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It's no secret that IKEA has a huge fan following. Everyone from college students to professional designers looks to the hallowed blue-and-yellow halls of the beloved Swedish store as a source, and its branded shopping bag has attained such icon status that it's been copied on runways and even made the subject of a short film. Even a shocking mishap earlier this month in which one of the company's metallic bowls spontaneously caught fire couldn't dampen the brand's popularity. But what, exactly, are all these customers buying? With what seems like a million SKUs in rotation at once, it's hard to keep track of all of IKEA's products. To satisfy our curiosity, we reached out to the team there to ask which products are the most beloved. Without further ado, AD presents: the most popular IKEA products.
1. Billy
No surprise here: The Billy bookcase, in all its iterations, is practically a stalwart of the modern home, serving as everything from a pantry to DVD storage to closet component, and inspiring dozens of knockoffs in the process (in fact, a Google search for "Billy bookcase" brings up just as many non-IKEA results as IKEA ones, proof that the style has entered our generic lexicon in the matter of Kleenex and Band-Aids). Designer Steve Mckenzie suggests adding baskets to yours for an added dose of texture that conceals clutter.
The Poäng chair in green upholstery.
2. Poäng
IKEA's Poäng chair, created by Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura, celebrates its 40th birthday this year. The anniversary is proof of its timeless style, the result of a seamless juxtaposition of classic Scandinavian and Japanese styles. The infinitely flexible seat comes in an array of coverings, from printed cotton to linen and leather. It's also offered in children's size for the young aesthete.
3. Malm bed
The Malm bed from IKEA is so ubiquitous, and so perfect in its minimalist, functional design, that it looks like what you'd see if you asked a child to make a stick drawing of a bed. The simple design is perfect for fans of Scandinavian minimalism or for DIYers who want to add their own custom riffs. "The bed's wide variety of finishes, clean lines, simple construction, and streamlined look can elevate many different design styles at a very low cost," says designer Jody Myers-Fierz of Color Concept Theory.
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4. Expedit/Kallax
Much like the Billy, IKEA's Kallax (formerly known as Expedit) is one of those pieces that you just expect to see in most homes. The clean, cubic design, too, has spurred many knockoffs and a near-infinite stream of custom tutorials from the Pinterest crowd. It's great as is for a record display, a TV console, or toy storage; intrepid customers have turned it into everything from a bench to a kitchen island.
5. Rens sheepskin rug
The Rens is perhaps so popular because of its multifunctional design. Use it as a bedside rug during cold winters, or throw it over the back of a chair for an extra luxe look. Designer Donna Mondi is a fan of the latter technique: "Throw a sheepskin pelt like the Rens over your accent or dining chair to give it a whole new feel—the added texture and drama are worth far more than the cost," she says.
A kitchen featuring the Rens sheepskin and a black-and-white Stockholm rug.
6. Stockholm rug
IKEA's standard flat weave rug is available in a wide array of patterns to suit virtually any style. At $199 to $299, it's also within most budgets, making it a true example of the Swedish brand's devotion to democratic design.
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7. Lack tables
You've no doubt seen IKEA's Lack tables in any number of configurations: one rectangular one used as a coffee table, or several square versions pushed together for a modular unit. The simple design, which starts at just $7.99 for a side table, is another ready canvas for DIY.
8. Ektorp sofa
The most classic of IKEA's sofa styles, the rounded-arm Ektorp is a go-to for more traditionally-minded customers. It's available in various sizes and sectional configurations as well as a handful of standard upholstery options.
9. Docksta table
An imitation of Eero Saarinen's iconic dining table for Knoll, the Docksta is a clean, simple design that can be dressed up with table linens or any type of seating.
IKEA's Klippan sofa, covered with a slipcover from Bemz.
10. Klippan sofa
IKEA's modern sofa bears a low-slung silhouette, a boxy frame, and spindly metal legs. Its simple frame makes reupholstering or slipcovering fairly easy, making it a smart choice for customers who like to change up their decor frequently.
11. Färgrik mug
"When I designed the Färgrik series, I wanted to make a simple, functional service that would suit all situations and all occasions," says the piece's designer, Maria Vinka. To say she succeeded is an understatement: The 99-cent mug and its accompanying china dinner service are a go-to for new homeowners.
12. Ribba frames
If you're looking for a minimal frame for a gallery wall, the Ribba is a no-brainer. The frames, which come in black and white, offer the matted, graphic look of gallery frames for a fraction of the cost.
13. Frakta shopping bag
Despite its immense popularity, the beloved Frakta doesn't even crack the top ten, coming in at 13 on the list. Perhaps, because of its durability, customers tend to buy one and reuse it, but when yours is out of commission as a rain jacket or laundry bag (or if you've caught on to the fashion trends and made it into a baseball cap), don't you need another one? We have a feeling Frakta may be rising in the ranks after this year.
