Homes & Gardens
Team GWG’s All-Time Top IKEA Buys
Where would we be without the Swedish flatpack giant? Meatballs and Daim Bars aside, these are our all-time IKEA heroes.
There’s nothing like a trip to IKEA. Sure, tensions and hackles may rise by the time that you reach the check out, laden down with your flatpack booty. There may too be the odd cross word back at home when you grapple with Allen keys and unfathomable bits and bolts. But where else could you buy such hard-working streamlined heroes for such reasonable prices?
These are team GWG’s top tips for your next IKEA warehouse expedition (you could of course go the sensible route and do your shop online and thus dodge adding innumerable £2 extras to the trolley – but would the sense of achievement be the same? The jury’s out).
My fave ever Ikea buy is my LISABO desk. With its sleek shape, elegant drawer and ash veneer, it looks a lot grander than it is. Ikea’s LISABO series won the prestigious international Red Dot Design Award in 2016 — and deservedly so. – Becky Ladenburg, Features Editor
Not the most glamorous item to choose but this storage box does bring order to shelves and cupboards, and it looks pretty good too. Available in two sizes and with two different coloured linings – bright green or black – if you want to be daring and steer away from the all-white version. – Arabella Dymoke, MD
I will forever bang the drum for the GLADOM tray table. It’s simple and elegant, it isn’t remotely difficult to put together (and I say this as someone who is deeply DIY-challenged) – and it costs under £20. I went on a spree and bought several for my house – all with change from £100. Plus they change the colourways regularly, so there’s always a new version to covet. – Nancy Alsop, Editor
I love IKEA for natural seagrass rugs. As a busy family, they are great hard-working pieces that soften hard-work floors and create a ‘zone’ within a room. We have one under our kitchen table on the tiled floor that has seen all manner of feet and paws in the last two years and still looks brand new! – Lydia Mansi, Lifestyle Editor
I’d plant some hyacinths in this and top it with some moss, trying desperately to achieve a Willow Crossley look. I also love the TORARED pendant lampshade (£15). I’d hang it in a bedroom with a warm bulb for a really cosy effect. – Lucy Abletshauser, Shopping Editor
By Team GWG
March 2023
These are team GWG’s top tips for your next IKEA warehouse expedition (you could of course go the sensible route and do your shop online and thus dodge adding innumerable £2 extras to the trolley – but would the sense of achievement be the same? The jury’s out).
LISABO, £150
My fave ever Ikea buy is my LISABO desk. With its sleek shape, elegant drawer and ash veneer, it looks a lot grander than it is. Ikea’s LISABO series won the prestigious international Red Dot Design Award in 2016 — and deservedly so. – Becky Ladenburg, Features Editor
VARIERA, £3.75 – £5
Not the most glamorous item to choose but this storage box does bring order to shelves and cupboards, and it looks pretty good too. Available in two sizes and with two different coloured linings – bright green or black – if you want to be daring and steer away from the all-white version. – Arabella Dymoke, MD
GLADOM, £19
I will forever bang the drum for the GLADOM tray table. It’s simple and elegant, it isn’t remotely difficult to put together (and I say this as someone who is deeply DIY-challenged) – and it costs under £20. I went on a spree and bought several for my house – all with change from £100. Plus they change the colourways regularly, so there’s always a new version to covet. – Nancy Alsop, Editor
LOHALS, £165
I love IKEA for natural seagrass rugs. As a busy family, they are great hard-working pieces that soften hard-work floors and create a ‘zone’ within a room. We have one under our kitchen table on the tiled floor that has seen all manner of feet and paws in the last two years and still looks brand new! – Lydia Mansi, Lifestyle Editor
APPELROS, £5
I’d plant some hyacinths in this and top it with some moss, trying desperately to achieve a Willow Crossley look. I also love the TORARED pendant lampshade (£15). I’d hang it in a bedroom with a warm bulb for a really cosy effect. – Lucy Abletshauser, Shopping Editor
By Team GWG
March 2023
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