We all have a few, don’t we?
There's no way to see everything Ikea has to offer. Whether you’re in the store, online, or flipping through their catalog, it’s too overwhelming.
However, there’s always been a few particular products that I love the most.
When we lived in Australia and Norway…
We purchased a lot of our furniture from Ikea, because it was so well priced and we couldn’t take much of our furniture with us.
In Norway, we lived just over the bridge from Ikea, on an island in the Oslo area, so we would go to Ikea for dinner sometimes. It was so expensive to eat out in Norway, and you could get Swedish meatballs and potatoes for a good price at Ikea, and the kids loved them.
Sure, many of their products don’t last very long. But...
Because the cost is so low, that doesn't bother me much — especially when it comes to the following products. (They're some of my faves. ;-)
My Favorite IKEA Products
We used this sofa in my daughter’s apartment in college, and she ended up taking it with her to her California apartment. She just buys a new slipcover when the old ones get too soiled, and it looks just like new. It’s held up well to a lot of abuse and people sleeping over. :-)
Ikea EKTORP - Sofa
My daughter’s apartment with a small dining space. She has a wood table and then we opted for these rather “invisible” acrylic chairs to give a more spacious look while still providing ample seating. They are surprisingly comfortable and have a little give because of the chrome frame.
Ikea Tobias Chair
I’m always promoting kitchen islands over peninsulas to my clients. If you don’t have much room, something lightweight and movable might be a good option. This stainless steel version with a wood top would go nicely into any kitchen style.
Rimforsa stainless steel / bamboo work bench, kitchen island
Ikea kitchen island
One of my clients used this system in her big walk-in closet and then did some doors on them from another company, because she didn’t want to see any clothes when she walked into the closet.
The ever-popular PAX system is widely loved for a reason. Good storage solutions that function well and look good too!
PAX closet storage system from Ikea
Now let’s talk lighting...
There are some decent fixtures at Ikea. You just have to make sure you understand that theirs are designed to be low-end and, as such, should be celebrated for that. Don’t get them thinking they’ll look expensive. However, some of these do pack some good design and can be considered good generic lighting choices. Take a look and see what I mean.
I used three of these (the old version of this pendant, the Maskros) in a nail salon. Feminine and overscaled, they created a dramatic reflection on the surrounding space. Unfortunately, they’re crazy to put together. Maybe this newer version is easier? I do like it though and it is dirt cheap!
IKEA Grimsas - Pendant lamp
I have always loved an arc floor lamp. They come in handy for in odd lighting situations and for places where you want to pop some light over something that is a little hard to get to. These work behind big sectionals, over a table with no overhead lighting or in deep, awkward corners.
Ikea arc floor lamp - Skottorp / Skaftet
I like this fixture and its partners. It’s a new one for Ikea. I think it would look great in a child’s bathroom, as sconces. It’s just kind of fun.
SÖDERSVIK - LED wall lamp
I would so use this in my own dining room if I already didn’t have a classic fixture I’ve had for 30 years.
Ikea Grinsbyn chandelier
One last item that catches my eye when I see it out on the internet in real design projects is...
This outdoor chair. Designers love it for its simplicity and sculptural quality. Unfortunately though, I hear it’s not that comfy. Well you can’t have everything! ;-)
IKEA PS VÅGÖ - Armless chair, outdoor chair