An Easy Hack Makes The IKEA STACKHOLMEN Even Better

If you've ever walked into a friend's apartment and spotted the same IKEA piece that's sitting in your living room, you're not alone. IKEA is a go-to for affordable and stylish furniture that fits seamlessly into almost any space, but there's a downside to its universal appeal. Your carefully curated space may end up looking way too similar to other homes whose owners see IKEA as a design haven. It's hard to prevent even if you've already weighed the pros and cons of buying home decor from this store. 

This is where DIY customization comes in. You can easily transform IKEA staples into something truly unique and personal. An example of this is a hack that can make the IKEA STACKHOLMEN stool even better. While its minimalist design and natural wood finish are undeniably charming, the piece is also instantly recognizable. But you can elevate this budget-friendly piece into something that looks like a high-end custom design through a simple process. The secret is to just swap out the basic string seat for cane webbing, a material that is made of rattan. 

You'll only need a few things to improve your STACKHOLMEN stool, including a sheet of cane webbing, scissors, and a staple gun. The first step is to remove the existing string seat by carefully cutting it away from the frame. Then, cut the cane webbing to fit the seat frame, but don't forget to leave about an inch of excess on each side to ensure a snug fit. Position the webbing over the seat frame, ensuring that the pattern aligns evenly before stapling it to the underside of the frame using a staple gun. You can then trim any excess webbing on the sides.

Cane webbing works well as a material for this hack because it is flexible yet sturdy. If you want to get that extra style factor, consider staining or painting it to match your room's color palette with light brush strokes or even spray paint. Just avoid painting the backside so that it won't dry out and become brittle. 

This DIY hack is surprisingly affordable since a sheet of cane webbing typically ranges from $19 to $25 depending on size. For example, this Juilsioa 14 by 40-inch Roll of Cane Webbing costs $19.99. If you don't have a STACKHOLMEN stool, you can buy one from IKEA for $49.99. Compare that to the cost of custom furniture, and it's easy to see why this hack is worth trying!

Give the room a tropical aesthetic by pairing the cane webbing seat with lush houseplants. Otherwise, don't worry if cane webbing isn't your style since there are many other ways that you can customize your STACKHOLMEN stool. 

You can replace the string seat with fabric for a cushioned look by using upholstery material that suits your space. Or consider adding a cushion that has a bold color or is textured to make the space more unique. If you plan on using the stool on your porch or in your yard, be sure to pick the best fabrics for upholstered outdoor furniture. You can also sand and refinish the stool frame for a more polished look. 

If you want to keep the string seat but want a unique stool, you can focus on upgrading the frame with a bold, eye-catching color. Alternatively, you can add stenciled patterns or hand-painted designs to the stool's legs. These alternatives make it easy to tailor the STACKHOLMEN to your style and create a one-of-a-kind piece that stands out from the crowd. So whether you choose cane webbing or explore other options, this hack proves that a little creativity can transform even the most recognizable IKEA piece into something extraordinary!