Think of the two in the total numbers. As if the shipping of the IKEA was in the price: $369.

Think about the space it's in, the construction of the pieces. Go and see the Blu Dot piece since you can go down the road. Really test the opening and shutting mechanisms and the size/shape/capacity of it.

Then you can make your decision based on dollars spent to get the piece: $369 vs. $529, quality of construction: self-assemble vs. ?, quality of materials, and how it will fit in your space with your existing design.

Take it step by step.

Yes, the quality of the BluDot piece is better. (And I say that as a major fan of IKEA.) The frame/front of the Mandal is solid wood, but drawers have fiberboard bottoms, and the entire back is fiberboard. That's fine for lightweight storage, but it's something to keep in mind if you plan to keep what you buy for more than 5 (or so) years.

Also, the look of these two pieces in person is very different. The IKEA piece is really VERY "knotty": it's made of pine with a clear matte lacquer. It's hard to tell from the pictures on their website, but the look is quite a bit more rustic than you might think. Yes, it can be painted, but is that really something you feel like doing after paying $369 (especially since it looks like you're looking for something with a wood finish on the outside)?

I'd be less discouraging about the IKEA piece if you weren't going to have to deal with the shipping. That would be a dealbreaker for me, as their business really is designed to be an on-site pickup deal. The shipping-related stories I've heard have been less than happy for the most part!

p.s. I just did a search on Flickr, and found this photo, which gives a much better idea of what the finish on the IKEA piece actually looks like.

BluDot hands down

I have the BluBot Modulicious bed, with drawers, and the quality is far superior to anything from IKEA (and I say that as someone who loves my IKEA Expedit shelves). If you're really going to use the piece, and be pulling the drawers in and out regularly, then I think you'd be much better off spending the extra money. Besides, the BluDot piece is more attractive in my opinion...

Whoa, that Flickr photo that shows the knots in the pine really does make the style look so different! Yikes! Nice search job, Anna.

Having seen the "Chicago" bookcase at DWR, I was shocked at the poor quality and poor design details.

I've gotten most of my furniture delivered from West Elm, and found it more affordable and better made than Ikea. They have this dresser that is similar that I've been looking into.

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODa385&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNDRS&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNDRS

FYI i have a blu dot modulicious dresser that i purchased in summer 2006. less than a year later, the paint on the side of one the dresser drawers began to peel off. i glued it back and it looks fine, at least for now. however, considering the price i expected not to experience this kind of problem.

Consider shopping an unfinished furniture store. Those pieces are made of solid wood and are quite sturdy. If you can find one with simple, clean lines similar to the ones above then you can personalize it with stain(s) and some modern pulls.

Then you shouldn't have to worry about gluing the paint back on. :p

I have a pair of the Modulicious One units in Walnut.

Sure they cost more, but they are much better made and have strong drawer-glides. The units come with the drawers pre-assembled, so they are much sturdier than anything IKEA - such as my PAX wardrobe system, Docent Wall Unit and Kaffatorp cocktail table.

I also own a couple West Elm pieces which are also very solid and well made, and would suggest their Low Platform Console as another possible choice - particularly if you aren't interested in assembly:

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf598&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNDRS&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNDRS

Is anyone else in total shock over that shipping quote? I ordered desk trestles from Ikea to Virginia and it was $20. What gives? They ship from a warehouse, not the individual stores, right? So why would shipping be so much?

hi everyone,

I posted the original question. Thanks all for the responses! I will definitely check out the Blu Dot dresser in person to see how it would work.

You people who live within driving distance of an IKEA don't know how lucky you are. Yeah, a lot of it is crappily made. But honestly, there is no other stylish choice for everyday furniture on the cheap. Nowhere. Not even Target. It just isn't the same.

As for IKEA shipping costing so much: my understanding is they are still not set up to be in the mail order business. I've ordered a few things from them in the past. Everything I ordered was sent via UPS, and I never had a problem. I've heard many horror stories about freight shipments, though. Typically they'll send the smaller items via UPS, and the bigger, heavier items via freight.

i'm very satisfied with the blu dot SERIES 11 dresser.

solid construction.

I have the Blu Dot Chicago Bookcase and it's a nicely designed bookcase. Quality is a bit like Ikea's but definitely better.