If you have ever stepped inside an Ikea store, you probably felt overwhelmed instantly. There are so many things to see and buy. If you didn’t want something when you walked in, you will want everything by the time you walk out.
The fact that everything is priced so inexpensively makes it hard to resist buying everything you want, as do the displays all over the store. Still, it’s nice to refrain from impulse shopping. If you see something you like, be sure to read the reviews.
While Ikea has a lot of really nice products, there are some that aren’t quite as good. You need to shop wisely if you want to get the best deals possible. That means being smart about things. If something seems too good or cheap to be true, then it probably is.
Here are 25 great buys from Ikea and 25 products that you should reconsider. The good news is, there are plenty of alternatives to be found in Ikea. So, if one product doesn’t work out, chances are you can still find another during your same shopping trip.
Best Buys
1. Gulliver Crib
Finding the perfect crib for your baby at a great price can be difficult. The Gulliver crib is the best of both worlds. It’s affordable and amazingly durable. Many people who have left reviews about it claim that they have used it with two or three different children, but it’s still as durable as the day they bought it.
It’s big, blue, and a great buy. This reusable tote is big enough to hold almost anything. You can use it to store items, like extra blankets at home, or keep it in your car and use it to carry the groceries in. Use it however you want; for a dollar and some change, you can afford to buy a few of them.
If you need to add a little character and décor to your room or home, these lamps can help with that. They come in a couple adorable designs. They aren’t too bright, and they work well for children’s bedrooms. They are also durable, and you don’t have to worry about them being too hot to touch.
If you are hoping for a cheap wool rug, the Stockholm rug might be as good as it gets. It’s got a nice design, it’s available in a few different sizes, and the patterns are modern and trendy. They are surprisingly comfortable and durable, too.
This unique chair should be at the top of your list of things to buy at Ikea. Not only does it have a great design, but it is also comfortable and affordable. It matches a variety of décor and color schemes, and it’s not big or bulky, so you can move it around and put it in different places.
If you are looking for an affordable but stylish frame for your gallery wall or just to display your favorite photos, the Ribba picture frame is a great deal. It comes in several different sizes, and it looks great with almost any type of décor. It is available in three colors.
This chair is one of the best on the market, according to experts. It’s also a lot more affordable than similar chairs. It is incredibly sturdy and even comes with a 10-year warranty. It might make those long days at the office a little easier.
If you are looking for dishes that are colorful and durable, look no further. Ikea has several options. Kala’s children’s dishes won’t break easily, and they can just be tossed in the dishwasher and reused. They are inexpensive, so you don’t have to break the bank to get dishes that will last.
This duvet cover is available at a great price, and it’s comfortable. It comes with two pillow covers, and the fabric help keeps you cool. It’s also wrinkle-resistant, so it always looks great on your bed. It’s a steal at just $25, too.
You won’t find a better cooktop for the price. It’s a great budget buy, and it stands up to the competition, which is often priced much higher. It’s available in one size and color, but it’s durable and cleans up easily. It also comes with an incredible 5-year warranty. That’s better than what the big names offer.
Where has this been all our lives? No more stacking and searching for lids. This little piece of magic will stack them neatly, so you can easily store them and grab them when you need them. It’s very affordable, so if you have a lot of pots and pans, you can afford to stock up. This is a must-have item.
Everyone needs a spice rack, and if you are going to get one, you might as well get an affordable one. The simple design and attractive wood color work well in most kitchens. It can even be painted, if desired. It’s also a versatile piece that can be used as a jewelry holder and even a bookshelf. At just $4, it’s a steal!
This little cart might not look like much, but it’s so durable and versatile that it’s a must for almost any home. It can be used to store beauty supplies, office supplies, toiletries, or even as a bookcase or shelf. It’s on wheels, so it can easily be moved around the home. It’s made from strong steel, so it won’t break easily.
This highchair looks simple and a little wacky, but it’s actually exceptionally durable and affordable. It’s also easy to put together and take apart. Since it is so lightweight, it’s portable, too. It’s made of strong plastic, so it can take a beating, and it’s easy to wipe clean.
If you have been looking for some blackout curtains for your home, these are a great option. They are some of the most affordable blackout curtains on the market. They can be trimmed and hemmed to fit most windows, and they are made from a durable fabric that lets little to no light in. These curtains are perfect for the bedroom if you want to get a little extra sleep.
Sheepskin décor is all the rage, but it can be expensive, and some of it doesn’t hold up. The Ren’s sheepskin from Ikea is an affordable option. It can be used as a rug or as a shelf liner. It looks great in all types of décor, and it’s incredibly soft.
