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What House & Garden's editors actually buy at IKEA
Furniture
Thanks to an unexpected need for a new roof when I bought my little house a few years ago, I had to rethink a lot of my plans for the interiors. The PAX system really came to my rescue for the wardrobes. I created a wall of storage that, with the addition of a couple of slim side panels, all handpainted, has ended up looking like a really smart custom wardrobe. - David Nicholls, Deputy Editor
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I completely adore the GLADOM tray table, which is costs £15 and has to be the easiest piece of furniture to assemble in the IKEA portfolio. Interior designers are always going on about how important it is to have enough side tables so there's always somewhere to put your drink, and while the GLADOM is smart enough to be a permanent fixture, it could also serve as a spare or be taken outdoors for picnics. Some of my other favourite IKEA things at home are sadly discontinued, including the SVALNAS wall-mounted bookshelves which are completely brilliant and form a full wall of shelves on one side of my living room. They have been much admired and look a lot more expensive than they were, with smart white metal brackets and bamboo shelves. - Virginia Clark, Digital Director
In my current rental, we have the STRANDMON wing chair in yellow, which is pretty solid, supportive and comfortable. The cover is looking a little worse for wear, however, and if it belonged to me, I would extend its life by ordering one of the gorgeous custom covers from Bemz, such as this cotton one in P/Kaufmann's 'Into the Woods' print. - Tilly Wheeler, Commerce Writer
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The BEKVAM step stool is a classic and looks pretty natty with a coat of paint. It's ideal in the kitchen for reaching high cupboards or for toddlers who need a bit of help reaching the wash basin. I see them in people's houses so often – and can one hundred per cent see why. It's also quite compact, which means it can easily be tucked away when you don't need it. - Elizabeth Metcalfe, Acting Houses Director
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SUNDSÖ is an inexpensive and cheerful foldable chair, available in a range of bright colours. Ideal for small balconies or patios. It’s light, easy to move, and comfortable enough for a quiet moment or catching up with friends. Folds away neatly when not in use. - Marco Mansi, Acting Features Writer
I love the BILLY bookcases – originally designed in 1979 by Gilles Lundgren, it was one of IKEA's first ever flat-pack products. Still going strong today, old Bill pops up in all kinds of projects from tiny flats to vast townhouses. Endlessly customisable with pediments and reeded uprights, think of BILLY as the starting point for your shelves and take them from there. If the current range of wood finishes isn't quite your bag, just be patient because Ikea are constantly coming out with new iterations to keep things fresh. – Arabella Bowes, Commerce Editor
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Storage
I have and use the KNAGGLIG box/crate - a really durable pine crate you can use for storage without having to worry about it being warped by weightier items. They slot in very neatly, and rather discreetly, onto open shelves and the pine is a great blank canvas for customisation. - Aida Amoako, Acting Features Writer
I love rattan, and the BRANÄS basket is incredibly versatile – useful for storing everything from books and paperwork to jumpers and T-shirts. It’s simple and elegant, and works in both traditional and modern interiors, whether visible on shelves, next to a desk, or tucked away in a wardrobe to save space. A smart and affordable option. Sticking with my basket obsession, the SLIBB laundry basket is a handy choice, whether for carrying clothes or storing detergents and soaps. The green version is particularly nice: simple, functional, and a touch softer than the usual plastic tub. - Marco Mansi, Acting Features Writer
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Tableware and kitchen
I love the IKEA 365+ mug , a clear glass mug with an appearance closer to a teacup, even at the larger capacity (360ml) which I have. Great for black and fruit teas and any other situation where seeing what you're serving might add to the enjoyment of it. - Aida Amoako, Acting Features Writer
The POKAL glasses are a go-to of mine, which are pleasingly weighty and a great dupe for the classic Duralex glasses. Another find were these sweet wine glasses, which have a charming, folky retro feel and always get complimented. They have sadly been discontinued, but now seem to be being listed for a bomb on eBay. - Tilly Wheeler, Commerce Writer
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I am obsessed with the KORKEN jars. I use them for dry food or as tupperware in the fridge. Not only do they help my cupboards to look uniform (and therefore me to feel smug), but they are immensely useful. You can see what you have and how much of it, they can be stuck in the dishwasher and they are impenetrable to moths, which is not the case with cliplock tupperwares. - Christabel Chubb, Acting Deputy Digital Editor
There is nothing particularly glamorous or exciting about this knife rack but it changed our lives. I spent months agonising over a smart Japanese magnetic version – but this one does the job for a fraction of the price and means no more knives jangling around in a chaotic cutlery draw. Win win. It's simple and elegant. - Elizabeth Metcalfe, Acting Houses Director
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Textiles and accessories
I have the blue paisley RODGERSIA bedding, which I must have bought almost 10 years ago and is still going strong; it washes really well, doesn't need ironing and the colours haven't faded at all. The classic pattern looks smart and stylish too, it's timeless and I find it doesn't scream IKEA like some other very recognisable pieces have the tendency to do. - Tilly Wheeler, Commerce Writer
My old faithful friend is the REGOLIT paper lantern! I've had these in almost every place I've lived in as they're an easy, smart fix for exposed bulbs in rented flats. I've hung them as is, given them a light wash of colour or painted designs on them - the latter being a risk I'm willing to take when I can still get change from a fiver! - Remy Mishon, Decoration Editor
IKEA is a good place to look for rugs, and I've had a (discontinued) HELLESTED rug in my sitting room for years. It's very hard-wearing and disguises a multitude of sins. The current equivalent is the jute LOHALS, which is affordable (starting from £85), and will make the perfect backdrop for just about any interior. - Virginia Clark, Digital Director
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