apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have trouble with the words "quality" and "Ikea" in the same sentence. The stuff looks good in these photos, though. Im wondering, does it fall apart when you pick it up the way my Friel media cabinet does?

Seriously though, when will Ikea get over the damn particle board with veneer. $400 for a disposable sideboard.

Julian,
I'm supposing that when they raise the price and say that they stepped up the quality that this sideboard is probably not particle board. At least give them a chance.

Nope- it's particle board- I checked.
ell.

What? You mean to say that particle board isn't a part of the "world of fine quality" that Ikea has "thrown themselves into"?

Ooh...is it in stores now? That TV bench/sideboard is pretty sweet. I've been going nuts trying to find the perfect one to go with my platform bed (can't be too high or detailed).

I wish the sideboard was in white, though.

I like the bench and the coffee table too. It is impossible to make "quality" furniture out of particle board? I'm not being sarcastic,... I'm honestly curious.

Personally, all I can look at is the genius of that rug.

I don't imagine there are any materials you couldn't make quality furniture out of, and that's exactly my point. The quality (or in Ikea's case, lack of it) is in the production. I'd much rather see them improve the overall quality of what they're already doing (even if it meant higher prices) than come out with a "super quality" line of products – which may use more expensive materials, but likely is manufactured with the same low standards.

I've seen this in the stores as well. Hate to say it, but I can't see a difference in quality between this newer collection and the typical particle board stuff they've been carrying. The pieces look lovely at a distance, especially the sideboard, but when you get up close you can definitely tell it's the same old plastic laminate and pressed sawdust. Perhaps they'll hold up better with time than the usual Ikea furniture, but I doubt it. The slipper chair is adorable, but on the uncomfortable side of extra firm. It does come in great upholstery, though, and it's so small and low to the ground it would be a good choice for an especially tiny living area.

im going after work. i'll report back...
im actually interested in the houndstooth pillows of all things...

There are actually quite a few pieces sold by companies who specialize in high design (DWR) which utilize MDF covered in veneer. It really depends on how its manufactured and how it's used.

High design in solid wood, how much does that usually run?
Ikea in solid wood. That would be interesting.

I second SFAmanda. LOVE the rug.

Particleboard (Ikea) and MDF (DWR and a host of other high and midrange furniture companies) are not the same thing. MDF is far superior to particleboard, and in certain circumstances, is superior to wood timber for the purposes of furniture manufacturing. Ikea looks cheap because it tends to be laminate (an image of wood grain printed on plastic) over particleboard. If you want to see veneer (real wood) on MDF, head over to Ligne Roset, Poliform, B&B Italia, Minotti, or Armani Casa.

The TV bench and coffee table mentioned in this article are covered in real oak veneer.

Ikea does make solid wood furniture - I have a kitchen table of solid wood from them as well as some side tables too.

I saw that rug over the weekend and got an "Ooooooooooooooo, me want" out of me!

The materials used for the Stockholm collection feels expensive, but it’s not overpriced.
Amongst them is some nice soft leather, cowhide and mohair.
I love this new line of furniture and my favorites are the accessories.

I have to say, the slipper chairs were some of the most comfortable I have ever sat in (I usually don't like the style). Some people just don't like Ikea -- no problem, more for the rest of us to enjoy.