Transform IKEA's Cheapest Storage Solution Into Something Stunning For Your Home Office

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A home office is an excellent spot for getting work done, paying bills, or escaping to when the rest of the house is chaotic. It's also a room that can easily get cluttered. Between papers, books, electronics, and supplies, it can make focusing very difficult. Here's where IKEA's VATTENTRÅG boxes come in. They're sturdy cardboard boxes with lids, measuring 12.5-inches long, 9-inches wide, and 4-inches high. One of the biggest perks is that they're only 89 cents, which makes it an affordable solution for organizing a home office. But let's face it, cardboard boxes aren't exactly stylish.

There's a brilliant way to upgrade the VATTENTRÅG boxes that requires nothing more than a roll of chrome silver vinyl. By covering the boxes with this self-adhesive material, you can turn them from boring to gorgeous — eliminating the need to hide them away in a cabinet. Instead, the mirror-like material adds a touch of luxury, while also helping them blend into the room. They can be stacked on a shelf and surrounded by pieces of home décor that'll stand out. With just a little bit of work, they can be useful, attractive, and make your home office feel more welcoming.

It's a good idea to declutter and organize your space before getting started. Toss or shred old papers you don't need, and get rid of any items that no longer work. Since you'll be using the containers for storage, you want to separate your items into categories and designate a box for each one. Their size is perfect for storing documents, notebooks, extra office supplies, and cords.

Start by grabbing a roll of vinyl, like this Lya Vinyl Mirror Silver Vinyl, which features a helpful grid on the back for cutting straight lines. The cardboard boxes will come unassembled, so lay them one at a time on a large work surface. Measure, cut, then carefully cover each section of the outside of the box with the adhesive material. Don't worry about the inside — as no one is going to see it. Work carefully from one side to the other, smoothing the vinyl as you go. You can use a credit card to help smooth out bubbles if needed. After the whole thing is covered, assemble the box according to the instructions. Once it's done, it'll look nothing like the 89-cent storage solution it started out as.

If you'd prefer a different look than chrome silver, you can change it up with a different color or pattern. Keep in mind that it won't blend in to the surroundings as much, though. You could cover your boxes in a brushed silver, gold, or rose gold vinyl instead. Or, pick up a roll of peel and stick wallpaper, which comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. For an elegant look, you could use a textured material, like this Abyssaly Black Silk Embossed Wallpaper. The last thing to do is fill the boxes with your organized items and stack them on the shelves. For the price and versatility, it's no wonder this is a well-loved IKEA product.