IKEA furniture

I’ve owned and do own a lot of stuff from Ikea.  Overall, I’m really happy with it.  But then again, I do tend to pick the cheapest version of whatever it is I want and therefore don’t expect much.  Before it was because I was broke and now it’s because I didn’t see much point when I was just going to be getting rid of it to move to the UK. 

Right now I have the cheapie pull out love seat.  It cost $149, so seriously cheap.  I wouldn’t recommend buying this if you want it to stick around.  It’s only been about 6 months and while the fabric still looks great the sofa basically swallows you and it is hard to get up.  Also, there is a very large dent where I sit.  It’s also not terribly comfortable for me and df to sit next to each other on.  Also, if you get a mattress, don’t skimp on it. 

Ikea is okay.  Sometimes you get something that wears like iron (like the top end latex mattress we bought there a few years ago) and other times it is problematic from the beginning (the bed frame we bought in CA which with the default slats would have the slats slip down if you sat on the edge of the bed).  Some of the cheaper stuff is nice because you can customize it and not feel bad about painting, staining, applying contact paper or whatever.

With mattresses, I really suggest getting the higher end ones.  It makes a world of difference.  They are more expensive, but you won't be replacing them as often.  Some of the cheaper ones were so bad I could feel the springs in the display models when I pushed down into them with my fists.  I know that the displays get a lot of wear and tear, but they also replace them fairly frequently.  I don't see how something you expect to last 10 years should not hold up to even heavy use in a shop.

I don't know if this is standard with IKEAs but the one in Malaga, Spain has a  department where they sell slightly damaged or clearance items. There you can see the overall build quality, how thick the finish is and the materials you can't normally see.

I'm not impressed. In fact, I would have to say that what I've seen there indicates total rubbish. The top layer of finish is thin and flimsy and the insides are just soft particle board.

Of course they have different price levels and the more expensive pieces are better... but not that much better. And IKEA is not really that inexpensive. I don't think it's good value for money.

I basically furnished my apartment's living room and dining room area with IKEA furniture. I bought a coffee table, a kitchen table, and four chairs and all were very easy to put together and are still going strong after 2 years of [hard] use. I definitely recommend the furniture both because of the price and the durability!

I bought IKEA two- and three-seater couches in NJ, moved them to Wellington NZ 14 years ago, and they are still in prime condition!!

There is no IKEA at all in New Zealand, and I am excited that there is one in Newcastle, where we are relocating!

Well-designed, hard-wearing furnishings are very much to be desired, and not having to bring them from the far side of the world is wonderful!!

I've had loads of Ikea of the years and I think they are better at some things than others.

I just bought one of these:http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00098884/#/60098881

It is rock solid and I expect it to last a long time. The price is way lower than any other ottoman storage bed I could find. OK, any ottoman storage bed without the ugly faux leather headboard. 

A few months ago in London DH and I bought a Malm 6 drawer dresser from £10 off a guy who had moved it all the way from Chicago. It was a bit worse for wear, but 30 minutes and an allen key and it was good as new. We have just moved out and it has gone to a new home. Seriously, Ikea furniture is the little furniture that could.

That being said, I don't ever want to have to set foot in one ever again! 

That being said, I don't ever want to have to set foot in one ever again! 

I agree, Ikea can be SO overwhelming!

It varies a lot across the price range but I've had some pieces that are excellent. A lot depend on whether the person putting it together does it well or not.