15 Inspired Ways IKEA Is Used Across the Globe

What’s better than a trip to IKEA? A (metaphorical) trip to IKEAs around the globe. Yes, the Swedish retailer has thousands of locations scattered across the world, each boasting a slightly skewed offering of furniture, food, and can’t-miss buys. With this in mind, we perused the country-specific pages of international IKEA locations for a fresh perspective on how to use the classic pieces we all know and love—this stunning Italian bedroom being one prime example. See for yourself.

Having your storage out for the entire world to see may not exactly scream “stylish” nor is it that aesthetically pleasing. The fix? Utilizing a vibrant panel of fabric to cleverly disguise the unsightly moments of your home. See how interior stylist Ashlyn Gibson used this eye-catching cut of fabric to conceal the bedroom closet, all the while complementing the bold yet minimalist scheme of the space.

When it comes to tiny bathrooms, it’s all about making the most of the limited square footage you have with as few pieces as possible. Tricky, huh? Here’s where a versatile storage solution comes in—much like this compartmentalized piece spotted on IKEA Italy, which can house a slew of items from towels and linens to beauty and bath time essentials. Bonus points if you can squeeze in a potted plant or two in there.

Talk about a statement spot! In this inspired dining room found in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, a woven IKEA basket lends an understated yet texturally dynamic accent atop the moodier elements of the space. With the absence of the superfluous, of the few decorative pieces that do exist, the nook’s design scheme is elevated with an effortlessly chic touch.

We’re all for imparting a holiday classic with a tropical twist—case in point: this still festive spin on the snow globe from IKEA in Ireland. Simply flip a basic, lidded jar upside down, attaching a mini succulent (a faux cacti plant also works!) to the cork base. Yep, it’s easy as that.

Consider glass-door cabinets as an excuse to put your most revered trinkets, decorative accents, and potted greens on display. A well-curated shelf goes without saying, while implementing a handful of lustrous pieces can help take the set to a new level. In this beautifully decorated scene, moss-lined shelves transform an ordinary shelving unit into a real show-stopper.

The Raskog trolley is a new classic. We’ve seen the piece used in a myriad of ways: from kitchen carts to beauty carts and everything else in between. In this light-filled home office, situated in the UK, the trolley provides an ample extension for the busy workspace. Housing an array of essentials—for what we can only assume belongs to a creative—the multi-level cart fits right in with its contemporary surroundings.