IKEA

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends IKEA

619 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 31, 2025

  Suggestions needed for a BIFAReallyLongTime Laundry Baskets!

  I have ikea laundry baskets and they are going strong too. Probably had them for at least 6 years at this point. Mine are just baskets not hampers but I’d check out IKEA OP.

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• #2Dec 31, 2025

  Suggestions needed for a BIFAReallyLongTime Laundry Baskets!

  I use Rubbermaid storage containers. If you can move a bunch of books or tools in it, it'll survive the laundry. I also have a few of the old nylon Ikea laundry bags. They don't stand up by themselves but if I'm transporting laundry longer distances then something simple and light and bigger than a backpack is what I want.

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• #3Dec 31, 2025

  Suggestions needed for a BIFAReallyLongTime Laundry Baskets!

  I've had my IKEA laundry hamper for 26 years, it's even moved continents with me. It's on wheels, so also super easy to wheel to the laundry room when full!

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• #4Dec 31, 2025

  How can a company continue to make money if their product lasts forever?

  And cheaper good competition. Rubbermaid is comparable, also offers more options in materials like glass. arguably IKEA improved on the idea, not just multiple materials but better sealing mechanism with latches, IKEA is interchangeable so you don’t end up with 20 different lids with 20 different sized containers. Can buy them separately so you can have 10 lids shared between 20 containers of various sizes if you didn’t plan to use them all at once. Tupperware never innovated beyond the original product. Their sales techniques just compounded the problem.

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• #5Dec 31, 2025

  Tragedy of the Honest in a capitalistic economic system

  IKEA has great glass food storage containers with different types of lids including glass, bamboo, and plastic. They are fantastic.

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• #6Dec 31, 2025

  Tragedy of the Honest in a capitalistic economic system

  The glass IKEA Tupperware is amazing. Glass and lid sold separately. The lid gaskets are big and easy to remove, and the lid snaps on well

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• #7Dec 31, 2025

  Tragedy of the Honest in a capitalistic economic system

  The IKEA365 stuff is what I buy.

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• #8Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  We’ve had the same large steel IKEA pot for 15 years and it’s perfect. And our cast iron is flawless as well.

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• #9Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  The Ikea all clad dupes are solid for the price, sensuell?

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• #10Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  I mean, unless you're buying Dollar Tree nonstick pans I can't fathom killing one in three years. I think the last nonstick pan I had lasted ten, and it wasn't great. Here's what I've been suggesting for a while now: IKEA. Look at their most expensive line, whatever it is. (Last ones I got were the 365 line, but I haven't shopped for a while.) For like fifteen years now I've had their stainless steel pans that are every bit as good as All Clad, as far as I can tell. More recently, maybe 5 years ago, I bought their nice carbon steel frying pans, and I can't see them dying ever. Do your own price-checking, but that first stainless set I bought was a third the price of All Clad. Oh: don't buy nonstick. It's never BIfL, and you'll be eating Teflon flakes from it long before the pan actually dies.

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• #11Dec 30, 2025

  Looking for a couch that is actually worth the money- why does it feel impossible?

  Gonna offer this perspective in lieu of brand advice in case it’s helpful: I’ve found that couches don’t fit as neatly in this sub as some other products. When I had a toddler, an IKEA couch was best because I wasn’t as concerned about it getting ruined. I now live with 2 gastrointestinally- challenged cats and a teenager who put my pet-&-childproof fabric through the wringer. I love and chase the “this is the last xxx I’ll buy” mentality. I’ve coveted pieces that were far out of my price range (and probably will again)and financed pieces at my price limit, but I’ve come to view couches as more living things. Buy what you can afford, take care of it as best you can, and don’t expect it to last forever. Nothing constructed of fabric and springs does.

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• #12Dec 29, 2025

  Looking for a couch that is actually worth the money- why does it feel impossible?

  I have a $1200 Morabo sofa from IKEA. It has held up with an 80 lb German Shepard and a now-toddler/growing child. I like the clean lines. It’s heavy and seems well built.

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• #13Dec 29, 2025

  What are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers Available Now? Recommendation

  If you’re dead set on glass as other posters have said the Ikea ones are hard to beat on a price / performance ratio. For bringing in lunch there’s a brand called Pulito that make great rubber sealed, clamp-down stainless steel lunch boxes. The stainless steel is better because it’s lighter than glass to carry and the rubber seal really works well. Had a rectangular one and it was so good we bought all shapes and sizes

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• #14Dec 29, 2025

  Looking for a couch that is actually worth the money- why does it feel impossible?

  My ikea uppland sofa has been impressively comfortable for years of heavy use. I'm also planning to buy a new cover from a third party for a color change, so I'm sure you could get the kind of fabric you want. As a fellow chronically ill person who spends hours either in bed or on the couch, the uppland has been the most comfortable sofa I've ever owned.

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• #15Dec 29, 2025

  Looking for a couch that is actually worth the money- why does it feel impossible?

  Kivik ikea couch and Etsy a super plush fabric like velvet. The ikeafsbric is nice, but the good Etsy ones are soooo nice

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• #16Dec 29, 2025

  Looking for a couch that is actually worth the money- why does it feel impossible?

  Try out ikea. They are solid for the price. Many models have been produced for decades. Avoid the cheapest ones if you want them to last for years

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• #17Dec 29, 2025

  [Request] Looking for sturdy computer desk that is easy to disassemble and move houses.

  Came here to say IKEA. Just went through this and was very pleased with ownership.

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• #18Dec 29, 2025

  Looking for a truly modular food container system: one footprint, one lid, many depths (plastic, fridge use)

  I think I have almost exactly what you want. Now if anybody knows where to find another set please let me know because I would like more of these too. I *think* I got this at IKEA close to 20 years ago. There are no brand markings on it other than made in China. https://imgur.com/a/u8RbslU

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• #19Dec 29, 2025

  Non-US-made beds (preferably Canada-made)

  FWIW, my IKEA Tufjord has been rock solid without a single creak or squeak for close to 3 years now. It replaced a Silk and Snow that I hated with a passion.

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• #20Dec 28, 2025

  [Request] Looking for sturdy computer desk that is easy to disassemble and move houses.

  ikea idasen.

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• #21Dec 28, 2025

  [Request] Looking for sturdy computer desk that is easy to disassemble and move houses.

  I've had an IKEA Bekant frame that I've put various tops on over the years. It's still holding up my partners computer. It's 2 Allen key bolts holding the whole thing together. I didn't get the IKEA desktop with it but have bought other tabletops from them. (Still surviving after 9 moves in the last decade) A couple ALEX drawers with a tabletop slapped atop work pretty well too. Nice storage and it's a pretty good height even though I'm 6ft tall. You'll really be limited by the table top dimensions that can fit in your Camry. Is recommend measuring the cargo area with (hopefully the seats fold) seats folded down then make sure whatever top you chose fits. Recommend the biggest possible as having a shallow depth desk sucks.

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• #22Dec 28, 2025

  [Request] Looking for sturdy computer desk that is easy to disassemble and move houses.

  I went to IKEA and got the Mittback trestle table legs. They are quite sturdy and allow me to use them as an adjustable-height leg so I can have a standing desk if I want one. Then, I went to Home Depot and got a 2-foot by 8-foot butcher block countertop. It's quite heavy but very sturdy. With the table legs at the far ends, I can actually stand in the middle of the table, and I weigh 230 pounds. Those butcher blocks also come in two-foot and four-foot lengths. Since the top is solid wood, the legs can easily be screwed into it to make it completely safe.

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• #23Dec 28, 2025

  What are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers Available Now? Recommendation

  Had no idea you could buy the lids and bottoms separately at Ikea, that's actually genius for when you inevitably lose one piece. The 365+ glass ones are solid, I've had mine for like 2 years and the gaskets still look brand new even after countless dishwasher cycles

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• #24Dec 28, 2025

  What are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers Available Now? Recommendation

  I got a pyrex snap cheaper set from Costco. I have to admit as much as i love the ikea ones for its long term solution and replaceability, the pyrex snapware lids have a snap sound/feeling that is oh so satisfying. Other than that ikea ones are perfect every way.

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• #25Dec 28, 2025

  [Request] Looking for sturdy computer desk that is easy to disassemble and move houses.

  For frequent moving, you want something that breaks down completely vs. just folding legs. IKEA's IDÅSEN desk is surprisingly sturdy for the price and comes completely apart into flat panels - fits in a car easily. If you want more premium, Uplift Desk's standing desks are solid and disassemble well, but they're heavier. Another approach: get a solid wood door slab from a hardware store and separate legs (like hairpin legs). That gives you a huge, sturdy surface that's just two pieces to move. I moved 3 times in 2 years with an IKEA setup and it held up fine to dual monitors, just make sure to tighten everything well each reassembly.

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• #26Dec 28, 2025

  Rug pad that doesn't stain floors

  We use IKEA Stopp which is a rubber coarse net. It's undyed so hasn't stained our wood floors or degraded materially

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• #27Dec 28, 2025

  What are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers Available Now? Recommendation

  IKEA. You can take those glass containers straight from the freezer to the oven … and they’re cheap! I use the to meal prep lasagna for my son.

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• #28Dec 28, 2025

  What are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers Available Now? Recommendation

  Honestly, Ikea has the best set. I started with the plastic set because it had awesome removeable dividers but later they came out with glass but the seal is the best ever.  And affordable. Plus you can buy lids and bottoms separately if you happen to destroy a lid. 

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• #29Dec 28, 2025

  What are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers Available Now? Recommendation

  Cheap, limited lid sizes (both are good things) and easily replaceable lids. We have the plastic rectangle ones for dry goods and glass for fridge/ freezer and will continue to have them. Also ikea glass bottles are so good, and can swap the rubber piece for silicone, too!

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• #30Dec 28, 2025

  Daybed with Trundle Pop-Up

  Not bifl but ikea hemnes daybed fits the bill. I got mine used off facebook and it’s several years old and works great. Also pretty easy instructions if you need to take it apart to move

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• #31Dec 28, 2025

  Looking for a truly modular food container system: one footprint, one lid, many depths (plastic, fridge use)

  Ikea 365. Choose from glass or plastic. Hands down the best price to performance. Affordable, always available, takes a beating.

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• #32Dec 28, 2025

  Looking for a truly modular food container system: one footprint, one lid, many depths (plastic, fridge use)

  If you are planning for the long term, consider how long the product will be around for because when you need to replace or add containers it may no longer be available for purchase. Ikea product lineups are readily available and unlikely they'd discontinue it, so go with ikea 365. Single size containers are either too large or not large enough. Even if it has the depth sometimes its not ideal unless you want to cram the food in there. Look for systems where the smaller or bigger units are multiples of each other allowing you to arrange them comfortably without wasting space.

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• #33Dec 27, 2025

  Looking for a truly modular food container system: one footprint, one lid, many depths (plastic, fridge use)

  ikea 365 plastic, glass, steel. choose your desired lid sizing and buy the rest accordingly

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• #34Dec 27, 2025

  Looking for a truly modular food container system: one footprint, one lid, many depths (plastic, fridge use)

  Ikea 365. The rectangle ones come in a few sizes in plastic, metal and glass with different top options Food Containers - Snack & Lunch Containers - IKEA https://share.google/yx5EesJHAXzYC0PRd

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• #35Dec 27, 2025

  Please help! Which couch (store)

  If it were me, I'd look at local higher end stores or Room & Board. IKEA would be my third choice. Everything else you've listed is either low quality, overpriced, or both.

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• #36Dec 27, 2025

  Please help! Which couch (store)

  Sweet! Hope you find one you like! I like the kivik for cleaning too. Can wash the entire couch cover if needed and Etsy has a bunch of alternatives fabric options if you want to get a specific fabric. I got a velvety one for my last kivik before I broke down and bought the new one. Again, the old kivik would have lasted longer if I wasn’t in such a humid climate. But now I’ve got two couch cover options in case there’s ever a wild red wine incident or a tear. I swear I don’t work for ikea, I just really like this couch! lol

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• #37Dec 27, 2025

  Good sturdy bath towels for Drum Corps

  IKEA towels are legit, used mine for way longer than expected. But honestly for drum corps just grab whatever thick black towel you can find at Target - it's gonna get beat up no matter what and you don't wanna cry when it gets destroyed lol The sleeping pad advice is spot on though, your back will thank you after sleeping on gym floors for months

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• #38Dec 27, 2025

  Please help! Which couch (store)

  Went from a 10yo IKEA Kivik (loved her) to a Raymour & Flanigan Artemis II and have ZERO regrets. Both are excellent quality* and the chaise on the Artemis is holding up beautifully 4 years in! *This is my only gripe about the Kivik—the cushions on the chaise are TERRIBLE AB’s will indent within a month, so just don’t get the chaise. The other pieces are 10/10.

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• #39Dec 27, 2025

  The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Currently? Recommendation

  IKEA Nordstalort. I’ve had mine for 2 years, and it’s still just as good. Another perk is that it’s small enough to pack while traveling. Truly life changing and affordable.

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• #40Dec 27, 2025

  The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Currently? Recommendation

  for more budget option, the ikea memory foam cooling pillow is really good!

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• #41Dec 27, 2025

  Please help! Which couch (store)

  Quality for me is cushions with springs + cushion covers that can be fully removed and washed in a home washing machine + wood frame. You can find these elements in a variety of places, but you have to look at all of the construction details of the couch in detail. IKEA Kivek fit this bill for me.

