apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You can also find the leaning bookself at Walmart for under fifty dollars and you can not tell the difference.

I have the lack wall shelves, and am using one of them as a shelf for my desk, and I came very close to buying an exepdit bookcase, but i don't own that many books. Haha.

Oh my, I've been lusting after a glossy, white Parsons Desk from West Elm for some time now.

i think cb2's clear acrylic nesting tables are a great furniture basic for just $199: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=117&q=nesting tables&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1

I would love it if West Elm and IKEA had stores in Denver.

Fingers crossed that will happen sometime in my lifetime.

We've got a leaning desk and one leaning bookshelf from Crate and Barrel. We got the old model from the outlet store and since we purchased the floor model we got the shelf and the desk for only $200! It was our favorite piece of furniture until we got the west elm low platform bed and the zen sofa (discontinued) from boconcept.

I have three Expedits used for various purposes (books art supplies, recycling, and inventory) and I love them. I have a thing for grids, though. Ikea seems to know that people really like them, too, and the prices are going up faster than inflation (I think a 4x4 was $129 last year, and $99 the year before). I've got two of mine on Craigslist and joke that they're an investment because they keep increasing in value.

In a Top 10 I'd add the Billy bookcases from Ikea: Sturdy, wide variety of finishes (the new Black-Brown is great-looking), adaptable... We covered the 15' wall of our dining room with them in black-brown, with just an inch or so to spare on each side, and used the caps to build up as high as we could. People think they're built in.

I had a set (two big, one little corner one) in Birch for my first 5 years after college and only sold them because we were switching to black-brown in our new apartment. I figure, since I want to completely fill the bookcases with books, not leave them half-empty as an artistic statement, I'd rather go with the simplest cases I can find!

Great feature AT, thanks! So helpful for people moving into their first apartment!

i've had several billy bookcases and i don't know if i'd classify them as "sturdy," they're ok for a while, but the back usually tends to pop out. also the Lack floating shelves are not super strong either. I have the expedit I bought from a yard sale and it's pretty amazing, it stores books, records, dvds, cds, dog toys, and art.

i think there should be some beds on this list - what about the Ikea Malm? I don't have it but I've seen it in many readers' home pictures.

are those shelves strong enough to double as a ladder? I"m planning on raising my loft bed and using it as a storage area (so I have more room underneath to sleep on a normal bed). It would be kind of cool to have a bookcase/ladder have double functions in the corner. just a thought

The Billy isn't sturdy to move around but it does pretty well sitting in one place. I've loaded mine with ridiculously heavy books and haven't had any problems with the shelves bending. Also, I've had them in three separate apartments so I'm going to second their nomination for a top ten list.

I would also like to add the Billy bookcases. Currently I am using one as a pantry in our kitchen with the nyckelby doors. I get more complements on it than I can count and because it is a bookcase, the shelves aren't too deep like other pantries so food fits nicely without having to go two deep. Also I never realized how colorful food packaging is until you see it behind frosted glass. It is a very versatile piece for a home.

Without weighting the list too heavily with Ikea, consider the Ikea PS locker-type cabinet. It's $99, sturdy, and flexible enough for almost every type of decor. I've played the decor drinking game with it and seen it often in AT contests/house tours.

Also, Target's $99 mirrored side table is pretty sturdy and a lot of glam for the buck.

Amazing that I have two of the five you mention (Lack Wall Shelves and one each tall and short Sapien). If a floor lamp is furniture, I'd have to nominate the Lersta for $9:
http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/61420_PE167788_S4.jpg
With the right bulb, it will do anything.

And I nominate the idea of a kitchen island - which saves many kitchens from uselessness. I have the Groland, but I'm sure there's a better (non-ikea) example:
http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/23030_PE107804_S4.jpg

These are great suggestions - keep them coming!

How are the Lack floating shelves attached to the wall? It doesn't say on their website. I found a similar shelf on the street that had a very secure two pronged metal support that stuck out from the wall and the shelf slid onto it. I 'd like to know where I could buy some more.

That's prob the Lack you found... It has a black bracket you screw into the wall with two narrow cylindrical arms sticking straight out, and you slide the shelf into the arms (there're pre-drilled holes in the side of the shelf)

sorry, more ikea, but these are absolutely essential and cheaper than even making them yourself:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50107471

I can't believe the POANG chair hasn't been mentioned.

Great list...

I would throw The Container Store's elfa shelving on there too

Some how it is all more fun when it is far cheaper than the listed new prices. Second-hand gives me a sense of triumph unequaled by new stuff. I can take your "cheaper" and get it for a fraction of that cost! Then I have an opportunity to feel superior and pat myself on the back for being economical and green at the same time.

jimkk - those are exactly lack shelves. two prongs, holes drilled according to european stud standards (so slightly tough to screw into the studs in north america, unfortunately - if you have a lack screwed into 2 studs then the max weight limit is something awesome. into sheer drywall, they suck.), black metal, and the shelf slides on. you have two small screws at the bottom, where they hold the shelf from sliding off.

and, all awesome suggestions. i absolutely vote for the MALM bed and Billy.

its kinda interesting there are no chairs mentioned anywhere here... are chairs more diverse and therefore less hard to be basic?

oh! a chair! should've refreshed. poang is indeed a classic, good one!

