Transform An Ordinary IKEA Planter Into A Trendy End Table With A Simple DIY

The hunt for the perfect side table can be surprisingly frustrating. You want something sleek enough to look intentional, sturdy enough to support clutter, and affordable enough that it doesn't feel like an indulgence. Yet, most options that you'll find seem to fall into the same traps: either too flimsy, plain, or far too expensive for the average homeowner. That's where a little creativity pays off. By reimagining everyday items, you can make something that looks entirely high-end that doesn't even require basic household tools. Instead of overspending on a boutique table, why not make your own with the wide range of IKEA basics as your canvas?

The magic comes from combining three different IKEA items into one cohesive table design. It starts with the NYPON plant pot, which serves as a lightweight base for your table. A single pot costs around $15 with the right dimensions to create the pedestal design of your table. Two RÖDEBY bamboo armrests, about $20 each, wrap neatly around the pot to give it a paneled design. The texture instantly adds a touch of warmth and structure to the table while also creating a sturdy frame for the tabletop to rest on. Finally, the SNUDDA lazy Susan acts as the perfect surface to rest mugs, books, or candles on, coming in at $20 as well. Together, the entire project totals around $75, with the additional benefits of customizability that you can't get with prefabricated tables. For comparison, a similarly sized table from IKEA — the STOCKHOLM 2025 — costs $90 with almost no additional decorative details. The upfront price may not seem entirely budget-friendly, but it holds up surprisingly well when compared to big-brand end table designs.

Putting the table itself together is fairly straightforward, which only adds to the charm of the project. You won't need any complicated household tools, just a bit of liquid adhesive and your IKEA supplies. Start by stretching your bamboo mat around the outside of your pot, taking note of the remaining gap that should be on one side. Cut the second mat to completely surround the pot, and glue both into place with your adhesive. The next step is entirely optional, depending on how you want to use the table. You can simply lay the lazy Susan around the opening of your pot to serve as a lid for lightweight additional storage. It's an effective way to add stylish storage to your living room with a simple IKEA hack. Alternatively, you can use the adhesive to secure the lazy Susan to the rest of the table, providing a more functional display area for assorted decor without the fear of it falling.

But that isn't the only way to customize this side table. Either paint or stain the bamboo mats to match the wood tones in your space, or introduce an element of contrast by mixing wood stains in the room. Another option is to leave the bamboo raw for the natural, Scandinavian feel that these pieces often offer. Adding a piece of circular glass to the top of the SNUDDA elevates it instantly, giving the surface a refined, high-end touch. Even the base can be altered. Wrap fabric around the base to add further elements of texture and visual interest. With these small tweaks, no two tables ever need to look alike, as they bring their own personality to your space.