What would I buy at IKEA?

I visited IKEA at Logan recently to see what I would potentially recommend to a client looking for some design on a budget. As I browsed, I wondered, what would I buy at IKEA?

All credit to the merchandisers who create IKEA’s showroom – there’s lots of clever staging and some great colour schemes. But for me it’s all about the products and how they stack up without the styling.

Lighting

IKEA has done lighting well for a long time.

The GULLSUDARE / HAVSDJUP pendant light (left) is destined to become a new classic.

The impeccable simplicity of the SUNNEBY / MOLNART pendant (right) means a trio of them would easily look at home in a expensive designer kitchen.

Side tables

I love the variety of side tables at IKEA. As a smaller investment money-wise they offer a chance to introduce some fun colour, a quirky shape or a different metal to switch up your Lounge setting.

Check out TÅNEBRO, GLADOM, GARNANÄS and GRIMSARBO

Dining Setting

IKEA have thoroughly explored the current trend for rounded shapes and soft corners with their Stockholm Range. The best iteration is the STOCKHOLM 2025 bentwood chairs. These will pair well with many styles of tables but I like the deep edge on STOCKHOLM 2025 Dining tables too – it looks expensive.

Storage Baskets

If you want to convert open shelves to closed storage, the KNIPSA seagrass baskets are the nicest I’ve seen.

Miscellaneous

The FRÖSVI folding chairs have been around for a long time and rightfully so.

The STÄLL shoe storage units are apparently a best seller. Perfect for tidying up a narrow hallway, they also look extremely stylish.

The KÄLLARHALS vase reminiscent of the Michelin man caught my eye.

SKÅLBODA armchair in orange is a winner and crying out for a statement cushion

Conclusion

Visiting IKEA is always nostalgic: like many of us I suppose, my very first apartment was mostly from IKEA.

While many products just fill a practical need at a much needed price point, there is nevertheless some real design gems that mean that IKEA is well worth a look.

I’ll keep visiting.