Dollar Tree Meets IKEA With This Affordable Storage Hack That's Both Smart & Stylish

You may not think Dollar Tree and IKEA have much in common. But this DIY project merges the best of both worlds into a single piece of stunning home decor that's as practical and budget-friendly as it is eye-catching. At the center of this home hack is the IKEA GALLSOPP coaster, a naturally textured, woven disc that brings a laid-back, earthy vibe to any space. You can use any lightweight, round coaster for this project. But instead of protecting furniture from water rings, these coasters are repurposed into vertical walls that form a shallow, circular tray, thanks to a few dollar store staples and some clever gluing. Best of all, the whole project comes in at under $10, which is a major win for anyone who loves thrifty decorating.

Coasters are a lot more versatile than most people realize. In fact, you may have seen IKEA's viral coaster hack that doubles as an inexpensive DIY apothecary jar dupe. Well, this hack taps into that same thrifty spirit, but with a different purpose. It uses a 12-inch wood round from Dollar Tree (sold as hanging decor) as the tray's base. But you could also use a square base and switch up the coasters, too. A coat of burnt umber acrylic paint gives it a warmer, more refined tone that mimics a high-end wood stain. Paired with Dollar Tree's decorative nautical rope, the base is bordered by two rows of rope to create a rim. Then, the coasters are slotted upright between the rows, forming a fence-like wall around the base. While it's not technically a deep storage bin, the finished piece works beautifully as a tabletop tray or centerpiece for corralling candles, jars, or even plants. Ready to try it out?

To begin, you'll need three packs of IKEA's GALLSOPP coasters, one 12-inch wood round from Dollar Tree, decorative nautical rope, burnt umber acrylic paint (or stain), a foam brush, and a glue gun. Remove the jute hanger from the wood round, then use the foam brush to apply burnt umber paint or stain over the surface. You can add stenciled designs or vinyl stickers to the round for a customized look. Once dry, run a perimeter of hot glue around the edge, and press the nautical rope in place. After trimming the rope to size, repeat with a second ring of rope just inside the first. This double-layered border holds the coasters upright, giving the piece its signature "tray with walls" look.

Now, dab a bit of hot glue between the two rows of rope, and gently wedge each coaster in. Work around the tray's circumference, placing the coasters side-by-side with a dab of hot glue on the sides to hold them together in addition to the hot glue at the base. You can leave the top open, or finish the look with a final loop of rope or another edging material over the tops of the coasters to tie the whole thing together. Glue on other embellishments to customize the look if desired. While not meant for heavy-duty storage, this tray is a stylish way to group items on a table or shelf. Style it with your favorite decor pieces to match the room. Try it on a bathroom counter to hold rolled washcloths or perfume bottles — just one of the many Dollar Tree hacks that help keep bathroom counters clear of clutter. And if you have leftover jute or twine, there are easy ways to repurpose twine around the house.