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• #42Dec 27, 2025

  Please help! Which couch (store)

  This really depends on your home and who is in it. If you’re a single lady with an old cat that will determine the couch. If you are older mumsy with multiple teens that is a different sofa. If you’re are transforming your place to be a Airbnb thats a different sofa as well. The people that live on the sofa should drive you to what to buy. Toddlers? Get the slipcover ikea or lovesac. Retired and TV buffs? Thats the Hooker recliners sofa and love in leather. We get you’re exhausted, but we need some context to help you. What IS YOUR LIVING SITUATION???

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• #43Dec 27, 2025

  Please help! Which couch (store)

  IKEA kivik ten years, on my second one

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• #44Dec 27, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  My IKEA KLIPPAN with the washable cover is one of the best purchases of my life. Its faded and doesn't look great 15 years later but now it's the dog's couch.

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• #45Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  We have a genuine leather Ikea couch, its great for a large fam.

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• #46Dec 26, 2025

  The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Currently?

  I use the Ikea side sleeper- it has a core and double piping on the side to keep it from flattening at the edges, but the number one thing I've done as a side sleeper with neck issues is starting using an "infinity Pillow". I tend to slide down at night so while I would benefit from a pillow with a cervical roll, I would end up with my head cricked up against the neck roll and my neck on the mattress. The infinity pillow wraps around the neck like a scarf and moves with me as I sleep so my neck is always supported. These are NOT BIFL, I've only ever found them on Amazon and I'd say my first one has lasted about a year and a half. It's not unusable now but it's pretty squashed and fraying. I just bought a new one- it's worth the $50 every two years or so to me.

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• #47Dec 26, 2025

  Why is everything such crap now?

  People get what they deserve. Stop buying this Chinese pressboard garbage and see how fast it disappears. Ikea actually has some good stuff made of real wood. Buy there instead of the rip off furniture stores.

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• #48Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  Look for a fabric modular sofa, not leather. Think tight-weave polyester / microfiber, removable and washable covers, and low-profile cushions. IKEA Kivik/Uppland or anything “family/commercial grade” I'd say

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• #49Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  I bought an IKEA kivik on fb marketplace 5 years ago (two cats, one dog, one toddler) and we have changed the covers up a few times and it's held up beautifully. That couch owes me nothing and it's still doing great three moves later. We even added the chaise, and we literally cannot tell which back cushion is the new one. It's the best.

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• #50Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  Im going with Ikea. Not BFL, but because they dont change too much, you can just replace the various bits like covers and pads as they wear out and get damaged rather than having to replace the whole thing. After extensive sofa shopping, we ended up with an ikea one as we really didn't care enough about a sofa to spend 3 times the money sofa shops were asking. We are also still in a place where slime exists in our universe, so its really not worth investing in an heirloom piece.

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• #51Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  Id only purchase a slipcovered sofa. We have a pottery barn sofa and ikea chairs. Love that I can wash the covers anytime.

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• #52Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  We have 4 kids and the ikea ektorp with multiple covers was the solution we came up with. Now our youngest is 14 and that couch set is still kicking and on its 3rd set of covers!

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• #53Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  I raised two boys and three German shepherds on a Ikea Ektorp sectional. My youngest has it now and I still have the matching oversized armchair and ottoman.

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• #54Dec 26, 2025

  I have four kids and need to buy a new sofa.

  Not the time for BIFL. Buy a cheap IKEA sofa that you won't mind tossing when it's done it's duty. I've got three boys, ours hosts wrestlmania 7 nights a week + 2 matinees

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• #55Dec 26, 2025

  Little luxuries or upgrades that you made this year that makes your everyday better?

  Upgraded my dresser to the IKEA Hemnes 8 drawer dresser and bought a Poang chair at the same time. Still thrilled with both of them on a daily basis.

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• #56Dec 25, 2025

  Good sturdy bath towels for Drum Corps

  been (more than) a few years since I marched, but I have had excellent luck with the (more expensive) towels from IKEA. Not "Buy It For Life", but I've used them for \~5 years in much worse conditions than corps and they've held up.

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• #57Dec 24, 2025

  The Best Mattress to Buy at the Moment?

  Im a hot sleeper, my theory is spring mattress is coolest. No gel or foam. I bought a cheap one from ikea. It’s firm AF but i like it. Stomach sleeper too!

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• #58Dec 23, 2025

  Any recommendations for non soft bathroom towels?

  The IKEA VÅGSJÖN towels are kind of thin rough towels. I bought some cause I was on a budget but ended up really liking how they dried. Also because they are thin they dry fast so they don't get gross and musty.

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• #59Dec 23, 2025

  Why do charging cables die so easily?

  Buy ikea charging cables, the more expensive ones and not the cheaper version. A game changer.

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• #60Dec 23, 2025

  Best ROI for BIFL Item?

  Toss up between genuine leather old navy belt bought in 2001 or IKEA karlstadt sofa bought off Facebook for $200cdn in 2013. Solid wood construction and actually made in Canada. Survived two toddlers who saw it an it’s cushions as their personal parkour course and now seems to be surgically attached to our 15 year old. Really want to look at something new but it still looks fantastic and we occasionally switch out the cover when it needs a wash. BIFL doesn’t need to be expensive.

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• #61Dec 23, 2025

  Looking for real PYREX

  The good Pyrex was borosilicate. Look for that. I'm pretty sure all Oxo's glass stuff is borosilicate. And I love that brand in general anyways. I think IKEA 365 glass is borosilicate, but I'm not sure. When I lived in Texas, the HEB brand glassware was borosilicate.

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• #62Dec 23, 2025

  Any recommendations for non soft bathroom towels?

  We friggin' love the Ikea SALVIKEN towel, and they are so damn cheap.

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• #63Dec 23, 2025

  Any recommendations for non soft bathroom towels?

  The ikea waffle knit cotton towels work really well for me and they're p cheap.

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• #64Dec 23, 2025

  Any recommendations for non soft bathroom towels?

  A couple of years ago I got towels from ikea that my partner found for me. They were way less than 10$ with great ratings (for people like us) and I love mine.

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• #65Dec 23, 2025

  Any recommendations for non soft bathroom towels?

  I love the waffle towels from IKEA! They have 2 sides to them: terry and cotton waffle. They would be just what you are looking for.

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• #66Dec 23, 2025

  Any recommendations for non soft bathroom towels?

  Also a soft towel hater; I went with [Ikea Salviken](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/salviken-bath-towel-natural-80512501/#content) when I needed new towels about 6 months ago, and I love them. They're terry on one side and waffle on the other, so you can choose between a nice rough side or a smoother side, without being all fuzzy. Good price, and they come in both regular sized and bath sheet sized (and hand towels and washcloths of course). I also appreciate that they have a loop sewn on, so they hang securely on a hook.

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• #67Dec 22, 2025

  What was the best purchase you made this year?

  IKEA carbon steel skillets.

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• #68Dec 22, 2025

  The flatware controversy: When did spoons become that sticky?

  Buy dragon at ikea so you can always replace pieces when your kids throw out spoons

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• #69Dec 22, 2025

  The flatware controversy: When did spoons become that sticky?

  My IKEA ones have lasted me years without any problem. Still going strong.

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• #70Dec 22, 2025

  Clothing pill remover?

  Yep, just get yourself some decent rechargeable NiMH batteries like Powerowl or IKEA Ladda :)

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• #71Dec 22, 2025

  BIFL Bed Frame Mid-Century

  We have a Tarva from Ikea that is 10 years old and survived 5 moves. It is still going very strong to the constant disappointment of the wifey, and it costs less than $200. It is made of solid pine wood so it is hard to break it; we will probably end up making it our guest bed to be able to buy a king size one after our next move.

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• #72Dec 22, 2025

  Looking to buy 10 brand new bath towels

  I really like the ones I got at IKEA. Waffle on one side, terry on the other. Very affordable and they come in regular size and bath sheets.

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• #73Dec 20, 2025

  looking for a fast-drying, high-quality towel large enough for someone who's 6'2

  Sand Cloud towels or IKEA towels are nice. They dry quite fast. I love bath sheet size towels even though I am only 5’6”.

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• #74Dec 20, 2025

  looking for a fast-drying, high-quality towel large enough for someone who's 6'2

  https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/salviken-bath-sheet-white-10313227/#content Found it!

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• #75Dec 20, 2025

  looking for a fast-drying, high-quality towel large enough for someone who's 6'2

  Yall gonna laugh, but I get the waffle pattern bath sheets from ikea and they are great. I don’t remember the name. Not expensive, fairly absorbent, have a nice little loop to hang them, don’t bunch up on the ends, and have lasted a few years so far. Even if they do fall apart, they’re cheap enough to buy again.

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• #76Dec 19, 2025

  Best Stocking Stuffers?

  Metal shoe horn from ikea

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• #77Dec 19, 2025

  Dish gloves recommendations?

  IKEA! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/rinnig-cleaning-gloves-bright-yellow-off-white-10565852/

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• #78Dec 19, 2025

  Dish gloves recommendations?

  I've heard Ikea has good ones, but also Korean brands as well.  I agree with the comment to handwash them. I used to do this years ago and they lasted much longer. I liked buying the very thick ones meant for industrial cleaning but I'm not sure if they're made like that anymore (I worked in a restaurant 20 years ago).

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• #79Dec 7, 2025

  Need good silverware

  Ikea has great silverware that I used for years and years and it looks exactly like when I bought it. Otherwise I'd buy Arco. It's a Spanish brand everyone in Spain (restaurants included) use. It's German level quality but they are not known so the brand is not as expensive

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• #80Dec 7, 2025

  Clothes airer in the UK?

  I've had an IKEA Mulig for over a decade. Also, if I ever replace it, I really love the look of Pullymaid ceiling mounted airers, but those are only good if you have tall ceilings.

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• #81Dec 6, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  I have this old desk lamp I think I purchased at Ikea in Houston back in 1992 along with a bookshelf, the "bobby" I think it was called. Both have lasted to this day. The bookshelf is behind me and holds all the tome of technical books I own. The lamp is one of those that clamps into the desk.

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• #82Dec 6, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  A shoe spoon, got one for $2 from IKEA and use it every single day!

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• #83Dec 6, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  Cheap knife sharpener from IKEA 

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• #84Dec 6, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  The IKEA milk frother is like $2 and works great! 

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• #85Dec 5, 2025

  Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?

  The bottom-tier $2.99 bath towels from IKEA, perfection. (But only truly cheap if you can go to an IKEA store to get them, so there’s that, unfortunately.)

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• #86Dec 5, 2025

  Electric Whisk Coffee Frother Mixer

  I don’t know when I got that IKEA one, but it was at least 7 years ago… so I’ll say it’s probably a safe buy at $4 USD (I didn’t expect it to have gone up that much! I think it was under $2 when I bought it.)

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• #87Dec 5, 2025

  Electric Whisk Coffee Frother Mixer

  I don’t usually consider electronics to be buy it for life, but I think I got one of these for like a dollar at ikea 10 years ago and it’s still running

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• #88Dec 5, 2025

  What’s a small upgrade you made that ended up being way more impactful than expected?

  Custom closet inserts So I bought some boaxel closets from Ikea (so not custom, but customizable). My hallway closet originally just had a single clothes rail with a shelf on top. I replaced it with a double clothes rail (one on top of the other so you get 2 levels of coats in there) on one side, and on theother side I did 5 shelves. Literally more than double the storage space now. Granted I live in a very small bungalow and so space is at a premium, but I think it cost maybe $300 at most and it has been the most functional upgrade I ever did. I proceeded to do the same in the linen closet and every bedroom closet after the success of the hallway closet. Best money ever spent. Close second was a bathtub organizer that spring loads from the ceiling to the tub and gives me 4 shelves for all of the soaps and shampoos, was like $35.

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• #89Dec 5, 2025

  Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?

  not even close for babies get the cheap plastic ikea high chair to feed your kid. hitting it with some water or a wet rag is one million times better than any fancy high chair with some sort of fabric / cushion on it.

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• #90Dec 5, 2025

  What’s a small upgrade you made that ended up being way more impactful than expected?

  I feel like a lot of the previous suggestions are not small or cheap, but anyways here's my contribution: Lamps. Small table lamps on your window sill or bedside table makes the homey vibe go from 0-10. And they can be very inexpensive. Bluetooth light bulbs. You don't have to connect them to WiFi, and you can get a switch for them to turn them on and off from anywhere in the house. Makes your lamps dimmable too. IKEA has the bulb and switch for under 15€ I believe. Good floss. Makes all the difference and I floss everyday now. I get the double string floss picks, they're amazing. On the subject of teeth: electric toothbrush. I was so against them but it has really made my life easier. A manual chopper. It's like a little bowl with blades and a lid with a handle and string to pull on, they cost like nothing and if you're chopping up salad or onions or whatever it makes it 100 times faster and easier. Google wallet. Or similar apps. If you haven't yet, start paying with your phone. Another thing I was late to, but that's made my life so much easier. Magsafe case for your phone, unless you already have Magsafe built in. Key organiser. I got the Orbitkey as a gift and wow do I love it. No more jingly keys or scratching stuff up. Good vitamin D tablets. I feel like you could use these anywhere you live at least for the winter months. Made my winter depression go away.

