15+ Ways to Use IKEA’s SOCKER Cheap Metal Buckets

These cheap metal buckets at IKEA (part of the SOCKER line of planters) have always held that “inexpensive and versatile” allure – I mean, they cost around a buck but are bigger than most dollar store or dollar section offerings, so what’s not to love? But our love for those buckets kicked into high gear when our amazing contributor Corey made this easy peasy bucket organizer awhile back. It’s great for a planter (think herb garden!)

or as an organizer for the bathroom

or a cutlery organizer for a party or BBQ

And on top of that, they’d make a great gift idea! Just put some favorite treats or goodies in the SOCKER buckets, and you’ve got a great teacher gift, housewarming idea, or any occasion gift. Be sure to check out the full building tutorial here to make your own bucket organizer.

But these cheap metal buckets can be used in so many more ways, too! They are a great IKEA hack item! So we gathered up a few more of our favorites for you to enjoy these super affordable SOCKER plant pots.

High impact kitchen art without breaking the budget? Try a wall of planters like these Cassity saw at our local home show – just a board and some planters, and the letters between the two rows are a perfect finishing touch!

These buckets were meant to be planters, so in keeping with the plant theme, Ciburbanity used some simple macrame magic to make these hanging planters for her porch (be sure to check out her video that shows how easy it is!)

If your style leans even more boho, add some beads for a fun hanging planter by Be Frenchie.

There’s power in numbers, but it can also be pricey to get that many plant pots, so these cheap metal buckets are a great solution for a high-impact vertical planter like this one at Cape 27.

IKEA’s metal buckets are also lightweight, a great solution for a hanging planter (via Mi Llave Allen).

I’ve spent a lot of time checking out these buckets, but I never noticed they make a specific plant stand for them! (via IKEA) It makes a great room divider for inside or out, with flowers or herbs,

also great storage for art supplies or small kitchen and bath items (via IKEA).

And if the cheap metal buckets are too shiny for your liking, you can quickly give them the appearance of age with this easy tutorial from A Home to Grow Old In.

This idea is so brilliant! We found this organizer via Pinterest, original source unknown – but it’s so simple I’m smacking myself for not thinking of it. Just grab a lazy susan turntable, some magnets, and a few cheap buckets to make a great art supply organizer for kids or a craft room. This could also be a great condiment station at a barbecue or picnic.

This is actually a different product (via Save on Crafts) but I love the idea of a bucket with a chalk marker label for utensils at a picnic or party.

It’s easy to hack these inexpensive buckets to hang on a pegboard, like Grillo Designs did for her son’s room.

And buckets are a perfect match for an IKEA wall rail, like these at Polished Habitat. These particular buckets aren’t from IKEA but if you need to add a handle…

just drill a couple of holes and add some string or rope! Don’t these look so cute hung on cabinet knobs in Christina’s Adventures‘ art station? (And did you see that she used a drawer pull to hold the chalk for the chalkboard table? So easy!)

These similar (and also IKEA) buckets make for great bathroom storage at 11 Magnolia Lane – one for each kid is perfect!

If you’re really ready to light up the room (I am so punny I crack myself up) you can use the SOCKER plant bucket as the base for a cool lamp (via IKEA Hackers)