Cube shelves are extremely popular right now. There are many different options on the market, but these ones are durable and affordable. They can be turned vertical or horizontal, and they look great in any room in your house. You can add storage boxes to them, if desired. Those are also sold at Ikea.
These wardrobes are great if you need some additional storage. They are affordable and easy to put together. They look good in most rooms, and they offer plenty of storage space. You can use them to store everything from clothing to holiday decorations.
This crib is stylish, easy to put together, and affordable. It’s also durable, which is good since it even can convert to a toddler bed. That means you can use it for several years, and it’s basically two beds in one. It does require an Ikea mattress because it’s a little bit larger than other cribs.
If you want an affordable French door refrigerator in stainless steel, this is one of the best deals available. At less than $2,000, it’s a steal. It’s made by Whirlpool and comes with a 5-year warranty. Customers who own this refrigerator have nothing but good things to say about it.
We’re moving on to some of the more generic items that Ikea has to offer and one of them is side tables. Their dining tables and desks aren’t always the best purchases, but Ikea’s side tables are a steal. Their Lack side table takes just a few seconds to assemble (screwing in the legs) and costs just $9.99.
Ikea’s Sekond cord kits are absolutely awesome if you want to add some overhead lighting to your home without calling an electrician. They’re wrapped in cloth and cost just $10. Make sure to buy some ceiling hooks too.
We showed you Ikea’s amazing spice racks and rolling bins earlier, but in general, they have so many great items for organizing your kitchen. From food storage container to wine racks, you can keep your kitchen uncluttered.
Keep your office organized and uncluttered by heading to Ikea. They offer so many affordable storage boxes, files for papers and magazines, and more. Whatever you need for organization needs, Ikea has it–for almost half of the cost that you’d find at Target or other competitors.
Decorate every room in your house without breaking the bank by shopping at Ikea. Their pillows start at just $2! Although they probably won’t last very long if they’re used all of the time, they work perfectly if they’re just on display.
The Gaspa sheets are available for a great price, but in this case, you get what you pay for. Reviewers say that they’re scratchy and uncomfortable. The sheets are supposed to be sateen, but they definitely don’t feel like it. They simply aren’t worth the money.
These coffee tables look great. They have a simple design that means they can fit with almost any type of home décor. They’re also very affordable. The problem is, they aren’t built to last. They aren’t very strong, and they aren’t easy to clean. They may be best for a home with no children or a room that isn’t often used.
The Glasholm tabletop is made to fit on a variety of different table frames. The idea is to be able to use it to create a custom desk or workspace. It’s not particularly durable, and according to reviews, a small scratch can lead to a huge crack or make the whole thing bust.
While the price might be right, this mattress doesn’t get particularly good reviews. People who have bought it really don’t like it. They claim that it’s uncomfortable and thin. You might be better off to spend a little more for a better-quality mattress.
Pax wardrobes may seem like a cheap and easy way to get a small closet organized, but they aren’t as good as they seem. They’re affordable, but they’re also hard to put together, and the pieces are often misaligned or the wrong size. You may get a good one, or you may get a bad one.
At first glance, these dressers might seem like great deals. They’re affordable and have a lot of space. Sadly, they’re also dangerous. They have fallen on and killed at least three children. They simply aren’t worth the risk. You can find other dressers that are safer.
It’s hard to pass up a comforter this cheap, but according to the reviews, it’s just not worth the money. This comforter doesn’t hold up well, and it’s not that comfortable. The fabric is scratchy, and the filling moves around too much inside. Just splurge on something more comfortable instead.
It’s modern, it’s lightweight, it’s affordable, but it’s really not as good of a deal as it seems. This loveseat was immensely popular when it hit the market, but most people grew tired of it pretty quickly. It’s awkward to sit on and just plain uncomfortable. There are better options out there.
Bedroom furniture is rarely inexpensive. While the low price might draw you into this bed, it’s not of particularly good quality, and it will likely fall apart after just a few months. The flimsy material can’t handle much weight or movement. There’s a reason the price is so low.
These desks are the new fad. They’re supposed to make people more comfortable at work by allowing them to move their computer into different positions. Many people swear by them. Ikea has them at a great price, but they aren’t very sturdy. You may spend too much time tweaking your desk to make the adjustability worth it.
There’s nothing wrong with this lamp at first glance. It seems modern and stylish. The problem is, it’s not exceptionally durable, it’s a little wobbly, and there are better lamps on the market for the same price. Customers complain that the lamp shade is too small and fragile, too. Shop around for a better lamp for your home.
