We all know IKEA is basically a magical Scandinavian wonderland full of entertainingly-named, reasonably-priced stuff to spruce up your house, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for you can always find solace in a cinnamon roll on your way out the door.
But IKEA can be overwhelming just because of the sheer amount of shelving units, pillow covers and bed frames there are to sift through. Before you know it, you start panicking and either give up completely and bolt or grab a bunch of random stuff and hope for the best.
If you actually take the time to browse, you might be surprised what hidden gems you can find hidden in IKEA’s maze-like nooks and crannies. Things you didn’t know existed, but suddenly can’t live without. Keep your next trip to IKEA rewarding and low stress by taking a look at some of our favorite budget-friendly (all under $50!) and incredibly useful IKEA items. You may not realize you needed a Luns in your life, but you so do.
(Image Credit: IKEA)
At first glance, the Luns is just a chalkboard. But trust me, it’s so much more. It’s magnetic, so you can easily stick notes or coupons to it, and the built in shelf is perfect for storing mail. The cherry on top? Hooks on the bottom! Station your Luns by the front door and you’ll never lose your keys or forget a coupon again!
(Image Credit: IKEA)
It’s pretty common these days to find recipes online, and it’s much easier to reference Pinterest for the appropriate cupcake ingredients when you have a stand for your mobile device in the kitchen. No counter space? No worries – you can even hang this little guy on the wall.
(Image Credit: IKEA)
My dad had a valet stand when I was growing up and I always thought it was odd; but now I’ve seen the light. A dedicated piece of furniture for outfit planning? Now you have no excuse to prep your clothes for work the night before, and keep them wrinkle free on top of it all.
(Image Credit: IKEA)
This multipurpose corner shelf is perfect for small spaces. It’s intended for bathrooms but would also work just fine in any other room of the house. It’s also designed to be paired up to provide shelving around awkward-shaped areas (like under sinks).
(Image Credit: IKEA)
I can’t be the only person regularly running out of space in my bathroom to hang towels – especially when I have visitors. The Grundtal allows you to hang 4+ towels (or anything else, really) in just a sliver of space. Simple, but effective.
(Image Credit: IKEA)
I’m going to assume the name of this product was inspired by someone saying, “God Morgon, you have so much makeup; you should organize that!” This clear sectioned storage box can be used in drawers or on shelves or countertops, and it’s perfect for organizing toiletries and makeup instead of shoving them into a drawer and hoping for the best when you stick your hand inside.
(Image Credit: IKEA)
No one likes to be the person who uses the last of the toilet paper roll and has to replace it. But the Ragrund makes this task at least 75% less unpleasant by making the extra rolls of toilet paper super handy. It also somehow manages to make toilet paper look almost…arty?
Note: This handy item is out of stock as of post date; but you can use the link to keep checking back to see when it’s in stock. (Or run to your nearest IKEA and hope they have it handy!)
(Image Credit: IKEA)
I love throws, but Ursula is a favorite of mine because it is light and soft – which is ideal for summer or a warm climate when a fleece throw isn’t going to cut it – and it is large enough you can actually cover up with it completely and comfortably. No chilly toes or drafts hitting exposted shoulders here!
(Image Credit: IKEA)
This little nightstand is an amazing mix of value and function. It’s only $40.00, and it can be used not just as a nightstand, but also as an end table, or even kitchen or bathroom storage. The combination of the drawer and the shelf give the Trysil a surprising amount of storage while still looking stylish and taking it easy on your credit card.
(Image Credit: IKEA)
A fun lamp can go a long way in adding some spice to your decor without much effort. The Klabb’s bright color and striking mod shape make it a functional spruce for any space that needs a pop of color.
Now you can gather up your giant blue bags and hit the nearest IKEA with confidence!