You know, I think IKEA, more often than not, gets a pretty bad wrap from a lot of bloggers who write about design. I often hear read things like "...it was/is my first piece of real furniture - meaning not hand me down or IKEA..." or something else along those lines, and I often wonder why? Sure there are some pieces that aren't my cup of tea, but much like any other big box store, if you know how to shop it and what to look for - there are lots of really good pieces to be found. With that in mind, I thought I'd share my top 10 items (at this moment) at the big blue.
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1. KARLSTAD Sofa - $499 and up // A great looking sofa for a price that can't be beat. Is it a forever sofa? Probably not. But I definitely think it could be a great for a long time sofa. I'd go with the light or dark gray chair slip cover (or both to switch up the look).
2. RIBBA Frame - Less than $30 // A simple frame with matting (that's PH-neutral so it won't discolour your pics) that looks good, comes in a variety of finishes, and gets the job done. I stocked up on a ton of them at various sizes when they were on sale for 50% off. When spending hundreds of dollars to frame photographs and artwork is out of the question (because professional framing is expensive), these are a fabulous option.
3. HOVET Mirror - $129 // At 6.5ft x 2.5ft this mirror is HUGE and substantial feeling and I love it. You'd be hard pressed to find something this size for this price.
4. IKEA PS Cabinet - $129 // Great for extra storage and works in a variety of spaces.
5. POTATIS Plant Pot - $29.99 // Technically a plant pot but it can be used for anything you'd use a basket for - like laundry...or maybe in the living room next to the sofa filled with throws or extra pillows.
6. BEKVAM Kitchen Cart - $59.99 // So great for a small kitchen. And it feels nice and sturdy.
7. NORDEN Gateleg Table - $249 // I think this is a fabulous dining table for a small space. Both sides of the top drop down so you can use it as a console against a wall when it's not in use...or you can flip one side up for 1-2 people or flip both sides up for up to 4 people. Use the drawers, that pull out on both sides, for extra storage for linens, serving utensils and accessories. Just a really smart good looking table.
8. FJALKINGE Shelving Unit - $79 to $199 // This is brand new (so new it's not even on the website yet!) and I predict it's going to be a massive hit. It's metal (and feels nice and sturdy not flimsy) clean-lined, and you can configure it with drawers or leave it with just shelves. It can basically work in any room (bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen...) and comes in two widths (large width pictured). IKEA got this one very right.
9. FICUS Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) - $14.99 // You did not think I'd forget to include my beloved fiddle leaf fig, did you? At $14.99 the price is totally hard to beat. And while they aren't the 6 foot tall ones...you're not spending $150+ either. Plus, if it dies on your (ahem) you won't cry too much...you can just buy another. And another...
10. MALM Bed Frame, High - $219 // Overall, I think the MALM series is really good looking and has an incredible price point. I mean, a queen sized bed frame for $219?!? In addition to the low version, the MALM now comes in a high version (pictured) that you can buy under bed storage for. Its simple clean lines makes it easy to go with most styles.
These are pretty great, right? I think so. I'd gladly have any of these in my little apartment (I actually do have the picture frames, kitchen cart and the plant and used to have the bed frame before moving to India and passing it on to my brother and am planning to buy that new shelving unit and perhaps the ps cabinet too).
I think there are a few secrets to successfully shopping the big blue and I'll share two of them with you. One, I think the key is picking things that don't necessarily scream IKEA. I'm not knocking pieces from their LACK or EXPEDIT lines - but those pieces are very IKEA if you know what I mean. And unless you're fairly adept at styling - they will always remind folks of the big blue. And because the pieces in those lines are so affordable they're often seen, not only in the homes of those who are more established, but also of those just starting out...so it makes people think "disposable & inexpensive." Two, I think a huge key to shopping the big blue is mixing and matching. Don't buy everything there. Don't buy everything from any one source regardless of what that source is. Mix it up. Buy vintage. Shop thrift stores. "Borrow" things from your parents or grandparents house. Buy things when you travel that you can display/use in your home. Make things with your own hands. Stop at yard and garage sales. Save up and splurge on that item at that store you thought you'd never be able to afford or that iconic piece you know you'll pass on to your kids. Visit retailers like West Elm and Crate and Barrel who refresh their stock seasonally. Support small craftsmen and artisans in your community or via sites like Etsy. Don't be afraid to browse in unsuspecting places...like the home section of your large grocery store. Mix. It. Up.
