim pieces, or wood texture to your IKEA piece will make it look custom and high-end without breaking the bank. Whether you add something simple like this or cover the entire face of your cabinets or drawers, new texture will breathe new life into any piece.

www.tiktok.com

Here goes another Ikea Havsta hack, this is PT. 1 Next is paint and new hardware! Feeling inspire by this audio 💛 #ikeahack #diyproject

Built-In Look Or Adding Height

Custom cabinets or bookcases can run you into the tens of thousands, but IKEA pieces like the BILLY bookcase, can be customized to look “built-in.” You can add arches, unique trim, or other decorative elements to create a similar look for much less.

www.tiktok.com

Penny has us wrapped around her paw. See our progress here 👉🏼@Mack & Chance | DIYs & Home #catdoor #diybookshelves #cathangout #diydogdoor

Functionality Hacks

One of my favorite DIY projects was an IKEA hack I did for a friend. She wanted built-in bookcases with arches with plenty of space. While we were busy working in her home, her four cats made it known how much they also loved the bookcase. So naturally...we built a cat door into the bookcases and added a magnetic front for kitty safety and easy cleaning.

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

As you decorate your home, don’t write off IKEA as the college-kid starter pack it used to be. There are so many ways to elevate these simple pieces and achieve designer looks for less. Think of these budget-friendly finds as starting blocks for your creativity to run wild. From color to function, you can make these pieces your own with a little DIY elbow grease.

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to transforming these seemingly boring pieces. Tag us in your IKEA DIYs on Instagram!


Looking for more DIY inspo? Sign up for our newsletter and get all the latest home news here!

Header image via Mackenzie Edwards

The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025!

Scroll to see what the happiest countries in the world are for 2025!

When did the 2025 World Happiness Report come out?

Yan Krukau

The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness!

What does the World Happiness Report measure?

FbyF Studio

Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024.

Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

What rank is USA in World Happiness Report?

Samson Katt

This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24.

According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives."

Why would some people be less happy in 2025?

Vlada Karpovich

"Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added.

The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us.

Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction.

Paul Theodor Oja

2025's Happiest Countries In The World

It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food.

The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024.

Damir K

Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants.

Rudy Kirchner

Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches.

Shvets Anna

Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for.

Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10.

Diego Madrigal

If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting.

Bryan Martinez

Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches.

What's the full list of the happiest countries in the world for 2025?

Kristoffer Brink Jonsson

  1. Finland
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Netherlands
  6. Costa Rica
  7. Norway
  8. Israel
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While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.