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 didnโt 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, itโs 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 arenโt 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 doesnโt 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. Itโs 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 itโs still as durable as the day they bought it.
Itโs 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 dรฉcor to your room or home, these lamps can help with that. They come in a couple adorable designs. They arenโt too bright, and they work well for childrenโs bedrooms. They are also durable, and you donโt 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. Itโs got a nice design, itโs 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 dรฉcor and color schemes, and itโs 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 dรฉcor. It is available in three colors.
This chair is one of the best on the market, according to experts. Itโs 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. Kalaโs childrenโs dishes wonโt break easily, and they can just be tossed in the dishwasher and reused. They are inexpensive, so you donโt have to break the bank to get dishes that will last.
This duvet cover is available at a great price, and itโs comfortable. It comes with two pillow covers, and the fabric help keeps you cool. Itโs also wrinkle-resistant, so it always looks great on your bed. Itโs a steal at just $25, too.
You wonโt find a better cooktop for the price. Itโs a great budget buy, and it stands up to the competition, which is often priced much higher. Itโs available in one size and color, but itโs durable and cleans up easily. It also comes with an incredible 5-year warranty. Thatโs 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. Itโs 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. Itโs also a versatile piece that can be used as a jewelry holder and even a bookshelf. At just $4, itโs a steal!
This little cart might not look like much, but itโs so durable and versatile that itโs a must for almost any home. It can be used to store beauty supplies, office supplies, toiletries, or even as a bookcase or shelf. Itโs on wheels, so it can easily be moved around the home. Itโs made from strong steel, so it wonโt break easily.
This highchair looks simple and a little wacky, but itโs actually exceptionally durable and affordable. Itโs also easy to put together and take apart. Since it is so lightweight, itโs portable, too. Itโs made of strong plastic, so it can take a beating, and itโs 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 dรฉcor is all the rage, but it can be expensive, and some of it doesnโt hold up. The Renโs 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 dรฉcor, and itโs 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. Itโs also durable, which is good since it even can convert to a toddler bed. That means you can use it for several years, and itโs basically two beds in one. It does require an Ikea mattress because itโs 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, itโs a steal. Itโs made by Whirlpool and comes with a 5-year warranty. Customers who own this refrigerator have nothing but good things to say about it.
Weโre 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 arenโt always the best purchases, but Ikeaโs 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.
Ikeaโs Sekond cord kits are absolutely awesome if you want to add some overhead lighting to your home without calling an electrician. Theyโre wrapped in cloth and cost just $10. Make sure to buy some ceiling hooks too.
We showed you Ikeaโs 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 itโfor almost half of the cost that youโd 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 wonโt last very long if theyโre used all of the time, they work perfectly if theyโre 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 theyโre scratchy and uncomfortable. The sheets are supposed to be sateen, but they definitely donโt feel like it. They simply arenโt worth the money.
These coffee tables look great. They have a simple design that means they can fit with almost any type of home dรฉcor. Theyโre also very affordable. The problem is, they arenโt built to last. They arenโt very strong, and they arenโt easy to clean. They may be best for a home with no children or a room that isnโt 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. Itโs 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 doesnโt get particularly good reviews. People who have bought it really donโt like it. They claim that itโs 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 arenโt as good as they seem. Theyโre affordable, but theyโre 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. Theyโre affordable and have a lot of space. Sadly, theyโre also dangerous. They have fallen on and killed at least three children. They simply arenโt worth the risk. You can find other dressers that are safer.
Itโs hard to pass up a comforter this cheap, but according to the reviews, itโs just not worth the money. This comforter doesnโt hold up well, and itโs not that comfortable. The fabric is scratchy, and the filling moves around too much inside. Just splurge on something more comfortable instead.
Itโs modern, itโs lightweight, itโs affordable, but itโs 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. Itโs 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, itโs not of particularly good quality, and it will likely fall apart after just a few months. The flimsy material canโt handle much weight or movement. Thereโs a reason the price is so low.
These desks are the new fad. Theyโre 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 arenโt very sturdy. You may spend too much time tweaking your desk to make the adjustability worth it.
Thereโs nothing wrong with this lamp at first glance. It seems modern and stylish. The problem is, itโs not exceptionally durable, itโs 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 arenโt worth your money. This board may be less than $2, but itโs also easily damaged, wonโt last through very many washes in the dishwasher, and is susceptible to cuts from knives. Itโs better to pay a little more for a quality board.
Everyone wants cheap towels that last, but donโt expect it from these towels. Sure, theyโre affordable, but theyโre 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. Theyโre affordable, too. The problem is, they arenโt very durable. They bend and melt in the dishwasher, the lids pop off and donโt fit after the first wash, and they donโt do well in the microwave.
These storage tubs may look like they are easy to use and will fit in most places, but they donโt hold up as well as other options. They are hard to install, and the instructions are confusing. The baskets donโt 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 itโs not as good as it looks. The mattress isnโt comfortable, and itโs not very durable, either. It likely wonโt last through many camping trips.
This bedframe looks simple and easy to match with dรฉcor, but itโs not particularly durable. At this low price, it may be tempting to purchase it, but donโt expect it to last long. The material isnโt strong, and it wonโt 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 doesnโt deliver in durability, and itโs also extremely uncomfortable. The affordable price isnโt 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 dรฉcor and would be a nice addition to a nightstand or side table. The problem is, itโs smaller than it looks. Itโs not very steady, and the bulbs donโt 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 youโre 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 donโt last that long.
Moving on to general items you can find at Ikea, itโs 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? Thatโs because it is. One reviewer said, โthey are what I would imagine sheets in a prison to feel like.โ
If you werenโt 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. Itโs a furniture store for goodness sake.
Ikeaโs knives and cutlery are fine if youโre not cooking on a regular basis, but if you are? Shop somewhere else. Their knives arenโt the best quality and will certainly dull after only a few uses.
โAs many customers will tell you, it can be incredibly difficult to get any of the dimming kits from Ikea to workโand when they finally are set up, they tend to spontaneously disconnect from the app. Though itโs a good concept, the execution leaves a lot to be desired,โ says Best Life.
Who doesnโt love a good, plush bathrobe? Thereโs nothing nicer than hopping out of the shower and wrapping yourself up in a soft and absorbable fabric. Well, you wonโt find one of these at Ikea. Itโs 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 cheaperโitโs 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
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 didnโt 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, itโs 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 arenโt 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 doesnโt work out, chances are you can still find another during your same shopping trip.