I made a trip to IKEA earlier in the week for drapery panels and a ceiling mount track for our guest bathroom shower curtain (I shared on stories, if you follow along). The ceiling mount shower curtain DIY, as seen in our previous bathroom, is coming to the blog soon… I promised to fully document and share the tutorial this time around, but in the meantime- being in IKEA made me think this might be an interesting post. It’s a great resource for affordable home decor and furniture, but you do have to be selective. Want to see 15 home staples I’ve bought (and continue to buy) from everyones favorite Swedish retailer? Click through!
#1 : DRAPERY PANELS
If you watched my Insta story, skip this one… otherwise, I prefer drapery panels from IKEA that are made of either 100% cotton or 100% linen (AINA is a favorite). They look high-end, are super affordable, and come in multiple lengths. My biggest tip? Avoid grommets and drapery loops… instead, stick to panels with pole pockets on the backside, then use the RIKTIG curtain hooks to pinch pleat the panels for a tailored, classic look. Look for my ceiling mount DIY coming soon, that uses the VIDGA track.
#2 : DISH TOWELS
The VARDAGEN is my favorite because again- it’s 100% linen and I love the clean, neutral look. For $3.99, I always stock up on these!
#3 : GLASSWARE
You can’t beat the classic glassware at IKEA. I’m a fan of the GODIS water glasses. They’re sleek, simple, clean, and leave room for plenty of ice… and if one breaks, a set of six only costs $4.99, so no harm done. Emmett and I are beer drinkers (we are from the Midwest, after all) and I also like the OMFATTANDE glasses. They’re a nice shape for most types of craft beer and the tapered glass allows room for a nice head of foam. We keep these chilling in the freezer so they’re ready to go!
#4 : FRAMES
It’s no secret, IKEA offers classic, clean frames at a fraction of the cost. If you’re framing your own artwork or images, the RIBBA is my go-to. Basically, IKEA offers the best white and black frames in any size you could dream of- and they even come with mats. It’s super convenient if you’re planning a grid gallery wall on a budget.
#5 : TOILET BRUSHES
This might sound odd, but IKEA sells my favorite toilet brushes. That’s not an object I want to draw attention to, but it’s necessary to keep the toilet clean. I stick to their ENUDDEN against a white background or lighter tile, and the SVARTSJON for black or darker colored tile. The simplistic shape of these brushes make them disappear, so I can focus on beautiful elements in the bathroom- like the tile and plumbing fixtures!
#6 : LIVE POTTED PLANTS
I love house plants… they add so much life, texture, and green to a home. IKEA certainly has the least expensive quality plants I’ve found- both large and small, and of all varieties. My current favorites? I’ve seen RAVENEA (a large palm), SANSEVIERIA TRIFASCIATA (a snake plant), FICUS LYRATA (a fiddle leaf fig), and plenty of succulents at my local store. Basically anytime I go into IKEA, I come out with at least one plant.
#7 : THROW BLANKETS
I always keep my eyes peeled for good blankets and throws when browsing IKEA. Again, I prefer to stick to natural materials like cotton, linen, and wool. Sometimes it’s hit or miss, but I’ve found some great throws in the past. I’m currently loving the STRIMLONN wool throw with a classy subtle herringbone pattern… and it’s 100% wool- nice and heavy!
#8 : PILLAR CANDLES
Why pillar candles, you might ask? You know I have a soft spot for decorating with these sturdy guys… if you’ve been following for a long time, you might remember the fireplace at our Ohio home stuffed to the brim with them (here’s a better image). They’re really great for creating a dramatic or romantic vignette. The FENOMEN comes as a set of 5 for only $7.99.
#9 : JUTE AREA RUGS
If you’re looking for a nice, durable, flatwoven area rug… look no further! The HELLESTED is one of my favorites and it’s great for layering. A 9 foot rug, made from 100% natural materials, with a taped edge for $149. SOLD!
#10 : WHITE DISHES
After receiving all white dishes as a wedding gift years ago from Crate & Barrel, I wanted to expand my collection and add more sizes. I found that IKEA carries basically the same white bowls, plates, etc. and decided to save money and buy additional sizes there instead. The IKEA 365+ collection has clean shapes, is a nice crisp white (that perfectly matches the C&B line), and doesn’t get more classic. If you have open shelving or glass front cabinetry in your kitchen and want a timeless, organized look… these dishes are a must! You’ll save a ton of money.
#11 : BASKETS
If I’m organizing a closet, pantry, laundry room, or mudroom, IKEA is the first place I look for baskets and bins. My favorites include the BRANAS (pictured above), SNIDAD, FLADIS, and KNIPSA.
#12 : PILLOW INSERTS
You can grab a euro size pillow insert that is down filled from IKEA for $10. That is basically unheard of. I love premium down filled pillows and I often shop for inserts at IKEA. If you like a super full cushion, I’d recommend sizing up. The FJADRAR is one I’m constantly grabbing.
#13 : FRENCH PRESS
Yes, I know… I have a fancy espresso maker that I adore, BUT- sometimes you just want to keep it simple and stick to the classic French press. The EGENTLIG looks great on the countertop and also makes an amazing cup of coffee. I’ve also given this as an easy gift, paired with quality coffee beans, and a tea towel.
