In the world of furniture, not all IKEA products are created equal! If you’re looking for expert advice on what items to buy or avoid, then you’re in luck. Architect and interior designer, Daniel Titchener, has put together a comprehensive list of the top 10 IKEA products to consider or steer clear of in 2023. With his highly opinionated perspective and years of experience, he offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. From the most comfortable sofas to the most practical storage solutions, Daniel covers it all. So, whether you’re redecorating your living room or looking for functional office furniture, his video is the ultimate guide you need to navigate through the vast IKEA product range. Don’t miss out on his expert tips and recommendations to ensure you get the most out of your budget and create a stylish and functional space.
Section 1: Introduction
Welcome to this comprehensive article on the best IKEA products to buy and avoid in 2023! As a highly opinionated designer, I have picked out the top 10 IKEA products that I believe are worth investing in, as well as some products that I would recommend avoiding. Whether you’re looking for stylish and affordable furniture or trying to stay away from certain items, this guide will help you make informed decisions. So, let’s dive in and discover the best and worst of IKEA!
Section 2: Best IKEA Products to Buy in 2023
Subheading 1: Sofas
When it comes to any living area, the coordinated sofas are the most important element. However, I would suggest avoiding the handmade, click-together sofas from IKEA as they tend to be less comfortable. Although their low price point may be tempting, I highly recommend delaying a large purchase like a sofa until you find one that you truly love and can withstand long-lasting use. The soda fabric sofas from IKEA are impressive for the price you pay, offering a contemporary designer look without the designer price tag. Another great option is the new Jatamo sofa, which closely resembles R flex’s Macchiaro sofa at a fraction of the cost, providing ample hidden storage space under the seats and incredible flexibility.
Subheading 2: Bookshelves
Bookshelves are essential for any avid reader or collector. IKEA offers a range of bookshelves, but I recommend avoiding the Iket system. While its convenient design allows for easy installation, it leaves unsightly gaps around all openings and hinges, which can be quite distracting. Instead, opt for larger and more stable units like the Lindebyn and Sandford bookshelves, which have a simpler structure and allow for better alignment.
Subheading 3: Desks
With many of us working from home now, finding a suitable desk is crucial. However, I strongly advise against choosing the handmade, French bread miller or sawmill desks from IKEA. Their design attempts to mimic a luxurious look but falls short in both comfort and stability. Instead, consider the Langfield desk, which I personally love for its structural elegance and adjustable features. Another great option is the new Flerebella desk, which combines modern aesthetics with practicality, offering adjustable height and depth.
Subheading 4: Storage Units
Clutter can be a major challenge in any home. While IKEA is known for its incredible value in storage solutions, I must express my dislike for the Lannis Spilar cup holder. It raises the question of how likely you are to spill a drink sitting in an unstable holder attached to your desk instead of simply keeping it on the desk itself. The Odga storage units are also a product to avoid, as they lack the weight and durability expected from a sturdy piece of furniture. Instead, go for alternatives like the Lovemann storage system or Dexter sculpture, which offer sleek and high-quality designs.
Subheading 5: Office Chairs
Finding a comfortable office chair is crucial for long hours of work. Unfortunately, I recommend avoiding two chairs from IKEA: the Heart and Miller chairs. The Heart chair, being a classic IKEA product, is well-known but lacks the design and ergonomic features that make a chair truly great. On the other hand, the Miller chair has a simple cylindrical shade that I find boring and uninspiring. Instead, consider the Lindbein chair, which offers a sleek and timeless design with adjustable headrest and lumbar support, or the new Sipel Altunar chair, which provides a modern and comfortable alternative to the popular Markus and Jara chairs.
Subheading 6: Rugs
A Swedish rug is a great way to add warmth and charm to any home. However, there are three types of rugs from IKEA that I would recommend avoiding: the Rehana, Hillister, and Tangerum rugs. These rugs are all bold and vibrant, which might not suit everyone’s taste. Additionally, IKEA’s colorful and patterned rugs are notoriously difficult to get right, even for experienced interior designers. If you’re looking for a statement piece, I recommend opting for something with a genuine designer look like the Merit or Prestige rugs. However, if you prefer a simpler or more modest interior design, IKEA does offer some options like the Lindeboden and Sandfarna rugs, which come in various shapes, sizes, and solid colors.
Subheading 7: Mirrors
Mirrors can be a great way to make your home look more spacious and inviting. While I love the elegance of IKEA’s large circular mirrors, I can’t help but point out the design flaw in the Stockholm and Dörrarna mirrors. The integration of the shelf at the bottom of the frame often becomes a magnet for dust and fingerprints, and it doesn’t effectively prevent your belongings from falling off the mirror itself. Instead, consider the Lindben, Sandfern, and Wenjie mirrors, which offer simplicity in design without compromising on quality. They are also more budget-friendly options.
