Author Topic: What to buy at Ikea?  (Read 17503 times)

Trying to get this right

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 42
  • Age: 37
  • Location: HNL, HI
What to buy at Ikea?
« on: November 09, 2014, 12:32:50 PM »
Hello!

I will be visiting an Ikea in a week and we don't have one in our hometown.  Any recommendations on anything worthy of purchasing?

I will be flying home, so it needs to fit in a check in, but I'm totally open to hearing if any of their smaller products works well. 

Thanks!  Looking forward to hearing suggestions!

Janie

  • Guest
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2014, 01:18:12 PM »
If you don't already need something, I'd give it a pass.

frugaliknowit

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1686
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2014, 02:34:12 PM »
Mostly c-x-x-p.  Good for dorm rooms.

Lyngi

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 219
  • Age: 54
  • Location: USA
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2014, 03:02:21 PM »
Variera-  an fold up-expandable  pot lid holder.   Comes in a little box:  4x6x1inch.  I use it to store my glass casserole dishes-upright.  You could use it for cookie sheets, fry pans and lids.  On the wall. 

Ordning-flatware caddy.  I keep mine in the sink to corral flatware.  When it gets nasty, it goes in the dishwasher too.  Hasn't rusted or stained my sink

Tekla dish towels. 

Primm

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1317
  • Age: 55
  • Location: Australia
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2014, 03:08:54 PM »
Sign up for their loyalty card online before you go (free). Wander through the store and marvel at the excessive amount of shit you can buy. Things you don't need, and things you didn't even know existed.

Stop at the cafeteria on the way out and pick up the free coffee on your loyalty card. Walk away.

Seriously, Ikea is awesome if you need something, but if you don't, why would you buy something just to say you did?

Jesus Christ

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 44
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Wilmington, NC
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2014, 05:25:52 PM »
I would save your money and find something fun to do instead. If you need furniture look for solid wood on craigslist and wait for a steal of a deal. Or wait til grandma or your aunt start to unload the house.

sol

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8433
  • Age: 47
  • Location: Pacific Northwest
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2014, 05:35:27 PM »
The creatively named PRODUKT is pretty handy for frothy milk, if you're into froofy coffee beverages.  At $2.50 it pays for itself with very first latte you make for yourself instead of buying from starbucks.

surfhb

  • Guest
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2014, 05:35:53 PM »
I would save your money and find something fun to do instead. If you need furniture look for solid wood on craigslist and wait for a steal of a deal. Or wait til grandma or your aunt start to unload the house.

Listen to the word of Jesus

Their stuff is cheap crap.   Look on CL is you really want to pick up deals on quality stuff.....patience is key

MMMdude

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 322
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2014, 06:00:08 PM »
Not a huge Ikea fan but we are actuall going to be buying our next mattress there in the next few days.  Their mattresses really seem to get mixed reviews BUT they are extremely well priced for their foam/latex options so we are going to give them a try.  Our mattress is 15 years old so really anything new will feel like heaven lol

sol

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8433
  • Age: 47
  • Location: Pacific Northwest
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2014, 06:14:42 PM »
Their stuff is cheap crap.

I find this attitude somewhat confusing, despite how widespread it is.  What's wrong with Ikea furniture?

It's not trying to be handcrafted hardwood heirlooms.  It's inexpensive because it's mass produced by machine, but it's functional and well designed and there's no reason for it not be as durable as anything else you own, if you take care of it.

A Toyota Corolla isn't made with the same materials or craftsmanship as a Rolls Royce, but they will both do 90 mph on the freeway.  Is the Toyota an inferior product?  Is the Rolls just conspicuous consumption?  Why is furniture any different?

I see utility in items at a wide variety of price points.  Ikea's furniture isn't as nice as a luxury bedroom set from Macy's but it sure is more cost effective and it will technically perform the same function.  Why is this community, normally so keen on recognizing efficiencies and good deals, so down on Ikea?

