Ikea Isn't Just Quick Furniture: Discover 8 Pieces Built to Last Decades

For many, shopping at Ikea is a rite of passage. Sign the lease on your first apartment, buy a bed at the Swedish megastore, then feel a sense of pride after assembling your piece of furniture. A few years later, swap out the budget-friendly item for a pricier pick.

However, Ikea doesn't necessarily have to emulate fast fashion with its furnishings. According to Pete Oyler, an associate professor of furniture design at the Rhode Island School of Design, these items can endure over time. He has personally experienced this durability as his Ikea dressers have survived eight relocations and continue to function well. Many interior decorators also hold some selections from the brand in high regard, particularly the following eight designs.

Customers may expect consistent quality throughout. ("A shop dealing with just one brand probably won’t see major differences in quality," stated Pat Bowling, the vice president of communications at the American Home Furnishings Alliance.) Nonetheless, certain factors might influence durability.

Focus on materials: High-quality options include solid wood and metal. Particleboard pieces should receive additional TLC since these composites of pressed wood chips and resins cannot be fixed once cracked, as noted by Oyler. For upholstery, consider using slipcovers; cleaning becomes easier when they can just go into the washing machine when soiled.

You might shorten the lifespan of your furniture during assembly as well. Typical errors involve using an inappropriate sized screwdriver, potentially damaging components, and placing the plastic threaded inserts in incorrect holes, making removal challenging. To achieve optimal outcomes, Oyler suggests purchasing Ikea’s Trixig 15-Piece Tool Set, thoroughly reviewing the directions prior to beginning, and adhering strictly to these guidelines.

Billy Bookcase

According to Abbey Stark, who leads home furnishings direction at IKEA, "Every five seconds, one of these items is sold worldwide." Jack Lorge, an interior designer, purchased his Billy bookcase seven years back and mentioned in an email that it remains extremely durable. He noted, "The piece withstands frequent usage without distorting and its straightforward design easily complements various aesthetics ranging from contemporary to classic looks."

Ikea PS Cabinet

This robust yet light cabinet features a secure locking mechanism. "It's easy to relocate, plus the powder-coated surface is extremely durable," noted designer Beth R. Martin via email. The piece comes in shades of red, white, and blue right now. However, according to Stark, these color options shift from time to time depending on current trends.

Hemnes Line

The matching items designed for use in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, and workspaces are crafted from solid wood, setting them apart from many budget-friendly furnishings, according to Eric Bramlett, a real estate agent and co-owner of Bramlett Residential. In an email, he mentioned owning a Hemnes sideboard for almost two decades now; he uses this piece both as a television stand and for storing his art supplies. "It remains flawless—no squeaking noises or instability," he noted. Similarly, after enduring eight years and several relocations, Lorge’s Hemnes dresser continues to perform excellently. As per Lorge, it shows minimal wear with only slight marks and drawers that move effortlessly.

Uppland Sofa

These slip-covered couches were formerly called Ektorp, according to Seymen Usta, an interior designer and co-founder of Seus Lighting. He mentioned via email: "They perform remarkably under regular usage." A customer bought one eight years back and continues to speak highly about how the cushions maintain their form and how simple it is to update the appearance with fresh covers. The four-year-old Bramlett sofas remain resilient without showing signs of drooping or discoloration. "The slipcovers truly make life easier; they can be removed and washed effortlessly," he added.

Ivar Shelf Unit

The unadorned pine shelving unit from Ivar may not be showy, yet it serves its purpose well, according to Bramlett. He purchased his Ivar shelf fifteen years back and has utilized it in his home workspace for storing books, decorative items, and collectibles. "It’s flexible—you can adjust the shelves or repaint them without compromising their durability," he noted. To achieve a sleeker appearance, consider refinishing the wood using linseed oil-based paint, as suggested by Oyler.

Poang Series Armchair

Introduced back in 1972, this chair could very well be part of your parents' early days living space. According to Bramlett, "Its robust yet pliable bentwood structure contributes significantly to its longevity," adding that it complements nearly every decor style. Even after twelve years, his Poang remains just as solid and pristine as when he initially purchased it. To refresh its appearance, consider changing the seat padding.

Kallax Shelving Unit

"The section where nobody surpasses IKEA when it comes to shelves," stated interior designer Daniela Gottschalk from Tinzeltown via email. "The KALLAX line has such varied dimensions that you can arrange them like Tetris pieces all the way up to the ceiling, providing a spacious library ambiance." Certified professional organizer Darla DeMorrow, who owns HeartWork Organizing, often suggests this open-back shelving unit to her clientele after purchasing one herself several years back used. She commented in an email: "KALLAX provides ample storage options, allows for endless styling possibilities, boasts great durability, and is quite portable." Additionally, Miranda Cullen, founder and lead designer at Inside Stories, recommended customizing the piece through repainting or changing the paneling during an emailed interview to better suit individual spaces.

Malm Bedroom Series

The straightforward and streamlined design of this bedroom set "fits exceptionally well in contemporary and minimalistic spaces," according to Usta. He has integrated the Malm Bed Frame into multiple staging assignments for his clientele. The inclusion of an optional under-bed storage drawer makes it particularly advantageous for compact areas.