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• #91Dec 5, 2025

  What’s a small upgrade you made that ended up being way more impactful than expected?

  > I got one from ikea for like $1.50 as an impulse buy 10 years ago. I can’t believe it still works. Not bad on batteries either. Same here. I've got milk steamers and some more expensive material for the hobby of coffee, but that $cheapo frother from IKEA is my #1 recommendation when anyone asks how to make a simple/straightforward/definitely-good-enough version at home. It's incredibly cheap and does the job better than $15-$40 alternatives on Amazon etc.

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• #92Dec 5, 2025

  Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?

  Not sure if "the cheaper the better" but some cheap brands such as Decathlon or Ikea are definitely a much much better value than other more expensive ones.

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• #93Dec 5, 2025

  Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?

  I got 90% of my kitchen supplies at the dollar store or the restaurant supply store. 12 packs of silverware for like $1. $1 plates and glasses My favorite chef knife is a $9 ikea knife Any appliances were bought 2nd hand. I got my pans at a thrift store lol I love my kitchen

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• #94Dec 5, 2025

  Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?

  We have a bread knife from Ikea and it is the bomb!

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• #95Dec 5, 2025

  What’s a small upgrade you made that ended up being way more impactful than expected?

  My argument would be actually to get a $50 ninja mini blender. Great for mixing anything, salad dressings, sauces, protein shakes, etc, (maybe not a matcha latte) but also good as a food processor. I’ve had mine for 6+ years and still use it daily.  I also have a $2 frother from ikea I use on occasion for some other lighter mixing. 

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• #96Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  It's barely broken in. I still have 2 IKEA SS pans and 3 of 4 beer glasses that I bought in 1986 or '87.

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• #97Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  IKEA backpack. That thing has been through a lot and lasted for decades, still going strong

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• #98Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  My IKEA $5 plastic salad spinner is still going strong after 15 years

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• #99Dec 4, 2025

  Pet-friendly cover for sectional couch

  I personally use a couple of linen/cotton washable throws I got at IKEA and just drape them on either side. I also have a piece of heavy linen over that for my dog’s side. She sheds a lot and it is easy to toss it in the wash and also remove it if I want to use my whole sofa for a nap or guests.

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• #100Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  Sultane Sandane circular bed from IKEA that I got in 2003. It's not as comfortable anymore but I still have it in guest bedroom and it's beautiful. I got custom foam upholstery headboard made. 

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• #101Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  IKEA scissors. 15 years and I use them to cut anything and everything. They're still sharp as ever and no signs of any mechanical wearing of the handle or hinges. I just expected to buy some crappy IKEA scissors because I was there and didn't have any at the house.

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• #102Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  Ikea scissors purchased in the mid-1980s.

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• #103Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  I bought a non stick pan from ikea for ~$35, 6-7 years ago, and it’s the best frying pan we own. Conversely, I spent $700 on a nicer stainless cookware set which came with a non stick pan that chipped within the first month.

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• #104Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  I have had the battery operated milk frother that I bought for $1.99 at Ikea for ten years, still going strong!

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• #105Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  I literally still have IKEA pans from 2007, still in perfect condition.

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• #106Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  I have an ikea sauce pan that I bought in 2006 that equally tank like. 

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• #107Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  Ikea stanless steel frying pan. It's a tank.

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• #108Dec 3, 2025

  Looking for a pepper grinder that doesn’t leave a mess (and won’t fall apart in a year)

  Ikea has a really nice one with a ceramic element.

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• #109Dec 3, 2025

  Spice jars in multiple sizes

  ikea has good spice jars

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• #110Dec 3, 2025

  Healthy but easy-to-use/maintain Pans to replace non-stick (for my cooking style) ?

  They're functionally identical. I have Matfer-Borgeat pans because I was once expected to slam out 600 egg orders every Mother's Day. (Mother's Day is the WORST holiday for chefs.) They asked what I needed to get the job done. I told them 12 Matfer-Borgeats. Six on the stove. Six off, being cleaned. And I kept the pans. I've used the Ikea pans. They are just as good. And like one third the price.

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• #111Dec 3, 2025

  Healthy but easy-to-use/maintain Pans to replace non-stick (for my cooking style) ?

  And if you can't afford Misen, the carbon steel pans from Ikea are a great alternative.

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• #112Dec 3, 2025

  With a new style of water bottle popping up every year, Which one have you stuck with?

  Over the years I’ve found I like glass water bottles best, and they don’t impart any kind of taste or smell to their contents, and are super easy to keep clean. Once I find a good one, I just keep it for years. At my office I keep a random glass water bottle with a silicone sleeve (keeps it from being knocked over and easier to grasp) that I found at my grocery store a few years ago. At my house I use a less fancy glass one with a cork sleeve I got at the dollar store for like $4. At the gym and at my non-office job, these days I use a stainless steel one I got at IKEA. For safety reasons.

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• #113Dec 3, 2025

  Looking for a pepper grinder that doesn’t leave a mess (and won’t fall apart in a year)

  if you want a cheaper BIFL option, ikea has a ~$6 ceramic burr grinder that is going strong for 10+ years and we go through pepper like crazy. glass holding container, looks pretty.

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• #114Dec 3, 2025

  Looking for a pepper grinder that doesn’t leave a mess (and won’t fall apart in a year)

  I've had an Ikea pepper mill for 24 years. The 365+ Ihärdig. They're easy to clean and they're not ugly either.

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• #115Dec 3, 2025

  Looking for a pepper grinder that doesn’t leave a mess (and won’t fall apart in a year)

  IKEA 365+ spice grinder. Around $5, mine is about 20 years old and still going strong.

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• #116Dec 3, 2025

  With a new style of water bottle popping up every year, Which one have you stuck with?

  I don't have it anymore because I gifted them to my mom. But IKEA sells this insulated 12oz travel mug and an insulated 20oz water bottle. Both made of stainless steel and insulated. Had it for about 5 years and we're still looking brand new, but I was decluttering stuff and my mom loved the look of them. Come to think of it I might just make a trip to IKEA to repurchase my famous duo. They're amazing and do an excellent job of keeping drinks hot and cold.

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• #117Dec 3, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  I'm coming really late to this string but was doing a search for dinnerware reviews because we have been losing and chipping plates by attrition around here. About 10 years ago I bought a set of Provisions tableware from WS because it was their open stock line and they said it would be around forever. Guess what. It's not. The open stock lines they have now are not an exact match. So, I think I am going to either get an inexpensive set from Sam's because it's so very inexpensive that even if I have to replace the whole shebang sooner rather than later it's still cheaper than me buying a whole new round of WS's open stock line they have now or Crate & Barrel. There is a handful of CB that I do have faith will be around long term but I see that Ikea has had its 365 line around now since around 2015 and it's cheaper than the WS or CB open stock. I think I am going to split the difference on cost and do the Ikea stuff hoping that they don't make huge changes to 365 and even if they do, it was still far cheaper than the CB or WS open stock.

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• #118Dec 2, 2025

  With a new style of water bottle popping up every year, Which one have you stuck with?

  I’ve had this one from IKEA for a few years. https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/enkelsparig-water-bottle-stainless-steel-black-80513529/ Minimalist design, good capacity for its size and cheap so I don’t care about it too much. Also very light when it’s empty. I don’t need it to be insulated because I’ll drink it quickly anyway or don’t mind room temp water, and I don’t need it bigger because I like having an excuse to get up from my desk regularly.

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• #119Dec 2, 2025

  sheets: LLbean Vs Hudson Park?

  Have you tried anything linen? It's different from cotton. I like it a lot better because it's more breathable and gets a nice worn in feel after a while. At first it's not the most comfortable. Like a pair of jeans from the old days when they came stiff and you had to break them in. I have linen from IKEA, duvet cover and pillowcases but not sheets. My arthritic cat tears up sheets trying to climb up to my bed so I don't invest too much in them. He has a stand to help get up but doesn't always use it.

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• #120Dec 2, 2025

  French Press for life?

  I use the same cheap glass one from IKEA for over 10 years now. It was like $12... Just like anything made of glass you have to not break it for it to last a long time.

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• #121Dec 2, 2025

  Recommendations for cozy couch with washable covers?

  Got an IKEA Ektorp a few years back and honestly it's been solid - covers come right off and throw in the wash, super comfy for Netflix binges. Not the fanciest looking but for 4k you could probably get something way nicer with removable covers from West Elm or CB2

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• #122Dec 1, 2025

  What have you used the most at home these two years?

  Breville air fryer/oven/toaster combo (used daily), le creuset Dutch oven (got it as a gift, used 4-5x a week), a nice henckel chef knife (used almost daily), IKEA shoe horn (used 3-4x/day when I take the dogs out to the bathroom)

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• #123Dec 1, 2025

  What have you used the most at home these two years?

  Outside of cast iron pans the Ikea KONCIS garlic press. It's a beast and a game changer. I have broken garlic presses before and this is the only one that is quick to use, sturdy, and easy to clean.

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• #124Dec 1, 2025

  Looking for a dead silent clock

  I actually got [this clock from IKEA,](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/skaerig-wall-clock-blue-00540857/) I saw some negative reviews about it being loud but mine is basically silent

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• #125Dec 1, 2025

  Looking for a dead silent clock

  IKEA Pugg clock is totally silent. No second hand though.

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• #126Dec 1, 2025

  Need a recommendaion for a bookcase

  I’d check ikea besta or billy with the glass doors add-on. shelves are adjustable and deep enough for vinyl. solid for the price.

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• #127Nov 8, 2025

  Desperate for a couch that doesn't suck

  I have the IKEA stockholm sofa and it’s not typical IKEA cheap it is really well made considering the price. It also comes with a 25 year warranty

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• #128Nov 8, 2025

  Desperate for a couch that doesn't suck

  We've had two Ikea couches since late 2016 and they haven't even come close to losing form. Specifically the Ikea Ektorp model. They are incredibly comfortable and for a while one of them was used as a temporary sleeping space for 5 months while someone temporarily resided with us. 10 years later and it's still my favorite nap space. I know eventually we will need to replace them. You cannot convince me that Ikea foam isn't made from some top secret material discovered by the Swedes.

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• #129Nov 8, 2025

  Desperate for a couch that doesn't suck

  I have had some great ikea couches over the years! They aren’t the most comfortable but they break in so nice and last surprisingly long. My current living room model has survived 5 years of a small child and a 70lb dog that thinks she’s a small dog

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• #130Nov 8, 2025

  Desperate for a couch that doesn't suck

  25k for a sofa that won't even have a pull out, you folks are fancy.I like my ikea sofa for the last 7 years though it's showing its age.

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• #131Nov 8, 2025

  Desperate for a couch that doesn't suck

  I've had a lot of cheap, crappy couches. The cushions that lose their form after 1 year of use is the classic sign of a cheap foam, and any couch under $1k will likely have that. The exception in my experience is Ikea. They're not the most comfortable, but they do actually hold up for around 5 years. So that's an option if you like them. We landed on Crate & Barrel. It's been fantastic, comfortable, durable, and practical. Right around your max budget, but I can vouch for it.

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• #132Nov 7, 2025

  Solid Cookie Cutters?

  Ann Clark is your best bet. Sturdy, stainless steel and made to last. If you want something cheaper but still solid, IKEA’s LÄTTBAKAD or a stainless set. Just skip anything aluminum or thin metal, they bend fast

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• #133Nov 6, 2025

  (REQUEST) FOREVER Mattress

  Honestly, I recently bought a very firm mattress from IKEA for less than £300 (not sure what that is in dollars) - and I love it. I guess it depends how much support you need but pretty sure a firm one is meant to be good for you, right? I find most memory foam just ends up squished.

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• #134Nov 6, 2025

  Quality Cutlery Recommendations

  Ikea flatware is indestructible as long as you get a solid metal set (not one of the sets with acrylic or wooden handles).

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• #135Nov 5, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  Does it have a snake face? I’ve had my Ikea Snakey shoe horn for absolutely years!

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• #136Nov 4, 2025

  Dishwasher Safe Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

  Ikea stainless steel stuff is totally serviceable. It'll last your whole life, just like any other stainless steel cookware.

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• #137Nov 4, 2025

  best sofa that will last

  I will second the IKEA sofa, my Soderhamn is getting up there in years and has been wonderful throughout.

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• #138Nov 4, 2025

  Reusable shopping bags/totes

  Ikea, canvas bag (I love the trader Joe's one), baggu are great too. Aside from the IKEA one I stick everything in the wash

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• #139Nov 4, 2025

  Which brands/products have gotten better over time?

  I laughed when my wife suggested we get an ikea dresser. Well, we bought it and it’s actually solid wood and very well made. I like the other stuff they’re putting out, too. A big change from the ikea dorm furniture I had.

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• #140Nov 4, 2025

  Which brands/products have gotten better over time?

  I might take flak for this, but IKEA. When I was a kid, it was the shit-on brand, interchangeable with K-mart whenever anyone wanted to talk about low-cost, low-quality crap. While there's still some odd paper-made stuff here and there, the IKEA furniture I have has lasted 15 years. The design has matured too, with more stylish and functional options. Their kitchenware used to be hit-or-miss, now competes with brands like Cuisinart & Calphalon in performance and durability. Sustainability is worth a mention, too, since they're using more renewable materials and offering buy-back programs to reduce waste. While not every product is built for a lifetime, seems to me IKEA is no longer just "dorm furniture."

