The Surprising Ways I’m Using IKEA’s New Food Storage Range

If you give me a jar and tell me it’s for soup, I’m the person who’ll end up using it for paint, pens, or bath salts.

In other words, I like to think that objects have a lot more than one purpose, especially when it comes to things around the house.

For example, the IKEA KÖSSEBÄR food storage range is geared toward the kitchen, but it can do so much more.

Clever Real-Life Uses for the IKEA KÖSSEBÄR Food Storage Range

IKEA showcases its KÖSSEBÄR food storage line by highlighting how it helps preserve summertime flavors, gather fresh produce and herbs, and create homemade jellies and jams.

Now, all of that sounds wonderful, don’t get me wrong. But my typical day usually doesn’t include picking berries or fermenting cucumbers.

Even so, that doesn’t mean I don’t have any need for the jars, baskets, and other items that make up the KÖSSEBÄR line.

Therefore, I decided to look at the series from a different perspective, coming up with real-life uses for each one that go beyond the kitchen.  

KÖSSEBÄR Lidded Jar

The KÖSSEBÄR lidded jar features an attractive ribbed glass design that makes it easy to see its contents. It’s perfect for storing items like cookies, crackers, beans, pasta, and similar foods in plain sight, such as on a floating shelf or the kitchen counter. The lid isn’t airtight, though, so be sure to store only items that you’ll use within a reasonable time.

Beyond the Kitchen

• Use this stylish jar to keep cotton balls and Q-tips at the ready on your bathroom vanity.
• Store detergent pods in the laundry room.
• Keep small hardware or craft supplies organized.

Airtight Jars

Keeping dry goods, like flour, sugar, salt, pastas, cereals, beans, and other staples out in the open certainly can make meal prep more convenient. However, storing them on your kitchen counter in the original packaging isn’t necessarily the most appealing aesthetic.

One of the beautiful things about glass storage containers is that they double as decor. If your kitchen is short on storage space, these various jars with airtight lids offer an ideal solution. They make it easy to identify what you need at a glance, and thanks to the airtight seal, they keep things fresher for longer.

Beyond the Kitchen

• Create a spa scene in your bathroom using these jars to store bath salts, face scrubs, and Epsom salts. The airtight seal maintains the aromas and quality of these items, and they look a lot nicer sitting on the side of your tub or the vanity.
• They’re also good for storing leftover paint in a pinch, as long as you plan to use it within a reasonable period.

Jar With Spoon

This precious stoneware jar and spoon set has a rustic look that adds a cozy touch to your table scape. It’s great for serving jelly, jam, and other spreads, or add it to your coffee bar to hold sugar.

Beyond the Kitchen

• Make an inviting setup in your bathroom for guests by filling the jar with bath salts. The spoon allows them to sprinkle just the right amount of salts into the tub.
• If you’re an avid crafter, store small beads, glitter, and other tiny bits inside the jar and use the spoon to scoop out what you need. 

Bottle-Shaped Jar

The KÖSSEBÄR bottle jar makes it a breeze to store things like juice, dressings, oils, and more in a decorative way. The airtight seal keeps contents fresh and prevents accidental spills. Use it for storage, as a serving pitcher, or transfer wine into it to preserve the taste and aroma.

Beyond the Kitchen

• This airtight glass bottle is great for storing liquid laundry or dish detergent, especially if you prefer to keep these items out in the open.
• You can also use it for bubble bath, shower gel, or similar beauty products. 

KÖSSEBÄR Resealable Bags

These resealable bags make storing food quick and easy with their zipper closures. Pack away leftovers or prepped meals and store them in the freezer for later. They’re also great for portioning out snacks, thanks to the different sizes, and you can wash and reuse them to stretch your budget.

Beyond the Kitchen

• These bags are great for sorting and storing small craft supplies and toiletries.
• Freeze water inside a bag to create a quick ice-pack for aches and pains or to keep food cold on the go.
• Put your phone inside a bag to protect it from water during a trip to the pool or beach.
• Pack liquid toiletries and medications inside the bags to prevent spills during travel. 

Food-Drying Rack

After rinsing fruits and veggies, lay them out on this food-drying rack. You can ensure the produce dries completely before storing it to prevent rot and spoilage. The rack is also perfect as a tiered serving tray or to create an edible centerpiece for a dinner party.

Beyond the Kitchen

• The tray provides double-decker storage when you’re short on surface area.
• Keep it on your vanity for makeup, your desk for office essentials, or the coffee table to stack remotes.
• It’s also great as a drying station for your kids’ small crafts.

Dish Towels

These cotton and jute dish towels are pretty and efficient, ready to wipe up spills in an instant. The attached loop makes it easy to hang the towels to dry and keep them within easy reach instead of leaving them balled up on the counter.

Beyond the Kitchen

• Let kids use the towels for hours of pretend play, using them as doll blankets, dresses, and tablecloths.
• Double them up as a cute hair kerchief.
• Stitch two together to create a throw pillow cover.
• Spread a towel out on a shelf or table to add a dash of color and protect the surface.

Harvesting Basket

This simple and stylish food basket is great for gathering produce from your garden, or use it as a shopping cart at your favorite farmer’s market. It also works great as a bread basket for the dinner table. Line it with one of the KÖSSEBÄR dish towels and fill it with fresh rolls or biscuits.

Beyond the Kitchen

• Use the basket as a grab-and-go station for kids’ snacks or to gather treats for movie night.
• Place it by the front door for a quick spot to stash incoming or outgoing mail.
• Roll hand towels and store them in the basket on your bathroom vanity.
• Carry it around the house before bed each night to gather small toys and odds and ends.

KÖSSEBÄR Apron

There’s something that just feels warm and cozy about donning a cute apron and digging into a baking session or new recipe. This sweet yellow and white apron features a mix of cotton and jute and protects your clothes in style.

Beyond the Kitchen

• Aprons aren’t just for the kitchen. Wear one when you’re painting or crafting to keep your clothes paint-free.
• It’s also great for tackling small DIY projects or sewing. The pockets keep small items and tools close at hand while you work. You can even hang a lightweight hammer in the loop that’s normally used for a tea towel.

KÖSSEBÄR in the Kitchen and Beyond

IKEA’s KÖSSEBÄR food storage line is a great example of how items designed for one purpose can do so much more. You’re only limited by your imagination, so be willing to think outside the box when you’re checking out various products. You might be surprised by what you end up using for your next DIY project, organizing effort, or meal prep endeavors.

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