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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

MUST BUY Decor Essentials From IKEA

The best IKEA items to create a beautiful and stylish home on a budget! 


I recently took a trip to IKEA (we are lucky to have two within a 45-minute drive!) to look at sofas and pick up a few decor items for the basement.  Despite what you may think about the quality of their products, IKEA has unbeatable prices on home decor and organizing supplies.   They also have awesome products perfect for hacking and updating to create custom and personalized home decor.  I'm always drawn to the same items when I visit and thought it might be helpful to share a few of my favorite and best IKEA items to buy. 

You can find even more must buy IKEA decor items HERE
The best ikea items for a stylish home on a budget

THE BEST IKEA PRODUCTS TO BUY FOR A STYLISH HOME ON A BUDGET

1. FAUX PLANTS & FLORALS
IKEA is hands down my go-to store for artificial plants.  Not only are they super affordable, but they are well made and the most lifelike I've seen. 

The best Ikea faux plants
Their faux potted plants, eucalyptus and fiddle leaf trees are my top favorites.
The best Ikea Faux florals and Ikea  fiddle leaf

Must buy faux ikea plants

2. RIBBA FRAMES
IKEA has an incredible selection of frames, perfect for creating inexpensive gallery walls.  I've used both the RIBBA and VIRSERUM frames in gallery walls around my home.  I love that most of IKEA's frames come matted making them look high end for a super affordable price. 

Ikea ribba frames are an staple from IKEA

Gorgeous gallery wall using IKEA Frames

3. FJADRAR FEATHER PILLOW INSERTS
In my opinion, feather pillows are a must!  There's just no comparison between a feather pillow insert and poly-filled insert.   Trust me, it's worth the extra couple dollars to have the right pillows on your couch.  On my latest IKEA shopping trip, I was shocked to see that they had 20x20 down inserts for $5.99!!!  Can you believe that? 
Ikea feather pillow inserts

Decorating with Ikea pillow inserts

4. PILLOW COVERS
Along with inserts, IKEA also has a large variety of affordable pillow covers, most costing less than $10.00  My favorite is the LAPPLJJUNG RUTA that I've used in both our living room and mudroom.  

IKEA pillow covers are a must have item
IKEA also has a nice selection of neutral pillows that are perfect for adding texture to just about any space.
Neutral textured IKEA pillow

5. MERETE CURTAIN PANELS
IKEA is hands down the best place to go for affordable curtains!  Most home decor stores only carry curtains up to 84" in length, which is too short for the beautiful floor to ceiling look.   IKEA curtains tend to be 96" or longer making them the perfect affordable option.  My favorite is the Merete bleached white grommet curtains, which are super reasonable at $29.99 a pair. 

Merete Ikea curtains

The best IKEA white grommet curtains


6. RASKOG STORAGE CART
Does the RASKOG CART even need an introduction?   The organizing and storage possibilities are endless when it comes to this little versatile cart.  I've been using mine for craft storage and it's been a dream having everything mobile and in one spot.  
Gray IKEA Raskog Cart

IKEA RASKOG cart used for craft storage


The Helmer stacked drawers is another great option for craft storage and almost came home with me on my last trip.
Ikea Helmer stacked drawers
7. EKTORP SOFA
The IKEA Ektorp sofa is the perfect affordable sofa without comprising style or comfort.  We bought the chaise version with a dark gray slipcover and it's been great for our family.  I just throw the slipcover in the wash whenever it gets dirty and it looks like new again. 
IKEA Ektorp sofa


8. THROW BLANKETS
Along with a pillow addiction, I also have a thing for throw blankets.  Not only are they useful on chilly nights, but they are perfect for adding warmth, color, and texture to a space.  

The best IKEA throw blankets
Almalie Throw / Striped Throw / Johanne Throw

IKEA has a large variety of affordable throw blankets, making them one of the best IKEA buys.  I have a few IKEA blankets in my own home, but my favorite is the black and white striped throw. 
            Must buy IKEA throw in the entryway

9. MUSKOT WHITE POTS
I love the classic white flower pots that IKEA carries.   They fit with any style decor and are perfect for displaying IKEA's faux greenery and florals.  I use them throughout my home and love giving them as gifts paired with pretty flowers. (Think teachers, neighbors, friends, etc.)

The best IKEA white plant pots

***TIP*** There is no hole in the bottom of the pot.  If you use them for real plants make sure to line the bottom with rocks for proper drainage.