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• #141Nov 3, 2025

  The Best and Most Comfortable Ergonomic Office Chair To Buy Now?

  Obviously, there are only two best chairs ever: the IKEA Markus if you’re not rich enough, or the Herman Miller Aeron if you’re almost rich.

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• #142Nov 3, 2025

  Cutlery which is lose-proof

  About 6 years ago I bought two sets of 12 place settings of a kind I liked from IKEA. It’s a basic one they are fairly likely to carry for a while (and currently still do) but even so, I haven’t even broken into the second box yet and my cutlery drawer is full currently so I figure I’m set for a couple decades probably, by which point I may not care so much. I WILL say, as much as I miss having a sink disposal, after living in a house without one for the last year and a half, my teaspoons are lasting MUCH longer. I’m apparently incapable of retrieving them before running it so I do end up ruining them pretty frequently. Then again, I never had to plunge that sink… oh well.

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• #143Nov 3, 2025

  Cutlery which is lose-proof

  We got ikea set 8 years ago and it’s still going strong

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• #144Nov 3, 2025

  Reusable shopping bags/totes

  Ikea bag

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• #145Nov 3, 2025

  any recommendations for food containers?

  Thanks, I ended up going with the IKEA 365 

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• #146Nov 3, 2025

  First House - Recommended Purchases

  Bedframe and mattress - Thuma, Inside Weather, or West Elm are durable and made with solid wood Nightstands - Burrow or Castlery Dresser - West Elm or Castlery match a range of styles Large living room couch - DreamSofa for full customization of size, fabric, and firmness, with quality that feels high-end Second futon or sleeper couch - DreamSofa again, their sleepers are comfortable and sturdy Credenza — Burrow or Castlery for modern storage pieces. So well-finished that they look more expensive than they are Lamps — CB2 or IKEA are affordable and stylish Rugs — Revival Rugs Blinds — SelectBlinds are easy to install and budget-friendly

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• #147Nov 3, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  A cooling blanket from Ikea. I run warm at night so it helps me keep a stable temperature and I don’t end up kicking the blankets off during the night. 

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• #148Nov 3, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  100% i love my long IKEA shoe horn! Everyone made fun of me now they all want to use it!

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• #149Nov 3, 2025

  Food Storage Containers

  IKEA has a set of glass containers in their 365 line that are microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven safe. There are a couple of lid options as well. I was a bit iffy on how well the silicone lids. I was worried about how well would maintain a seal since they just sort of lie flat on top of the container and didn't like how they had a handle that would make storing them a bit awkward, but those are supposed to be microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven safe up to 225C. I got bamboo initially but found they warped over time when I used them in the fridge and some didn't seal as well, and ended up getting a couple of the plastic locking lids so I can swap depending on what I need them for.

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• #150Nov 3, 2025

  best sofa that will last

  we love our ikea jattebo. it's a ltitle expensive for an ikea couch, but it's lasted super well over the last 5 years. since we've moved, we decided to add more pieces to it rather than get an entirely new couch. the fabric is still in great shape and we put this thing thru the ringer. plus we have people sleep on it (and sleep on it ourselves!) and it's super comfortable.

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• #151Nov 3, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  I’m convinced that IKEA stainless is the insider’s secret. Hides under the radar but runs circles around just about everyone else price-wise. Why pay the brand name tax when a better alternative is right there?

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• #152Nov 3, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  EscapeRoom by IKEA

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• #153Nov 2, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  I bought a 2$ knife sharpener from IKEA ten years ago and people have repeatedly complimented me on my seemingly high quality knives, which are also from IKEA. But they get sharpened so they work great

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• #154Nov 2, 2025

  best sofa that will last

  This is why I say for a lower budget just get what you like and hope for the best. Our C&B fell apart, but we have an IKEA sleeper we bought around the same time that has moved three times and won’t die. 

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• #155Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  The black nylon spatula from Ikea. Bought my first one 16 years ago, that one day disappeared into the kitchen drawer at my parent's. Instead of explaining it was mine, I was happy to leave it with them (I'll get it back some day) and bought another one. Today I saw my sister using my old spatula to serve up her lemon cheesecake, and her peach and speculaas crumble. 16 years, still in use and still a good spatula. And the other one is good too.

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• #156Nov 2, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  I bought an $8 IKEA shoe horn probably 20 years ago that I still use every day

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #157Nov 2, 2025

  best sofa that will last

  I bought the IKEA Morabo (black leather, tufted) 15 years ago, and it still looks good. Only two adults using it, but I used to have a great dane and while I didn't let him use it willy nilly, he definitely spent a lot of time on it. Before him, it was a labrador/dane mix (who was definitely willy nilly). Prior to this sofa, I had tried one from a department store, and I sent it back after it started sagging and pilling within two weeks. Learned that if a sofa twists, don't buy it. After that, I tried Lazy-boy. No twist, good bones. Stuffing and back support was gone within a year. Got really mad, bought the IKEA sofa, mostly because my best friend's parents bought one just like it in the early 80s and while it looks well broken in, it's still comfortable, supportive and undamaged. My friend grew up on a farm. That sofa survived farm kids and farm dogs. Sold. That said, definitely go Stressless or other equally respected-highend furniture if you've got the money for it. It's better by a mile. I'm just convinced that IKEA sofa is the best you can get at the lower end of the price point scale.

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• #158Nov 2, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  Although that ikea 365+ pan is pretty amazing. It's more non-stick than many plans I've had and works well on my induction cooktop.

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• #159Nov 2, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  Where are you and what's your budget? Ikea stainless will be fine 

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• #160Nov 2, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  Depending on what /how you cook, consider the following Lodge cast iron Ikea stainless steel (forgot the name of the range sorry) All clad De buyer carbon steel

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• #161Nov 2, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  IKEA is the way to go. Stainless steel, induction compatible, lasts 20+ years and performs as well as items 3x the price.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #162Nov 2, 2025

  I need new induction cookware I won’t have to throw away in two years.

  Do you have an IKEA nearby? Their induction cookware is shockingly good, and so far we haven’t been able to kill it. Might not win many awards for aesthetics, but it’s attractive price-wise, and it performs like a dream. Prior to finding out it was worth using, we tried several of the A tier brands with very mixed results. We had almost given up and resigned ourselves to having to save for a long time in order to try ordering in something directly from Europe. But, as it turned out, we’re able to get European induction-friendly cookware from a domestic source at rates that don’t require setting aside funds for multiple years.

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• #163Nov 2, 2025

  Need a mattress from Amazon or anywhere that can deliver quickly. Any recommendations?

  I bought one at IKEA until I could get a good one. IKEA even had tie downs in the loading area to tie the mattress to the roof for. Was great. Also. The folding cots from Amazon are rather comfortable. I slept on one for a few months while taking care of my grandpa. Get one of those and then take your time picking a mattress you want.

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• #164Nov 2, 2025

  Need a mattress from Amazon or anywhere that can deliver quickly. Any recommendations?

  Ikea has like $150 mattresses that are great

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• #165Nov 1, 2025

  Looking for dining furniture recommendations

  You’re right to avoid veneer if you want a BIFL table and will be using it regularly. Believe it or not, I actually got some BIFL dining chairs from IKEA (or at least they seem to be so far, 20 years after I bought them. They’re solid white oak, with sturdy joints. No idea if they still sell them, but may be worth checking.

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• #166Oct 10, 2025

  Fluffiest Comforter??

  Thirded!! We have the IKEA Fjallbracka on all of our beds now + sent some off with kids to college. Oldest one has probably lasted 10 years now? Inexpensive, not overly heavy, machine washable, and super warm. We get one size bigger than the bed just for cover hogs.

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• #167Oct 10, 2025

  Fluffiest Comforter??

  I tried a bunch of well known brands a few years ago, and ended up keeping the IKEA FJÄLLBRÄCKA (possibly after a recommendation from this sub, I can’t think of why else I would’ve tried IKEA when I mostly was trying other higher end brands). I like a bit of weight on my comforter as well, and that one has been super warm and held up well.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #168Oct 9, 2025

  Fluffiest Comforter??

  Genuinely, IKEA

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• #169Oct 9, 2025

  Is a foldable table a good dining table?

  A folding\* table is not a BIFL purchase if you intend on using it as a dining table. Look for a gateleg table. Ikea has three models that each vary slightly. [This one](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vihals-gateleg-table-white-70593574/) is the cheapest. Granted, it's not as cheap as a folding table, but it will actually be functional. What's that old proverb? "If you go cheap you will end up paying for it later"?

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• #170Oct 8, 2025

  Coffee machine with milk frother

  I have an ikea milk frother. Mine is 12 years old and cost $1. Now they're $2 with no change in quality The more bells and whistles a machine has, the more points of failure and the sooner it will break down. Get a basic reliable coffee maker and froth your own milk

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• #171Oct 8, 2025

  Affordable but lasting sofas?

  Room and board, Ethan Allen, even ikea is quite solid.

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• #172Oct 8, 2025

  What are some actual BIFL kitchen items?

  We have a lot of high end kitchen gear, but believe it or not we still have 2 stainless pans bought from IKEA in 1986 (a 10 inch saute pan and our primary pasta pot that's used multiple times a week) that still look like new.

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• #173Oct 7, 2025

  Looking for recs on an overnight bag

  Context, budget and use plays a role in asking questions online. https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/keepall-bandouliere-55-damier-graphite-canvas-000208/N41413?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=freeshopping#N41413 or https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frakta-shopping-bag-large-blue-17228340/ are great options.

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• #174Oct 7, 2025

  What are some actual BIFL kitchen items?

  Yess the ikea silverware! I think ours used to be called ‘dragon’ or something but they’ve since renamed. We bought enough for 16 people over a decade ago and still look new. I even tried upgrading to some beautiful ones I found at a thrift store but the weight was just off so we went back to trusty ikea. Bonus is our set had 5 pieces per setting which included a small spoon and fork, so our daughter has a dedicated set to herself

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• #175Oct 6, 2025

  Recommendations for couches with washable covers & comfortable?

  Lovesac, 7th avenue are good options. Ikea too

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• #176Oct 5, 2025

  What are some actual BIFL kitchen items?

  Sur la table makes some really nice utensils with a stainless handle. I think they are just rebranded from another brand but they are great. Opposite spectrum are these ikea spatulas. Black, probably 3” narrow, firm enough to break stuff up or whatever. They are like $1. Bought 3 more last time I went there. Super handy useful cheap item. Quality non stick for eggs or whatever, then probably stainless set for everything else

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• #177Oct 5, 2025

  Moving out soon - I don’t want to buy everything twice

  Some ikea stuff is quality. I got a huge wool rug second hand. White and it has lasted me so far about 10years. Im not precious about the white- i have spilt stuff on it and i have dogs. Its been a great rug and easy to spot clean.

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• #178Oct 5, 2025

  Moving out soon - I don’t want to buy everything twice

  Go for solid wood, metal frames, and natural fabrics. Skip particleboard and cheap nonstick. IKEA’s solid wood lines, Jysk, and secondhand spots are solid picks. Quality feels heavy and sturdy.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #179Oct 5, 2025

  Moving out soon - I don’t want to buy everything twice

  Research durability, reviews, and warranty for long-lasting quality. IKEA, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel offer affordable, durable options. For rugs, look for wool or polypropylene. For chairs, solid wood or metal frames with cushions in durable fabrics. For a dining table, solid wood or engineered wood with a scratch-resistant finish. Stainless steel or enamel coated for kitchen equipment. Research before you buy to avoid unnecessary expenses.

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• #180Oct 5, 2025

  Moving out soon - I don’t want to buy everything twice

  I noticed the € sign. Where are you based? If you're going to splurge more on one item I'd say make it the couch. A good one with a nice warranty could last ages. In terms of materials look for stain resistance. Velvet can look pretty in theory but could be a pain in the ass to clean. Also, Ikea ones aren't that bad and you can get replacement covers to change the look of them rather than buy a whole new couch if you want to redecorate. If you are interested in good deals on vintage at all, you might want to check out: [1st Dibs](https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/) (you can change the currency pricing in the top right corner) If you're close to the UK, you might be able to use [Vinterior.](https://www.vinterior.co/) I know if I was still in Ireland it wouldn't be hard to bring things over. Good luck!

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• #181Oct 4, 2025

  Which everyday item do you wish had a true BIFL version?

  Rechargeables in a common form factor (AA, AAA, ECT) do pretty good. I have plenty of old electronics that carry on just fine with these, I bought a bunch from IKEA a while back.

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• #182Oct 3, 2025

  What is the best kitchen gadget under $100 that you own?

  2 crepe pans from IKEA, perfect to do crepes or eggs on with the low sides. Also an onion dicer is really nice.

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• #183Oct 3, 2025

  What is the best kitchen gadget under $100 that you own?

  Add to this the £1 frother from Ikea. It’s nothing special but it brings me such joy lol

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• #184Oct 3, 2025

  Best coffee maker? Is there anything new in 2025?

  I use an IKEA French press and it seems unbreakable. As for an actual electronic coffee maker, I've had decent success with my Zojirushi so far. Had it a few years with no problems.

