The Best Things to Buy at IKEA, According to a Home Editor
Add these chic decor items and practical picks to your cart.
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I love a trip to IKEA. As a home editor, I’m always on the lookout for chic decor items, practical storage solutions, and versatile furniture. Browsing the shelves of IKEA is my idea of a good time, so I’m sharing the IKEA finds worth buying. From the fan-favorite Billy Bookcase to my favorite hosting essentials, here are the items to add to your cart.
One of the things I appreciate most about IKEA is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your home feel more elevated. It’s easy to refresh a room without blowing your budget.
Like most people with kids, I’m often searching for ways to keep our space clutter-free. I frequently use IKEA items like baskets, storage boxes, and durable storage bags to corral toys, out-of-season clothes, and other miscellaneous household items. Of course, I can’t visit IKEA without also checking out stylish decor items like chic lamps, cushion covers, and colorful pots for my ever-growing plant collection.
Ahead, check out the IKEA finds worth buying online or in-store. If you’re looking for additional tips for home decor shopping, read up on the summer essentials I always buy at Costco and the HomeGoods items designers say they always buy.
I can't count the number of times I've stocked up on these durable rattan baskets. I've filled them with magazines, small kids' toys, you name it. The handwoven detail adds personality to a room, and the handles make it easy to move around a space whenever there's a need.
I'll be honest: I struggle with drinking water throughout the day. All I have to do is fill this 34-ounce glass bottle with a few sprigs of mint and lemon slices to stay hydrated. It's also a nice gesture to set one out on a nightstand for a houseguest. You can't beat it for under $5!
A sturdy stool comes in handy when you live with small children. I've purchased this one for some extra height when tooth brushing or organizing a bookshelf. It's lightweight and the raised bumps on top help prevent your kids from slipping.
If you ask me, you can never have too many planters. And if you're not one to decorate with bold colors in your home, experimenting with a planter in a daring shade is worth a try. This ribbed design would perfect in a living room, bedroom or home office.
RELATED: 20 Best Bedroom Plants to Transform Your Space Into a Cozy Sanctuary
As much as I try, there always seems to be a stack of papers (or two!) to deal with in my home. When I can't get to them right away, I rely on paperboard boxes like these. They're great for containing paper clutter and the eye-catching pattern adds a focal point to my space.
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I have a weakness for pretty glassware, and IKEA hasn't let me down on this front yet. This four-pack of tall faceted glasses looks way more expensive than it is. Keep in mind that each glass is 14 ounces.
A bath mat isn't the most exciting thing to buy, but it can make or break your bathroom. This bath mat comes in a variety of colors, so it’s easy to find one that matches your room. The latex backing helps it stay put, too.
Another area where IKEA shines is lighting. I've purchased everything from desk lamps to overhead fixtures. This battery-operated pick is next on my list. If you're not a fan of the pink and green, it's available in black and white as well.
Am I the only one who loves serving a nice, big salad in a wooden bowl? It's a go-to for me during warm-weather months, and it's so easy to prepare if you plan to have guests over. Although this pick is simple, I find it to be beautiful.
Here's another must-have for your kitchen. For just $12, you can enjoy a lovely way to display a cookbook or hold your tablet while trying out some new recipes.
This is my kind of storage bag — it's strong, roomy and transparent so you can easily see the contents inside. I like them for storing extra blankets and out-of-season clothing.
Chances are you've seen tons of hacks on social media for IKEA's popular Billy Bookcase, which you can snag in various sizes. I haven't just used them for organizing books — they've helped bring order to my collection of shoes and clothing, too. I always go with the white, but you can purchase it in several other finishes, including black and brown walnut.
If you happen to need a little extra shelving, keep it simple with this metal option. The shelves are adjustable, so you can put it to work in a pantry, bathroom or anywhere else you need storage.
RELATED: 50 Clever Kitchen Organization and Storage Ideas to Clear out the Clutter
This kids' set, crafted of pine, is popular for good reason. With more than 2,000 five-star reviews, it's just the right size for little ones to express their creativity. It's easy to assemble and wipe clean when playtime is over. We had one for a few years before passing it along to another family.
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