Designers Say These Are the 6 IKEA Items They Can’t Live Without

It’s no surprise that IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer. Its Scandi-chic designs, versatile products, and undeniable affordability make the iconic Swedish store beloved by all — including home designers. And when it comes to finding practical yet stylish storage solutions for your space, IKEA is a one-stop shop. 

For our annual State of Home Design survey for 2026, we asked 140 designers to give us the scoop on their favorite trends and products in the home design space — including, of course, IKEA pieces. Below are the top answers for IKEA storage pieces designers just couldn’t live without.

The most common answer? The iconic BILLY Bookcase. Twelve designers named this storage staple as their favorite IKEA piece. The BILLY series has been featured in many an IKEA hack, but it’s a valuable basic on its own, too. “It’s a timeless storage piece that has been around for decades and remains extremely popular globally,” says Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. “Losing this [piece] would feel like losing a foundational piece of everyday home design.” 

Buy: BILLY Bookcase, $79 (Prices Vary)

A close second-favorite storage gem was IKEA’s KALLAX series, with 10 designers applauding its clean look and modular functionality. We’re no stranger to the versatility of the KALLAX shelves — they can be a great budget-friendly solution for keeping any room in order. “The KALLAX shelves are great in an office space, playroom, or anywhere you need additional storage,” says Lauren Robbins of Lauren Robbins Interiors. “The 12”x12” design helps keep you organized.”

Buy: KALLAX Shelf Unit, $79.99 (Prices Vary)

Another iconic IKEA line — especially for the DIYers among us — is the PAX wardrobe series. Custom closets and built-in wardrobes can be a costly home feature, but the PAX series is a simple, cost-effective storage solution that can make your closet space both fashionable and functional. Designer Madelaine Mayer of Adroit loves that PAX wardrobes “always seem to be the perfect size for a variety of uses in New York City spaces.”

Buy: PAX Wardrobe, $435 (Prices Vary)

Several designers also sung the praises of the TROFAST series — specifically for use in kids’ rooms. Playrooms are perpetually messy, but the TROFAST storage system offers a budget- and design-friendly solution. “Honestly, I’d panic if IKEA ever discontinued their kids’ playroom pieces,” says Cathryn Erickson of Cathryn Lindsey Design. “They’re the perfect mix of practical and design-friendly, especially for spaces where creativity (and mess!) are part of the charm.”

Buy: TROFAST Storage Combination, $146.99 (Prices Vary)

The ever-popular RÅSKOG rolling cart came in fifth place for our designers’ favorite storage items. This space-conscious trolley comes in a variety of colors, and can be tucked away into the tiniest of spots. Paige W. Dick of Paige Designs uses the RÅSKOG cart for storing just about anything and everything: “Kitchen tools, craft supplies, you name it. Small, mobile, and stylish, it’s irreplaceable. If it disappeared, I’d panic,” she says.

Buy: RÅSKOG Utility Cart, $29.99

Unfortunately, some of the designers were probably disappointed to learn that IKEA’s iconic blue FRAKTA shopping bags were actually discontinued shortly after we sent out our survey. “The blue FRAKTA shopping bag — it’s an icon!” says Kevin Francis O’Gara of Kevin Francis Design. IKEA announced that the FRAKTA will no longer be shoppable after April of this year, so stock up while you can! 

Buy: FRAKTA Shopping Bag, $0.99