Whether you're looking for affordable decorative buys or timeless functional furnishings for your home decor makeover, IKEA's got them all. We pick out ten chic must-haves from the Swedish furniture giant
It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of IKEA – its functional, versatile (not to mention, cutting edge) furnishings have flooded our homes for years. The only problem? (Almost) everyone shares our love for this Swedish superstore and its budget options, resulting in generic-looking living spaces. But with help from the home decor Gods (read: Pinterest), we’ve scoured the aisles of the furniture behemoth to suss out ten of our favourite chic IKEA finds – plus a couple of clever hacks to turn your homes into unique, spiffy ones. You’re welcome.
Lappljung Ruta rug ($199)
This low pile, monochrome rug is a fave among home interior design addicts for its geometric patterns and surprising versatility. Use it as a focal point in a neutral coloured room, or if you’ve got a bold streak, layer it with other clashing printed items.
Vittsjö coffee table ($79)
This stain-resistant (hallelujah!) table is a dream to clean and assemble. Available in both black and white, the tempered glass and intersecting lines make this table a fab addition to a monochrome space. We love Classy Clutter‘s clever #hack at turning this table into a glam show-stopper.
Tarva dresser ($149 – $249)
Thanks to its simple design and unfinished wood construction, the Tarva dresser offers tonnes of customisable options. Laquer, wax or stain the wood for the look of your dreams, or let the natural wood pine age beautifully.
Docksta table ($329)
Cheat your way to designer style with this knockoff of the iconic Eero Tulip Table. At only 105 cm wide, it’s perfect for tighter spaces, with its minimalistic design surprisingly complementing a more traditional or vintage aesthetic. Major plus points for its sturdy, aluminium base and scratch-resistant luminate top.
Hektar Pendant Lamp ($139)
If our fervent trawling of home and decor sites have taught us anything, it’s to never underestimate the power of lighting. Simplicity and sophistication rule the design of the Hektar Pendant lamp. Best hung in trios, its eye-catching and industrial-looking appearance casts a cosy glow over dining rooms (great for conversation starters).
Dalfred Bar Stool ($69)
Featuring a solid birch base with an adjustable seat and foot rest for added comfort, the glossy black paint of the Dalfred bar stool is perfectly chic on its own. But if you’re looking to add a little pizzazz to your kitchen, spray the seat and the feet of the stool with gold paint and you’ve got designer-looking bar stools for a fraction of the price.
Ludde sheepskin rug ($69)
The soft and cosy sheepskin rug has been an IKEA mainstay for years now, thanks to its soil-repellent, hard-wearing traits and most importantly, luxurious appearance. Drape it over a sofa for instant glam, over a printed carpet for the layered-rug trend, or as an accent rug to bring texture into a neutral space.
Stockholm mirror ($149)
This isn’t just any ol’ circular mirror; the frame around the bottom of this smartly-designed mirror slopes out to form a little shelf for you to stow away last-minute touch-ups. We also love that the warm wood of the walnut veneer stands out against the shine of the mirror.
Lack side table ($12.90)
This deceptively simple-looking table may not inspire you at first glance, but its minimal (yet sophisticated) design and low price makes it the perfect canvas for project #hackthelack. The options are endless: add colour with a fresh coat of paint, embellish with brass corners for luxe appeal or smoosh together a couple of wooden boards to make a rustic-looking tabletop.
Kallax Shelving unit ($69-$279)
Available in multiple sizes and finishes, the affordable Kallax shelving unit was seen all over Pinterest last year, thanks to its sleek, square design and surprising versatility. Whether you’re using it as a display for your decorative knick-knacks, or a clutter-buster, the multi-tasking Kallax is a practical and chic addition to any home. We love the four-cubby Kallax unit as a chic nightstand or laid low in the living room with artfully arranged coffee table books, florals and glassware.