Russ

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2211
  • Age: 32
  • Location: Boulder, CO
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #10 on: November 09, 2014, 06:22:12 PM »
If you don't need anything, don't buy anything.

but if you need a table, their solid wood tabletop plus aftermarket legs is ballin' on a budget. With its modularity and ease of refinishing, I imagine I will have it forever.

I also have their kettle since it was the only one I could find that didn't have some shitty hinged thing on the spout.

MayDay

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4953
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #11 on: November 09, 2014, 06:31:17 PM »
I love their baggy clips, in the kitchen department. For closing up cereal bags, chip bags, etc. I've never seen them cheaper anywhere.

Ikea has the cheapest 100% cotton duvet covers I've ever seen, also.

I have been wishing for an expidit (now renamed) for awhile, for misc living room storage (toys/board games/bold/knick knacks) but we found a free shelf on the side of the road so I'm living with it.

I might buy one of their platform beds once we decide for sure if we're doing king or queen for the rest of our lives.

happyfeet

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 191
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2014, 06:43:48 PM »
I like the black picture frames that come with a matte.  They look expensive and are very reasonable.  Come in many sizes.


iris lily

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5671
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2014, 06:46:31 PM »
It's junk. I was in one for the first time just a few months ago.

I did buy a set of sheets, 100% cotton. They are ok.

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22319
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2014, 06:52:12 PM »
Oh, how I hate Ikea! I make a point of avoiding them always. Having said that, I just bought two Kallax bookcases last week. I'm happy to say that I bought them from Craigslist and paid under half of the Ikea price. They are a temporary (2-5 year) solution. When I'm done, I'll resell them for about what I paid for them. My advice, browse their website and find something better to do with your time while you're away.

TheThirstyStag

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 303
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #15 on: November 09, 2014, 07:16:55 PM »
Might be random depending on your needs, but I found their curtains and curtain rods/mounting hardware to be unbelievable for the price in comparison to offerings at traditional retailers. 

Lyngi

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 219
  • Age: 54
  • Location: USA
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #16 on: November 09, 2014, 08:02:33 PM »
I thought of something else----Fintorp magnetic knife rack!!  I was picking up the house tonight, and all the little metal thingies end up on it.  I use it for bobby pins, tweezers, nail scissors, hair clips.   Could go in the garage.  By the entry for keys.
   

lpep

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 285
  • Location: Hanoi, VN
    • My MMM journal
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #17 on: November 09, 2014, 08:11:54 PM »
Wow! So much IKEA hate. Yeah, it's probably not a "buy it for life" kind of place... but going there is so FUN! Imagine your future Scandinavian lifestyle, eating Swedish fish while relaxing on your Blergg. Enjoy the trip. You're not going to go nuts buying things anyway, since you're flying, so what's the harm?

If you enjoy cooking: http://www.thekitchn.com/15-classic-inexpensive-kitchen-tools-to-buy-at-ikea-shopping-guides-from-the-kitchn-202678#_

Read the comments, too. People love them dish towels.

This cutting board might be the best $10 I've ever spent: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30087148/

« Last Edit: November 09, 2014, 08:17:55 PM by lpep »

coffeehound

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 88
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #18 on: November 09, 2014, 08:29:51 PM »
Laundry drying rack.  I've had the some one for 7 years - it holds an incredible amount of clothing, and it's quite stable and sturdy.

bugbaby

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 386
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #19 on: November 09, 2014, 08:43:07 PM »
1. The scarf hanger made of circles covered with knit - amazing, you'll love me for suggesting.   2. Living room pillow covers. 3. Towel hanging pegs and racks 4. Stainless steel pots

sol

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8433
  • Age: 47
  • Location: Pacific Northwest
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #20 on: November 09, 2014, 08:52:58 PM »
A few years back I bought a cube of tiny tea lights (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50097995/) for putting inside of carved pumpkins at Halloween.  At 4 cents per candle, they're hard to beat.