Okay, so there you have it. My top 10 picks from IKEA (at this moment) and two of my personal favourite tips for shopping the big blue successfully.
What are your favourite pieces at IKEA right now?
2. RIBBA Frame - Less than $30 // A simple frame with matting (that's PH-neutral so it won't discolour your pics) that looks good, comes in a variety of finishes, and gets the job done. I stocked up on a ton of them at various sizes when they were on sale for 50% off. When spending hundreds of dollars to frame photographs and artwork is out of the question (because professional framing is expensive), these are a fabulous option.
3. HOVET Mirror - $129 // At 6.5ft x 2.5ft this mirror is HUGE and substantial feeling and I love it. You'd be hard pressed to find something this size for this price.
4. IKEA PS Cabinet - $129 // Great for extra storage and works in a variety of spaces.
5. POTATIS Plant Pot - $29.99 // Technically a plant pot but it can be used for anything you'd use a basket for - like laundry...or maybe in the living room next to the sofa filled with throws or extra pillows.
6. BEKVAM Kitchen Cart - $59.99 // So great for a small kitchen. And it feels nice and sturdy.
7. NORDEN Gateleg Table - $249 // I think this is a fabulous dining table for a small space. Both sides of the top drop down so you can use it as a console against a wall when it's not in use...or you can flip one side up for 1-2 people or flip both sides up for up to 4 people. Use the drawers, that pull out on both sides, for extra storage for linens, serving utensils and accessories. Just a really smart good looking table.
8. FJALKINGE Shelving Unit - $79 to $199 // This is brand new (so new it's not even on the website yet!) and I predict it's going to be a massive hit. It's metal (and feels nice and sturdy not flimsy) clean-lined, and you can configure it with drawers or leave it with just shelves. It can basically work in any room (bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen...) and comes in two widths (large width pictured). IKEA got this one very right.
9. FICUS Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) - $14.99 // You did not think I'd forget to include my beloved fiddle leaf fig, did you? At $14.99 the price is totally hard to beat. And while they aren't the 6 foot tall ones...you're not spending $150+ either. Plus, if it dies on your (ahem) you won't cry too much...you can just buy another. And another...
10. MALM Bed Frame, High - $219 // Overall, I think the MALM series is really good looking and has an incredible price point. I mean, a queen sized bed frame for $219?!? In addition to the low version, the MALM now comes in a high version (pictured) that you can buy under bed storage for. Its simple clean lines makes it easy to go with most styles.
These are pretty great, right? I think so. I'd gladly have any of these in my little apartment (I actually do have the picture frames, kitchen cart and the plant and used to have the bed frame before moving to India and passing it on to my brother and am planning to buy that new shelving unit and perhaps the ps cabinet too).
I think there are a few secrets to successfully shopping the big blue and I'll share two of them with you. One, I think the key is picking things that don't necessarily scream IKEA. I'm not knocking pieces from their LACK or EXPEDIT lines - but those pieces are very IKEA if you know what I mean. And unless you're fairly adept at styling - they will always remind folks of the big blue. And because the pieces in those lines are so affordable they're often seen, not only in the homes of those who are more established, but also of those just starting out...so it makes people think "disposable & inexpensive." Two, I think a huge key to shopping the big blue is mixing and matching. Don't buy everything there. Don't buy everything from any one source regardless of what that source is. Mix it up. Buy vintage. Shop thrift stores. "Borrow" things from your parents or grandparents house. Buy things when you travel that you can display/use in your home. Make things with your own hands. Stop at yard and garage sales. Save up and splurge on that item at that store you thought you'd never be able to afford or that iconic piece you know you'll pass on to your kids. Visit retailers like West Elm and Crate and Barrel who refresh their stock seasonally. Support small craftsmen and artisans in your community or via sites like Etsy. Don't be afraid to browse in unsuspecting places...like the home section of your large grocery store. Mix. It. Up.
Okay, so there you have it. My top 10 picks from IKEA (at this moment) and two of my personal favourite tips for shopping the big blue successfully.
What are your favourite pieces at IKEA right now?