Subheading 8: Dining Chairs
Dining chairs may often be overlooked in furniture budgets due to their relatively low price compared to other items. However, I recommend avoiding the Pine Stefan dining chairs from IKEA. Despite their solid wood construction, they lack the sturdiness one would expect from a traditional-style chair. The Stefan chairs can feel cheap and wobbly, and the completely flat seat can be uncomfortably hard. You may end up spending more on seat cushions to address this issue, only to eventually search for a higher-quality replacement. Instead, consider alternatives like the Lizabo or Raninge chairs, which offer a solid birch frame and a stylish, mid-century modern design at a slightly higher price point.
Subheading 9: Dining Tables
Dining tables are the centerpiece of any dining room, and IKEA offers a variety of options to suit different styles and budgets. However, I recommend avoiding the Odga range. With their nursery-like appearance, they may not be the best choice in terms of value for money. Instead, I suggest considering the Echena collection, which features sturdy birch frames and a sleek and timeless mid-century modern design. This collection provides a creative option for creating a more social and versatile dining space.
Subheading 10: Lighting
Lastly, let’s talk about lighting. IKEA has recently expanded its range to include office lighting and organizational options, which is quite logical considering the growing number of people working from home. However, two lighting products from IKEA that I recommend avoiding are the Heart and Miller lamps. The Heart lamp, being a classic IKEA product, is instantly recognizable and priced accordingly, but it lacks the modern and high-quality aesthetics that I prefer. Similarly, the Miller lamp’s simple cylindrical shade falls short in terms of design inspiration and adjustability. If you can afford it, I highly recommend exploring options like the Loveman advert light or the Dexter sculpture lamp, both of which offer greater contemporary beauty and higher quality.
Section 3: IKEA Products to Avoid in 2023
Subheading 1: Handmade Sofas
The handmade sofas at IKEA, particularly the French bread miller and sawmill sofas, are not as comfortable or stable as one would expect. Their attempts at mimicking a high-end look fall short, making them appear cheap and inconsistent upon closer inspection.
Subheading 2: Cup Holders
The Lannis Spilar cup holder from IKEA may seem convenient, but it raises concerns about the stability of the drink holder and the possibility of spills. It is advisable to keep your drink on the desk itself instead.
Subheading 3: Bold-Colored Rugs
IKEA’s Rehana, Hillister, and Tangerum rugs are bold and vibrant, but they may not fit everyone’s taste. Additionally, colorful and patterned rugs from IKEA can be challenging to incorporate into your design and may require careful consideration.
Subheading 4: Heart and Miller Lamps
While the Heart lamp is a classic IKEA product, it lacks the design and aesthetics that make a lamp truly exceptional. Similarly, the Miller lamp’s simple cylindrical shade fails to impress, especially considering its price point.
Subheading 5: Pine Stefan Dining Chairs
The Pine Stefan dining chairs from IKEA, despite their solid wood construction, lack the expected durability and stability of a traditional-style chair. The flat seat can also be uncomfortable, potentially requiring additional expenses for cushions.
Subheading 6: Odga Dining Chairs
The Odga dining chairs from IKEA have a nursery-like appearance and may not offer the best value for money. Consider alternatives like the Lizabo or Raninge chairs for a more stylish and comfortable dining experience.
Section 4: Conclusion
In conclusion, IKEA offers a wide range of products that cater to diverse tastes and budgets. While there are some standout items that provide excellent value for money, such as the soda fabric sofas and Echena dining collection, it is essential to be mindful of certain products that may not meet your expectations in terms of comfort, stability, or design. By considering the recommendations and alternatives provided in this article, you can make informed decisions when shopping at IKEA in 2023. Remember to prioritize your personal preferences and carefully evaluate each item’s quality, aesthetics, and functionality. Happy shopping!
Here are some suggestions for you when it comes to buying or avoiding IKEA products in 2023, from a highly opinionated architect’s perspective. Brace yourself!
???? Get my desktop wallpapers: You can find some of my exclusive desktop wallpapers by following this link.
???? Apply to be featured in my Architect Redesigns series: If you’re interested in being featured in my Architect Redesigns series, click here to apply.
⚙ My recommendations and gear: Discover some of my top recommendations and favorite gear by checking out this link.
▶ Support my channel: If you enjoy my content and would like to support my channel, you can do so by following this link.
???? Where I get my music: Want to know where I find the great music for my videos? Click here to find out.
???? Find me on Instagram: Follow me on Instagram to stay up-to-date with my latest projects and designs. You can find me at @danieltitchener.
???? Find me on Twitter: Connect with me on Twitter for news, updates, and insights. My handle is @dantitchener.
⭐ Find me on Nebula: Discover more exclusive content on Nebula. Follow this link to find my profile.
???? I do not use Telegram: Please be aware that I do not use Telegram. Beware of impersonators in the comments section.