Will

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 798
  • Location: Vancouver, WA
  • What the deuce?!?!?
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #21 on: November 09, 2014, 09:07:03 PM »
While it certainly won't fit in your suitcase or carryon, the Hemnes Sofa Table is solid wood and a very nice piece of furniture.  http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00251809/

Goldielocks

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7062
  • Location: BC
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #22 on: November 09, 2014, 09:19:20 PM »
+1 for grater and container

I have had my wood dish rack for 23 years.  Likewise the white dishes I bought at the same time still do not show scratches and tend to not break.  Held up better than many other sets I have tried to add to them. 

Poang chair

Bought the wardrope "pants hanger" that pulls out like a shelf. Put in exististing closet under a shelf.  Amazing thing.  Have not seen anything similar elsewhere.

Nice affordable lunch.


PhysicsCat

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 25
  • Location: Atlanta, Ga
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #23 on: November 09, 2014, 09:26:53 PM »
I have a lot of Ikea furniture and stuff. It was great while in college. Most of the furniture I've bought from them, well the best way to describe is that it spreads, so I've gone back and gorilla glued all the drawer units together and I've had to apply brackets to the Malm bed to keep it from spreading and dropping the mattress.

I really like the Poang chairs and their cutting boards. If you get the chair, check the bolts every now and then, they like to come loose. Or snap entirely.


On a side note: I have hardware issues. Screws always get stripped. Bolts will break. I almost enjoy going into HD and asking for screws that aren't going to fall apart when I use them.

DecD

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 298
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #24 on: November 09, 2014, 09:32:34 PM »
It's not Ethan Allan, but it's not trying to be.  I have a little kitchen table + 4 chairs I bought in 2001 from ikea. It's been through 5 moves, has been demoted to office desk, but is still going strong.  Perhaps I should pat myself on the back that I can assemble furniture effectively!!  That little table was a great buy, i think i paid less that $100 for the set.  Three of the chairs now sit around our homemade chess table, the other sits in the office with the table.

Anyway, ikea is not all garbage.  Be selective.  Only buy what you need.  Follow the instructions carefully.  I have several things from there that I enjoy.

Mother Fussbudget

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 839
  • Age: 62
  • Location: Indianapolis, IN
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #25 on: November 10, 2014, 09:19:23 AM »
A few years back I bought a cube of tiny tea lights (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50097995/) for putting inside of carved pumpkins at Halloween.  At 4 cents per candle, they're hard to beat.
+1.  I use these for inexpensive mustachian heat - GLIMMA - 100 count - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50097995/
You can do your own clay pot / tea light heat 'science experiment'.  I'm trying several nested pots attached to a steel rod hanging from the largest inner pot - all parts (except the spare bolt from the toolbox) purchased at Goodwill for under $10.

NCGal

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 138
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #26 on: November 10, 2014, 12:35:51 PM »
I love these jars:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70227986/
I have three in different sizes I keep out on a counter with different pastas. And I have more of the smaller one I keep inside my cabinets for couscous, rice, etc. They're cheap and the spring holds up well. I've had them for years.

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22319
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #27 on: November 10, 2014, 12:51:05 PM »
Wow! So much IKEA hate. Yeah, it's probably not a "buy it for life" kind of place... but going there is so FUN! Imagine your future Scandinavian lifestyle, eating Swedish fish while relaxing on your Blergg. Enjoy the trip. You're not going to go nuts buying things anyway, since you're flying, so what's the harm?

If you enjoy cooking: http://www.thekitchn.com/15-classic-inexpensive-kitchen-tools-to-buy-at-ikea-shopping-guides-from-the-kitchn-202678#_

Read the comments, too. People love them dish towels.

This cutting board might be the best $10 I've ever spent: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30087148/
I wouldn't characterize it as Ikea hate (even though I used that very word). I'd call it I-hate-shopping-for-unnecessary-crap-and-paying-retail-for-it-anywhere or something like that. Admitting you find shopping "FUN" is probably a minority opinion around here. Just sayin', not hatin'. There is no harm, until you buy something you don't need. If the OP made a pilgrimage to Ikea and left with nothing but memories, that would be far more impressive.

sheepstache

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2417
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #28 on: November 10, 2014, 01:24:44 PM »
I like the black picture frames that come with a matte.  They look expensive and are very reasonable.  Come in many sizes.

