Transformed an IKEA Outdoor Flower Box into an Upscale-Appearing Coffee Table – A Do-It-Yourself Enthusiast's Exquisite Creation
Reinventing mundane furniture is a creative twist that'll leave you in awe, and Dalia Emad Aly's DIY project using IKEA's ASKHOLMEN flower box exemplifies this perfectly. While we've seen our fair share of IKEA hacks, this one stands out from the crowd – it's more than just a face-lift; it's a total transformation!
Say goodbye to plain planters, because we're turning them into design-savvy ottomans with a secret storage compartment. Curious about how to pull off this clever coffee table makeover? Dalia, our expert DIY-er and content creator, breaks it down for us just for you.
Get the DIY Lowdown from Dalia
The design inspiration came from Dalia noticing the scalloped edges on the ASKHOLMEN flower box online. With her keen eye for interior design trends, she saw an opportunity, and the scallops were begging for a makeover.
Buckle up, because this project is manageable, even for a weekend warrior! Let's dive into Dalia's step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this masterpiece.
- Prepare the Flower Box Start by sanding all the sides of the box to prep for staining. Don't think sanding wood furniture before painting is a must? Well, you'd be wrong, especially when working with wood stain. A water pre-treatment will do the trick too.
- Stain the Wood To achieve the rich, warm wood finish Dalia did, use a dark shade of wood stain paired with a polycrylic topcoat. Fancy a bold look? You could also opt for painting the flower box instead.
- Install Backing Panels Since the sides of the flower box are made of slatted wood, after staining, paint a wood panel and cut it to size to add to the inside. This will make the exterior look like one seamless, solid piece.
- Upholster the Fabric Lastly, it's time for the cushion top. Cut a cushion to size, wrap it in fabric, and staple it on with a furniture stapler. Choose your fabric wisely, as it will have the most significant impact on the finished piece's style.
With these simple steps, you'll have yourself a show-stopping ottoman that'll impress guests and add functionality to your space.
What You'llNeed
The IKEA ASKHOLMEN flower box is made of sturdy hardwood and coated in an acrylic stain, making it perfect for re-staining in your chosen color.
Keep in mind that you can stain MDF, but the texture and color may differ from real wood.
For a durable and high-end finish, go for this fast-drying, highly concentrated, and easy-to-apply wood stain, suitable for indoor and outdoor wood surfaces.
When it comes to styling your new coffee table, contrast is key. Choose a color and fabric that complement your existing decor and create a beautiful focal point. Place your ottoman in a minimalist living room or use it as a statement piece in a corner – the possibilities are endless!
- In a clever twist on interior-design, Dalia Emad Aly's DIY project transforms IKEA's ASKHOLMEN flower box into a trendy, design-savvy ottoman.
- This living room decoration project, while easy enough for a weekend warrior, offers a total transformation from plain planters to a piece that'll impress guests and add functionality to your home-and-garden.
- To achieve the rich color and warm wood finish seen in Dalia's ottoman, follow her DIY instructions that include staining the wood and painting a wood panel for the inside.
- The final step in this decoration project is upholstering the fabric cushion top, which will significantly impact the piece's style and match the existing decor in your lifestyle.
- For art enthusiasts, consider displaying your touch of creativity in a minimalist living room or using the ottoman as a statement piece in a corner to add texture to your interior design.
- Before starting this project, remember to choose the right materials for a durable and high-end finish, such as a fast-drying, easy-to-apply wood stain suitable for both indoor and outdoor wood surfaces.
