For many, shopping at Ikea is a rite of passage. Sign the lease on your first apartment, buy a bed at the Swedish megastore and feel a sense of pride after assembling your furniture. A few years later, swap out the budget-friendly item for a pricier pick.
But Ikea doesn’t have to be the furniture equivalent of fast fashion. Its items can last, said Pete Oyler, an associate professor of furniture design at the Rhode Island School of Design. His Ikea dressers have survived eight moves and remain in good condition. Many interior designers also have their favorites, including the eight pieces listed below.
Customers can expect consistent quality across the board. “A store that carries a single brand is not likely to have significant variations in quality,” said Pat Bowling, vice president of communications for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. However, some variables can affect longevity.
Pay attention to materials: Solid wood and metal are ideal. If you choose furniture made with particle board, handle it with extra care. About half of Ikea’s wood-based items are made with this compressed wood chip and resin composite material, which can’t be repaired if it cracks, Oyler said. For upholstered furniture, slipcovers are a plus - if they get dirty, simply toss them in the wash.
The assembly process can also impact the lifespan of your furniture. Common mistakes include using the wrong size screwdriver, which can damage parts, and inserting plastic threaded inserts into the wrong holes, which can be difficult to undo. For the best results, Oyler recommends picking up Ikea’s Trixig 15-Piece Tool Set, reading the instructions carefully and following them exactly.
Billy Bookcase
“It’s estimated that every five seconds, one of these is sold somewhere in the world,” said Abbey Stark, a home furnishing direction leader at Ikea. Interior designer Jack Lorge bought his Billy bookcase seven years ago, and it remains sturdy. “It holds up to heavy use without warping, and its simplicity allows it to blend seamlessly into a variety of styles, from modern to traditional,” he said in an email.
Ikea PS Cabinet
This boxy, lockable cabinet is both heavy-duty and lightweight. “You can move it around without an issue, and the powder-coated finish is super tough,” designer Beth R. Martin said in an email. It’s currently available in red, white and blue, though the choice of colors changes periodically based on trends, Stark said.
Hemnes Line
These coordinating pieces for the bedroom, hallway, living room and workspace are made of solid wood, which “sets them apart from most affordable furniture,” said Eric Bramlett, real estate broker and co-owner of Bramlett Residential, in an email. He has owned a Hemnes sideboard for nearly 20 years, using it as a TV cabinet and for art supply storage. “It still works perfectly - no creaking, no wobbling.” Lorge’s Hemnes dresser has also held up well after eight years and multiple moves. “It functions beautifully, with barely a scratch and drawers that glide smoothly,” he said.
Uppland Sofa
Previously known as the Ektorp, these slipcovered sofas “handle daily use exceptionally well,” said Seymen Usta, an interior design specialist and co-founder of Seus Lighting, in an email. “A client who purchased one eight years ago still raves about how the cushions retain their shape and how easy it is to refresh the look with new covers.” Bramlett’s four-year-old sofas have held up without sagging or fading. “The slipcovers are a lifesaver - they come off and wash easily,” he said.
Ivar Shelf Unit
This untreated, solid-pine shelving unit is “not flashy, but it works,” Bramlett said. He bought his Ivar 15 years ago and uses it in his home office for books, decor and collectibles. “You can add or remove shelves and paint it, and it still holds up.” For a more polished look, Oyler suggests refinishing the wood with linseed oil paint.
Poang Series Armchair
This chair, introduced in 1972, might have even been in your parents’ first apartment. “The strong yet flexible bentwood frame is the secret to its durability,” Bramlett said. “It blends in with almost any setup.” After 12 years, his Poang “still feels as sturdy and looks as clean as the day (he) brought it home.” For a fresh look, you can swap out the cushion.
Kallax Shelving Unit
“The category where no one can beat Ikea is shelves,” said Daniela Gottschalk, an interior designer with Tinzeltown, in an email. “Kallax comes in so many sizes that you can fill an entire wall Tetris-style up to the ceiling, giving you a luxurious library feel.” Certified professional organizer Darla DeMorrow, owner of HeartWork Organizing, frequently recommends the open-backed shelving to her clients. “Kallax offers a ton of storage, can be endlessly styled, is really durable and moves well,” she said in an email. To customize it, try painting it or replacing the door fronts, said Miranda Cullen, founder and principal designer of Inside Stories, in an email.
Malm Bedroom Series
This bedroom collection’s simple, sleek lines “work very well in modern and minimalist settings,” Usta said. He has incorporated the Malm bed frame into several staging projects for clients. Thanks to the under-bed storage drawer option, “it’s especially great for small rooms,” he said.
