Let’s be honest - Ikea is known for mass produced products that are affordable but may not be the most stylish or long wearing, or great for the planet in terms of sustainability.

Whilst I don’t believe you should kit out your entire home with Ikea furniture, there is a time and place for it. With the right knowledge you can find some real gems in there that are great value for money, and will look great in a room mixed in with vintage and more mid to high end pieces.

Here’s my rundown of the best buys you can get in Ikea.

Hemnes dresser

Starting off with the Hemnes dresser, which is a great Ikea buy. It’s sturdy, stylish, good quality, and looks far more expensive than it actually is. Replace the drawer pulls to elevate it even more.

Hannalill curtains

An interior designer’s staple, simple white curtains are classic and versatile. These Hannalill curtains are 100% cotton, thick enough for privacy but thin enough to filter the light through beautifully.

Alex drawers

The Alex drawers are so popular that they are often sold out, and you’ll often find them on Ebay for 3x the price. They are another example of a simple and versatile piece of Ikea furniture which looks more expensive than it actually is.

Strandmon armchair

The Strandmon armchair is ridiculously comfortable, durable, stylish and sturdy, and comes in multiple fun colours (including bright red and yellow, and a limited edition blue paisley).

Mosslanda picture ledges

These Mosslanda picture ledges are such a great and versatile product which doesn’t cost much and can make a real impact. Mount them all the way up the wall for an attention grabbing statement.

*A feature wall made of picture ledges as pictured on the Ikea website*

Lerboda frames

Lerboda transparent frames are a great little piece of decor that you can pick up from Ikea and make your own. They allow photos, prints, keepsakes, and plants can all be displayed creatively. I love styling these transparent frames over a wallpaper, allowing the pattern to peek through.

*Transparent frame styled by* *Passion Shake*

Ekenäset chair

If you love mid-century furniture, the Ekenäset chair is a classic piece with an extremely reasonable price tag of £179.

Lindbyn mirror

A large mirror is a fabulous addition to many design schemes, and the Lindbyn mirror is another Ikea staple which looks far more expensive than it actually is. £45 for an 80cm mirror is a fantastic price, especially when similar sized mirrors sell elsewhere for over £200.

Trådfri system

When I attended the LivingETC house tours earlier this year, one of my favourite features was a lighting control panel mounted in a living room which could set the mood of the room depending on activity, like reading, entertaining or watching TV. The Trådfri system allows you to create “scenes” for your room with different light levels and temperatures, which you can turn on at the push of a button. Genius.

Stockholm rug

Ikea is also great for large rugs at reasonable prices, and the Stockholm rug is one of their most popular. It’s certainly a statement piece!

Sinnerlig lampshade

Another Ikea bestseller, the Sinnerlig lampshade is huge, and at only £40 is a very reasonable price for such a large statement light. Perfect for high ceilings and large rooms, it also filters the light beautifully.

Ängslilja washed cotton duvet set

And finally, a staple for casual, relaxed and cosy bedroom is a washed cotton duvet set, and the Ikea Ängslilja set delivers that at a great price.

Right… trip to Ikea anyone?

If you’d like my help with your next project, check out my services to see how we can work together. If you’ve enjoyed this blog, don’t forget to subscribe below to receive my new post in your inbox every Sunday.

The best things to buy from Ikea

The best colours for North, South East and West facing rooms

8 tips for brightening a dark room