Last update: January 2024 – Originally published on October the 16th 2017
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Everyone has at least one product purchased at IKEA at home. The Swedish company has become so popular that recognizing the Billy shelf or the Lack table is second nature to most of us. But why is that?
It’s no surprise, IKEA products are very affordable, functional, and easy to build. The wide range of furniture available is also one of their main assets.
Over the years, the company has managed to build such a wide range of products that you can find approximately anything for your home at IKEA. But as nice as it is to have lots of options, it can also be confusing. It’s not always easy to spot the gems in this plethora of products. And, IKEA is definitely full of great finds. Designers are well aware of that. That’s why they very often buy certain pieces at IKEA. Nowhere else you’ll find such good design at such an affordable price. Take this stylish apartment, for instance, furnished almost just at IKEA.
So how do you know when an IKEA product is a great find?
First what defines a great find at IKEA?
- Timeless design
You want to avoid products that are strongly anchored in a trend (trends are great but they are meant to go away so don’t buy them if you are looking for something that will stay with you longer) - The materials it’s made of
Natural or rough materials like wood, steel, rattan, linen, brass, etc… are most of the time a good way to tell that a find will last you longer. - Functionality
Is the item functional? or will you get tired of using it?
A list of the best IKEA products
So to help you see more clearly the next time you visit IKEA here’s my selection of the best IKEA products based on these three criteria. I have separated the products into the 4 following categories in order to make this easier to navigate:
Lighting
Furniture
Textile
Small decor items
N.B. I purposely removed the pieces that are popular to hack such as the Ivar cabinet or the Billy bookcase. I wanted to really make a selection of products that you can “plug and play” with.
Best IKEA lighting
1. RISBYN Pendant lampshade CHF 24.95
A paper lamp is always a classic, and this one with its onion shape adds a touch of originality.
2. BÄVE Led ceiling track CHF 79.95
A light ceiling track is always needed, this one is well-designed and perfectly affordable. You can also check its big sister for bigger light NYMANE.
3. DEJSA Table lamp, beige/opal white glass, 28 cm CHF39.95
A stunning table lamp with opal glass for soft lighting, mouth-blown but the chicest part is the sleek beige glass base that truly elevates it to another level.
4.ÅSKMULLER Table lamp, grey-green, 24 cm CHF24.95
Ideal to add an alternative source of lighting in any room. Its sleek and antique-inspired design is definitely worth the price. Also, it’s dimmable which makes it the perfect table lamp.
5. TERTIAL work lamp CHF 17.95
A design classic, anglepoise-like work lamp but at a slightly more affordable price.
6. FADO table lamp CHF 19.95
A globe light is never out of style and this one is a minimal piece with which you cannot go wrong. Also here is the easiest trick to make this lamp look even better.
7. SINNERLIG Pendant lamp, bamboo CHF 89.95
You can’t get tired of this suspension which, even though it has been used a lot, still makes an impact.
Best IKEA furniture
8. ODGER chair CHF 89.95
This cork-like chair has very sleek lines and can really make a difference around a dining table or just be displayed on its own.
9. ÄPPLARYD sofa prices start at CHF 1199
A sofa with sleek lines and a simple but efficient design. The slim legs make this sofa very airy which is great for a more modern and minimalist look.
10. KONGSFJORD Boxspring bed, size and price may vary
A very comfy and high-end-looking bed with this moss velvet cover.
11. VITTSJÖ shelving unit CHF 129
A simple metal and glass shelving unit to showcase your favorite books or souvenirs.
12. IKEA PS cabinet CHF 129
A cabinet locker style to store all the things you don’t want to see.
13. BACKSÄLEN 3-seat sofa, Katorp natural CHF 699.00
This is my new go-to sofa whenever I need something inexpensive that just looks chic and elevated. The linen covers make all the difference. Above, you can see it in one of my projects.
14. IDANÄS Cabinet CHF 249
Pretty cool new bi-folding doors cabinet with a scandi-rustic vibe.
15. RASKOG trolley CHF 49.95
This trolley has been around for a while. Functional and well-designed, it’s always a handy piece to have.
16. DOCKSTA round table CHF 199
Round tables are great for small apartments because they can fit in small nooks in the living area. All in all a sleek piece that looks just like the design classic Knoll table. Best IKEA finds definitely.
17. GLADOM tray table CHF 14.95
A functional and easy piece to play with. This tray table can fit anywhere.
18. PERSBOL Armchair, black/Tibbleby beige/grey CHF249.00
This armchair is both comfortable and versatile, with a classic design that will suit any interior. To add a personal touch, simply add a few decorative cushions.
19. EKET Wall cabinet with glass door CHF 65
A cute wall cabinet with a glass door that definitely makes it chicer than its version without one.
20. SÖDERHAMN sofa price may vary
A very well-designed sofa from IKEA, it’s comfy and you can choose your combination which makes it a very flexible piece. Also, check out this trick to make it even chicer.
21. BERGSHULT/PERSHULT shelf CHF 19.95
The association of this simple white shelf with this metal hanging system is of a resolutely modern effect.