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• #185Oct 3, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  IKEA cooking pots (not the frying pans), 8 years and going strong. At this rate I think they will see me through till my retirement

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• #186Oct 3, 2025

  What is the best kitchen gadget under $100 that you own?

  Mercer is a great budget Japanese brand for knives. They are recommended by a lot of culinary schools. Also, I have to say a lot of the Ikea 365+ stuff is great. We’ve had pots and pans for nearly 20 years that are used daily.

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• #187Oct 3, 2025

  Low light, as annoying as possible, alarm clock

  [https://www.ikea.com/de/de/p/dekad-wecker-schwarz-30540479/](https://www.ikea.com/de/de/p/dekad-wecker-schwarz-30540479/) I have this one from Ikea, it doesn't tick and has no light, but the alarm is a classic mechanic bell thing (like the parts that ring on top are actually functional) and it's so shrill/annoying it startled my bf to (almost) punch me when he first heard it. Durability is medium (as with all ikea things imo) but it's been going strong for around 6 years now

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• #188Oct 3, 2025

  Looking for collapsible table that will be used for cooking prep

  Ikea has this one specifically.

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• #189Oct 2, 2025

  Rechargeable Battery Help!

  Ikea LADDA are the best value, if you decide to go for Eneloops I would go for the Eneloop Pro.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #190Oct 2, 2025

  Rechargeable Battery Help!

  I have heard great things about Eneloops or IKEA rechargeables.

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• #191Oct 2, 2025

  Looking for collapsible table that will be used for cooking prep

  I have one of the ikea ones. It is incredibly sturdy. Also heavy as fuck

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #192Sep 8, 2025

  Looking for BIFL spice grinder - to use for spices, seeds, etc.

  I like a mortar and pestle. I use one to make my own curry powder. Believe it or not IKEA makes a real user, with good ergonomics. The pestle has a big, comfortable handle. Not expensive either.

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• #193Sep 8, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Not sure which one they have, but the Torkis one is damn stout! Link to ikea torkis [https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/torkis-flexible-laundry-basket-in-outdoor-green-20579165/](https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/torkis-flexible-laundry-basket-in-outdoor-green-20579165/) Video from IKEA with them carrying a person in TORKIS, lol [https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/torkis-flexible-laundry-basket-in-outdoor-green-20579165/](https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/torkis-flexible-laundry-basket-in-outdoor-green-20579165/)

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• #194Sep 8, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  IKEA makes a 26 gallon canvas laundry bag you can wash with your clothes for $19.99 it seems like a good solution to the broken plastic basket, I abhor the plastic baskets I'm always tripping over them

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #195Sep 8, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  We've been using an Ikea bag for years. Those things are indestructible and it just so happens that the one that we had was a pretty white one with a pattern instead of the obnoxious blue.

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• #196Sep 8, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  I've been using the big blue use IKEA bags for years

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• #197Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  IKEA bags. There are big AF get all in, can fold it and store it afterwards.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #198Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  If you’re already going all the way to Ikea just save your money and get a good old Ikea shopping bag. Tried and true.

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• #199Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Ikea bag takes all those other suggestions.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #200Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  We’ve got a washer but no dryer and always take ours to the laundrette in ikea bags. They’re so perfect for it

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• #201Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  IKEA sells PURRPINGLA, a 26 gallon fabric coated laundry basket. I have two and I want a third. I’m not sure if it’s for life, but they have held up after two years and I lug those things to the laundromat every two weeks.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #202Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Another tip, Ikea bags are decent and dirt cheap

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #203Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  I've had these from IKEA for over 10 years and they've been fantastic. They hold a lot and have a sort of plastic-y coating so they can be wiped out really easily. If the handles come off, which hasn't happened with either, you can sew them back on [26 gallon](https://applink.ikea.com/tY8M9r9M4w--20614239--us--en) [16 gallon](https://applink.ikea.com/tY8M9r9M4w--10364373--us--en)

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• #204Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Ikeas actual laundry baskets are also fire- mine are going on 4 years and they look fine. Others lasted me 6 months. I laundry hard.

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• #205Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  I use the normal blue ones for sorting/carrying dirty laundry and the rainbow ones for clean laundry. One Ikea bag holds almost exactly one load of laundry, so they're a perfect laundry sorting system. Easy to carry up and down stairs, easy to store, and easy to use for tons of other stuff. Inexpensive and indestructible. Can't recommend Ikea bags enough

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• #206Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  We have been using a blue ikea bag (the same one) for about 6 years. It is still in perfect working order.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #207Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Instacrate collapsible baskets are solid and they fold down to nothing when not in use. I also second ikea bags.

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• #208Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  I have this fabric bag from Ikea and it's so sturdy! I've been hauling that thing up and down many flights of stairs for years now, absolutely filled to the brim with heavy laundry and it looks and feels brand new, zero wear and tear. https://www.ikea.com/ch/en/p/purrpingla-laundry-bag-beige-00493832/

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• #209Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Switched to these IKEA ones two years ago and they’ve been great [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/klunka-laundry-bag-white-black-10364373/](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/klunka-laundry-bag-white-black-10364373/)

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• #210Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  IKEA bags. 10 years going strong. Fold away small. Perfect solution

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• #211Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Blue Ikea bags. I'm using the same two since over 7 years and they're going to last another 7 at least.

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• #212Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  ive had a laundry basket up until very recently aswell, but then i just thought why. I have a XXL Ikea bag made to lift cars and it fits even more laundry than my basket.

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• #213Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Completly stopped using laundry baskets to transport only to sort. I use those big blue ikea bags and they're amazing for laundry because you can carry so many more at once and just sling them over your shoulder. Started doing this when I had to go downstairs to do laundry because walking down stairs with a basket sketched me out and never stopped. Also if they get dirty they also can just go right in the washer too. 

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• #214Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  I use laundry bags. Bought three from Ikea ages ago and they survived two college apartments and are still kicking.

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• #215Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  IKEA bags are the shit

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #216Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  I have four like this from IKEA. They are completely solid and all one piece of plastic. My son sometimes uses them as boats and scoots around in them even.

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• #217Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  [These](https://applink.ikea.com/tY8M9r9M4w--50583694--us--en) from IKEA hold up really well.

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• #218Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  This! I have to carry the laundry up 2 floors. The plastic basket would get banged up. I have a basket that holds the laundry. Its transported in ikea shopping bags. It's easier to carry up and down stairs.

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• #219Sep 7, 2025

  All my laundry baskets look like this, please help!

  Ikea shopping bags

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #220Sep 7, 2025

  Bedding for Guests that is not Inflatable. Tatami?

  How about a sofa bed? I’ve had a FRIHETEN from IKEA for 10+ years in my office (moved twice with it), and it’s perfect for my guests. Many have commented on how comfortable it is. I put a queen mattress topper and other regular bedding on it, it looks neat, and everything can be stored inside the sofa during the day.

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• #221Sep 6, 2025

  IKEA furniture that last forever?

  I've parted with the ikea desk I had growing up, and one of their standard chairs that they still sell. I had them all through college and they were in such good shape, I was able to give them away. I also had a billy bookshelf in the light wood color for about 7 years, and was able to give that away to a family that lives near me. The only issue with that bookshelf is that the back panel can fall apart a bit. But, the shelves and the unit itself is solid. The back needs either better reinforcement or a large piece of plywood attached to it--both options are far cheaper than purchasing a new bookcase.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #222Sep 6, 2025

  IKEA furniture that last forever?

  I actually have a piece of ikea furniture that was purchased over 20 years ago. Yes, it shows some signs of wear. But, it's pretty solid. It's that light colored wood material. It could easily be painted over to cover the wear. But, I like it as is.

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• #223Sep 6, 2025

  Where would you recommend buying a sofa for life?

  IKEA might not scream "sofa for life", but honestly some of their frames are surprisingly tough if you stick to the better lines. The trick is that the fabric will always give out way before the structure does. That’s why slipcovers make the difference. Norsemaison Ikea sofa covers fit specific models, they’re washable, and you can swap them out every few years instead of replacing the whole sofa. I’ve seen people keep the same IKEA couch for a decade + just by rotating covers and refreshing cushions when needed. If you want something pet-friendly and low maintenance, that combo works better than chasing an "heirloom" brand you’ll pay 5x more for

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• #224Sep 5, 2025

  What's a purchase under $50 that has genuinely improved your daily routine?

  When my kids were toddlers (25 yrs ago!) we used the kiddie stools [from Ikea](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/foersiktig-childrens-stool-white-turquoise-10591318/) to help with potty training and realized that they worked great for us too. We’ve had one in every bathroom for that long. A few went to college, one went to study abroad, and my adult kids now have them in their bathrooms. Currently $7.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #225Sep 5, 2025

  What's a purchase under $50 that has genuinely improved your daily routine?

  Canvas beach tote to carry my stuff like iPad or laptop, as well as headphones around the house. It's been a game changer, although I've bought a more expensive one later. Another is a cheap Ikea 4" deep storage tray (Trofast) that costs like $5 that you can use as dish/cup tray to bus around the house. It keeps mess under control and somewhat out of sight if you eat or drink at home office.

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• #226Sep 5, 2025

  What's a purchase under $50 that has genuinely improved your daily routine?

  I have an IKEA Skadis pegboard by the door of my home office. I have hooks for all of my sets of keys, and my wedding ring. A tray for my wallet. A space for hand my hand sanitizer, And then I 3D printed holders for all of my watches. Everything is easy to find and I never have to guess where anything is.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #227Sep 5, 2025

  What's a purchase under $50 that has genuinely improved your daily routine?

  IKEA can opener. It was like $5 and I’ve had it for 10 years. It opens cans so smoothly and works like the day I got it.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #228Sep 5, 2025

  [Request] Custom Closet System that I can take with me between homes? (BIFL - not leave behind)

  IKEA PAX or Modular Closets. Both portable. If you want premium, ask California Closets about reconfigurable setups. $10k covers it.

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• #229Sep 5, 2025

  [Request] Custom Closet System that I can take with me between homes? (BIFL - not leave behind)

  I am very curious to see what others will suggest. I'd save the 10k for when you move out and go for an Ikea PAX system for now.

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• #230Sep 4, 2025

  What sub-$10 item has genuinely lasted you years and is of regular use to you?

  IKEA 365 spice grinders. I’ve been using them for sat and pepper since the mid 90’s.

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• #231Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  I would add Ikea, but only on some of their things. They used to sell pretty much only solid wood furniture. I noticed that they have moved toward more veneers, which are much much cheaper and don't last nearly as long. Having said that, they are also on the lower price range for a lot of people, and that's all they can afford. But I would definitely stick with the solid furniture myself. We bought two of their bathroom cabinets when we redid our bathrooms years ago and I don't know what their paint jobs are, but it is like steel! Not a scratch, not a chip, nothing, and they are in high traffic bathrooms. Their paint jobs are Uber Industrial durability!!!

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #232Sep 4, 2025

  Severely struggling to find a handbag for my work commute

  I highly recommend the IKEA drömsack. I believe it's 14 l, I have about the same set of stuff I carry it daily and the bag has been working for me for about 2 years now. The only downside is that it doesn't have side pockets for water bottle, so it has to occupy the space inside. (I also use a 2-in-1 water bottle so when I finish one drink, the cup folds inside the bottle and I have a bit more space later on during the day). Also, if you're using a bigger wallet that might be an issue too, I've switched to a small pouch and I carry just a few cards + cash, it saves a lot of space, surprisingly.

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• #233Sep 4, 2025

  What sub-$10 item has genuinely lasted you years and is of regular use to you?

  Some ikea silverware. My trusty Ethernet cable.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #234Sep 4, 2025

  What sub-$10 item has genuinely lasted you years and is of regular use to you?

  I love my IKEA milk frother, it’s the best one I’ve ever had

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #235Sep 4, 2025

  What sub-$10 item has genuinely lasted you years and is of regular use to you?

  Ikea milk frother, stainless steel garlic rocker, mesh laundry bags, baby washclothes

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #236Sep 4, 2025

  What sub-$10 item has genuinely lasted you years and is of regular use to you?

  At ikea I bought a tea towel when i first moved out at 18 I'm 36 now and still have that towel. No rips, no tears, no threadbare spots use it frequently. 10/10

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• #237Sep 4, 2025

  Ikea Oftast vs Corelle vs Luninarc dinner set

  I am totally obsessed with the green Oftast. I had purchased several white ones years ago for someone going into independent living, & was impressed with how thin, light, and easy to clean they were. There was 1 last set of Besegra plates, which I snagged, but could never find anything matching, as they were discontinued. So when I saw the green Oftast a few months ago, I picked up 2 serving bowls to try them out. Picked up a set last weekend & will be selling my trusty old (OLD!) Dansk. (I apparently only buy Scandinavian dinnerware. 😉)

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• #238Sep 4, 2025

  Best Side sleeper pillow? I've wrecked mine with my arm

  I don't know about "best". I'm currently using an Ikea RAMSLÖKSMAL. Ikea has dozens of different pillows, this is the only one that isn't a flimsy bag filled with nothing. It's firm enough. And it's only just thick enough. Ideal would be 1.5 times thicker and firmer.

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• #239Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  IKEA. My Expedit and older Kallaxes will prevail. My new Billy, not so much.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #240Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  The old Ikea ice cream scoops were great. Sadly they have discontinued them.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #241Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  IKEA is so funny and random for the cheap things that appear to be BIFL or at least But It For A Very Long Time For Very Little Money. My BBQ tongs and spatula are IKEA and were like $8, and they get daily use for nearly a decade now. They look and work like new. Same with a $3 milk frother.