You might not think that you need to be picky about your chopping board, but some things just aren’t worth your money. This board may be less than $2, but it’s also easily damaged, won’t last through very many washes in the dishwasher, and is susceptible to cuts from knives. It’s better to pay a little more for a quality board.
Everyone wants cheap towels that last, but don’t expect it from these towels. Sure, they’re affordable, but they’re also thin and rough. When you wash them, you can expect to see a lot of shedding left behind. There are other towels available that are just as affordable and probably a little softer.
These containers are available in many shapes and sizes. They can be purchased individually, or they can be purchased as a set. They’re affordable, too. The problem is, they aren’t very durable. They bend and melt in the dishwasher, the lids pop off and don’t fit after the first wash, and they don’t do well in the microwave.
These storage tubs may look like they are easy to use and will fit in most places, but they don’t hold up as well as other options. They are hard to install, and the instructions are confusing. The baskets don’t fit on the tracks right, and a lot of people claim that their boxes were missing pieces.
If you camp or have a lot of sleepovers at your home, you may be looking for a foam mattress that can be used when needed. This one may be tempting, but it’s not as good as it looks. The mattress isn’t comfortable, and it’s not very durable, either. It likely won’t last through many camping trips.
This bedframe looks simple and easy to match with décor, but it’s not particularly durable. At this low price, it may be tempting to purchase it, but don’t expect it to last long. The material isn’t strong, and it won’t hold up to everyday wear and tear. There are better bedframe options out there.
This swivel chair is pretty affordable, and it looks fun. However, it doesn’t deliver in durability, and it’s also extremely uncomfortable. The affordable price isn’t worth the back pain or the headache of trying to put it together. Look for a different office chair instead.
This lamp looks like something that would match most home décor and would be a nice addition to a nightstand or side table. The problem is, it’s smaller than it looks. It’s not very steady, and the bulbs don’t fit in it right. It may look good at first, but there are other lights available that will last longer.
These glasses are very affordable. If you’re looking for something to use at a wedding or for a special occasion, they might be a great option. If you want something that you can use on a regular basis or that will last, look elsewhere. They crack easily, and they get foggy quickly. They just don’t last that long.
Moving on to general items you can find at Ikea, it’s best to stay away from all of their sheets in general. Some of their sheet sets cost as little as $4. Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. One reviewer said, “they are what I would imagine sheets in a prison to feel like.”
If you weren’t already aware, Ikea has a grocery store section near the checkout stands where they sell all sorts of Swedish and Swedish-inspired goods. One thing you should definitely avoid is buying their seafood. The quality is terrible. It’s a furniture store for goodness sake.
Ikea’s knives and cutlery are fine if you’re not cooking on a regular basis, but if you are? Shop somewhere else. Their knives aren’t the best quality and will certainly dull after only a few uses.
“As many customers will tell you, it can be incredibly difficult to get any of the dimming kits from Ikea to work—and when they finally are set up, they tend to spontaneously disconnect from the app. Though it’s a good concept, the execution leaves a lot to be desired,” says Best Life.
Who doesn’t love a good, plush bathrobe? There’s nothing nicer than hopping out of the shower and wrapping yourself up in a soft and absorbable fabric. Well, you won’t find one of these at Ikea. It’s more like a thin terry cloth towel. Shop Amazon instead.
Sometimes Ikea is a wonderful place to pick up some household items. Other times? Not so much. For items that would normally be quite expensive, if Ikea is offering them for much cheaper–it’s probably best to shop elsewhere. Read reviews, shop around, and use your best judgment.
25 items you should always be buying at Ikea and 25 things to never purchase
Jenny Brown
11.14.19
If you have ever stepped inside an Ikea store, you probably felt overwhelmed instantly. There are so many things to see and buy. If you didn’t want something when you walked in, you will want everything by the time you walk out.
The fact that everything is priced so inexpensively makes it hard to resist buying everything you want, as do the displays all over the store. Still, it’s nice to refrain from impulse shopping. If you see something you like, be sure to read the reviews.
While Ikea has a lot of really nice products, there are some that aren’t quite as good. You need to shop wisely if you want to get the best deals possible. That means being smart about things. If something seems too good or cheap to be true, then it probably is.
Here are 25 great buys from Ikea and 25 products that you should reconsider. The good news is, there are plenty of alternatives to be found in Ikea. So, if one product doesn’t work out, chances are you can still find another during your same shopping trip.
