Readers, Share Your Tips: How to Get the Best Out of IKEA

September 29, 2011

Readers, Share Your Tips: How to Get the Best Out of IKEA

To my last post about scoring some good stuff at IKEA, Karen wrote in with this tip:

“I JUST discovered IKEA! Even though a huge store opened here years ago, I never had a reason to go. I had heard mixed reviews, some people LOVE it and some thought it was cheap garbage so I never went.

I finally went there on a suggestions and LOVE LOVE LOVE the “as is” section. I have pretty much outfitted an entire kitchen with a floor model display they had removed. I bought a darling day-bed cheaper than my contractor could build a window seat. Kitchen counters were $59/sq ft, and I got 12 feet for $40 total!” — Karen (Cincinnati, OH)

So there you have it: for cheaper than IKEA prices, try the “As Is” section (usually near checkout). Thanks, Karen!

I should mention that “As Is” is also a great place to look for replacements. For example, when our garbage man accidentally took our couch cushions that we had laid out in the sun to dry, we found replacement cushions on our first trip to As Is. Phew!)

Please Share Your Tips on Optimizing the IKEA Experience

OK, now we are passing the baton to YOU. Please send in your tricks for shopping the best stuff at IKEA, finding coupons, assembling without filing for divorce, ordering online, not spending $700 when you just went in for a shelf — or even just your best finds! Just let us know in the comments and we’ll pool our collective wisdom.

Photo: IKEA USA

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9 comments

Barbara September 30, 2011, 1:47 pm

A friend just told me about Bemz: they make TONS of slipcovers in all different fabrics for IKEA furniture.

http://www.bemz.com/en-us/

And the prices are comparable — i.e. cheap.
- Amy September 30, 2011, 1:50 pm
  
  Great, going to check that out now!
  
  Amy
Nancy September 30, 2011, 1:36 pm

People may worry about IKEA quality, but our pieces of “Billy” bookcases have proven much more durable than the expensive Italian-made bookcases we bought at the same time–25 years ago.
- Amy September 30, 2011, 1:50 pm
  
  Hi Nancy,
  
  Billy is famous! I love how they often show them covering a whole wall with books. We love our IKEA bookshelves too. The only thing that looks cheap about them is the seam in the backing. But that can usually be disguised with tall books. :-)
  
  Thanks your your input!
  Amy
Whitney September 29, 2011, 8:28 pm

We love the restaurant! The food is good and we don’t feel guilty about eating out because it’s so cheap.

Make sure you save your receipt, because sometimes they have “eat for free” promotions, but you have to show your cafe’ receipt when you’re buying your stuff in order to get the discount.
- Amy September 30, 2011, 1:52 pm
  
  Hi Whitney,
  
  I know, we love the food too! And so affordable. Makes the yucky part of IKEA (lugging the boxes and assembling the furniture) a little more … palatable.
  
  Thanks for writing in,
  Amy
Sarah September 29, 2011, 7:56 pm

I recommend making up your shopping list BEFORE you go to the store. Pore over the website and figure out everything you need, down to the last curtain clip. On the IKEA website you can now make a shopping list. Print it out and stick to it!

I’ve heard that people tend to overspend when they get decision fatigue. I’ve found this plan-ahead approach works well for staying on budget.
- Amy September 30, 2011, 1:53 pm
  
  Great tip, Sarah! I totally know what you mean. Towards the end of the store, I find myself tossing stuff in the cart because I can’t deal with weighing the options. I figure I can just return it if it doesn’t work. But that’s never fun.