We Asked Designers for Their Favorite IKEA “Hidden Gems” (They Start at $15!)

Written by

Amrita ThakkarEditor of Style & Design
Amrita ThakkarEditor of Style & Design
I cover style and design, and I have three years of experience in the home space. My work has appeared on Taste of Home, Family Handyman, Reader's Digest, Yahoo, and MSN. When I'm not writing, you'll find me bouncing to my latest hobby: climbing, yoga, crocheting, or something brand new.
published Dec 10, 2024
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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

While IKEA has long been beloved by both renters and homeowners looking for affordable furnishings, designers have their IKEA favorites too. This year, we asked designers across the country about their favorite IKEA items in our annual State of Home Design survey, and got a number of interesting answers. 

While the PAX wardrobes, the BESTA series, KALLAX shelves, and BILLY bookcases got plenty of love as expected, there were some hidden gems on the list that you might not have considered before. Here are designers’ favorite hidden gems at IKEA. 

1 / 11
IKEA
$14.99

IKEA’s MÄVINN baskets come in both soft neutrals and bold colorways. There are plenty of options for anyone looking to add storage and style to their space. The collection is handmade entirely by social enterprises creating “jobs for people who need them most.” Designer Susan Wemlinger is a fan, saying, “IKEA's baskets are great, and this one in particular is perfect for so many different uses — toys, towels, and more.”

2 / 11
IKEA
$439.99

“I own the IKEA IDÅSEN cabinet and have been very happy with it overall. [It’s a] fun color, and it gives the locker feel without looking too childish,” says designer Sydney Kaufman. The softer edges give it a less “office” feel, and if you prefer a neutral look, it also comes in gray. “[It’s] nice to break up the wood in my home. I'd recommend it to others,” Kaufman explains.

3 / 11
IKEA
$17.99

“The TOKABO Table Lamp provides the sweetest glow — so great for a kids' room.” says designer Meghan Jay. It’s a fun take on the trendy mushroom lamp, and its small size ensures it can fit almost anywhere.

4 / 11
IKEA
$499.00

“I use the NORDLI bed frame to maximize storage. We have a small home and need to find creative storage solutions. It's a great place to store linens or out-of-season clothes, and you can bring design impact in with a headboard,” explains designer Elissa Hall of EDH Interiors. Often overshadowed by the MALM bed frame, the NORDLI is nonetheless another great IKEA bed frame option with plenty of storage.

5 / 11
IKEA
$9.99

IKEA VARDAGEN are my favorite drinking glasses ever, and I love when they come out in specialty colors. Literally use these every day!” says designer Courtney Sempliner. Available in three colors, these glasses are, as IKEA describes, “simple and timeless.”

6 / 11
IKEA
$64.99

“I like incorporating the ALSEDA Stool from IKEA into my designs. Hand-woven from banana fiber, this versatile piece adds a natural, textured element to various spaces,“ says designer Linda Hayslett of LH Designed. This piece is a great addition for someone looking to bring natural fabrics and movement to their space.

Hayslett also compliments its versatility, explaining, “Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around, serving as extra seating, a footrest, or even a casual side table. The ALSEDA Stool's organic aesthetic complements both indoor and outdoor settings, making it a favorite in my projects.”

7 / 11
IKEA
$129.99

Designer Francie Winchester is a fan of this simple, full-length mirror, saying, “My husband bought this for himself before I knew him, and it has been with him — and now us — for 20 years. It's a great budget item that makes a big impact.” While its frame isn’t fancy, the HOVET is a testament to the fact that sometimes the best decor is something that can blend in seamlessly.

8 / 11
IKEA
$19.99

“We use the HILJA curtain panels to create the look of a custom shower curtain for much, much less. Usually it's a kids' or guest bathroom.” explains designer Sara Swabb of Storie Collective. These lightweight curtains are fairly sheer, so if you choose to use them for a window, make sure you’re OK with allowing some light in.

9 / 11
IKEA
$79.99

“The HELMER cabinet is an MVP in home-offices, kids' rooms, or crafting spaces,” says designer Elaine Thompson of Pistachio Designs. Depending on which of the four colors you pick, Thompson’s ideas for the HELMER make perfect sense — brighter colors for kids' rooms or neutrals for home offices — or even a bright color in your office space if you want it to pop.

10 / 11
IKEA
$27.99

“I find myself buying the SKÅDIS Pegboard for so many homes. It comes in black, white, and a natural wood finish,“ says designer Mara Silber of Mara Silber Studio. While you might not think of a pegboard as something you usually need, Silber points out, “It's useful in playrooms, garages, mudrooms, kids' bedrooms, and offices. It keeps all your small items displayed and stored efficiently!”

11 / 11
IKEA
$7.99

“The RÖDALM series of frames (formerly RIBBA) are so versatile, and the price point can't be beat. I've used them in countless projects, and it's so easy to customize them with paint, wallpaper, or a custom matte for an upgraded look,” says designer Liberty Riggs of Morrison Gates. Bookmark these for your next gallery wall!