You all might be getting tired of my IKEA enthusiasm, but I can’t stop. I really believe in making great decor accessible to everyone and IKEA does that. And even if you can afford to spend more on decor, sometimes it’s nice to save those dollars for a family trip, or dance lessons, or something else that’s important to you. You don’t have to sacrifice style when shopping at IKEA, and many of their items look more expensive than they are. That’s why I created this post, 21 IKEA Finds That Look Expensive. Here I share some old favourites and some brand new releases that have that high-end look for a fraction of the cost. At the end of this post, you can see how I styled some of these items in my own home. I recently shared my IKEA hack, DIY Rustic Vase from an Inexpensive IKEA glass vase.
*This post contains affiliate links. All product images are from IKEA.com
Furniture
Farlov Sofa
The Farlov sofa is a favourite of designers for its clean modern look, gracefully sloped arms, and slipcovered style. It comes in several colours and is available as a sofa, sofabed, loveseat, or chair.
Buskbo Rattan Armchair with Cushion
The Buskbo chair has beautiful Scandinavian styling and the natural rattan adds a tropical feel to any space. The beautiful details and smooth finish give this piece its high-end look. Amazon has a good alternative to this chair here for those of you that don’t live near an IKEA store.
Solleron Modular Corner Sofa (outdoor)
Outdoor sofas can be so expensive, especially ones with built-in storage like this one from IKEA. The clean lines and creamy plump cushions will freshen up and modernize an outdoor living area.
Henricksdal Slipcovered Dining Chair
The price of these floor-length slipcovered dining chairs is unbeatable and they are incredibly versatile. Use them in the kitchen, dining room, or even as an office chair. Slipcovered furniture tends to be more expensive than upholstered furniture, but this IKEA version is very affordable.
Balstar Chair (Black-Blue)
If you prefer a more modern dining chair, then the Balstar chair is a great option. It has midcentury modern detailing and the upholstery colour and wood tone are sophisticated and high-end looking. If you’re looking for a set of four or six modern dining chairs at a great price, Amazon has a very similar option here at a fraction of the price.
Langfjall Office Chair With Armrests
If you’ve ever looked for an office chair, then you’ll know that most of them are unattractive and they are usually very expensive. IKEA manages to bring together style and comfort for a low price. The neutral oatmeal colour would work well in just about any office.
Docksta Pedestal Table
This is another designer favourite, and it’s easy to see why with its beautiful modern shape. This is a “tulip table” and there are literally thousands of versions of this table on the market, but most of them are over a thousand dollars. IKEA’s version has the same great lines as the original version at an affordable price. For those of you who prefer to shop at Amazon, they have a nearly identical option here.
Ivar Shelf Unit With Doors
This is one of IKEA’s newer releases. It’s solid pine with beautiful bamboo doors, all in a natural finish. Mesh doors like these are often found on very high-end furniture, but IKEA does it for a fraction of the price. The Ivar shelf units come in a variety of sizes and configurations. The look is natural and casual and works well for a family room, playroom, or craft room. If you like the woven door look, Amazon has a great option here that can be combined to create any width you may need.
Delaktig Headboard
The Delaktig headboard costs next to nothing and the modern shape and beautiful rattan material make it look like a higher-end counterpart. This piece would add a beachy feel to a guest bedroom or child’s room.
Bjorksnas Birch Nightstand
Made of solid birch and real leather, the Bjorknas nightstand is a quality piece. It also has beautiful Scandinavian styling that makes it looks like a more expensive piece of furniture. Light wood tones are trending right now and this piece could affordably update a space. The dresser is equally stylish. Amazon has a super cute alternative to this nightstand at a great price.
Textiles
Torslev Flatwoven Rug
This beautiful and simple flatwoven rug looks a lot like versions from more expensive design shops. It’s fresh and modern and would look equally at home in a modern setting or a farmhouse-style home.
Sanela Cushion Cover (Olive Green)
These cushions are my favourite design secret. Velvet pillows are typically about 5 times the price of what you will pay at IKEA. I have these in several colours, and the quality is very good. They are perfect for mixing with more expensive pillows. They come in a standard 20″ by 20″ size and are available in 13 colours.
Sanela Room Darkening Curtains (Dark Blue)
Velvet curtains from stores like Pottery Barn will cost you 2 or 3 times as much as these panels from IKEA. They come in some beautiful colours and this dark blue colour is perfectly on-trend and adds that higher-end feel to a space. Amazon has a beautiful pair of dark blue velvet curtains at a very affordable price right here.
Stinamaj Striped Throw
IKEA is practically giving these away, the price is so good! These are perfect for displaying over a sofa arm or on a blanket ladder. The thin weave means it won’t offer a lot of warmth, but the styling is spot on.