Great start with this list. I have the DWR small Sapiens and the C&B leaning bookcase. I think they are both excellent in tight spaces. For chairs, I would nominate the Holz chairs from DWR - you can get a set of 4 for under $500. They look great but unfortunately the back of the chair hits you at an uncomfortable spot which is why I haven't purchased them.

Ooh, also Ikea Ribba frames. I mean, if you want something that's good-looking and present in almost everyone's house, there you go.

I see the SAMTID floor lamp ($35) all over the place (blogs/magazines/house tours etc)
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60061024

I have 2 and they have held up well, and have a nice, generic look.

Thanks olya and summerinbrooklyn for confirming the Lack shelves. But they don't work with drywall? Not sure I can locate the studs anyway.

Now if Ikea would only hurry up and open their store in Red Hook.

Elfa shelving

definintely add the elfa. also a bed. everyone seems to have the low platform from west elm or the ikea malm. and for instant style an eames effiel chair.

How about the Top 5 Furniture That's Cheap But Not Empty Carbs (there's an awful lot of fibreboard in that list...)?

(Vagary, are you asking for a consistent editorial position? Don't do that.)

The Billy may actually be the best use of fiberboard out there because it's so flexible with the door options. I'd love to have custom shelves in real wood if we owned and were settled down, but for the transient rental lifestyle, a wall of Billy is quiet and functional.

Please extend the list to cover the entire apartment so I can pastiche it mercilessly in miniature.

The Parsons desk as a dining table is a GREAT idea. I just recently decided that I'm going to buy a dining table and I immediately decided a parsons style table would work best for my decor but then I was stuck because I didn't know where I could get a parsons dining table small enough for my dining area.

I have seen this desk in the West Elm catalog many times but it did not dawn on me to use it as a dining table ...and the drawers could be used for placemats and napkin rings, etc.

What about the Knappa lamp? does that count as furniture?

I've got an Expedit bookshelf and an Ektorp Tullsta chair, but my official vote goes to the West Elm Overlapping Squares daybed. The best part is that I got all of it on Craigslist - the secret for getting cheap furniture even cheaper:)

I have the Ikea shelves, but I wanted to let everyone know I found mini 1 1/2 ft brushed metal ones at Target in Brooklyn last Sunday.

I also have the parson's desk.

I have an Elfa desk, white top, with silver colored metal legs.

I am still searching for the perfect small book case 30" x 30" any idea?

Hollow Core Doors.
we have two: one as desk over oak file cabinets from Kmart and the other as dining table over construction style horses from Home Depot perfect for Thanksgive dinner last year.

Forget about the furniture: WHERE can I get those floor tiles in the parsons desk picture???

Thanks.

Well, wende in phoenix, a consistent editorial position would be interesting. :) But all I really want is some cheap furniture I'll be able to take with me the next time I move (and the time after that). A guide to Ikea-products-not-made-of-fibreboard would be great.

I've found a desk online that is exactly what I want, but the company says they don't currently make it.
http://www.rtaproducts.com/2217.html
They only make them for large orders of 1000 from big distributors. Has anyone seen this simple and functional design elsewhere?
I'm pretty sure RTA did not invent this from scratch. Thanks

Damn - I want that leaning desk! But I live in the Netherlands (which, until now, I thought was advantageous..)

Does anyone know of a similar desk in Europe? (and like, similar in price too...)

Regarding the strength of the Lack shelves, the recommended maximum load is 35 lbs. I.e. its not meant to bear any serious load.

Cheers!

1 - For us, I'd like to include those stackable, hinged (and therefore fold-able) bookcases. Originally, we purchased them from Barnes and Noble, but they don't seem to sell them anymore. You can still find the 'good' ones at
http://www.freestylefurniture.com/shop/home_office/folding_bookshelves.html
Of course, you can find copies (which don't stack as well) at Target, etc.
2 - Those round tables covered with fabric provide a nice basic end table while storing all kinds of unsightly stuff underneath -- and quite accessible, too.
What I'd like to see next is the top 5 websites -- well, #2 through #5, actually. Most folks think of CraigsList as #1.

I have the Lack shelves and I use the Expedit not for a single book, but as cubbies in my walk-in closet for handbags (they shouldn't be hung!) hats, boots, folded sweaters, linens, and baskets of crap.

Annnd when my friend wanted a Parson desk in white, I remember an AT tip and directed her to overstock.com, where they had it for $150.

I have 2 short (41 3/4" tall) Billy bookcases in birch that I use in the kitchen/dining area as a sideboard and to hold and display my nicer looking china, stemware, serving pieces and Corningware french white...it's amazing how many heavy dishes they hold without even bowing!

