7 of the Most Underrated IKEA Items Designers Say You Shouldn’t Skip at the Store (Starting at $30!)

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this is the 22nd UK IKEA Store. IKEA, founded in Sweden in 1943, is the world's largest retailer of ready-to-assemble or flat-pack furniture.
Credit: Graeme Dawes / Shutterstock

There’s a lot I love about IKEA — affordability, great design, and, of course, the vast amount of IKEA hacks. But if there’s one thing I’m not so keen on, it’s that some of IKEA’s pieces are just a bit too popular, meaning they’re everywhere. And sometimes you just want something that’s budget-friendly and looks great but doesn’t scream “IKEA.”

You’ve probably already seen plenty of the BILLY bookcase, the entire HEMNES bedroom set, and the KALLAX shelves. That said, with IKEA’s enormous catalog of products, there are some hidden gems lurking in there. Digging them out, though, is a big feat, so I decided to turn to the pros to find out what under-the-radar IKEA pieces you should keep an eye out for if you want your home to feel as unique as it is budget-friendly. 

Check out their top picks below.

1 / 7
IKEA
$89.99

Curtains can be pricey — for example, Pottery Barn’s best-selling blackout velvet curtains come in at $139 minimum. To keep costs on budget while still delivering the luxe look, the pros often turn to IKEA’s SANELA curtains. “SANELA curtains have been a staple in every home I’ve designed. The quality is comparable to higher-end options, and their extensive color range means they work in any room,” says Mackenzie Collier, founder of Mackenzie Collier Interiors.

2 / 7
IKEA
$139.99

Shoe storage can be one of the biggest gripes for big- and small-space dwellers alike. Designers frequently solve this problem with an IKEA’s HEMNES shoe cabinet, which often escapes notice in favor of the bedroom set of the same name. “It’s neat and very customizable by changing the handles and painting it,” says Rebecca Kerry, founder of Rebel Interior Design. “It looks like a nice piece of furniture and, most importantly, avoids the dreaded piles of shoes by the front door,” adds Kerry.

3 / 7
IKEA
$29.99

The JONAXEL storage combination is highly rated by pros for both quality and flexibility. "I've had the JONAXEL metal storage system in almost every household over the last 20 years. It’s durable and versatile, and I love how it fits in any space, from laundry rooms to closets," says Collier.

4 / 7
IKEA
$1149.00

While IKEA has many sofas that look pricier than they are, it’s the sleek and stylish ÄPPLARYD sofa that designers turn to again and again. "Its contemporary design and detailed finishes on the cushions fool many into thinking its price tag is triple of what it actually is,” says Kerry.

5 / 7
IKEA
$329.99

When it comes to home office organization with style, designers love the TROTTEN cabinet — not just for their clients, but also for themselves. As Collier says, "The TROTTEN cabinet has been the perfect solution for my home office storage. It’s spacious enough for everything, including a printer, while maintaining a sleek look."

6 / 7
IKEA
$29.99

When it comes to staying organized, designers can’t quit IKEA’s RISATORP storage baskets. "RISATORP baskets are a go-to for storage — they come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them perfect for organizing everything from pantry items to office supplies,” says Collier.

7 / 7
IKEA
$74.99

IKEA’s SANELA curtains aren’t the only window coverings that the pros love. The pure linen DYTÅG curtains are another go-to for affordability and timeless design, according to Kerry. “They also come in long lengths, so they’re perfect for homes with tall ceilings,” adds Kerry.