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• #242Sep 4, 2025

  Best affordable mattress: which one should I buy?

  IKEA has some very comfy mattresses

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• #243Sep 3, 2025

  Desk/office chair for big guy

  Ikea Marcus. Best bang for your buck.

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• #244Sep 1, 2025

  Best air mattress (inflatable), which one should I buy?

  A bunch of teenagers later and way too much money spent on crappy air mattresses that only last a few month, we finally got an idea to buy a Full Ikea foam mattress and we put it under the spare bed (it's in one of those moving mattress sealer bags). Best decision ever if you have the space.

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• #245Sep 1, 2025

  Bottle brush recommendation?

  Ikea long handled one.

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• #246Sep 1, 2025

  A good mattress, do they exist anymore?

  I sleep on the IKEA hybrid mattress in 'soft' and it is honestly the most comfortable bed I have ever experienced. It literally hugs my body in softness (it does contain natural latex iirc just FYI though)

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• #247Sep 1, 2025

  A good mattress, do they exist anymore?

  Firm IKEA mattress with a memory foam topper has lasted me 10 years. It’s showing some wear but still holding up, likely has 3ish years left.

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• #248Aug 13, 2025

  Twin bed frame for a student

  amazon basics, or maybe even ikea, if its temporarily just get a simple and cheap one

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• #249Aug 12, 2025

  What's One Product You Bought Thinking It Would Be Temporary But It Ended Up Lasting You For Year's?

  I call my spare room the Pine Room because the bed frame, side tables, chair, and dresser are all the unpainted pine from old IKEA.

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• #250Aug 12, 2025

  I’m looking to buy a stainless steel pot set that’s going to last me for years to come

  Ikea 365. Mine is coming up to it's 20th anniversary

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• #251Aug 12, 2025

  Looking for Mattress Recommendations – What do you think of these two?

  Ikea modegal foam mattress is great

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• #252Aug 12, 2025

  What's One Product You Bought Thinking It Would Be Temporary But It Ended Up Lasting You For Year's?

  Bought an IKEA changing table that was solid pine. The kid grew out of diapers and the table became my night stand. That was 20 years ago.

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• #253Aug 11, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  I found one of these stackable beds on fb marketplace for dirt cheap! And is basically just double bed that can also be easily be turned into a sofa. [link](https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/utaker-stackable-bed-pine-00360484/) Every sofa bed i have used has been super uncomfortable!

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• #254Aug 11, 2025

  looking for a couch and love seat.... my first look was at a natuzzi sectional...looking for quality, but not crazy expensive, but also not cheap

  Ok hear me out- the IKEA Stockholm leather couch has a 25 year warranty, real leather, and they are the only sofa I’ve seen so far where they show a diagram of what’s inside the sofa. We just bought one and it gets here this week. It’s super comfy and the price is great for what it is

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• #255Aug 11, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  I have an IKEA Nyhamn futon that I put a cover on. It’s not the most stylish thing when it’s folded upright (this definitely looks like a futon and not a fancy couch) but dang if that thing isn’t comfortable. I take naps on it sometimes and I’ve had guests stay and they all said it was comfortable. Even my parents (and they’re picky).  Plus it’s nice that it wasn’t expensive. The one I have and I think vast majority of the ikea futons unfold to queen size so I could use sheets I already had. 

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• #256Aug 10, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  IKEA day bed, buy your own mattresses

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• #257Aug 10, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  I was going to say that I've slept on a few Ikea sleepers in my time, and they've all been surprisingly good. The couch is going to be pretty generic, but it could be a decent stopgap until OP finds something more ideal (or saves up for the American Leather couch someone mentioned above).

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• #258Aug 10, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  We have the IKEA day bed and it has been great

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• #259Aug 10, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  I've got an ikea sleeper that I've had several compliments on. I dont remember which one, but it's one that has 2 layers of the foam cushions, rather than a pull out with springs and a metal bar in your back. I have a foam topper in a closet that I offer if they prefer some softness on top. I've also got a really high quality air mattress that I put a foam topper on and, this is the important part, a heated mattress topper so that they're not freezing all night on a bed of cold air (unless it's summer and they're into that).

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• #260Aug 10, 2025

  BIFL guys, I feel like i'm chasing a ghost here.

  IKEA doesn’t disappoint for sleeping comfort. The couch part tends to be on the utilitarian side though.

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• #261Aug 10, 2025

  This kind of laptop stand is really practical.

  I use the IKEA GREJA napkin holder - super cheap and looks great 😃

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• #262Aug 9, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  The Ikea one. It's the best I've ever tried and I've tried some really expensive ones. It's so cheap I couldn't believe my eyes.

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• #263Aug 9, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/koncis-garlic-press-stainless-steel-30578194/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic-shopping&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks_Cooking&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15835029240&gbraid=0AAAAACqC6EonS9z7XfyrWwcLyNPpxu14F&gclid=CjwKCAjw49vEBhAVEiwADnMbbNJ_yAl_3VP77pJ4IJwnrkFqazM3gHdZQV3e6bNMUGVdWbDI7qNT9BoCP4EQAvD_BwE Absolutely amazing

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• #264Aug 9, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  I don't think that Kuhn Rikon is better than IKEA. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/koncis-garlic-press-stainless-steel-30578194/

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• #265Aug 9, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  IKEA. Simple, sturdy, very cheap, easy to clean because of its simple and clean design.

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• #266Aug 8, 2025

  Best Office Chairs Under $1000

  I'm here about that Ikea Markus. I've been using mine for about 10 years and it has stood the test of time. It is also the most comfortable chair I've sat in, granted I haven't sat in most of the chairs listed above. The only indication of wear is that the pleather headrest has begun to chip (honestly surprised it's lasted this long). That can be easily replaced or re-conditioned. I think they make Markus chairs now that are cloth, so you can avoid the issue altogether.

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• #267Aug 8, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  I have an IKEA one, it's the best I've ever seen. Build to last, extremely easy to disassemble and clean.

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• #268Aug 7, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL. Much better than the koncis that everybody recommends, bigger capacity and easier to clean. I’ve owned both. Shame about the recall this year, but I’ve had mine for 10 years.

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• #269Aug 7, 2025

  No brand marks, unfortunately - any advice on what to get as a replacement?

  Ikea Koncis if you have one nearby. Costs nothing, fully metal, easy to clean, pretty sure it's impossible to break.

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• #270Aug 7, 2025

  The perfect reusable shopping bag?

  If you can find totes made out of repurposed city outdoor signs, they are incredibly sturdy. Our town repurposed the banners from Mainstreet and had bags made bags out of them. I have a few and they wear like iron. Next most sturdy is an IKEA blue bag, but those are for big loads. I can weigh them down with so much.

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• #271Aug 7, 2025

  [Request] High quality stand up desk (preferably extra wide)

  https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/idasen-desk-sit-stand-black-dark-gray-s79280998/ I got the large IDÅSEN electric standing desk from IKEA back around 2018, best desk I’ve ever owned imo, though it hasn’t been super long it still stands as sturdy as when I got it, even with my 3 monitor/work set up and almost daily extended use. Though I will say looking at it now the price has gone up substantially, I got it for around $600 and it’s now up to $800.

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• #272Aug 7, 2025

  Looking to replace every single item we own

  Been there done that. 0/10 would recommend I'm sorry that this has happened to you! I found secondhand furniture (thinking more hard things like dresser) really can be an economical for decent stuff. That being said, we still have a lot of the replacement furniture we bought from Ikea 10yrs ago after our fire. Such as a large kitchen table, a wooden stool, and beds. Mixed results are chairs, bookcases, and dressers; due to our bunch of kids who are really rough on items. What didn't last: the cheapo coffee table. Note that we also moved in the last 10yrs (which can be where Ikea's stuff breaks down). Also, at least in the States, you can get a tax write off on anything your insurance doesn't cover. I'm assuming Canada probably has something similar. I'd strongly suggest doing all the necessary itemization now; not tax time. You do not want to revisit this during tax time. List of random things that you might not think about when restocking the house (not necessarily BIFL) because they aren't everyday items: - OTC meds (Tylenol, motrin, Sudafed, cough suppressant, Tums/pepto, anti-itch cream, etc) - Flashlights (or whatever you use during power outages) - Batteries, not just the usual suspects (AA, AAA) but the random oddball coin sized ones - Bandaids, neosporin, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls/pads - stapler, staples, hole punch, printer paper, envelopes - rubber bands - Tape (scotch, packing, painters/masking) - humidifier, fans - fridge magnets - stain remover (carpet and clothes) (We did not have pets when ours happened, so I've not got advice in that department) Best of luck rebuilding! Definitely overwhelming! You forget something important, so give yourself grace when that happens!

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• #273Aug 7, 2025

  PSA: Secretlab chairs are overpriced bullshit

  Ya, just get the used Herman Miller Aeron, or the IKEA Marcus.

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• #274Aug 6, 2025

  What’s the pan everyone needs that’s BIFL?

  I have an ikea non stick pan that I have taken really good care of it’s 8 years old now and still works great. 

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• #275Aug 6, 2025

  Sofabeds? Looking for recommendations.

  IKEA has decent stuff just don't buy the cheapest model, it's always bad

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• #276Aug 6, 2025

  Oftast plates and bowls - Ikea

  good price, decent quality

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• #277Aug 5, 2025

  The perfect reusable shopping bag?

  I use 2 IKEA BROGGAN, for groceries. Large, long handles AND short handles, one pocket. I also have and rarely use IKEA AURTIENDE, I think it has 2 pockets inside, it's normal sized but I think it's small for groceries, depends how much you can carry. Never had issues with any of them, the large one I even carried >20kg sometimes.

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• #278Aug 4, 2025

  Oftast plates and bowls - Ikea

  Honestly, for the price? Hard to beat. They’ve survived my dishwasher and microwave just fine. Not fancy, but they do the job without feeling flimsy.

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• #279Aug 4, 2025

  Oftast plates and bowls - Ikea

  I've had a few of their big bowls for some years. They're a pretty good match for Corelle, but I haven't dropped them or anything to see how tough they are.

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• #280Aug 4, 2025

  Is the IKEA POÄNG a long lasting chair?

  I'm late to this post, but have to say, I have had two Poang chairs in my middle school classroom for years and they are still going strong. They're holding up better than most of the newer school-bought furniture.

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• #281Aug 3, 2025

  Stainless Steel Sauteé Pan

  I've got the SENSUELL frying pan from Ikea, so far I am happy with it ! It doesn't come with a lid though, I bought a KLOCKREN glass lid to go with it

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• #282Aug 3, 2025

  What’s the pan everyone needs that’s BIFL?

  I got a stainless steel frying pan from IKEA and it‘s sturdy af. No more worries about the non-stick residue leaking into my food either. Yes, some foods stick but you can clean it with a rough sponge.

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• #283Aug 2, 2025

  Us it "Worth It" to Purchase a "Nice" Bath Towel?

  Bedding and towels for me is Ikea.

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• #284Aug 2, 2025

  Im sooo tired of buying USB C cords that lasts a few months at best, recommendations

  I've had good luck with the ones I've gotten from Ikea.

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• #285Aug 2, 2025

  Im sooo tired of buying USB C cords that lasts a few months at best, recommendations

  I’ve heard that the IKEA ones are a quality product. They have a few variations, including one rated for 100w so you can use it for a laptop or fast charging. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/rundhult-usb-c-to-usb-c-black-white-20581106/

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• #286Aug 1, 2025

  Real Wood Nightstands

  also IKEA Tarva and Rast

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• #287Aug 1, 2025

  Im sooo tired of buying USB C cords that lasts a few months at best, recommendations

  Some IKEA cords are really good, the more expensive ones that have textured material over them

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• #288Aug 1, 2025

  Im sooo tired of buying USB C cords that lasts a few months at best, recommendations

  Ikea has a really good cable

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• #289Aug 1, 2025

  Im sooo tired of buying USB C cords that lasts a few months at best, recommendations

  IKEA braided ones

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• #290Aug 1, 2025

  BIFL Request: Soap Dispenser

  This. I have several glass soap dispensers from IKEA that cost $1, and I just dropped one on concrete. It didn’t shatter—didn’t even chip. I picked it up and kept using it.

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• #291Aug 1, 2025

  Im sooo tired of buying USB C cords that lasts a few months at best, recommendations

  The ikea cords are extremely well made.

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• #292Aug 1, 2025

  what’s something you bought once and never had to replace?

  My most unexpected "will this thing ever die?" is a knife. Specifically, a cheap, basic, plastic handled Ikea chefs knife that was handed down to me from my brother, already with a few years of frequent use on it, approximately 22 years ago. We have nice, high quality knives and they're lovely, but the immortal Ikea knife can go in the dishwasher, and I hate washing dishes, so it's often my first choice. It's used almost daily, it's been left soaking in the sink too long far too many times, it's been through the dishwasher at least 4 times a week for the past 15 years, it's never been professionally sharpened (though I think my husband occasionally gives it a little tlc at home), and it's still going strong. At this point I think I may be handing it down to my grandchildren.

