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16 Underrated IKEA Home Items That Are Worth the Buy

You'll want to add these to your cart ASAP.

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As a home editor, I’ve purchased my fair share of IKEA products. I can spend hours in an IKEA store if you let me (one of my favorites is the Red Hook, Brooklyn, location). Sometimes, I’m on the hunt for budget-friendly organizing essentials to whip my space into shape. On other occasions, I might be searching for a specific piece of furniture (I love the Billy Bookcases, for instance) or just browsing for fun in hopes that I’ll discover a new home favorite. There are so many reasons to add an Ikea trip to my calendar.

Considering all the IKEA shopping trips I have under my belt — and my experience covering home design for several years now — I couldn’t help but compile a list of the best items to shop at IKEA. Look out for these no-fail picks during your next visit or online shopping session.

1

Branäs Basket

Branäs Basket

I can't count the number of times I've stocked up on these durable rattan baskets. I've filled them with magazines, small kids' toys, you name it. The handwoven detail adds personality to a room, and the handles make it easy to move around a space whenever there's a need.

2

Korken Bottle With Stopper

Korken Bottle With Stopper

I'll be honest: I struggle with drinking water throughout the day. All I have to do is fill this 34-ounce glass bottle with a few sprigs of mint and lemon slices to stay hydrated. It's also a nice gesture to set one out on a nightstand for a houseguest. You can't beat it for under $5!

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3

Försiktig Children's Stool

Försiktig Children's Stool

A sturdy stool comes in handy when you live with small children. I've purchased this one for some extra height when tooth brushing or organizing a bookshelf. It's lightweight and the raised bumps on top help prevent your kids from slipping.

RELATED: Costco Home Items That Are Worth the Buy

4

Gullbergsö Cushion Cover

Gullbergsö Cushion Cover

IKEA is a great source for cushion covers, whether you're shopping for indoor or outdoor designs. Once you snag pillow inserts in your desired size, you can easily mix and match the covers to your delight. I have my eyes on this colorful zippered number that can be used both indoors and outside.

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5

Daksjus Plant Pot

Daksjus Plant Pot

If you ask me, you can never have too many planters. And if you're not one to decorate with bold colors in your home, experimenting with a planter in a daring shade is worth a try. This ribbed design would perfect in a living room, bedroom or home office.

RELATED: 20 Best Bedroom Plants to Transform Your Space Into a Cozy Sanctuary

6

Tjena Storage Box

Tjena Storage Box

As much as I try, there always seems to be a stack of papers (or two!) to deal with in my home. When I can't get to them right away, I rely on paperboard boxes like these. They're great for containing paper clutter and the eye-catching pattern adds a focal point to my space.

RELATED: 15 Things You Should Always Buy at Dollar Tree, According to Organizers

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7

Fröjda Clear Glass

Fröjda Clear Glass

I have a weakness for pretty glassware, and IKEA hasn't let me down on this front yet. This four-pack of tall faceted glasses looks way more expensive than it is. Keep in mind that each glass is 14 ounces.

8

Almtjärn Bath Mat

Almtjärn Bath Mat

A bath mat isn't the most exciting thing to buy, but it can make or break your bathroom. In addition to this deep green shade, this plush design comes in beige and white. The latex backing helps it stay put, too.

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9

Nodmast LED Portable Lamp

Nodmast LED Portable Lamp

Another area where IKEA shines is lighting. I've purchased everything from desk lamps to overhead fixtures. This battery-operated pick is next on my list. If you're not a fan of the pink and green, it's available in black and white as well.

10

Kullen 6-Drawer Dresser

Kullen 6-Drawer Dresser

Another IKEA favorite is the six-drawer Kullen dresser (there's a five-drawer option, too). I've purchased this a few times, and while it's not as easy to assemble as I would hope, it can hold up for years. We've taken care to mount ours to the wall for safety.

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11

Gronsaker Serving Bowl

Gronsaker Serving Bowl

Am I the only one who loves serving a nice, big salad in a wooden bowl? It's a go-to for me during warm-weather months, and it's so easy to prepare if you plan to have guests over. Although this pick is simple, I find it to be beautiful.

12

Vivalla Tablet Stand

Vivalla Tablet Stand

Here's another must-have for your kitchen. For just $14, you can enjoy a lovely way to display a cookbook or hold your tablet while trying out some new recipes.

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13

Dimpa Storage Bag

Dimpa Storage Bag

This is my kind of storage bag — it's strong, roomy and transparent so you can easily see the contents inside. I like them for storing extra blankets and out-of-season clothing.

14

Billy Bookcase

Billy Bookcase

Chances are you've seen tons of hacks on social media for IKEA's popular Billy Bookcase, which you can snag in various sizes. I haven't just used them for organizing books — they've helped bring order to my collection of shoes and clothing, too. I always go with the white, but you can purchase it in several other finishes, including black and brown walnut.

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15

Omar Shelving Unit

Omar Shelving Unit

If you happen to need a little extra shelving, keep it simple with this metal option. The shelves are adjustable, so you can put it to work in a pantry, bathroom or anywhere else you need storage.

RELATED: 50 Clever Kitchen Organization and Storage Ideas to Clear out the Clutter

16

LÄTT Children's Table and 2 Chairs

LÄTT Children's Table and 2 Chairs

This kids' set, crafted of pine, is popular for good reason. With more than 1,600 five-star reviews, it's just the right size for little ones to express their creativity. It's easy to assemble and wipe clean when playtime is over. We had one for a few years before passing it along to another family.

Headshot of Monique Valeris
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

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