We tend to treat Ikea like the nerdy kid in high school that constantly saved our ass by letting us cheat off of his homework, but then we still made fun of him at lunch.
While we are too often guilty of making fun of the rickety, assembly-required furniture that Ikea has perfected, who are we kidding? Wed be lost without that Burbank store. That is why we are going to start a new post for THINGS FROM IKEA THAT DONT SUCK.
We have used the Banana Leaf Alseda stools ($29.99) which are more like a puff for a number of outdoor spaces. We have also stained (and sealed) them out in a rich dark brown, where they were stacked by a fireplace for extra seating. They look great alone, or stacked in pairs. Thanks Ikea, and we're sorry Hugo.
This is one of my favorite IKEA pieces. I had two in my living room as extra seating in a previous place. (The apartment sold furnished. So hopefully the new owner is enjoying them as much as I did.) A really versatile piece with modern lines but a great organic feel. A while back, I saw pics an in import design mag of a blue polypropylene version that never made it stateside...
Alec, next up--Expedit bookcase?
I like the 365 pots and pans line. I was an idiot and left all the good cookware with the ex (stupid me - trying to be thoughtful) and needed replacements fast. Until I can afford to go with higher end stuff, I have to say these pieces have been good little workhorses (and clean up nice). I also rip through those little tea lights IKEA sells in bulk. A little candlelit ambience on a poor girl's budget!
:^ )
yay, my kind of post. i was just wondering--did you seal the poufs (stools, whatever) b/c you felt the woven banana fibers wouldn't stand up to everyday wear & tear? i've been eyeing these for a bit, so that would worry me. also, could you tell us what you used to stain & seal them? thanks!
i agree w/ Libby about the 365 line of cookware, which i really like. i have 3 of their pieces & have found them very serviceable, & the quality is surprisingly good. in fact, my only complaint about the 365 line is that they don't have enough useful sizes, while at the same time including weird stuff like an asparagus cooker or a fish poacher. if they offered more basics from this line, i'd get them in a heartbeat.
...love their plastic cutting boards. they last forever and cost 3x as much at bed, bath and beyond.
also love their very very inexpensive colorful flower pots. it's those little things...
anyone have an opinion about their all white Expedit book cases? do they last? because i've had bad luck w/some of their others, but am contemplating this one.
thanks.
I've had the Expedit bookcase for about 3 or 4 years and it's been great - even survived a move (I'm still not sure how the movers got the thing out of our apt). I made the mistake of trying to paint it - even with the strongest primer we could find, the paint still peels off.
Anyone have any insight into the best way to paint Ikea laminated furniture?
Sooj- Sadly, this is where my Quick and dirty moniker comes from.
I stain things with whatever darkest wood stain I have in the cupboard. I bet we didnt need to seal them, but fear that brown stain might come off on a white-clad tush forced us to spray a little dull, clear whatever. Im sure M. Stewart and the rest would die and how wrong I do things but they look great!
Alec
(head bowed in shame) Ill get a more professional answer and post it tomorrow.
alec - that would be great, thanks! if at all possible, could you also post a pic of the stained pouf-thingy? i've always loved the idea of taking ikea stuff & modifying it to fit a particular situation or decor. i remember someone else mentioned the idea of having AT do a feature on this (getting creative w/ ikea) & i've really been hoping that you guys might take it up.
I'm guessing that spraypainting them would seal them and keep them nice as well (in addition to the bonus of them being in a nice color if one so chose).