
Let's start with a disclaimer... this is not a about 50 ways to hack a Lack table, or any other kind of Ikea furniture for that matter.

When we lived in Spokane, I hardly ever went to Ikea, partly because it was hundreds of miles away. But when moved back to Seattle, and were to trying to find stuff for our new rental, I turned there for some basics. I hear a lot of Ikea bashing in the design and home decor arena, and while I certainly wouldn't recommend furnishing your entire place by going to Ikea, I think they have some great stuff and wouldn't count them out, especially for those of us on a budget.
Here's a few tips on how to get things from Ikea that you will be happy with.

1 | Have an idea of what you want, don't go to browse. Think about what you need because going to IKEA is a trip, it's not something you do just spur of the moment. At least I don't.
2 | I find it's a great place to get staples. I've gotten two down blankets there that I love, as well as duvet covers, cheap white curtains and basic storage containers.
3 | Look through the catalog or at source lists for inspirational pictures when you can find them. When I was looking for a new desk, I was surprised to find out that the desk in my very favorite office inspiration picture was from Ikea! I also found the piece I'm using as a TV stand in an inspirational picture, and then realized it was from Ikea.
4 | Look for pieces that will compliment not compete with your unique decor pieces - that favorite couch or designer rug, etc. whatever it was you finally splurged on.
5 | Touch the displays, does a piece look flimsy? Does it move the way it's supposed to? Was the display piece put together properly or is it just poor quality? When I went last week, I had seen this little greenhouse online that looked really cute but in person I could tell it was very flimsy, so I decided to pass.
6 | Continuity is good, I try to buy things with repetition in mind. Especially simple, small items - those tend to look better grouped together. For this reason, I tend to buy the white storage pieces at Ikea (no matter how cute the other colors are) because they will always have white.
7 | And perhaps most importantly - don't buy the cheapest stuff. As they say, you get what you pay for.
And Bonus Tip | I love picking up house plants there, they seem extra hard to kill. If they can survive at Ikea, they should be able to make it at my house!
