16 Things House Beautiful Editors ALWAYS Buy at IKEA

editors favorite ikea products
16 IKEA Items That Are 100% Worth BuyingSoumi Sarkar


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Shop & Tell features thoughtfully curated home finds from House Beautiful editors. Every week we'll take you inside our carts and dish on what we're buying—and why you should be reaching for your wallet too.

Since opening its first U.S. store in 1985, IKEA has become a household name here. Whether you're living on your own in a new city for the first time (and need to furnish your apartment), renovating your spacious house, or moving in with a partner—to name a few scenarios—you can always find an IKEA product that fits with your needs. In addition to its vast selection of furniture and decor, the Swedish retailer is also known for its budget-friendly prices (and Swedish meatballs, IYKYK). That's why it's no surprise everyone, including House Beautiful editors, love and have a few pieces from IKEA. What's in our homes, you ask? Well, we'll share our top finds ahead.

Editor purchases have ranged from a dresser and sofa to doors and a sink. Deputy Digital Editor Katelyn Lunders has the IKEA HEMNES Dresser and says: "The simple design has allowed it to fit in several of my spaces over the years despite my changing aesthetic." Meanwhile, our Digital Designer Soumi loves her KIVIK couch. "It's truly one of my favorite possessions," she shares. "I love its generous seating space and plush cushions, and sinking into it feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day." (With a description like this, we want the couch too!) To see and shop all the IKEA products we've purchased and love, scroll ahead.

For more IKEA design ideas, check out these stories:

DOCKSTA Tulip Table

"I bought this table twice. When I lived in Austin with a sun drenched dining nook, I knew I needed the iconic white table to center the space. But I sold it when I moved to New York, sure I wouldn't have room in whatever sublet apartment I found when I arrived. Well, I ended up moving into an unfurnished apartment and to my delight was able to center my "dining space" around a tulip table once again. It's an ideal mid-size table. The style is iconic and it's incredibly sturdy. And a surprising bonus: it's incredibly simple to put together."

—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/docksta-table-white-white-s19324995/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>DOCKSTA Tulip Table</p><p>ikea.com</p><p>$279.99</p>

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DOCKSTA Tulip Table

ikea.com

$279.99

HEMNES 8-Drawer Dresser

"I know many people who have had or currently have this dresser and for good reason. Like most things at IKEA, you can't beat the price point. And the simple design has allowed it to fit in several of my spaces over the years despite my changing aesthetic. An easy tip to make it look more elevated: swap out the knobs. I opted for these brass beauties and love the look."

—Katelyn Lunders, Deputy Digital Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-8-drawer-dresser-white-stain-10576191/#content" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>HEMNES 8-Drawer Dresser</p><p>$399.99</p>

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HEMNES 8-Drawer Dresser

$399.99

RUTSJÖN Sink With Water Trap

"This one-piece countertop and sink has no business costing $180—it's an incredible deal. We have two of the older models in our house: one in my daughter's bathroom and one in our guest bathroom. The raised sides look so elegant and expensive. You'd never guess it's from IKEA."

—Elyse Moody, Contributing Senior Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/rutsjoen-sink-with-water-trap-white-s79517024/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>RUTSJÖN Sink With Water Trap</p><p>$180.00</p>

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RUTSJÖN Sink With Water Trap

$180.00

LAXVIKEN Door

"I bought these IKEA doors in white for my two-level cabinet and paired them with olive green doors, also from IKEA, for a mix and match situation. I love the textured design on them, which adds some dimension to my cabinets versus a flat white door. They are easy to wipe down when they get dirty, and like my Besta frame, have stood the test of time. A lot of my friends ask where I bought my cabinet and many people are surprised to learn every piece is from IKEA!"

—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/laxviken-door-white-90291698/#content" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>LAXVIKEN Door</p><p>$50.00</p>

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LAXVIKEN Door

$50.00

NATTGIBBA Laundry Basket

"I don't have closet space to hide my hamper, so it sits in my bathroom, fully on display, which is why I wanted a pretty one (with a lid, of course). After a few weeks of searching, this wicker one has definitely caught my eye."

—Jessica Cherner, Associate Shopping Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/nattgibba-laundry-basket-willow-handmade-30531936/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>NATTGIBBA Laundry Basket</p><p>$54.99</p>

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NATTGIBBA Laundry Basket

$54.99

RÄFFELBJÖRK Vase

"This vase has been on my apartment wishlist for way too long. The unique shape and ridged glass catches the light beautifully, and it makes an eye-catching centerpiece. After seeing the way other customers styled this iridescent vase, I’m dying to show off a few select blooms in it."

—Claire Brito, Senior Social Media Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/raeffelbjoerk-vase-mother-of-pearl-color-00537652/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>RÄFFELBJÖRK Vase</p><p>$29.99</p>

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RÄFFELBJÖRK Vase

$29.99

KIVIK Sofa

"The Ikea KIVIK couch is truly one of my favorite possessions. I love its generous seating space and plush cushions, and sinking into it feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. The wide and low armrests are perfect for my cellphone, a tray of snacks, my laptop desk, or even my head when I inevitably curl up for an afternoon nap. The best part? The covers are super easy to take off and are machine washable!"

