4 things you should be buying from IKEA

We’d like to confess: We have an obsession with Ikea’s merchandise. Now, before you atas types turn your noses up in disgust, just know that everyone has made a trip down to their stores, and purchase an item or two, at least once in their lifetime. That said, while detractors may favour quality over affordability when purchasing furniture, there are some amazing gems you can find from their catalog. Here are some of our top picks:

1. BILLY bookcase series

Easily one of the most popular Ikea choices amongst home owners. Available in basic white, black and brown, we too believe this is the perfect starter piece to build your minimalist themed home. BILLY bookcases offer versatile storage solutions depending on your home requirements; they come in a variety of heights with adjustable shelves, allows you to creatively stack them on top of each other and also has an extender unit so that you can achieve a built-in look without having to attach them to the wall.

Source: IKEA Hackers

Don’t be fooled into thinking they can only be used to house a collection of books. We’ve found other practical uses such as turning it as a shoe cabinet, a plant display, a pantry/spice rack for the kitchen…the possibilities are endless.

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2. LACK wall shelves

Source: Esynoes

We’ve covered how wall shelves can help you maximize vertical space at home in our previous article, and we can’t stop sing praises for the ones Ikea carry. LACK wall shelves are inexpensive and can be easily mounted on any spare wall – two pluses in our books for a fuss-free home renovations. What we particularly love is how understatedly simple they are, yet are able to complement and add a level of sophistication in any room you mount them in.

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3. STRANDMON and EKTORP sofa and armchair series

What, you can’t be serious? We definitely are! Home-owners often lament how Ikea’s line of soft seating and mattress are poorly made or do not give sufficient comfort. Indeed, upholstery from Ikea does not rank too highly among the best products to get, but let’s not be quick to generalize.

Source: Chair Walkabye

There certainly are exceptions. The STRANDMON armchair (or rather, wing chairs as they’re called) comes in a series of vibrant colours guaranteed to add a dash of personality and break the monotony in the living room. The real deal clincher came when we sat on it…and vowed never to get up again. They are extremely comfortable and its curvilinear back provides the necessary support you need when lounging for hours in front of the TV.

Source: Pinterest

Another great choice for the living room is the classic EKTORP sectional sofa. It scores points for its coziness because of the large, plush back and side cushions, as well as its flexibility to fit into any room size. What’s more, you have the freedom to customize the overall look of the sofa as it comes complete with a variety of interchangeable sofa covers. Quality matches the price point, so if you’re on a budget, you’ll have to take note that the STRANDMON armchair and EKTORP sofa can be relatively pricey for Ikea standards. (Pro-tip: Before you do decide on a sofa to get for your home, perhaps it is best to take some time to find out how to select a proper one here and here).

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4. An assortment of kitchen goods

You’ll probably already know that when it comes to Ikea, you’ve got to be selective in order to score a smart buy. We’re glad to report that kitchenware is one category of household items that the store does exceptionally well in, especially for the budget-minded shopper.

Source: Poppytalk

Prices aside, you’ll be able to find a plethora of quality cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils to fill your kitchen cabinets. Dinnerware – Perfect for any occasion Ikea’s range of durable plates and bowls come in a set of basic colours for everyday use, or colourful patterns and design to liven up your meals. ELLY tea towels – At $2.90 for a set of 4, they are really a steal and what’s more, look more presentable than the ubiquitous but plain-looking Good Morning ones. APTITLIG butcher’s block – Adds an authentic, homely feel to your cooking experience. Its thickness also ensures you don’t have to worry about slipping when slicing meat. KORKEN jars – Their airtight lids mean that they are ideal for storing spices, rice, salt, sugar and other dry items in our humid weather. Serving trays – One area Ikea does right in its annual catalogue is its attention to detail and design. This is clearly illustrated in their whimsically colorful serving trays buyers can use during festive occasions. FULLVIKTIG teapot and spoons – The colour and design of this tea-time series all seems rather zen. As you can see, there is still a lot of great stuff waiting to be discovered in Ikea. Next time you decide to take a trip down to their stores, don’t just head straight for their meatballs. Take some time reviewing and reading about what can benefit your home in the long run.