Accessories
Lustigkurre Natural Water Hyacinth Basket
Ikea used to make a similar basket but sadly took it off the market a few years ago. Therefore, I was thrilled to see these new baskets at IKEA. I think the design is even prettier with this pattern and mix of water hyacinth and seagrass, both of which give these baskets a high-end look.
Snidad Rattan Basket
This basket is right on trend and it comes in a generous size for the price. I would use a basket like this to display blankets or pillows, or you could use it for beach towels if you have a pool.
Varfint Tray
I’ve seen much more expensive versions of this tray over the years, and I had to snap up this deal as soon as I saw it. It’s slightly more petite than some of the other versions I’ve seen, but I think it’s the perfect size to enjoy breakfast in bed.
Kristinelund Rattan Mirror
This new IKEA mirror is such a great size (24″ by 19 5/8″) for the price. The braided design and quality workmanship make this piece look like a more expensive piece than it is. The colouring and braided detail make it on-trend and a great option to update and freshen up a space. You could use this in a front hall or power room.
Fulltalig Set Of 3 Black Candlesticks
Matte black everything from lamps to ceramic bowls to candlesticks is on-trend. This set of three candlesticks has beautiful styling and a smooth, weighty construction. These are a classic decor item that every home could use.
Other
Sinnerlig Pendant
This piece has such beautiful style for a much smaller price tag than you’ll see in other shops. It has quality workmanship and adds a breezy, beachy look to the home. Amazon sells nearly the identical pendant here.
Pax Closet System
This is a huge favourite of designers because you can customize it in so many ways, yet it costs much less than a custom closet design. I think that adding drawers and using wood hangers (also sold at IKEA) give the look a more expensive feel.
21 IKEA Finds That Look Expensive, A Few In My Home
I have purchased a few of the items on my list and am happy to share with you how I am using them in my home. The Varfint Tray is used in the bedroom for displaying favourite decor items and doing double duty for breakfast-in-bed days. The tutorial for the vase is here.
I use the Sanala cushion covers all the time, and here I have some deep greens ones displayed on our living room sofa. If you are interested in how I reupholstered this family heirloom, click here. All the other pillows in this image, aside from the smaller white one, are also from IKEA.
In my son’s bedroom, I used one IKEA Pax unit in the center of his closet and installed simple shelves on either side. This helped us to better organize his many toys and books and keep the rest of his room tidy. The wallpaper in my son’s room is available here.
Last week, we purchased the IKEA Farlov loveseat for our living room. This is the first photo I took of it, but it won’t be the last! In a few weeks, I’ll be sharing my review of this sofa and later I’ll share about my experience with Bemz slipcovers.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed this post, 21 IKEA Finds That Look Expensive. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get some great decor pieces. If you liked this post, you might also like my other IKEA hacks:
Paula@SweetPea says
I so much enjoyed this post. I haven’t been to Ikea in way over a year and I can’t wait to get back there. The closest one to me is over 3 hours away, so getting to go is a real treat.
Shawna Liao says
Thank you Paula! I lived 2.5 hours away from the nearest IKEA until I was 26 when we moved about 15 minutes away from one, so I remember what that feels like. We were only ever able to visit on weekends which were always so busy.
Jen says
So many beautiful finds! I think my favorite is the outdoor sectional! I wish we had an Ikea nearby. The closest one is over 4 hours away. 🙁
Shawna Liao says
Thank you Jen! It is a great looking product with all that storage.
AnnMarie says
LOVE Ikea! I think I need to make a trip there soon. So many great ideas in your post..thanks for sharing. I pinned your son’s closet…you did a great job with that project.
Shawna Liao says
Thank you so much! I find something great every time I shop there.
Kelly says
So many great finds! I can’t wait to get back to our IKEA. The last time I tried to go the line was two hours long!
Shawna Liao says
Oh my, that is way too long! I’ve used the delivery service and click and collect and they have both been good options.
Rachel Harper says
Oh I love all these finds. Great job. I’m going to share in my Dirt Road adventures on Sunday.
Rachel.
Shawna Liao says
Thank you Rachel- I’m so glad to hear this.
Ana says
I love this post! SO many great finds – love me some Ikea!!
Shawna Liao says
Thank you Ana! I’ve loved IKEA forever!
Teresa says
I like the coffee table in your posting today. It this an IKEA piece? If so, could you share the style or item information. I recently saw a 3 piece small dresser like this at a consignment store and the legs look the same. I fell in love with it but it was sold. Thank you for all the IKEA tips.
Shawna Liao says
Thank you for your message Teresa. I purchased the coffee table 20 years ago from a local Ottawa store that has since closed. I haven’t been able to find a really similar match.
miki says
Thank you for sharing this amazing post!! I’m buying my first home an I took so much inspiration !!
Miki x
https://www.littletasteofbeauty.com/
Shawna Liao says
Thank you Miki! I hope you have fun decorating your new home.