10. STORAGE BOXES
Storage boxes can be expensive and add up quickly, especially if you need more than a few.  Thank goodness IKEA has the best storage boxes, baskets, and bins at super reasonable prices.

You can't get any cheaper than the five pack of IKEA's FLYT magazine file boxes.  I updated mine with simple metal label holders and added them to the top of my office lockers

Ikea magazine file boxes



11. RUGS
IKEA rugs are some of the best and most affordable I've found.  My favorite is the Stockholm, which is very similar to the rug I have in our laundry room.  The Torslev is also a great affordable option.
 IKEA Rugs are an essential for decorators
Affordable and stylish IKEA rug

12. HENRIKSDAL DINING CHAIR
The Henricksdal dining chairs are not only great for around a dining table, but I like to use them as accent chairs.  I have one IKEA dining chair in our dining room and another in our bedroom.  The Henriksdal dining chair comes in a variety of colors and the removable slipover makes them super easy to keep clean.

IKEA Henriksdale dining chair


Whether your opinion of IKEA is favorable or not, I'm sure you'll agree that any of these IKEA items would make a great addition to your home.   I always look forward to my IKEA shopping trips and already have a list of more items to buy.   What are your favorite IKEA products?



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Would you like to comment?

  1. Ikea used to have a short two shelf cart that matched the helmer drawers. I bought a red cart and two sets of red drawers. I epoxied the drawer units together and then epoxied them onto the cart (without the wheels). The drawers hold all my screws and drill bits and my drills sit on the bottom shelf of the cart. I just move the unit with me where ever it is needed. Everything is right at hand. I just love it.

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    1. That sounds like the perfect place for your drills and accessories. Great idea!

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  2. Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!! Awesome list Katie!!

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    1. Thanks girl! You really can't go wrong when it comes to IKEA :)

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    2. I love ikea. I must have their stuff in nearly every room. Their bedroom furniture is especially good value.

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  3. YES!! IKEA is my go to store for so many things! The Kallax (Expedit) shelving and the Alex drawers are wonderful for organizing my scrapbook and sewing items. I also love their artificial plants and picture frames. I could go on and on! What's not to love about IKEA?!!

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  4. Great post! I agree with every one of these must have Ikea items. My all time favourite Ikea must have are the feather pillow inserts, they are so cheap!

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  5. Ikea is great especially when you can change it up to make it look more like one of a kind!

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  6. Ikea is great especially when you can change it up to make it look more like one of a kind!

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  7. Great post! I had a trip planned to Ikea for tomorrow. With your great suggestions, it's sure to take me twice as long!

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  8. Wow, the Raskog cart only costs 29,99 USD? I saw a lot of ideas for it that I like and would love to try but the cart costs 65 EUR where I live which is about 72 USD! That's insane!

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  9. Where are the mason jars from? I love the pattern!

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    1. Thanks! I believe I got them from Hobby Lobby, but I've also seen them at Michaels.

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  10. I love IKEA also. I have one that is about 1 1/2 hrs away from us, so every so often, my sister and I make it a day trip. We have lunch there, browse around the furniture aisles, then we go downstairs where the real fun is! I love all the clever little gadgets there are and it seems that every time we go, there's one or two mystery tools and we have no idea what it's used for. Coming up with possible uses can get pretty silly after awhile. We always have a good time on our IKEA days.

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  11. I've loved IKEA since I went to one in Germany just as the first one in the States opened...and the catalog that store sent was in German! I see what I want, but things I want or need are often not available to get by mail....the feather pillows cannot be gotten via mail....and are a little loud because of the types of feathers used

    And now, ALDI has a very close version of the RASTKOG cart, for 10 dollars less.... but I do love that white metal file cabinet....

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  12. Yes i love Ikea! Off to one this weekend ! I've used the down pillow inserts for many years and many of your faves are mine as well !ill be looking at the faux plants for sure ..not something ive bought before !

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  13. I love this list! Ikea is wonderful. We use their TROFAST storage bins for our kids toys and it makes the place so much nicer. I like your idea of sprucing up the plain white boxes too. They were on sale recently and I am regretting not coming home with some!

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  14. Great list. I love every idea.

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  15. I know this is from a few years ago, but it's still so helpful! Our Ikea is a few hours away and I always forget about the little things that are so great to get there - especially the pillow inserts!

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