22. STOCKHOLM Mirror 80 cm CHF 140 – 60cm 99.95
This mirror is simply stunning and at a very affordable price. It can be a huge addition to any entryway. by the way, If you are looking for a mirror you might like to have a look atHow to Pick the Right Mirror for Your Entryway
23. MULIG clothes rack CHF 11.95
How do you transform your bedroom into a cool clothes shop? Simple: Put together a cool opencloset with this Ikea classic piece.
24. LINDBYN MIRROR CHF 89.95
The whole new Lindbyn mirror collection is a gem. Sleek lines and simple designs will always be in style.
25. EKENÄSET armchair CHF 249
This mid-century armchair comes in a range of colors and is a very good option if you don’t want to spend a fortune on an original mid-century armchair. It does a very neat job.
26. VISKAFORS 1,5-seat armchair CHF 1199
A Chesterfield armchair is a piece that will never go out of style. It will fit almost anywhere. I like that it has one and a half seats, as it’s big enough to relax in. Plus, the legs come in two colors!
27. SKOGSTA Chair, acacia CHF 69.95
I’ve always had a soft spot for these types of country-style chairs, particularly because over time they develop a distinctive patina that makes them quite unique. I have a feeling that these chairs are going to become my new and easy go-to chairs.
28. TONSTAD Side table, brown oak veneer tint, (also exist as a coffee table) CHF169.00
Thanks to the brown oak veneer tint, this side table becomes a timeless piece, instantly exuding luxury. It’s somewhat unfortunate that dark oak tints are not more common at IKEA, as they truly make a significant impact in interior design. Don’t miss the whole Tonstad series of furniture.
Best IKEA textile
29. STOCKHOLM handwoven rug 170X240 CHF 249
One of the most iconic carpets of the Swedish brand thanks to its graphic design and simple colors.
30. LOHALS Sisal flatwoven rug CHF 119
With a sisal rug, you never take any risk. You can play with it by superimposing it with a Persian rug for example, or simply use it by itself. And it comes in many sizes.
31. BERGPALM quilt cover and cover pillowcase CHF 59.95
A striped bed linen set is a good base to mix with other more colorful bed linen.
32. SPIKKLUBBA cushion cover, 50×50 cm CHF6.95
This checkered cushion cover is going to add a little twist to your home decor. Pair it with textured and rich-colored cushion covers.
33. DYTAG linen curtains CHF 99.95
Linen curtains are always a timeless and neutral option with which you can’t go wrong.
>> If you are interested in linen curtains, check out this article 14 Simple Linen Curtains for Renters <<
34. SALVIKEN Bath towel CHF 24.95
I like the two surfaces a lot. One side with soft terry and one with a nice waffle structure that makes it a little more luxurious.
35. RINNIG tea towel CHF 4.50 / 4 pack
Simple and timeless tea towels that will work with everything you have in the kitchen without a doubt.
36. ÅSVEIG Cushion cover, grey-brown, 40×58 cm CHF9.95
This corduroy texture will enhance any sofa. I especially like this one in this brown color.
Best IKEA small decor items
37. GRADVIS plant mister CHF 12.95
Brass and glass, the perfect combo to make a simple plant mister super high-end.
38. VARDAGEN Glass, light turquoise, 31 cl CHF 8.95/4 pack
Typical Scandinavian glasses in their shape, the greenish color make them look a little vintage. Perfect for any table setting.
39. KÄMPIG brass hook,CHF 8.95
Hooks are a really handy item for any room. These vintage-like brass hooks will instantly make your wall look less dull.
40. ÖBONÄS Wall shelf with suction cup CHF 7.95
This sleek and clean shelf is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. You always need to free the counter space and I find that this is the chicest way to do so.
41. GEMAK Colander, off-white CHF 15.95 CHF
To give a little vintage effect to your kitchen, hang it with other cooking utensils.
42. FLÅDIS Basket, seagrass, black CHF 13.95
Another IKEA item you could have brought back from a trip abroad. You can conceal all sorts of things in this basket.
43. MJÖLKKANNA bamboo basket CHF 19.95
A natural basket to hide/organize your knick-knack.
44. IKEA 365+ Carafe with stopper, clear glass, cork CHF 9.95
A classic. Simple and so beautiful.
45. SOCKERÄRT Vase (22cm) CHF 19.95
A vase with a farmhouse vibe, ideal to add a vintage touch.
46. FULLTALIG candlestick CHF 17.95
Black candlesticks with a sleek design for added elegance on the table or elsewhere.
47. ARTISTISK cutting board CHF 39.95
A curved cutting board to serve the aperitif in style.
48. CYLINDER Vase set of 3 CHF 24.95
The whole Cylinder vases collection is an easy one to style and will always make the difference whether on a table or a shelf.
49. GLADELIG dish set, various price
The beautiful sandy-glazed dish set is a charming piece to display on a dining table.
50. HÖVOLM peg rail CHF 16.95
I’ve been waiting for IKEA to make a peg rail like this one probably for a decade. Hurray, it’s even better than in my dreams.
All the pictures belong to IKEA unless stated otherwise.
