Easily Hide The Eyesore Of A Wi-Fi Modem With A Chic IKEA Basket DIY
Having Wi-Fi in your space is obviously important, but the hardware can be a hard workaround for any interior designer. With clunky tech, flickering lights, and tangled wires, your router can be an eyesore even in the most curated of spaces. And because they are often set up in prominent spaces like living rooms and entry areas, they can be frustrating to work around without giving up essential internet speeds. But that's where the IKEA SMARRA box comes in, providing a chic hiding spot for all your tech needs that works seamlessly with your interior design.
So why does this trick work? Well, the answer is as simple as the basket itself. As it's made from wicker, the IKEA SMARRA box isn't a solid material, allowing your internet to freely pass through it. With other materials like wood or metal, you would have a hard time maintaining a strong connection without drastically changing your container (and you might also end up with a modem that overheats). With this trick, the only alteration is a small hole for wires to fit outside of the box. Additionally, the box's sleek wicker design gives you plenty of decor options, from a stack of books on top to a few small vases around it. You can easily work around the box to keep your room feeling aesthetically pleasing while also covering up all of that unwanted tech that may be cluttering up your living spaces. Easily turn your home into a smart home with this simple trick!
How to do this hack
Curating a similar look using this trick is as simple as cutting a hole in the backside of your basket. The SMARRA basket consists of two uneven sections, with one being larger than the other. This provides a bit of extra room for storage, utilizing the smaller size as the lid. However, when it comes to hiding your modem, you may want to flip the box on its head, using the larger part as the lid. Modems often have antennas sticking out from the top, which need that extra bit of room when you are storing them.
Using the smaller section, decide which side you want to be the front or the back. It doesn't really matter which side you choose, but you are going to be cutting a few sections of wicker away to make room for your wires. Once you're set on your positioning, simply use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut out a small rectangle in the back. If you need a bit of extra room for your cords, feel free to make the hole a bit larger, as it is really up to you. Lay your Wi-Fi modem in the smaller section of the box, trailing the cord out of your newly cut opening. After that, just toss on the lid and you can consider your tech completely hidden from guests and visitors alike, easily decorating your home with a woven basket.
Decorating your hiding spot
Once your router is neatly tucked inside its new hiding spot, you can start to incorporate it into your decor style. The natural texture of the wicker can be a great addition to just about any design, from minimalist to rustic. It can bring a much needed touch of warmth and texture that can really add life to your space. And if the lighter tone really isn't your vibe, you can always give your box a splash of paint to help it blend in with your desired aesthetic. You simply can't go wrong with this simple yet effective piece in your space.
To keep your design practical, you can accent your box with a few other decor pieces that will help draw attention away from the pesky tech hidden inside. Throw a few coffee table books on top of the box to give it a little bit of charm while also hiding its function. A potted plant can be a great way to add a touch of greenery and life to your space. If you don't want to go for the real deal, try something like the set of two Small Fake Plants from Coferset, available on Amazon. Or why not decorate with a couple of vases scattered around your box that bring a pop of color to any decor style? Qianling's set of four Colorful Ceramic Bud Vases would be ideal for a chic look. You really can't go wrong when decorating this simple trick, turning a basket into stylish storage for your Wi-Fi modem.