—Soumi Sarkar, Digital Designer

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kivik-sofa-gunnared-blue-s69499704/#content" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>KIVIK Sofa</p><p>$849.00</p>

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KIVIK Sofa

$849.00

KALLAX Shelf Unit

"This is a simple piece, available in many iterations from multiple retailers. But I love these shelves from IKEA because they just do the job. They have a clean design that can go anywhere and they're great for organizing. There are also infinite amounts of hacks out there to elevate them if wanted!"

—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelf-unit-white-00275848/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>KALLAX Shelf Unit</p><p>$49.99</p>

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KALLAX Shelf Unit

$49.99

AXSTAD 2-P Door/Corner Base Cabinet Set

"While my personal kitchen is done, we recently decided to turn a lower level storage room into a fully functional kitchen so we can rent out this space. What I love about the Sektion cabinets is the range of styles IKEA has available, coupled with their crazy good warranty and easy-to-use kitchen configurator. I'm leaning toward the AXSTAD blue kitchen because we love color and this feels like the perfect shade of blue. The other plus: we don't have to wait forever for a custom kitchen. We can order, pick this up and then hire somebody else (because we are not DIYers) to make this kitchen happen. I think this is the perfect, budget friendly alternative to having a good looking kitchen that's 'customized' to your space and personal needs."

—Carisha Swanson, Director of Editorial Special Projects

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/axstad-2-p-door-corner-base-cabinet-set-matte-blue-20467926/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>AXSTAD 2-P Door/Corner Base Cabinet Set</p><p>$162.00</p>

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AXSTAD 2-P Door/Corner Base Cabinet Set

$162.00

UTSÅDD Scratching Board for Cat

"Like me, IKEA is a low-key cat person: it's not obvious right away, but there are tell-tale signs in their products and styling. A month ago they launched the UTSADD collection that they claim is dedicated to pets, but really, is for cats. There's a cat house that fits neatly into the iconic Kallax shelf, ceramic food and water bowls, and a plush bed. But the product I most have my eye on is the scratching board that sits flush against your sofa. It's much more streamlined than your average scratching post and protects your sofa from claws. MeOW."

—Olivia Hosken, Deputy Managing Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/utsadd-scratching-board-for-cat-10581215/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>UTSÅDD Scratching Board for Cat</p><p>$24.99</p>

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UTSÅDD Scratching Board for Cat

$24.99

VALLKRASSING Throw

"The perfect cotton muslin blanket to throw around in the summer months, found."

—Claire Brito, Senior Social Media Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vallkrassing-throw-off-white-20570928/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>VALLKRASSING Throw</p><p>$19.99</p>

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VALLKRASSING Throw

$19.99

VITTSJÖ Laptop Stand

"My living room’s coffee table sits pretty low to the ground. For WFH days where I want a change of scenery from my desk, or Netflix nights where I want a snack platter close by, this C-table is a godsend. It’s small enough to be tucked into a corner when not in use, and at just the right height that I don’t have to strain my back bending over."

—Janae McKenzie, Associate Shopping Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vittsjoe-laptop-stand-black-brown-glass-00250249/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>VITTSJÖ Laptop Stand</p><p>$44.99</p>

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VITTSJÖ Laptop Stand

$44.99

Foldable Chair

"I have the babiest balcony potentially in all of Manhattan, but when you have outdoor space of any size in New York, you use it! I was worried I wouldn't be able to fit any chairs on the balcony, but these small (and super affordable!) folding chairs fit perfectly. They've been exposed to every season—I'm too lazy to bring them inside when not in use—but they still look like they did when I purchased them three years ago."

—Katelyn Lunders, Deputy Digital Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/taernoe-chair-outdoor-foldable-black-light-brown-stained-90095428/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Foldable Chair</p><p>$25.00</p>

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Foldable Chair

$25.00

BESTÅ Frame

"I wanted a floating TV console and all the ones I looked at were either too long for our wall or too expensive. I was browsing IKEA and spotted this frame, which was completely customizable. It was fun picking out the doors and even glass shelves for the inside of the frame to house our WiFi router, remotes, and gaming consoles. I have to say, the frame has held up so well over the years with no cracks or discoloring—it still looks brand new!"

—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/besta-frame-white-10245846/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>BESTÅ Frame</p><p>$65.00</p>

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BESTÅ Frame

$65.00

TOLKNING Bench With Storage

"A wicker bench is what my bedroom is missing, and this one is such a good price. I would keep extra sets of sheets and blankets in it."

—Elyse Moody, Contributing Senior Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/tolkning-bench-with-storage-handmade-rattan-80512657/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>TOLKNING Bench With Storage</p><p>$149.99</p>

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TOLKNING Bench With Storage

$149.99

FORSAND Door

"I don't have a closet in my bedroom, but my bed sits on a wall with about one foot deep recess on either side. I'm convinced I could buy some iteration of the IKEA PAX wardrobe for both sides, do a little DIY elevating to the doors to match my aesthetic, and create the closet of my dreams."

—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor

<p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/forsand-door-white-10442385/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>FORSAND Door</p><p>$60.00</p>

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FORSAND Door

$60.00

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