Any budget decorator knows that IKEA is a fabulously affordable one-stop shop for all things home related, but there is more to this giant retailer than meets the eye. From fan clubs to furniture hacks, here are the best ideas you should know about IKEA along with some great resources for other IKEA-related home ideas.
- Read our guide before you shop.
If you are new to IKEA or simply an inexperienced IKEA shopper, our guide to IKEA will help you navigate the store and survive – and possibly thrive in – the experience.
(Hey, I’ve heard of someone who has gotten lost there for days and had to live off of cinnamon rolls and Swedish meatballs, though that is not a bad prospect…)
- Join IKEA’s Friends & Family program.
IKEA’s membership program is free to join, and this is a great way to score even better deals on some of IKEA’s best sellers. Each month, IKEA chooses a selection of products and Friends & Family members receive discounts on these. Other benefits include free coffee or tea at IKEA restaurants, 30 extra minutes of Smaland time plus insider scoops and sneak previews.
- Shop the As-Is IKEA section first.
Many shoppers blindly walk past this small section located in every IKEA store that offers up floor samples and discontinued items along with damaged or returned goods – all at discounted prices. The As-Is room is usually located next to the checkouts, which is often the last place people go before leaving the building. Bypass the showroom wonderland and head to the As-Is section first. Who knows, you may score your item for super cheap!
- Learn your IKEA name.
Just like your Star Trek or elven name, you have a secret IKEA name reserved just for you. To discover it, head over to the Swedish Name Generator, type in your name and hit “enter.” This little tool is great fun, though it told me in my IKEA life I would be a desk. I always pictured myself as more of a pendant lamp but who am I to argue?
- If you can’t find what you want at IKEA, hack it.
There is an entire society devoted to taking IKEA furnishings, lighting, and decor and customizing it to fit their lifestyle or space. Yes, it’s pretty awesome. To see what all you can do with your IKEA stuff or to post your own hacks, visit IKEA Hackers and get ready to be inspired.
- Test your IKEA mad skills.
Think you’re an IKEA pro? Then head over to Apartment Therapy and play their fun “Spot the IKEA” game that pits you against photos of rooms and asks you to choose which items came from IKEA. (By the way, I’m “practically Scandinavian,” but I knew that anyway.) Want more? Play “IKEA or Death” to find out if that name that seems so familiar is really an IKEA item or a heavy metal band.
- Survive an IKEA kitchen remodel.
Faith, the amazing writer behind theKitchn, has survived an IKEA kitchen remodel, and she shares what she learned so you can too. And be sure to read the comments on this fabulous post. Other readers share their (mostly good) experiences too.
- Share your new IKEA kitchen or any other IKEA-inspired space.
IKEA hosts a Share Space website where you can… well, share your IKEA-infused space. Not only that, you can also be inspired by photos of other people’s IKEA filled spaces. While you are there, be sure you visit the Design by IKEA blog that features even more ideas on IKEA-based design, including some great before & after photos.
- Hang out with IKEA fans.
If you are a hardcore IKEA fan – or if you just want to learn a little more about IKEA – head on over to IKEAFANS. This is a vast website that can help you find out about all things IKEA, swap your no-longer-needed IKEA item, plan an IKEA-filled space, or even meet another IKEA-lovin’ friend.
- Read reviews before you buy.
Every time I purchase, put together, and use an IKEA furnishing, I share my experience - whether good or bad - with you! Be sure to read reviews about your favorite IKEA products before you buy.
IKEA Billy Review
IKEA Expedit Review
IKEA Kivik Review
IKEA Kvartal Review
IKEA Micke Review