How To Hack An IKEA Cutting Board Into Clever Countertop Organization

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Cluttered counters can cause stress, reduce productivity, and detract from your home's aesthetic -– no matter which room you're in. For a tool that can help you organize virtually any counter, consider IKEA's STOLTHET cutting board. The bamboo board has a raised design, offering clearance for storage underneath. This means it is perfect for decluttering, keeping the designer-approved rule that makes the most of vertical space in mind.

To take advantage of the STOLTHET's elevated construction, consider exactly what you can fit beneath it. According to IKEA's website, the board's designer said he wanted the IKEA 365+ Food Storage Containers to fit right underneath for easy food prep and organization. The dimensions of those containers are 2 ¼ inches high, 6 inches wide, and 8 ¼ inches deep. So, any vessel of a similar size or smaller will fit.

You likely already have a shallow bowl, tray, or other container at home that fits the bill. But if you don't, grab the glass IKEA container for just $2.99. For a different style, try something like the small ALELION Decorative Tray from Amazon –- two will fit comfortably next to each other. It's also worth noting that a container underneath the STOLTHET is not necessarily essential. Depending on what you store, you can just keep items tucked away as they are. But no matter what you choose, your surfaces will be more organized than before, whether you're corralling cooking essentials in the kitchen or lining up your skincare routine in the bathroom.

On kitchen countertops, turn the STOLTHET into a tiered tray for cooking essentials. Keep items like oil, vinegar, and pepper on top, and use the space below to store small produce (think garlic and shallots). Or, set it up as a mini at-home coffee station to jumpstart your productivity in the morning. Place larger coffee essentials like beans, filters, and your favorite mug on top. Then, utilize the lower area to keep espresso pods, sugar packets, or even tea bags. Another great use? Keeping your phone elevated while using it to reference a recipe as you cook. Reserve some STOLTHET space for a phone holder, and cook without worrying about splattering food all over your device. 

In the bathroom, the STOLTHET can help keep your favorite items together and your countertops clear. Use the top to display daily skincare like cleansers, lotions, and SPF upright. Underneath, stow away small items such as cotton swabs or a couple of clean face towels. You can also use the top of the cutting board to hold your toothcare products, and place a bar of hand soap in a dish on the counter below. Take your organizing a step further by adding a container right on the STOLTHET, like this Ettori Acrylic Organizer with compartments. To prevent the organizer from sliding off while you sort through your essential toiletries, secure it to the board with a piece of museum putty on each bottom corner.