I agree with the responses that if you need to ask what to buy then you don't need anything. However, I also was going to mention picture frames. They're normally so expensive that I don't bother but Ikea's are cheap and I feel like such an adult having framed pictures. Also agree about kitchenware. Just walk through the whole section.

Another thing Ikea is great for is simply ideas about space usage. Bring a pad and pencil and sketch layouts and storage solutions that you like as you walk through the display floors. You may find there are ideas you can implement in your home with things you already own.

partgypsy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5207
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #29 on: November 10, 2014, 01:57:25 PM »
If you are flying you are going to have limited space. My kids have one of their lamps that is called Lappan, which is great for a light and only costs $5. They fight over where it should be located; I wish I got 2.
I also wished I picked up one of their adjustable led lamps, either clamp or lampstyle, to place above their wardrobe  for lighting when they are picking out clothes.  I would also buy the stick on mirrors so they can have a mirror inside their wadrobes for checking themselves.

I will have to disagree about Ikea. With only a couple exceptions, we went through a long period of time using only hand me downs, thrift, or doing without. It was a sheer pleasure and luxury the first time we went to ikea and pick out furniture of our own, that was new, and actually fit the space/function it was meant to for the room. We have a poang chair in our bedroom and it is very comfortable. The lack tables are very useful too (but too big for a suitcase).
Don't just buy things to buy things. Buy things because you have been looking for months and cannot find a very specific thing on the secondary market, and you know the dimensions etc it needs to be. As for frames I've never had problems getting all the frames I needed from thrift stores (may need to throw out some artwork to use).
« Last Edit: November 10, 2014, 01:59:30 PM by partgypsy »

Gerard

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1570
  • Location: eastern canada
    • Optimacheap
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #30 on: November 10, 2014, 05:32:21 PM »
The 365+ stock pot with lid is big enough for batch cooking, but has a heavy enough base for proper cooking.

I also like their small cheap vases. Some look like little milk bottles, and others a bit like bumpy chemistry-class things. A buck each. Use them as vases (duh) or wine carafes.

The table legs (adils?) that you screw into a table top are decent, and really cheap (under five bucks). Handy if you can get/make your own table top.

RichMoose

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 965
  • Location: Alberta
  • RiskManagement
    • The Rich Moose | A Better Canadian Finance Blog
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #31 on: November 10, 2014, 11:54:44 PM »
LED or halogen light bulbs. They are well-priced for my area.
Cork HEAT trivet are good.
Measuring cups / spoons.
Duvet's and hypoallergenic pillows.
Wooden hangers.

bluecheeze

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 114
  • Age: 36
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #32 on: November 11, 2014, 01:13:37 AM »
Resealable glass bottles that we use for home wine making.
16 bottles= 5gal of wine (one batch for us).

They are clear and air tight.  Work great for a few bucks each.

Cookie

  • Guest
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #33 on: November 11, 2014, 02:29:40 AM »
I like ikea, yes a lot of the furniture is particle board but they have some great things too. I love their mattresses because I like a former mattress and haven't found a better price for the same quality. I have a metal frame bed which will last for a very long time. I also get glass water jugs from there and they are by far the best price. I also have the wire curtain rod and love it. Though, I wouldn't go there if all you can get is carry on stuff.

lsaurus

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 22
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #34 on: November 11, 2014, 07:33:08 AM »
Ikea's pressa octopus, it's perfect for air drying panties and socks.

HairyUpperLip

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 893
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #35 on: November 11, 2014, 08:16:57 AM »
If you have to buy something, get this item..... It's only $2 and useful....

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80010222/



HairyUpperLip

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 893
Re: What to buy at Ikea?
« Reply #36 on: November 11, 2014, 08:17:21 AM »

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!