#14 : OUTDOOR DINING CHAIRS
One thing I’m reallllly going to miss this spring and summer is our carport dining space. Luckily we have a great outdoor space at our new house that will work just as well (that I can’t wait to show you once the weather changes)- and you better believe we brought our outdoor dining furniture along when we moved… including six AGEN armchairs. They’ve held up really well, are comfortable, and look like they cost SO much more than they actually do.
#15 : SIMPLE TABLE
Last, but certainly not least- I have to once again profess my love for the DOCKSTA table. I had one of these in my green dining room and loved it. For $199 you’ll have a minimal, crisp white table that goes with any aesthetic. Not only is it great in a dining setting or breakfast nook, but it also makes a great workspace in an office or studio. I’ve purchased 3 of these in the past decade and it’s probably my favorite furniture piece IKEA makes.
There you have it… 15 things I buy from IKEA. If you’re planning to do any shopping this weekend, have fun! Do you have any IKEA favorites I should know about or add to my list for the next trip? Let me know in the comments below. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend! See you back here on Monday.
Peggi
February 8, 2019 at 4:33 amBecause we live in the middle of nowhere, IKEA is not really on my radar; I have been twice. (It requires a 7 hour trek to Portland.) These look like some wonderful basics. Happy Friday!!
Sarah
February 8, 2019 at 10:47 amOh no…. that’s a bummer! I think they do ship these days, so maybe that’s an option? I’m probably save a lot of money if IKEA were further away- I suppose that’s the plus side? Haha! Have a great weekend Peggi :)
Julie S
February 8, 2019 at 9:52 amThese are some of the same staples I go for at Ikea! We didn’t have great luck with the 365 dishes – our heavy Oeneida stainless silverware leaves gray scratches all over the dishes, which after much researching seems to be common with stoneware and having porcelain dishes is better. I actually replace them with very simple white Corelle these days!
Sarah
February 8, 2019 at 11:19 amThey have really great basics! The dish towels and drapery items are probably my most purchased products. I haven’t had any issues with the dishes!
Kimberly Stewart
February 8, 2019 at 12:59 pmYou are so helpful!!
Meredith
February 8, 2019 at 1:19 pmIKEA plants are survivors. As a bad plant mom, I’ve killed dozens and dozens of plants …. the only one I’ve kept alive? An ikea snake plant. I bought it for my freshman year dorm room when I started college in the Pacific Northwest. It keeps sprouting babies and has survived long periods of no light, months without water, and even being mailed from Washington state to Washington DC (ground mail).
Sarah
February 8, 2019 at 2:22 pmThey really are! I’ve neglected some IKEA plants in the past and it didn’t phase them. I used to have a giant snake plant, but it didn’t do well with our move- maybe you’ve inspired me to get another one :) xo
Kacey
February 8, 2019 at 3:26 pmI might be the only one that isn’t a fan of the RIBBA. I struggle with the non-USA sizes for art!
Sarah
February 8, 2019 at 7:44 pmThe sizes are a little tricky. I typically customize my own mats anyway, so it isn’t an issue… but I could totally see if you purchased a readymade print or something- you might have issues with the fit. I also love Michael’s for DIY framing! And Framebridge (or local shops) for custom framed work :)
KACEY WILSON
February 10, 2019 at 12:17 pmI love Michaels, too! Question, do you make your own matts for the frames? Or purchase specific sizes online?
Sarah
February 11, 2019 at 9:04 amBoth! It all depends on the frame and art.
Jeannie
February 9, 2019 at 10:09 amHi Sarah,
I just wanted to say that I really love your style and ideas and I’m always glad when I see a new post when I return from time to time to read something cool :)
thanks a lot!
xo
Jeannie
Sarah
February 11, 2019 at 9:06 amJeannie, you made my morning with the comment… THANK YOU for showing up here to follow along and read the blog from time to time :) means so much! xox
Kate
February 10, 2019 at 5:02 pmIkea has the best furniture! I absolutely love all my dressers and organizers I have gotten from there!
-Kate Christine
https://daysofkate.com
Morgan Cross
February 10, 2019 at 9:14 pmLove all of these items! Last week I picked up several of these bath towels for $10 each and now I’m thinking about replacing ALL of my bath towels with them. I love them so far! https://m2.ikea.com/us/en/p/salviken-bath-towel-white-50313225/
Sarah
February 11, 2019 at 8:59 amOohhh nice! I’ve never tried their bath towels… but I love a good classic, white bath linen :) Maybe I’ll give those a try! thanks Morgan
Kerri
February 12, 2019 at 5:12 pmI am always so happy to connect with fellow Ikea enthusiasts! Like you I have some staple go-to things I buy there, and am always on the hunt for new finds/favorites! I am very familiar with many items on your list, the curtains in particilar. They are such a great price! I would love to see how you create the pinch pleat…maybe a blog post?
I have this cushion cover and it goes with your Feb mustard yellow mood board!
https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80370163/
This throw is my new favorite, black and white stripes have my heart:
https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20373065/
I just bought a Vimle sectional and people are shocked when I say it’s from Ikea! And on that note, BEMZ is a company that makes slipcovers for Ikea furniture, so you aren’t stuck with the limited selection.
Between your post and all the helpful comments, I see a trip to Ikea in my near future!
Thanks for all the inspiration!xo
Sarah
February 13, 2019 at 9:10 amYes!! I’ll add a pinch pleat tutorial to the calendar :) Great idea Kerri! I love both of those… the throw and the cushion- so pretty! I also love and have used BEMZ in the past. Thanks so much for sharing. I also see another trip to IKEA in my near future. haha! xox