10 Items in the IKEA Kids Section You’ll Want for Yourself
Before I had kids, I would typically hightail it through the children’s section of IKEA watching to be sure my toes didn’t get squashed by a rocking moose. But with two kids at home, I now know my DUKTIGs from my LATTJOs and my FLISATS from my MAMMUTs. And, I can tell you, there are some good grownup finds in there that you might be overlooking. Let me show you a few…
IKEA was smart to design a very basic dollhouse, the FLISAT ($29.99), that could easily transition to a wall shelf to hold books or toys after a child outgrows it as a toy. But grownups who enjoy a house motif can adapt this solid pine toy as a lovely display piece, either mounted to a wall or atop a table, to show off plants, favorite books or figurines.
Nina of Stylizimo used pieces from the kids’ STUVA collection to create beautiful modular storage in her entryway. STUVA comes in several sizes so you can combine them to perfectly suit your space. The drawer fronts come in a few very juvenile choices like bubble gum pink, chartreuse green and bright orange, but also a crisp white and “birch effect” — both nice choices for a grownup space.
In a trio of kiddie colors (vibrant blue, pink or green) plus a white version, VESSLA wheeled storage crates ($5.99 +$2 for a lid) are billed as toy storage and are particularly useful for housing large amounts of LEGO or blocks. They’re not particularly attractive, but I can think of plenty of uses for them elsewhere around the home in more utilitarian spaces — to hold recycling, to house pet food and supplies (use the lid to keep other critters out), for bulk items in a pantry or as general storage in a basement, attic or garage.
I wrote a whole post about ways to use the TROFAST system around the home in addition to its traditional use as toy storage. Ideas include recycling, gardening, in the pantry, for craft storage and more. This family in Portugal added a top to these Trofast units to create extra storage in a hallway and you’d never guess it’s toy storage.
SLAKT storage seat, $89
SLACKT storage box, $69
IKEA released a new, customizable kids bed system, SLAKT, this past summer aimed at giving tweens and teens plenty of hangout options by leaving ample space underneath the bed to roll out seating options (or a trundle). But out of the context of the bed system, the square storage units could work great in a living room. The upholstered seat could be an ottoman and the box a low coffee table (or combine two) — each opens for storage and is on casters for mobility.
After years of seeing customers flip the BEKVAM spice racks to hold books (and makeup and glasses and ribbon and…) IKEA created an official open front wall rack for kids, the FLISAT. It’s nearly twice as long and twice as tall as the BEKVAM. Sure, it’s great for displaying kids’ books, but could also hold adult books, magazines, frequently used cookbooks or be hung parallel to a bed as a small space bedside table.
Here’s how IKEA describes the SYNAS Led light box ($39.99): “Your child can showcase their art creations, collections or favorite belongings and change when they like thanks to the removable lid.” Well, don’t you have art, collections or favorite belongings to show off? Sure you do. Go ahead, light them up. (Or, use it as a plant box like IKEA Netherlands).
If you’re a grownup, chances are slim that you’re in the market for a loft bed — especially twin size. But if you’re starting out in a small studio apartment a loft bed is a great choice. This one, the STUVA loft ($479), supports 220 lbs. and incorporates a desk, shelving and a small wardrobe.
Have I missed any of your favorites?