I would also like to add the oh-so-sexy Verner Panton "S" chairs to the list...they're sooo on my shopping list!!! I've seen them in several "smallest coolest" entries, Domino, InStyle Home, and Ugly Betty's Mode Magazine conference room...the Panton chair is so yummy

I don't have any of these (which isn't to say that I don't have plenty of IKEA furniture). At one point, I had the Lack shelves, but I found that they always wanted to droop away from the wall a bit and I grew to hate them. I like the look of the Expedit in other people's places, but for myself, the adjustable shelves of the Billy are more functional.

I have the Expedit TV Stand in brown/black and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70103090

Storage ottomans!

The faux leather ones from Home Decorators are sturdy, multipurpose, inexpensive and look really nice. Can work in a huge variety of styles from modern to vintage, and come in endless sizes and colors/fabrics. We have three different styles throughout our apartment (all rich brown) and they each have a unique purpose (one holds bedding, one holds magazines, one holds kitchen linens).

OK, I must nominate my favorite ikea item.... the kiplin sofa!

we have 2 of them... one new one, and one that is very used and 6 years old. Classic lines, wears very well, and comfy enough for a nap!

great post though i think books stacked on the sapien look messy.

For cheap furniture basics, I must suggest the unmentionable Walmart. My husband and I have seriously had our hearts broken by Ikea a few times while our Walmart bookcases have done their duty. I hate the store's politics and it's not a pleasant shopping experience but it's really worth considering.

Also, for office furniture, I've been able to find and repaint some inexpensive pieces from Staples. Again, not sexy but you can make it so.

Glass blocks. They make the sleekest block-and-board bookcases around, and they are very adaptable in size. Nominal 8" square are perfect for paperback boos. Nominal 6" square are perfect for CDs/DVDs.

You can remove the bonding coating along the edges by soaking it in water until it softens and then scraping with a straightedge blade.

will definitely add a vote for the Billy system from IKEA. I have a room filled with the bookcases and matching Benno CD/DVD towers. They hold so much, look great, and are a fabulous deal. To be honest, I'm not sure how I would have furnished my house without IKEA. I love how you can mix IKEA pieces with some more expensive pieces and end up with a fabulous look.

I can't believe the Tord Boontje garland lampshade isn't on this list. It's super cheap if you buy it in the UK (or have someone pick it up for you)- only 18 pounds ($35). And adds a wonderful dramatic statement to any room.

I'd also add the PBTeen hi-light lamp (a cheap knock-off Jielde at $69 and $149- I think the floor model is now on sale).

I'm also a Billy fan- yes, the backs are flimsy and eventually come off, but the shelves function fine without them. My shelves look even better *without* their backs, up against the contrasting color of my wall, and now I can put electronics in them.

PS, wow thanks Shannon in SF for the overstock tip- the west elm parson's desk in black, white and red is still there now for $149!

i just picked up two sloane desks and one shelf on craigslist, for a steal of $120 (at least i think they are a steal)
so i can finally get rid of the cheap looking billy like bookcase i have from ikea and the board sitting on two stools as a desk.

super excited
thanks AT

KathinCO - there is a West Elm in Cherry Creek. It has been open for about 9 months. We are getting an Ikea in about 12 months. I will be by Park Meadows Mall right by the light rail.

I have the expedit 4x4 and I love it. We use it to store our record collection and the records fit in it perfectly.

Like others have said the lack shelves tend to droop a bit down after a while. I probably wouldn't ever buy them again.

I like the Lerberg shelving units that ikea sells. They are cheap and good for small storage spaces.

I agree with Cassis about the PS lockers. We have a white one in the living room and a red on a bedroom to store DVDs and other things. They're sleek yet a little quirky, but super cheap.

I also love the expedit. I have a 2X4 one that's great for storing my books as a well as fitting my stereo on top.

has anyone had any troubles with the sloan bookshelves and securing them to the wall? I am. the hardware that comes with it just allows the bookshelf to slide down a bit and is very un-sturdy. I love them, and i want to find a way to make them work. If anyone could help me out who has put these together i would really appreciate it! thanks!

I think the billy should be up for serious consideration...especially with the height extensions and door options that they have now.

I just moved into my first place and brought my Billy bookcase that I had a child. I went to ikea and picked up another billy, two height extensions and some doors and now it looks like my new place has built in bookcases!

It's held up with my abuse over the years just fine, and even if i could afford something more expensive, I love it's simplicity.

Ikea is definitely one of my favorite places to shop for my apartment. The expedit bookshelf's a great thing to have because the compartmentalized books won't fall down. Unfortunately I don't have room for it because I have a large and a small lack bookshelf from IKEA instead. I will be purchasing the individual lack shelving mentioned in the above posts to complement them. Thanks for sharing!

Cheap Home Furniture

I am putting together my first office and I REALLY want the parsons desk from west elm but it is way to expensive. I looked on overstock.com and I didnt find it. Does anyone know where I can purchase this desk for a more affordable price. I am DESPERATE! i love it!! its perfect for what i have. I so far have bought the IKEA shelf with white doors so the white desk would be ideal. Thanks every one!