The Stylish IKEA Planter That Shoppers Are Repurposing For Home Storage

IKEA is a great store to get affordable and versatile home decor basics, and the FLODBJÖRK plant pot is no exception. The IKEA FLODBJÖRK planter is made from plastic rattan, making it durable and suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. It costs $39.99 for a 16 1/4-inch diameter pot and $24.99 for one with a 9 1/2-inch diameter. The outer layer of the basket is handmade, giving it a unique and beautiful look, and the interior clear plastic liner allows it to work perfectly for plants. However, the natural, classic style and basic shape of the planter mean that there are plenty of additional ways to use it. So, whether you realized that your thumb is not quite as green as you thought or you just have an extra planter for some time, you can find a way to make it a gorgeous home decor piece by using it as a storage solution for other items.

For a non-planter use for this planter, the best place to start is by considering how to use baskets in your home for stylish storage. It works as a laundry hamper, garbage can, container for children's or pets' toys, blanket basket, and anything else you can imagine. No matter which room in your home you are working with, there are ways to make the IKEA FLODBJÖRK a good-looking yet functional storage piece that can still transform into a planter whenever you need. Plus, if you like the ideas, baskets or planters bought elsewhere can also be similarly repurposed. 

There are a few features of the planter that make it particularly great for many uses around the house. The larger planter option is the size of a regular medium laundry basket, and the plastic material means it will not be damaged by damp clothing, towels, or other materials. The plastic also makes it a good option for a garbage can, especially compared to natural rattan, which can develop mold or mildew more easily when exposed to moisture than plastic rattan. If you are looking for ideas on how to incorporate the rattan trend in every room of your home, using the planter as a container for blankets, pillows, or toys is an effective option. The classic style of the basket blends into nearly any room. To further upgrade the planter, add a fabric liner to the inside plastic for a softer, more polished look, or find yourself a lid with a similar style to have hidden storage.

As functional and versatile as the IKEA FLODBJÖRK is, there are plenty of more affordable options, especially if you know you only need it for indoor use. Many types of baskets can be found at thrift stores at low prices, including ones that look similar to the IKEA FLODBJÖRK. Clean the basket and insert a plastic liner for storage use, try some creative ways to upcycle thrifted baskets for your plants, and apply a specialist sealant to make natural wicker or rattan more weatherproof – and you will have the same functionality for a fraction of the price.