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• #293Jul 11, 2025

  One of my favorite kitchen tools is dying

  I got a colander from IKEA many years back that isn't mesh but has relatively fine holes: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/idealisk-colander-stainless-steel-30578170/ It's still going strong.

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• #294Jul 11, 2025

  Help me find a new pillow

  Do you have an IKEA nearby? I like their pillow selection. Super affordable, too.

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• #295Jul 11, 2025

  Help me find a new pillow

  Shredded memory foam is my favourite. Spend the time to open the pillow and spread the foam out in the sun for a day, no more smell. And invest in pillow covers, protective and waterproof. Two of them with zips placed at opposite ends will make any pillow child and pet proof. Cotton or silk cover on top. The good thing about foam is that it allows you to add or remove the quantities of stuffing to get he perfect height combo. With mine (from IKEA) I added a little more after 6 months to deal with the slight compression.

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• #296Jul 11, 2025

  Lunchbox Recommendations

  I like the Ikea ones. Steel, plastic and glass all share the same lid, are stackable, cheap and don't leak

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• #297Jul 11, 2025

  Lunchbox Recommendations

  IKEA 365 When a lid breaks… you can just buy a lid. You don’t end up with orphaned parts you can’t replace.

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• #298Jul 11, 2025

  One of my favorite kitchen tools is dying

  Ikea actually makes one that's extremely solid and a great price!

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• #299Jul 10, 2025

  Is there a best handheld milk frother for oat milk?

  Honestly I feel like the full fat oat milk froths way better than the barista edition - better than any other oat milk we've tried We use a plain ol Ikea eggbeater / frother dude with it and it froths up pretty nice

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• #300Jul 10, 2025

  Important Kitchen Essentials?

  3-ply performs better. All Clad made 5-ply once their patent expired as a marketing gimmick. Having said that, I love my All Clad fryer pad and others. But got them half off at Home Goods (don’t really see them there anymore). IKEA has some good 3-ply sauce lots. And a pasta pot.

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• #301Jul 9, 2025

  What's are home office purchases you've made that have more than paid for themselves?

  Probably under kill but the one from Ikea actually does me really well. I work from home and have tried a dozen chairs but I keep going back to the ikea mosquito net chair.

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• #302Jul 8, 2025

  What's are home office purchases you've made that have more than paid for themselves?

  Yep. Not critical, but I find staring at a bright monitor against a dark wall all day to be a bit tiring. Something as simple as an IKEA desk lamp pointed at the wall behind the monitor fixes that, and the additional light placed in front of you has the added benefit of lighting you better for video calls than light from the ceiling or a window, depending on the way your room is arranged. I recently replaced it with a (still cheap) LED light strip, but there's no need to spring for the fancy RGB colors or anything like that.

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• #303Jul 8, 2025

  What's are home office purchases you've made that have more than paid for themselves?

  People have covered most of it - but also get your temperature dialed in. If you are in a chilly basement, get some heat in there! An actual heater, heated floor pad, whatever. It's miserable feeling like you are in a Dickons novel at your computer and at home you can do something about it! Cut down on any audio and visual distractions best you can and make sure it's not a fucking cave, so you don't have as much eyestrain. Unless you just love dark caves, but I will suspect you are secretly a troglodyte. Good ergonomics are obviously important. I will add, it is not always that a more expensive chair is better. All of the really nice surplus chairs I have seen are waaaaay too big for me and don't go low enough. Meanwhile the IKEA Marcus goes just the right height and isn't too deep. If you are a giant-sized person, you should find a giant throne, but conversely, if you are a short ass like me, you are going to feel like a little kid with your legs dangling.

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• #304Jul 8, 2025

  What's are home office purchases you've made that have more than paid for themselves?

  Most people have hit on these, and I wanted to give my impressions. I just started a new job which is travel/WFH, and did the following: - Electric adjustable height desk - bought this [VIVO Adjustable Dual Motor](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P56RD43?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) base, and built a top (98”W x 32”D) to match my existing workbench. This included buying a nice piece of walnut to make a riser for my 3 monitors, the riser pieces I 3d printed. YMMV, I might buy a monitor arm in the future. I have some back issues, and being on my feet, with my monitors at eye level have been a game changer. - Under-desk cable trays for cable management. No more spaghetti tangle hanging off the back - I bought 2 packs of these: [Cable Trays](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK6K894G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) - Under-desk mounted 8- receptacle power strips (2 ea). This leads to only having 3 cables between my desk and the walls (2x power, 1x CAT6) - Docking station for work laptop (work provided) - KVM switch with remote to jump between the 4 different computers connected to my setup. - Logitech MX Ergo S Plus Trackball - Swing arm desk lamp. This is an IKEA TERTIAL ($20) mounted on a shelf that is above the desk, so it can be out of the way when I need it. - Good chair. Currently I have one that was extra from my previous work, not sure what it is. Looks like a Leap v2 clone, it works well. - If you don’t live alone, a good lock for the door. My wife has a bad habit of doing a Kool-Aid man impression into my office even with a closed door, and a “please do not interrupt, in a meeting” sign on the door. My best piece of advice: get the largest desk you can for your space. This is why I custom-built mine. I need to look at plans sometimes, and the room this desk gives me is perfect for my needs. As a side note, this desk is in a 10.5’x10.5’ office, and shares space with a 98”Wx30”D workbench, a large toolbox, and an extra chair. I still have space to inflate a full-size air mattress in the room.

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• #305Jul 7, 2025

  Going to university for 5+ years – what are the best affordable BIFL items I should invest in?

  IKEA household items last super well and are affordable. I still use the cheap pots and pans, dishes, blankets and duvet covers almost 15 years later. They all work like new. If you can swing it, a handheld vac is great too, black and decker works great. Other random ones: - highlighters (midliners), power banks and extra charging cords (anker is great), - living: multifunctional items, don’t go over board, get to know yours space and then buy. One thing though always buy a new mattress protector when changing dorms(cheap one of Amazon with a terry cloth surface works)

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• #306Jul 6, 2025

  Looking for glass jars the size of this plastic one

  IKEA!

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• #307Jul 6, 2025

  Stuff you will continue buying for life

  Common project sneakers. Despite YouTube-videos dismantling CPs and calling them mediocre quality, one pair of CPs will last me several years. I also like the look. Barbour jackets, I especially like the waxed royston. Rewax and repair when necessary. Ikea 365 chef's knife with a minosharp mc-550 sharpener.

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• #308Jul 5, 2025

  Where do you buy hotel-quality bed sheets and pillows without spending a fortune? I want my bed to feel like a Marriott stay.

  That I don't know. I don't think higher is necessarily better, as someone else explained the percale weave offers airflow, which would not be achieved with a super high thread count. I got mine from Target, one set is Opalhouse, which it looks like they have discontinued. The other was Threshold I believe. Also, my duvet cover is this dark green flower patterned one from Ikea. It is also percale weave and very nice and icy cold.

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• #309Jul 5, 2025

  Where can i buy a good quality full length mirror?

  IKEA and Target both have good affordable full length mirrors with little distortion. Definitely skip the really cheap ones from unknown sellers

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• #310Jul 5, 2025

  Where can i buy a good quality full length mirror?

  I've got a freestanding one from IKEA that has lasted me through 4 moves and almost ten years with no signs of wear. It's got a metal frame and some hooks for hanging stuff. It's a great mirror!

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• #311Jul 5, 2025

  Where can i buy a good quality full length mirror?

  I stare at two IKEA full length mirrors every day. I have no complaints about either.

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• #312Jul 5, 2025

  Where can i buy a good quality full length mirror?

  IKEA sells a large mirror that’s about the best bang for your buck out there.

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• #313Jul 5, 2025

  Where do you buy hotel-quality bed sheets and pillows without spending a fortune? I want my bed to feel like a Marriott stay.

  I really like the IKEA highest level sheets (I believe they are the Natjamsin or something like that). If you go to the store they will tell you which are the highest quality. They are inexpensive but comfortable and crisp. Also I like Target Threshold sheets. I only like cool, crisp, or sateen-ish so I think we have the same preferences and these work for me for not much money at all. I've tried lots!

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• #314Jul 4, 2025

  Stainless steel pans

  My IKEA stainless is stellar, definitely worth the pricepoint, imo.

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• #315Jul 3, 2025

  After reading about micro plastics in the disposable salt and pepper grinders from the big box, stores broke down and bought these very nice all metal mechanism grinders.

  IKEA ones ftw! Ceramic mechanism

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• #316Jul 3, 2025

  What has consistently been the highest rated sofa/sectional?

  I have an Ikea landskrona that has lasted 10 years & I bought it used from someone else 8 years ago. The only issue is one arm is loose; it's been like that since I got it and it's held on the whole time. We are moving to a home with a larger living room, but i think my ikea sofa will just go in my office.

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• #317Jul 3, 2025

  Cutting Board Recommendations

  Cheap and cheerful. IKEA APTITLIG butchers block. Sure it's not end grain, but for the price it's incredible value. Screw some rubber feet underneath and put a drop of silicone to fill the hole. It should last a very long time. I abuse mine and while there a re a few chunky gouges, I'm not bothered.

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• #318Jul 3, 2025

  Closet system better than Elfa / Wire shelf systems

  IKEA PAX + KOMPLEMENT to get the excellent value that you deserve.

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• #319Jul 2, 2025

  Ever Bought Something That Quietly Changed You?

  I think it's a BIFL, because I don't see it falling apart or needing anything else, but I installed an under-the-counter sliding trashcan from IKEA in my kitchen. My trashcan was previously right in front of my sliding door and it blocked the view of my nice backyard. I feel like my house has stayed cleaner for longer since I installed it which was about a month and a half ago.

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• #320Jul 2, 2025

  The current best office chair for long hours? I'm now struggling with BACK PAIN!

  I know it's crazy, the MILLBERGET chair from Ikea has stayed comfortable for hours of d&d, gaming, and mini painting, for me. Seems inexpensive at $79 on sale, but it's a real surprise in terms of comfort, and durability. I'm still using the one I bought in 2017 daily. May you enjoy it as much as I have.

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• #321Jul 2, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  1. I really like my bull leather work belt. I’ve had it for two years now and it’s showing no signs of stress. 2. Heavy duty metal coat hangers. Not those skinny wire ones you get from the dry cleaners. Broken hangers are a thing of the past now. 3. A real solid wooden desk I bought from IKEA years ago. I’ve abused the shit out of it and it’s been through multiple moves. 4. My kitchen aid mixer. Going on 6 years and I use it multiple times a week. 5. Stainless steel pots and pans.

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• #322Jul 2, 2025

  Is there any Thermos/tumbler/travel mug that has no plastic?

  Hey, 316 is a slightly different alloy that is more corrosion resistant and less likely to add a metalic taste to your drink, I think Purist makes them. By complete luck, I've come across a vacuum flask in IKEA for 10€. Item code: 605.748.92 (AURTIENDE). But I think it is discontinued and I got the last one in the store. It has no plastic touching the liquid inside. I've tested the insulation and it kept boiling water quite hot (hot enough to burn yourself, idk the temp) for 12 hours. And I didn't get a metallic taste out of the water but I guess that might change if there were something like coffee in it. They also make the newer version of this bottle but it has a partial color coating on the outside. For 10€ you can't beat it in my opinion.

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• #323Jul 2, 2025

  What purchase changed your habit?

  Have a small 150 cm rug from IKEA below my desk. Makes a world of difference. Looks better too. Just make sure to get something that doesn’t slide around too much.

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• #324Jul 2, 2025

  Does anyone else feel like it's impossible to buy quality stuff anymore? Seems like every single thing I buy falls apart absurdly fast. I try to get quality stuff, but reviews are all fake, star ratings are bought... how do you avoid buying junk?

  Ikea has come full circle. They used to make stuff that would literally fall apart after a few years, but a lot of their stuff now lasts actual decades. Top tip - their kids toys make great dog toys! Those things are built to super high standards it seems! We have a rat that is currently on it's second dog and has only recently got a rip on one seam.

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• #325Jul 2, 2025

  [Request]I need a kitchen rubbish bin with a system to secure the liner that will be working after the nuclear bombs drop

  IKEA Hållbar

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• #326Jul 1, 2025

  Does anyone else feel like it's impossible to buy quality stuff anymore? Seems like every single thing I buy falls apart absurdly fast. I try to get quality stuff, but reviews are all fake, star ratings are bought... how do you avoid buying junk?

  I bought an Ikea broom and stick handled dustpan combo to keep in my workshop and was surprised at the fact that it was sturdier than the ocedar I kept in my kitchen. They also had heavy metal dustpan in addition to the usual plastic ones. Woo-hoo. That's going in the henhouse for a coop scoop!

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• #327Jul 1, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  Yes I agree about the drill / tools advice  I bought an ikea drill for £30 and it did all the tasks I needed  I looked at pricier ones but I don’t need a drill for anything more than a putting together a few flat packs 

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• #328Jul 1, 2025

  Queen Size Daybed under $1500 USD

  I got the ikea gamberget and have been really happy with it so far

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• #329Jun 13, 2025

  In a world of mass-produced garbage, AI-generated photos, fake reviews, and an overwhelming amount of choice... where do you go to buy quality versions of mudane items?

