Turn An IKEA Office Essential Into Chic & Functional Coffee Table Decor

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It's the end of a workday, and there's no need to spend more time in the office than necessary. The same goes for some office essentials. IKEA's ultra-affordable molded paperboard HÖNSNÄT phone-and-pen-holder combo is a smart means of organizing writing instruments while displaying your phone. But it also makes a clever match holder-striker combo that rings up at only $1.99. With a pen holder compartment that's 3 inches high that doubles as match storage, it's best paired with wooden matches that are at least 3 ½ inches long. If you're able to track down IKEA's HYLTA matches, they are the ideal size, but they may only be sold outside of the U.S. The gap between the phone holder's raised ridges is the perfect spot to attach the striker from the match box with a glob of glue. Never go searching for a matchbook again when you want to light up candles, incense, or wax melts to make your home smell good.

There is one caveat: This product appears to be available only for a bit longer, so spring now for one of your own. Limited availability aside, there are scores of other vessels at IKEA and beyond that you can adapt for a more illuminating purpose. If your search for the HÖNSNÄT ends up fruitless, you can pick up other match holders from the Swedish superstore aisles. Or, hunt down a nifty office organizer/future match holder elsewhere at a similarly low price.

The HÖNSNÄT makes an ideal match holder and striker, since its wide base prevents tipping and annoying spilled matches. But its dwindling stock may nip the idea in the bud. Can't find the HÖNSNÄT but don't want to leave IKEA without a purchase? Scan the aisles for other possibilities as aesthetically pleasing hacks for organizing matches. Some of IKEA's votive candle holders are adorable options, a few of which ring up under $1. An espresso cup and saucer won't set you back much, and the indentation on the saucer beneath the cup is the perfect spot to attach a striker. Match striker stickers are a cheap and handy way to turn virtually any small container into a match holder. Affix a striker sticker to its base, and you'll be able to light your scented candles in a jiff.

If you're sold on the office supply origin of this cute upgrade, but none is to be found at IKEA, Amazon isn't without its nice-looking and affordable items. This BLUE GINKGO Desk Holder has a similar design as the HÖNSNÄT; although it's quite a bit more pricey than its IKEA counterpart, its variety of sizes for compartments could make a great "fire station" for matches of different lengths, from ones ideal for candles to longer ones best for lighting fires in your fireplace. Peel and stick a striker into the phone holder spot, and stock the four remaining slots with bouquets of wooden matches for a tidy and handy organizer.