These Are the Underrated IKEA Items Designers Say You Shouldn’t Miss
There’s a lot I love about IKEA — affordability, great design, and, of course, the vast amount of IKEA hacks. But if there’s one thing I’m not so keen on, it’s that some of IKEA’s pieces are just a bit too popular, meaning they’re everywhere. And sometimes you just want something that’s budget-friendly and looks great but doesn’t scream “IKEA.”
You’ve probably already seen plenty of the BILLY bookcase, the entire HEMNES bedroom set, and the KALLAX shelves. That said, with IKEA’s enormous catalog of products, there are some hidden gems lurking in there. Digging them out, though, is a big feat, so I decided to turn to the pros to find out what under-the-radar IKEA pieces you should keep an eye out for if you want your home to feel as unique as it is budget-friendly.
Check out their top picks below.
Underrated Ikea Items October 2024
SANELA Room Darkening Curtains, 1 Pair SANELA Room Darkening Curtains, 1 Pair
IKEA
$89.99
Curtains can be pricey — for example, Pottery Barn’s best-selling blackout velvet curtains come in at $139 minimum. To keep costs on budget while still delivering the luxe look, the pros often turn to IKEA’s SANELA curtains. “SANELA curtains have been a staple in every home I’ve designed. The quality is comparable to higher-end options, and their extensive color range means they work in any room,” says Mackenzie Collier, founder of Mackenzie Collier Interiors.
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HEMNES Shoe Cabinet HEMNES Shoe Cabinet
IKEA
$139.99
Shoe storage can be one of the biggest gripes for big- and small-space dwellers alike. Designers frequently solve this problem with an IKEA’s HEMNES shoe cabinet, which often escapes notice in favor of the bedroom set of the same name. “It’s neat and very customizable by changing the handles and painting it,” says Rebecca Kerry, founder of Rebel Interior Design. “It looks like a nice piece of furniture and, most importantly, avoids the dreaded piles of shoes by the front door,” adds Kerry.
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JONAXEL Storage Combination JONAXEL Storage Combination
IKEA
$29.99
The JONAXEL storage combination is highly rated by pros for both quality and flexibility. "I've had the JONAXEL metal storage system in almost every household over the last 20 years. It’s durable and versatile, and I love how it fits in any space, from laundry rooms to closets," says Collier.
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ÄPPLARYD Sofa ÄPPLARYD Sofa
IKEA
$1,149
While IKEA has many sofas that look pricier than they are, it’s the sleek and stylish ÄPPLARYD sofa that designers turn to again and again. "Its contemporary design and detailed finishes on the cushions fool many into thinking its price tag is triple of what it actually is,” says Kerry.
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TROTTEN Cabinet With Sliding Doors TROTTEN Cabinet With Sliding Doors
IKEA
$329.99
When it comes to home office organization with style, designers love the TROTTEN cabinet — not just for their clients, but also for themselves. As Collier says, "The TROTTEN cabinet has been the perfect solution for my home office storage. It’s spacious enough for everything, including a printer, while maintaining a sleek look."
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RISATORP Basket with Compartments RISATORP Basket with Compartments
IKEA
$29.99
When it comes to staying organized, designers can’t quit IKEA’s RISATORP storage baskets. "RISATORP baskets are a go-to for storage — they come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them perfect for organizing everything from pantry items to office supplies,” says Collier.
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DYTÅG Curtains, 1 Pair DYTÅG Curtains, 1 Pair
IKEA
$74.99
IKEA’s SANELA curtains aren’t the only window coverings that the pros love. The pure linen DYTÅG curtains are another go-to for affordability and timeless design, according to Kerry. “They also come in long lengths, so they’re perfect for homes with tall ceilings,” adds Kerry.
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Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
