Article by:
Carol Stevenson
IKEA might be known for dorm rooms and college apartments, but its affordable furniture is a secret weapon in the world of interior design.
Carrie, an experienced interior designer at Penny Modern, highlights IKEA's versatility in achieving a stylish yet budget-friendly home.
Here are the top IKEA pieces that designers swear by to create luxury looks without breaking the bank
1. FRIHETEN Sleeper Sofa
The FRIHETEN sleeper sofa is a favorite among designers, praised for its multifunctionality. It serves as a sofa, bed, and has storage space underneath, making it perfect for small spaces or guest rooms.
Interior designer Laura Koshel shared her experience with the sofa, noting that it has held up beautifully for over 10 years. Available in neutral colors like gray, black, and even faux leather, the FRIHETEN can fit into any home décor scheme.
Designer Tip: For a better night’s sleep, add the IKEA TOFTBO mattress topper to hide the gap between the cushions, and store it in the sofa’s built-in storage.
2. NORDEN Extendable Table
The NORDEN extendable table is a durable, real-wood piece loved by designers for its versatility.
Christina Richardson from Architectural Digest praised it as a "staple" that has remained in excellent condition for over 30 years in her Hilton Head home. It’s perfect as a dining table, workstation, or craft table, with plenty of built-in storage.
3. SÖDERHAMN Sofa Series
The SÖDERHAMN modular sofa series is another top choice for designers, offering customization options to fit any living room. With 12 different color options and fabrics ranging from neutrals to bold shades like turquoise and rust, this series is highly adaptable.
Designer Tom Scheerer highlighted IKEA’s vast selection of adaptable furniture, including the SÖDERHAMN, for its lounge-worthy appeal.
Pro Tip: Elevate the look with custom legs or pillows for a luxurious finish.
4. DOMSTEN Stool
Designers like Zoe Feldman love the DOMSTEN stool for its colorful, stackable design and practicality. Use it as a stool, side table, plant stand, or bedside table—its simplicity allows it to fit seamlessly into any room, adding a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
5. HEMNES Daybed with Drawers
The HEMNES daybed is a stylish yet practical solution for guest rooms, offering sleeping space and storage.
Victoria Sass, an interior designer, praised the daybed for its versatility, and it's perfect for homes that need both functionality and style. Plus, the real wood construction makes it easy to paint or customize.
6. KALLAX Storage Unit
The KALLAX shelving unit is beloved by designers for its simplicity and functionality. Designer Whitney Vredenburg highlighted its use for toy organization in playrooms, but its adaptability means it works well in almost any room. With customizable options like doors, drawers, and even wine racks, the KALLAX can be tailored to suit your needs.
Customization Idea: Turn your KALLAX into a chic bar cart by adding wine storage inserts.
7. HOLMSTA Armchair
For those looking for a more unique piece, the HOLMSTA armchair is a lightweight, wicker-style chair that adds a timeless, natural look to any space. Designer Victoria Sass noted that the chair ages beautifully, making it a durable and affordable seating solution.
8. BESTÅ Storage System
The BESTÅ storage system is a highly customizable and modular solution for almost any space. Designers like Sarah Sherman Samuel have used it to create media cabinets with a custom look. With a range of finishes, including wood veneers and sleek white, the BESTÅ can be tailored to fit any aesthetic.
Design Hack: Add unique legs or hardware to give the BESTÅ a completely custom, high-end look.
9. SEKTION Kitchen Cabinets
Even high-end designers like Shea McGee and Amber Lewis turn to IKEA for kitchen cabinetry. The SEKTION cabinets offer a budget-friendly base that can be paired with custom fronts for a polished, high-end finish.
With various door and drawer fronts available, from matte to gloss and wood tones, these cabinets can be customized to suit your kitchen style. Read more...
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