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Whether you love it or hate, IKEA certainly isn't going anywhere. With its clever marketing, immersive showroom floors, and cafeteria meatballs, the Swedish flatpack chain has been a mainstay for first-time renters and modernists alike. However, a product being buzzy doesn't necessarily mean it's worth your dollars. Here are 10 IKEA products that are too good to be true (and 10 that aren't).
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1. LOTE Chest
This lightweight storage unit comes with three tiers of semi-transparent drawers and a cheap price tag. Unfortunately, the price is the best thing about this product. The cheap construction means that you'll probably be replacing your LOTE as often as the showroom floor replaces theirs.
2. MALA Felt-Tip Pens
At $6.99 for a 24 pack of pens, you're unlikely to find a better deal anywhere else...apart from the dollar store. However, you'd be better off investing a little more money in pens that last, especially if your children are aspiring artists. MALA felt-tip pens dry out so quickly that they're sometimes unusable right out of the box.
3. MALM Dresser
The MALM dresser is as much a rite of passage as a sweet sixteen party or a diploma; its roomy drawers and sleek design continue to captivate buyers. However, the MALM is also top-heavy and can be prone to falling over. While MALM is now sold with wall anchors, that seems like an awful big hassle for an item which isn't supposed to need them.
4. HASVAG Spring Mattress
Known semi-affectionately as a "camping mattress" by IKEA employees, the HASVAG mattress will leave your back hurting. Priced at $250 for a queen (a steal!) this mattress makes sleepers feel every spring and dollar spent. Thankfully, IKEA has discontinued this mattress.
5. LEGITIM Chopping Board
Like many of the products on this list, the LEGITIM is cheap, but has little else going for it. Made of thin polyethylene, this cutting board is easily scratched and gouged by knifes, which can lead to contamination. It's also so flimsy that it's bendable.
6. PRUTA Food Containers
Generally, IKEA is pretty good with storage, just not with food storage. While customers get 17 containers in a variety of sizes and shapes in a PRUTA set, they're much better off ordering a higher-quality product. With flimsy construction and poorly-fitting tops, these containers are prone to leaking.
7. HORNEN Shower Curtain Rod
The minimum requirement of a shower curtain rod is that it holds up a shower curtain, and shower curtains, by nature, are not particularly heavy items. However, the HORNEN is prone to falling down within days due to a lack of tension.
8. SAMLA Box
Anyone who's ever moved probably swears allegiance to a certain brand of storage bins, however we don't recommend the SAMLA box. While we have no complaints about the size or weight of the bin, it isn't secure at all. Rather than a snapping or folding lid, SAMLA's lid simply sits atop the box, making it susceptible to the elements and pests.
9. TRENSUM Mirror
Unless you pay extra for IKEA to construct your purchases, you're on your own for the most part. In many cases, this isn't a problem, and consumers expect to be able to build the products themselves. However, something as small as a $7 stand mirror should come pre-built. This is just ridiculous.
10. Scented Candles
IKEA's scented candles start as cheap as $0.99, but the smell disappears after being burned twice. While most of their candles have a purported burn time of 12 hours minimum, many customers don't bother to test this. We don't blame them; if we bought something just because it smelled good, we'd be peeved when that smell vanished practically overnight!
Now that we've covered some products that aren't worth your money, let's look at some that are.
1. BILLY Bookcase
The BILLY bookcase is one of IKEA's best-selling items of all time. Not only is it roomy and inexpensive, but there's a ton of variety in terms of size, shelving, glass panels, and doors. If you want even more customization, the plain white model is the perfect canvas for paint.
2. FRAKTA Bag
The FRAKTA bag isn't your average reusable bag. This is a goliath of a bag—roomy enough for bulky purchases like linens, yet strong enough for heavy grocery runs. The longlasting polypropylene is also super easy to wipe down when it comes to rain or spills.
3. RÅSKOG Utility Cart
Utility carts are well...utilitarian, acting as makeup stations, bookshelves, craft storage—you name it! The RÅSKOG cart is among the best of the best. The wheels make it easy to transport as needed, while the three tiers of storage have enough space to clean up your clutter.
4. ULLERSLEV Sheepskin
Is there's one thing that Scandinavians know, it's how to stay cozy during long winters. The ULLERSLEV sheepskin comes in two colors and provides an instant dash of hygge to any room. This sheepskin works equally well as an accent piece or a rug.
5. DJUNGELSKOG Orangutan
The big brown bear may be the most popular animal in the DJUNGELSKOG lineup, but the stuffed orangutan deserves equal acclaim. With its soft fur, adorable smile, and velcro hands, this great ape is sure to be a loyal companion. As a bonus, IKEA sells a picture book all about this endangered animal for kids who want to learn more.
6. TORKIS Laundry Basket
TORKIS is made of flexible yet durable plastic that's easy to carry. The slim handles and rounded edges won't cut into your skin, while the shape makes it easy to squeeze into tight spaces.
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7. CIRKUSTÄLT Play Tent
Okay, first of all, this play tent is absolutely adorable. CIRKULSTÄLT will keep children entertained on rainy days and provide a home for wayward stuffed animals when it's bedtime. This tent is also great for storytime!
8. STRANDMON Armchair
First introduced in the 1950s, the STRANDMON armchair is a timeless classic. This cozy wingback chair is available with or without a matching ottoman, in five different colors and patterns. Want to change it up a little bit? IKEA also sells a selection of funky fabric covers specifically designed for this chair.
9. 365+ Glasses
You don't need to splurge on fancy glassware, especially if you have kids. The 365+ set of 6 glasses won't break the bank, but they also won't break on impact. These tempered tumblers are remarkably sturdy!
10. KALLAX Shelves
KALLAX shelves are simple and versatile, serving as a vinyl shelf, shoe organizer, even room divider. Unlike other IKEA products, this shelf is actually quite sturdy. As a bonus, you can also buy baskets and organizers that are the perfect size for the cubbies.
