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An interior designer’s favorite daytime accessory isn’t a cool pair of sunnies—it’s a Frakta bag. In between site visits and last-minute walk-throughs, you’ll find the pros scouring IKEA’s latest stock of furniture staples, seasonal accessories, and everything in-between.

If you’ve stepped foot in an IKEA over the past five months, you’ve likely succumbed to sensory overload. Every week the Swedish retailer seems to drop something new—including (but not limited to) a fresh collaboration with Tom Dixon, a table lamp that doubles as a speaker, a plethora of sustainable products by African designers, and a supreme summer collection. There’s a lot to digest, which is exactly why we asked the experts to weed out the winners.

Ahead, seven interior designers offer a sneak peek of everything that’s currently in their IKEA carts.

A Small Space-Friendly Sofa

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Delaktig Sofa, Ikea ($770)
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When Tom Dixon and IKEA’s Delaktig sofa premiered at Salone del Mobile in 2017, the modular seating arrangement sent small-space dwellers into a frenzy with its seemingly infinite configurations. “As an NYC-based designer who is used to working in small spaces I’m always on the hunt for multi-functioning furniture,” shares Emma Beryl. The piece can be used as a daybed, sofa, or divided armchairs by simply adding and removing cushions.

“I particularly love the Delaktig Sofa because the structural and modern feel of it will make it a feature piece in any space,” Beryl continues. “The flexibility of all of the different components make this a well-designed and clever piece of furniture.”

“I particularly love the Delaktig Sofa because the structural and modern feel of it will make it a feature piece in any space.”

A Pool Party-Approved Towel

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Sommar 2019 Beach Towel, Ikea ($13)
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Apparently, Scandinavians celebrate summer extra early. IKEA made a major splash this season with a retro color palette and playful prints to match. “I’m really into IKEA’s new outdoor textiles,” says Jennifer Wallenstein of September Workshop. The warm-weather buys on her shopping list? Rugs and beach towels. “They’re fun and playful, and convey the festive feel of a pool party or backyard barbeque.”

A Time-Tested Light Fixture

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Sinnerlig Pendant, Ikea ($70)
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Easily IKEA’s most popular statement light, we don’t think the Sinnerlig pendant will ever go out of style. Lisa Rossman of LL Design Co. recently hung the timeless fixture in her monochromatic office to lend texture to the workspace.

The best part of this fixture is that it’s so versatile,” says Rossman. “Woven pendants have been all the rage, but when it comes to design on a budget and the biggest bang for your buck, this pendant hits all of the marks!” For a unique look, hack the Sinnerlig by adding tassels or a fresh coat of paint. 

“When it comes to design on a budget and the biggest bang for your buck, this pendant hits all of the marks.”

A Coastal-Cool Headboard

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Delaktig Headboard, Ikea ($100)
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Like the Tom Dixon x IKEA sofa, the second collaboration—which debuted this past January—is designed to be hacked. The collection includes a bed frame with various attachments that can be easily swapped out when the room starts feeling snoozy. Andrea Shapiro of Dre Design is loving this rounded rattan headboard at the moment.

“The natural material and texture add a lot of wow to a bedroom for a great price. Just layer this up with some decorative pillows and a throw and you’re styling!” shares the designer.

A Cushy Outdoor Chair

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Havsten Chair, Ikea ($260)
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Also in Shapiro’s cart? The entire Havsten seating line. “[Call it what you want]—chair, loveseat, couch—either way, this looks like a high-end Stephen Kenn design and works indoors or out,” says the designer of the ultra-plush chair. Pick up some vintage-inspired, color-blocked pillows while you’re at it.

An Eco-Friendly Lantern

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Solvinden LED Solar-Powered Pendant Lamp, Ikea ($25)
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Set the mood for summer with an outdoor light that reflects how you feel. Erika Ward’s cheerful (and completely cordless) pick for the season will spare your energy bill—and look good doing it. “It’s a super easy and fun way to inject a celebratory spirit into any occasion,” says Ward, noting that the solar-powered lanterns are a preferred alternative to candles.

“I’m all for a vibrant party environment that’s safe for the kids and furbabies, too,” she continues. “I can also see them arranged in a group over a dinner table decked out for a summer cookout, birthday party, or even a baby shower.”

“I can see [these] arranged in a group over a dinner table decked out for a summer cookout, birthday party, or even a baby shower.”

A Festive Rug That Lasts Year ‘Round

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Sommar 2019 rug, Ikea ($30)
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SoCal designer Anita Yokota is also digging IKEA’s whimsical summer textiles. Like us, she’s already preparing for the countless hours she’ll be spending by the pool. “The striped rugs remind me of beach days by the Italian Riviera where the striped umbrellas dot the sea,” she says. 

A Breezy Accent Chair

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Buskbo Armchair, Ikea ($130)
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Nothing screams “pass me a chilled glass of lemonade” like rattan. “I love this light and airy bamboo chair—I’m partial to natural materials, and rattan mixes well with many styles,” shares Heather Bullard. Come fall, all you have to do is cozy it up with a few throw blankets. Its nest-like silhouette will do the rest.

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