I have to tell you that I had only visited IKEA once or twice when my girls were going to college in Boston, and they were always quick trips to pick up supplies for their dorms, but once we moved to Illinois and I was able to really look around, I found out that IKEA was so much more than a college dorm superstore.
Now, 4 1/2 years later, I have a pretty good handle on the different departments and the items I’ll go back for. I don’t visit our local store as often as I did when we first moved here, it’s usually too crowded, but when I do I always come out with something I love. So what’s the best things at IKEA? I’m sure everyone has their favorites but these are my top 10 favorite finds.
Pillow Covers – $4 and up
Actually, I recently took a trip there trying to find pillow covers for my winter decor and, once again IKEA didn’t disappoint. They always have a great selection and the prices can’t be beat. For someone like me, who changes pillow covers with the wind, it’s a no-brainer.
Tea Lights – $3.49 for 100
I burn candles and tea lights all the time, especially in the winter, so finding these has been a real money saver, a pack of 100 is only $3.49.
Ribba Frames – $4.99 and up
I love a simple black frame and the Ribba is just that. I have them sprinkled all around my house hanging with more expensive frames and you can’t tell which is which.
Utility Cart – $29.99
Ok, I don’t have one of these, but I look at it every time I go and imagine all the goodies I could put in it. We have a small house and I really don’t have anywhere to put it so this one will have to live in my dreams…for now.
Storage Jars – $4.49 (2 qt.)
Actually, my daughter turned me on to these, she uses them for all of her kitchen storage. I bought several to help organize our stash of nuts in the kitchen (ummm, we’re nuts for nuts 😉 ). They have several different sizes, a tight seal and the prices are awesome.
Rast Dresser – $34.99
I bought one of these a few months ago to use in the bedroom, once I give it a makeover of course. I love that it’s made of solid wood, it’s inexpensive and it’s a blank slate. You could do so much with it (or leave it as is).
I’ve since completed my Rast hack. You can check out what I did to it and how I’m using it, here.
Kitchen Sink – $185.99
I literally looked everywhere for a kitchen sink that fit our small space and didn’t break the bank and IKEA had exactly what I wanted. I love it!
Throw – $29.99
I love my throw from IKEA and it’s gets a lot of use in our house. Not only is it 100% cotton but it has some weight to it and washes well.
Pendant Lamp – $59.99
This is something else I’ve admired but not gotten. When we were looking at lighting for our kitchen, IKEA was the first place we looked. I loved this pendant but, sadly, it’s too big for our space. It’s a great looking light, though.
Great kitchen inspiration – FREE
Before we started our kitchen reno we would brave the crowds and browse around all of the beautiful kitchen spaces looking for inspiration and ideas. It really helps to look at different spaces to get an idea of what you like and don’t like and this was just the place. If you’re thinking about a kitchen reno, or just want something to do on a Sunday afternoon, I highly recommend a trip to IKEA’s kitchen area.
What are you favorite finds at IKEA? Are any of my favorites yours?
I have not been compensated for this post. I just wanted to share some awesome finds with you.
Another favorite place that’s filled with awesomeness is HomeGoods, and I’ve shared some tips for shopping there.
Tips for Shopping at HomeGoods
Tips for Buying a Bathroom Vanity Online
You can also find me at Between Naps on the Porch, Worthing Court, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage
Aren’t they the cutest? If you read my post about 
I tell him 
After we picked out our tile and supplies, we moved over to the countertop options to see if we could make a decision on what we wanted. We brought one of our painted cabinet doors with us and used a sample tile to see how some of the countertops looked with our colors. Nicole walked us through all of the options that they offered and helped us narrow it down to a couple of countertops that would work well in our kitchen.
There were a few options that we both liked, at a great price, so I’m hoping that we can go back for countertops. I may even be able to get the marble I’ve been wanting.
We had a very productive shopping trip and now we can cross at least one item off the list. Once we finish painting the new cabinet, we can get countertops and then install our new tile. I can’t wait, I think I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The next item on my wish list was a new back door. Last year I tried to paint the 
A beautiful, old solid wood door for $40. It even came with a door knob that looked brand new (we had to remove it at the store to get the door in our car). Like the cabinet doors, it needs some work, like a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, but it was a great find and it will look awesome in my new kitchen.
It was so much fun to look around but I was searching for two specific things, some barn wood to make into shelves, and an old window to use for a project I have in mind for the big wall in the kitchen, and I found both.
The small wooden window you see with the barn wood and large window was picked up at ReStore for $1.50. I’m not sure what I’ll do with it but I couldn’t pass it up.
We are trying to finish the ceiling and I hope to share the details with you next time. What to you think of my haul? Have you ever visited a ReStore?
