Aubrey Ament, co-founder of Glam Studio, transforms IKEA’s understocked as-is section into a treasure trove of budget-friendly storage solutions. This area, usually stocked with returned, damaged, or excess items, offers hidden value for shoppers willing to overlook superficial flaws. In her Brooklyn home, a series of wooden and bamboo boxes—purchased exclusively from this section—keep her busy life running a business and raising two kids in order. The bins hold everything from cooking spices to tile samples to bulky toys, proving their versatility. Instead of focusing on large, often broken furniture, Ament targets small, long-lasting pieces designed to streamline daily organization challenges.
Why the as-is section hides hidden gems
The appeal of the as-is section lies in its unpredictability. Larger items such as chairs or tables frequently arrive damaged, but smaller organizational tools, boxes, bins, and textiles, often remain in usable condition. Ament repeatedly discovers Knagglig pine boxes and Uppdatera bamboo bins at half their retail price, and they’re usually unscathed. “I look for pieces made from hardy materials like wood, wool, and metal that offer accessible, lasting, modern design,” she says. Designers work within tight budgets, so Ament looks for pieces that endure while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
Her most prized find is the Knagglig box, available in two sizes. The larger version, measuring 18 inches deep and nearly 10 inches tall, efficiently organizes everything from children’s toys to office binders. “I love to use them to organize my son’s toys,” she shares, noting they’re also ideal for storing work binders, envelopes, and large rug samples. “They create continuity out of your chaos, which is organization 101,” Ament adds.
The design philosophy is straightforward: functionality over ornamentation. Smaller Uppdatera bamboo bins serve as kitchen organizers, pantry dividers, or bathroom storage solutions. “We mostly use them in our pantry but they could be helpful in bathrooms,” she says, noting they’re perfect for corraling tile and fabric samples for projects.
Beyond boxes, Ament searches for wooden hangers, multipurpose stools, and storage bags. The hangers, typically priced at just a few dollars, outperform flimsy alternatives. “IKEA makes good wooden hangers!” she says, emphasizing their durability for heavy winter coats and delicate blouses. A durable, functional stool is always a good idea: you can stack books on them, use them as extra seating, plop a plant on top, and easily get to tall cupboards.
The designer’s current favorite is the Domsten, which jazzes things up from the basic pine Kyrre stool with its colorful metal legs and pine wood top. For seasonal storage needs, Parkla bags made of semi-transparent polypropylene handle everything from patio cushions to old children’s clothing. They are good-looking, stackable, sturdy, and, wait for it, from IKEA’s “as-is” section.
Beyond boxes: clever finds for everyday use
Ament also incorporates canvas laundry hampers and low-profile baskets into her collection. The hampers stand upright, making them easy to transport or place by doorways, and their stiffness allows them to function as standalone hampers. The baskets, lightweight and flexible, eliminate clutter without occupying excessive space. “He can even pick it up because it’s not too tall,” she says of her son, who uses them to corral shoes or clear monster trucks from the kitchen.
Textiles occasionally catch her attention, particularly natural fibers like wool or cotton. The Skogskovall bedspread, for instance, frequently appears at steep discounts. A dream discount find, it’s a 100 percent cotton piece that surprised her with its quality. “I bought one last year and I was like, ‘How is this IKEA?’” she says. The excitement stems from the uncertainty of each discovery. “You never know what you’re going to get as-is, which is kind of the thrill.”
