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There is a special kind of joy we feel when we’re talking to a designer about a home and they reveal something in the space is from IKEA. The Swedish retailer carries thousands of products, so to know a pro has weeded through the stock and found something they’re obsessed with—a wood drafting desk, a corduroy sofa, a retro-looking lamp—makes us feel like it is in fact possible to design a superchic home on a budget. Unable to wait until the next time we stumble across a genius IKEA find in one of their projects, we asked 17 designers to share the best thing they ever bought at the big-box store.
Vittsjo Shelf Unit
The best purchase I ever made from IKEA has to be a pair of VITTSJÖ shelf units. They were an incredible option for my first apartment. I used them to store everything from books and dinnerware to picture frames. When my husband and I later bought our house, they transitioned seamlessly into my home office, where they now hold fabric samples in neat baskets. —Nicole Forina, founder of Nicole Forina Home
Klippoxel Throw
This particular throw is a favorite because it comes in five beautifully curated colors, so it’s easy to find one that complements your palette. Best of all, it has the elevated feel of a high-end piece without the luxury price tag.. —Ellie Christopher, founder of Ellie Christopher Interior Design
Lohals Rug
We’ve come back to the LOHALS rug time and again for how it flexes to any aesthetic, provides the perfect hit of warm texture, and of course the fact that it maxes out at $159 for a 6’7 x 9’10 size! You could easily stack it with a second rug for greater impact as well. —Liz Hoekzema, cofounder and creative director of KLH Homes
Lommarp Cabinet
My favorite IKEA piece is the Lommarp in dark blue-green. The quality is great and it has a ton of functional storage. I’ve recommended it to our clients and like it so much I have it in our studio. —Kathryn Murphy, founder of Kathryn Murphy Interiors
Fjallarnika Duvet Insert
I love sourcing all my bedding inserts from IKEA. The pillows and duvets strike the perfect balance of comfort, quality, and affordability, making them an effortless choice for a well-made bed. —Emily Tucker, founder of Emily Tucker Design
Sektion Cabinets
Our studio has a few IKEA pieces, but our favorite by far is the set of three SEKTION cabinets with BILLSBRO handles. We cut a custom countertop out of Calacatta Borghini in a polished finish to complete the piece. We use these drawers to organize and keep all of our stone, porcelain, quartz, and Dekton samples. —Kimberly Oxford, founder of Kimberly Oxford Interiors
Dytag Cushion Cover
One of my favorite things to purchase from Ikea is their linen throw pillow covers. They are timeless and feel luxurious, while being a budget-friendly option. —Barrett Cooke, principal at Arterberry Cooke
Billy Bookcase
The Billy Bookcase is an enduring favorite for a reason. This staple can be transformed into a bespoke built-in that looks completely custom—just a little imagination can turn an everyday piece into something extraordinary. —Miranda Cullen, owner and principal at Inside Stories
Skadis Pegboard
This is a lifesaver for artistic kids. With all the accessories like shelves, cups, hooks, and file holders, you can create a fully functional wall system above a desk. It keeps supplies organized and turns homework or art time into something fun and intentional. —Cathryn Erickson, founder of Cathryn Lindsey Design
Kyrre Stool
I’m a huge fan of the Kyrre stacking stools. They work as stools, side tables, and even accent pieces. The fact that they stack makes them practical for small spaces; you can easily tuck them away when not in use. The birch finish is neutral enough to fit with almost any decor, and the best part is the customization potential. I love buying different African wax cloth fabrics and lacquering them onto the tops of the stools. It’s such an easy way to transform them into statement pieces. —Danielle Fennoy, founder of Revamp Interior Design
Besta Storage Units
We use them in a lot of kids’ rooms because they are so practical and can be spruced up by adding cool knobs or a top in colored plexiglass or plywood. —Annie Sullivan Cobb, cofounder of Sullivan Matthews
Havsta Storage Units
We purchased the Havsta storage system for our office material library, and with a few updates it looks like a luxe custom millwork piece. We removed our baseboard to install it wall-to-wall and updated the hardware, and it looks like it was tailor-made for our space. —Hillary Cohen, founder of HCO Interiors
Voxtorp Kitchen Doors
I love the Voxtorp kitchen cabinets. They have a clean and modern look that has integrated handles for ease. You can then add in some custom flourishes to make the kitchen look more luxe without breaking the bank. I’ve used them in client projects and even my own lake cottage. The matte finish softens the modern lines and is the perfect addition to the surf-shack-chic vibe. —Sam Sacks, founder of Sam Sacks Design
Sortso Rug
I love these small flat-weave rugs. In my house, they serve as bath mats and entryway mats (they are good for putting out by the front door for wet boots in the wintertime). —Anna Kroesser, cofounder of Kroesser + Strat Design
Stockholm Mirror
IKEA has the best large entry mirror in ash. It’s so beautiful and looks high-end. —Leigh Jendrusina, founder of Salthouse Collective
Kallax Shelving
I bought the Kallax unit for my home office and sample library. It fits perfectly in the space, and with the addition of storage boxes, it keeps my samples well organized and easy to access. —Aimee Meisgeier, founder of AM Interior Design
Sinnerlig Pendant Lamp
The best thing I ever bought at IKEA would actually be a whole category of items: pendant lighting. You can’t go wrong with the classic Sinnerlig pendant. That light is a designer staple for a reason. It’s versatile enough to go in almost any style of room, but bold enough to make a statement. —Amber Sokolowski, founder of Soko Design