7 Home Finds You Should Never Buy at IKEA, According to 2 Designers

When you think of budget interior decor, IKEA may very well be the first shopping destination that comes to mind. After all, IKEA has thousands of super-chic Scandinavian-inspired pieces that are often a fraction of the price of those from traditional retailers. And while even the most top-tier interior designers still incorporate IKEA pieces into their projects, some items from the home decor superstore aren’t your very best option, at least as far as the pros are concerned.

There’s nothing wrong with buying these items, especially if they’re all your budget allows for, but for most of them, they’re not as durable or sustainable as you might want. With that in mind, here’s a look at the items designers will never buy from IKEA.

Most people spend one-third of their lives asleep, so it’s important to sleep on a good quality mattress. Unfortunately, IKEA’s mattresses are neither supportive nor sturdy. “IKEA mattresses can look pretty comfy, but here’s the deal: they can be great for a short while but not built for the long haul,” says interior designer and Creative Director of Peltier Interiors, Amy Peltier.

“Your bed is where you start and end your day. Splurge for a mattress that not only is super comfy but can last you for years to come.”

While the art from IKEA is not necessarily poor quality, it’s not exactly one-of-a-kind, either. “Art is where you can show some true personality in your home, and you don’t want to have the exact same piece that your neighbor has,” explains interior designer and founder of Allito Spaces, Allison Garrison. If you want to save money on art for your home, consider visiting estate sales in your area or purchasing a piece from an up-and-coming local artist.

There are plenty of kitchen items from IKEA that pack a ton of value for the price, but cookware is not among them. According to Peltier, “it’s like that cute but impractical outfit you buy for a special occasion and never wear again. While their pots and pans are budget-friendly, they are definitely not made to be a staple kitchen item.”

Your money will stretch much further if you invest in a better quality set that will last for many years to come.

There’s no denying that IKEA’s sheets, towels, and other textiles are super-cute — especially the patterns — but there definitely are better places to buy these types of items. “IKEA textiles may be affordable, but they often lack the durability and quality needed for a high-end design project,” says Peltier. “Investing in high-quality textiles ensures that your designs look refined and remain in excellent condition, even with regular use.”

The last thing you want is to have to buy bedding over and over again, and you’ll end up spending more money in the long run anyway.

If you’ve ever framed a large piece of artwork or photo you already know how expensive frames can be, so it’s natural to want to save your hard-earned cash by purchasing bigger frames from IKEA. According to Garrison, however, you might want to think twice.

“IKEA has some innovative large frames where you can stretch your own canvas, but I have tried and boy, is it a pain in the booty to do.” Quality is also a consistent issue. “The frames are also wobbly and unstable,” she adds. “I would stick with their smaller items.”

Unfortunately, IKEA isn’t exactly known for its kitchen knives. “IKEA’s inexpensive knives might not stay sharp for long and can be less durable compared to those from specialized brands,” says Peltier. “High-quality knives are essential for both performance and safety, making them worth the investment.” Good knives might be expensive, but they’re a necessity if you cook a lot. You may want to consider purchasing one or two of them from a higher caliber brand instead of buying a larger set from IKEA.

If you work from home, a quality, ergonomically designed office chair is a must. While chairs from IKEA are really cute and aesthetically pleasing, they are not necessarily designed for long work days. “IKEA’s office chairs don’t offer the level of support and adjustability needed for optimal comfort and health,” says Peltier. “Opting for chairs that prioritize proper posture and adjustable features ensures that you can work comfortably and efficiently throughout the day.”

Even though a good quality chair can be expensive, it’s better to spend the money upfront than to suffer from back and neck pain down the road.