IKEA

[msu17 0]

All our furniture is IKEA (but we're young and have puppies, so I'm not spending more on better stuff...). Like everyone has said, go and check it out at the store. We have a few tables that aren't very well made (but super cheap!). Our dining room table is super cheap, all wood and very sturdy, so I am happy with that. I really like their beds, though one of ours has an odd creak I've been meaning to fix. My friends have the same bed though and no creak for them... Their kids stuff is SO cute. I am definitely going to look there when we have kids. Basically go look at the construction before you buy. Typically you get the quality you pay for there (higher price -> better durability etc)

[Dr. Obvious 49]

*sigh* I miss Ikea, there isn't one here in North Carolina. I love their gadgets and and stuff. I love their votive candle holders 4 for $2 and their spice jars, 4 for $2. Great prices!

Their website says that they are planning construction in Charlotte, so maybe soon.

[Leafgal 3]

Our closest one is about 3 hours away. I haven't been yet, but soon I am sure I will have to

[chri'stina 190]

We finally have an IKEA in Florida now, in Orlando. Before that the closest one for me was Atlanta! In December after it opened, I went there and got tons of fun stuff for the baby's room...blanket, stuffed animals, room decor, etc. I haven't bought furniture from there, mostly decor and kitchen stuff. I would buy a dining room table and chairs from there if I needed a set.

Edited April 13, 2008 by stina&suj

[melusine 5]

i am a ikea fan !!!!!!!

Personally i would say their furniture are tough for a while for sure !

I am not fan of their couch and bedframes.

But for everything else...hell yeah !

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

When I lived in Russia, we bought a lot from Ikea. I have only one item here in the US from Ikea. It's really like anywhere. Some is good and some not so. Just have a good hard look at the display item to get a good feel for the quality.

[nin 1]

While we don't have any furniture from IKEA (brings back memories of dorm life and wet 'put furniture together and see how many spare pieces we end up with in the end' parties, I never miss a visit to the candy section in the food shop... Mmm-arabou! =D

[sereia 0]

I used to have my entire bedroom set from Ikea when I was in high school. Though cute and modern...the minute I graduated and decided to move around a few times, with each move, taking apart certain things, and putting them back together (especially the bed) made it all shot to hell! But if you aren't moving anywhere anytime soon...I think they are a nice, cheap alternative. I personally would never buy from them again though.

[eekee 182]

In Russia Ikea is definitely the best deal. Most sets on tv shows are all ikea.

i like it here too... i've had a futon, a dresser, a folding table, three chairs, a tv stand, kitchenware... i'm a bit obsessed with ikea. it's really fun to go there. they also have really cute bedding. i have a kids' coral reef duvet cover.

As far as quality... i think it is pretty good for what you pay. sure, it's not heirloom stuff, but there's a lot of variety and fun colors.

When I lived in Russia, we bought a lot from Ikea. I have only one item here in the US from Ikea. It's really like anywhere. Some is good and some not so. Just have a good hard look at the display item to get a good feel for the quality.

[wizardfitz 13]

i have had several different things from ikea. beds, bookcases and tables. I'm in Indiana, the closest is outside Chicago. i have been to the ones in long island and jersey when i lived in NY. i find it to be pretty good quality. my only thing was there are no real directions, just pictures. that confused me

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

It's not the best stuff but it's better that walmart stuff. Pretty easy to put together too.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I have mixed feelings about IKEA. (The husband and I just went there yesterday, so it's fresh in my mind!) The sheer amount of stuff they have is impressive but overwhelming. The pricier stuff, of which there is plenty, is quite good quality, but the cheap stuff is really cheap. Like, really cheap. You do get what you pay for there.

As others have said, you really need to go to the store and see for yourself. They do a great job with the displays, making really cheap furniture set-ups look sophisticated and cool. But nothing replaces being able to sit on a couch or chair, or see just how flimsy a $50 table is (and by the same token, how much more substantial and sturdy a $150 table is).

I do find the IKEA experience exhausting. Because the emphasis is on the do-it-yourself aspect of things, to include locating the box in the warehouse area and getting it to your car, arranging delivery and/or assembly can be a project, and expensive. We bought a couch at the Tempe (AZ) IKEA a couple of years ago and were delighted that we could get it delivered for $30. Now, delivery is much more expensive to the point where you're better off renting a truck. This is in contrast to most other furniture stores that have easier and often cheaper delivery and assembly schemes. And as mentioned, not all IKEA stuff is cheap. And once you get the damn thing to your house, you still have to put it together.

My personal opinion, based completely on my own experience with IKEA, is that if you're going to spend, say, $1000-$1300 on a couch (IKEA does sell couches in this price range), you're better off going to a different store and having delivery included in the price.

Ramble, ramble

The "marketplace" is really fun, I have to admit. And I don't know too many places where you can get a groovy green desk lamp for $7, or a bag of tea lights for $3, etc. It's worth the trip, but I'd beware of the really inexpensive stuff. Some of it is #######.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

i have had several different things from ikea. beds, bookcases and tables. I'm in Indiana, the closest is outside Chicago. i have been to the ones in long island and jersey when i lived in NY. i find it to be pretty good quality. my only thing was there are no real directions, just pictures. that confused me

They just opened one in Cincinnati (West Chester...think) which is closer to Indy than Chicago, but still about 1.5 hour drive.

I think the pictures are because they are too lazy in print out the instructions in a gazillion languages.

[Dan J 277]

IKEA hacker

[Sheriff Uling 3]

IKEA Rocks. As some have written, their accessories are great. However, if I'm not mistakened, all of the furniture that contains wood is actually compressed wood. You really want to check it out what you are considering purchasing, but the majority of it is pretty good interim furniture. We own some ikea furniture. Cheers!!!