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This $11 IKEA Hack Might Be the New Blanket Ladder (It’s So Stylish!)

Amrita Thakkar
Amrita ThakkarEditor of Style & Design at Apartment Therapy
I won a creative writing contest in third grade and never put the pen down again — well, technically, I did switch it out for a keyboard. I worked in social media and copywriting before I entered the home and garden space as a journalist, and now I'm embedded firmly in style and design at Apartment Therapy. So far, my favorite thing has been working on Design Changemakers and getting to interview people who are really making a difference in the industry. As a lifelong renter, I'm always looking for affordable rent-friendly projects — you should love where you live even if you can't make major changes. I'm also interested in learning and sharing how immigrants integrate their culture into their homes.
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published Aug 22, 2024
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this is the 22nd UK IKEA Store. IKEA, founded in Sweden in 1943, is the world's largest retailer of ready-to-assemble or flat-pack furniture.
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Credit: Graeme Dawes / Shutterstock

Remember blanket ladders? They were all the rage a couple of years ago, and continue to remain incredibly popular. They’re the epitome of sensible storage, as they take up less space than blanket baskets — and you can even show off all your cute blankets! However, if you want to try something new (that’s a bit more affordable), you might want to consider getting a blanket railing. 

TikTok creator Kiva Brent (@kivabrent) was captivated by this $11 IKEA railing that’s originally meant for the kitchen, but didn’t have space for it in that room. So she decided to use it to decorate a corner of her living room instead — and the results are interesting, to say the least. 

HULTARP Rail
$11
IKEA
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As Brent explains, she was hoping to use it for her blankets, as well as for other decorative objects, like books, hanging plants, and sculptures. Commenters seem divided — some seem impressed with her creativity, with one saying, “Your ideas are sharp and spot on!” On the other hand, several others seem to think that railing doesn’t belong in the living room, and one commenter was blunt: “It’s definitely giving bathroom.” It might be a controversial idea, but there’s definitely something there — and personally, I like the brass finish of the railing much more than I like wooden blanket ladders. If you’re looking for a more polished look, this might be the way to go.

If you’re choosing to opt for a blanket railing over a blanket ladder, but are worried it’ll look like you grabbed it out of your kitchen or bathroom, you can always style it slightly differently. Consider getting two or three railings instead and installing them to imitate a blanket ladder, or add sculpture and art around the railing to make it stand out in a different way. There are plenty of options, and at the end of the day, it’s all about creating the look that you love. 

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Living Room