Turn 2 Affordable IKEA Items Into A Stunning Boho Patio Stool With A Clever DIY

Navigating the IKEA store usually means looking for something affordable, functional, stylish, or a mix of all three. And as we peruse what the store has to offer, more often than not, we try to think of ways we can make a piece of store-bought furniture our own. Sometimes, it's a multi-step IKEA hack you find on TikTok, but it can also be as simple as combining two pieces of furniture together. 

For instance, if you are looking for something more bohemian and chic than what's on the catalog, you can DIY a boho-style stool with the IKEA FLISAT children's stool and the ALSEDA banana fiber cushion — perfect for extra seating on the patio or in your living room. With the FLISAT stool available for $29.99 and the ALSEDA banana fiber stool priced at $64.99, these two items will cost just under $100 in total. To combine the two, you will need some zip ties, scissors or nail clippers, a power drill with a quarter-inch bit, along with a pencil and ruler to create even markings.

We'll start simple by assembling the FLISAT stool first — just follow the instructions provided by IKEA. Once the easier part's done, grab your ruler and pencil, turn the stool upright, and draw a horizontal and vertical line to mark the center of the seat. From the marked center, measure two to three inches outwards on each side. Then, create two drill marks spaced one inch apart, creating a total of eight drill marks — it should look as if you marked the edge corners of a thick cross. Drill through each hole carefully, then dust off any debris.

Finally, we'll put the two IKEA seats together. Take the ALSEDA cushion, turn it upside down where you can see the metal frame, and place the FLISAT seat-down on the center. Next, we will use four zip ties, threading each of them loosely through each pair of drill marks to ALSEDA's metal frame. Once that's done, tighten the zip ties and cut the excess length using scissors or nail clippers.

Flip the finished piece upright and you have yourself a stylish boho stool. For added comfort, try placing a soft throw cushion or chair pad like the KUDDARNA outdoor chair pad on top. When not in use, you can drape a cozy throw blanket over the stool. You can also place it beside complementary furniture like wooden or earth-toned cabinets, or tuck it next to some greenery to add more beauty to your patio.