  None of those home goods are stuff I would buy online. Ikea and costco mostly. Container store sometimes, target rarely. Costco mostly sells quality home goods. The return policy is solid. They rotate items seasonally. Ikea has a larger selection, some really cheap that you should avoid. For blankets specifically, also macauslunds woolen mills. Ikea wooden hangers are great, cheap compared to other wood hangers and basically the same as the much more expensive version from the container store.

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• #330Jun 13, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  Got a linen laundry bag from ikea that will last forever. Two different length sets of handles too.

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• #331Jun 13, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  We also use ikea bags. I got one when I was in college, because it was perfect for the dorm laundry room shuffle, and we are still using it 20 years later! 

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• #332Jun 13, 2025

  In a world of mass-produced garbage, AI-generated photos, fake reviews, and an overwhelming amount of choice... where do you go to buy quality versions of mudane items?

  Steele Canvas has bins that are high quality and robust if you don’t mind spending a little money and ikea has good wooden hangers

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• #333Jun 13, 2025

  In a world of mass-produced garbage, AI-generated photos, fake reviews, and an overwhelming amount of choice... where do you go to buy quality versions of mudane items?

  Boring answer, but just stop shopping at Amazon and just start buying from actual brands and stores. Only reason to shop on Amazon is if that brand exists on it imo. I know this is annoying answer for people who live in rural areas with not much option, but it does make life easier. The Ikea brand hangers that also cost nothing are just generally going to be better than whatever garbage you find on Amazon. Because most 'brands' on Amazon by this point are just glorified Temu/Aliexpress.

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• #334Jun 13, 2025

  In a world of mass-produced garbage, AI-generated photos, fake reviews, and an overwhelming amount of choice... where do you go to buy quality versions of mudane items?

  Ngl it sounds like you need to do two things: 1. Stop worrying about needing to buy the “BIFL” version of very simple things where any difference between the “top quality” product and the bottom shelf mass produced stuff is very marginal. Idk what you’re doing to your laundry hamper, but it’s definitely not something that needs to be BIFL. My parents have been using the same hampers made of cheap plastic for 25 years. Unless you’re throwing your hamper down the stairs, it gets so little wear, it really does not matter if it’s cheaply made. Same goes for hangers—I just buy the cheap ones from target or ikea and they’ve lasted me for years. 2. Instead of doing online shopping for these simple things go to a brick and mortar store where you only have a few options so you aren’t overwhelmed

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• #335Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  IKEA makes even deeper bags that are located by the laundry area. I use them to haul wet clothes out to line dry. It has a nice cinch top to keep the clothes in.

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• #336Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  We're moving from a home with upstairs laundry to one with it on the main floor and you've just convinced me to get more ikea bags lol

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• #337Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  I own a shop that we use towels and have to laundry weekly. IKEA bags has rarely broke. We have 6 bags for the last 5 years. Only 1 broke which is a tear on the handle. Some places also sell the backpack version

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• #338Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  IKEA Torkis. Mine are almost 10 years old, love them.

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• #339Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  IKEA torkis baskets/ buckets every person in my house has a different color. [ikea torkis](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/torkis-flexible-laundry-basket-in-outdoor-pale-blue-50583694/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_LC_A3_ConsumerLed_Search_AO_L1_MSA_AOH-Ecomm_EN_PLA_Generic_HFB18-HomeOrganisation_0_Combo&utm_term=4580634178424093&utm_content=Laundry%20&%20Laundry%20Accessories_HFB&adfcd=1752153011.A9YCcjJC70qx7i9vD5uKfw.MTQwMDYxOCwxNDg3MDYy)

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• #340Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  Ikea bags for me too

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #341Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  IKEA blue bags. They stay wide open (as long as you don't toss laundry on the sides), and last forever. I'm still using the one I picked up over a decade ago. All four straps are solid. All the seams are still sewn tight. Plus, they hold a metric shit-ton of laundry.

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• #342Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  I switched to IKEA bags for laundry and never looked back

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• #343Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  Same, I use a blue IKEA bag. Very sturdy and I can sling it over a shoulder if I need my hands free.

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• #344Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  Came here to rec IKEA bags. They are super easy to carry up and down stairs, lightweight, and you can easily carry two (one over each shoulder). They last forever, they're easy to clean, you can store them wadded up in a hamper/drawer/whatever, AND they're only like $1.50. Plus they hold almost exactly one load of laundry. I have the blue ones that I use for sorting and carrying dirty laundry, and I use the rainbow ones for clean laundry. There are tons of different patterns and colors if you want to mix it up or easily sort them. I even made a laundry sorting station in my basement for them just by screwing some hooks into the wall for them to hang on.

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• #345Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  I have got the best laundry baskets. IKEA Frakta bags! I’ve been using these for years. They are durable and fold up out of the way. Those bags are the greatest for all kinds of things really.

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• #346Jun 12, 2025

  Where to get a laundry basket that lasts?

  I use Marshalls/TJ Maxx bags, or Ikea bags! They're cheap as hell, last forever and can be washed in the machine if needed.

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• #347Jun 11, 2025

  What are your “keep it for life” hacks?

  I hang all my socks and elastic stuff from an 8 armed, 16 clip "socktopus" I got from Ikea. They live way longer! Found it. It's called PRESSA! [SOCKTOPUS!](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/pressa-hanging-dryer-with-16-clothes-clips-green-90579157/)

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• #348Jun 11, 2025

  What type of kitchen counters should I get?

  I got ceramic counters for my IKEA kitchen. Expensive af, but so extremely sturdy and good looking and you avoid the whole silicosis issue.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #349Jun 11, 2025

  can anyone recommend a good wall clock (or brand of clocks) that are battery operated but dont suck balls?

  https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/pluttis-wall-clock-red-30540851/ The clock has started making a slight noise but still tells time accurately so you may want to buy one with a different one

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #350Jun 11, 2025

  What type of kitchen counters should I get?

  >Butcher block needs too much upkeep, and if you mess up, it's there. I have a butcher block kitchen island from IKEA, and this is actually one of the things I like about it. To me, the accidental hot pan burn and the red wine spill I didn't see are both great additions to the aesthetic. And honestly, if anyone has a problem with anything they see on their butcher block, they can just sand it down and hit it with some more mineral oil.

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• #351Jun 10, 2025

  What are the best scissors for everyday use?

  My son loses scissors, so I go through a lot of them. I buy packs at Costco once a year, and those are great. But my favorites that I hide from him are Ikea sewing scissors from their sewing kit, gold handle scissors from the Asian grocery store, small embroidery scissors shaped like birds with long beak blades, and a gold pair from Target that they only sold for one season.

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• #352Jun 9, 2025

  Kitchen trash can. Need one that’s doesn’t break within the first year haha

  My ikea metal trash can is going on 10 years. Perfect size for a kitchen trash bag. One time used it to put out a fire when someone left stuff in the stove, no damage.

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• #353Jun 9, 2025

  Kitchen trash can. Need one that’s doesn’t break within the first year haha

  We use the IKEA plastic bins. Had the same ones for about ten years now. I sanitize them every couple months and they have yet to crack. They seem like maybe they're made of high density polyethylene?

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• #354Jun 9, 2025

  Kitchen trash can. Need one that’s doesn’t break within the first year haha

  The bare basic rectangular one from IKEA has been solid and it’s cheap. No pedal or electronics means less issues. The hinged lid is optional. And it fits nicely with other smaller stacked ikea containers if you’re organizing these things under the kitchen sink like dishwasher tabs or Nesspresso pod recycling. (Hallbar, Filur, Troskning).

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• #355Jun 9, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  A basic IKEA desk lamp I bought in college just to get by- 12 years later, still works like a champ, no flickering, no bulb change. Didn’t expect it to outlive most of my furniture!

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• #356Jun 8, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  I bought a set of IKEA steak knives for $5 when I got my first apartment ~15 years ago. We have nicer/sharper ones now but they are still in the drawer and get used randomly!

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• #357Jun 8, 2025

  Bathmat that’s like 22 years old or so.

  IKEA has those!!

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• #358Jun 7, 2025

  What’s your BIFL that a dog chewed on and you still use it?

  IKEA step stool, chewed by our old dog, moved house several times, including a new country. Still have the stool with chew marks from my pup.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #359Jun 7, 2025

  Are there any BIFL flexi tubs / gorilla tubs / bendy buckets?

  I’ve had an ikea bin around my house for years no one in my family has gone to ikea for like 8ish years and I’m almost positive we didn’t buy this on the last trip but it’s visually a match to this https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/torkis-flexi-laundry-basket-in-outdoor-green-20579165/ But tbh I can’t guarantee it’s the exact same bc it’s currently in use lol

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• #360Jun 7, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  A $5.99 ceramic garden gnome from IKEA. We lost our house in the LA fires this year, and the garden gnome was still standing in our flower bed in the middle of the rubble like nothing happened!

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• #361Jun 6, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  Original Ikea Kallax bookcases that i use for my records. They've been fully loaded with records for over 16 years now and they have zero sign of any warping or bending, even after serval cross country moves. I have a few of the newer ones that seem just as sturdy but those are only a few years old so time will tell on those.

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• #362Jun 6, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  IKEA umbrellas. Bought four of them like a decade ago at $2 I wanna say. One of them finally broke the other day but it’s repairable.

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• #363Jun 6, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  A few things: 2006 Toyota Corolla— bought in 2012 for $7k, and it’s still going strong today. IKEA ektorp couches— bought them in 2016/2017 because the covers are removable and washable. They’ve survived 4 kids and a German shepherd (who used to play in the mud and then come in and jump on them)… probably washed the covers at least once a month, sometimes even multiple days in a row due to kids/dog, and they still look great today! We bought an extra set of covers just in case, but we’ve still never had reason to open them. Uppababy Vista stroller— bought in 2018, and have used (and abused) it ever since. It’s survived 4 kids, often having 3 in it at the same time. Fun fact: the basket underneath is super strong, and can hold a 2 year old and 4 year old together, while having an infant in the bassinet above. We’ve used it as a portable bassinet in the house, daily walks on sidewalks, at parks, over mulch, gravel paths, 12 hour days at Disney, on cruise ships, etc. It’s probably the best baby purchase we ever made. I don’t think there’s been a single day in the past 6 years that it hasn’t been used.

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• #364Jun 6, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  The blue carrier bag from IKEA.

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• #365Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  My Ikea furniture is approaching 15 years old. Specifically Malm and Hemnes family of stuff.

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• #366Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  Ikea LIVBOJ Wireless charger, $5.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #367Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  1995 Ikea blonde oak collapsible table $75. Not a scratch, and I still use it daily

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #368Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  A dish brush in ikea. I bought two, I’m not kidding, maybe 10y ago. The spare is STILL sitting in the cupboard waiting to be used. Unbelievable.

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• #369Jun 5, 2025

  What chair should a women get who sits in the chair for hours

  Markus from IKEA is less than 300, and feels like a chair that should be double that. Im a 265lb man and I have sar in that chair for 7 years now, still works well.

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• #370Jun 4, 2025

  IKEA furniture that last forever?

  Unless exposed to too much moisture, definitely the Råskog trolleys! They are TRULY amazing!!

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• #371Jun 4, 2025

  The Best Mattress for Back Pain Currently?

  The IKEA memory foam mattress is pretty nice. Going from Tempur to this was alright.

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• #372Jun 3, 2025

  I've never owned a nice chair in my life (like a living room type of chair), ready to invest...

  I highly recommend the IKEA’s LIDKULLEN. Cheap and high quality. There was an adaptation period to this style of sitting, but now I won’t look back. Have been using it for two years daily. It makes you sit with a more active and straight posture. Seriously, you don’t need to spend much if you don’t want. For an armchair, I can also recommend the POANG, also from IKEA. Highly regarded chair, cheap and very comfortable!

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• #373Jun 3, 2025

  What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?

  I have a zippered large grocery bag from ikea that’s like the big blue ikea bags only more useful in size and shape. I think I’ve had it for a decade now and it shows no signs of wear.

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• #374Jun 2, 2025

  What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?

  I've been using IKEA bags for grocery shopping for years now (at least 6). No sign of them getting worn out at all!

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #375Jun 2, 2025

  What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?

  I finally decided (remembered) to bring my $1 IKEA bag yesterday and it was WAY better than 3-4 individual bags.

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• #376Jun 2, 2025

  BIFL Sectional recommendations

  Ikea kivik. It's a long term product you can buy replacement sections and covers for to couch of Theseus it

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• #377Jun 2, 2025

  Towels that don’t result in pulled strings

  IKEA salviken towels.

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• #378Jun 2, 2025

  Daybed/guest bed recommendations for smaller space?

  [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-daybed-with-3-drawers-2-mattresses-white-asvang-medium-firm-s49428109/](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-daybed-with-3-drawers-2-mattresses-white-asvang-medium-firm-s49428109/) No something like this - still one bed but when it’s stored away it’s in twin size.

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• #379Jun 2, 2025

  Daybed/guest bed recommendations for smaller space?

  I am pleased with Ikea Lycksele. I gave one away, moved house and now have bought another secondhand, in great condition. Metal frame which is well made and bombproof. Slats can be replaced if need be. Easy enough to replace a spring if one were to go. Mattress it came with is thin-ish but comfortable for me whenever I use it (good bouncy slats). And being a separate mattress, can easily be replaced or upgraded (I'd love an all-latex replacement one day).

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• #380Jun 1, 2025

  Looking for a pet friendly sofa

  I can’t believe how resilient the velvet cover is! It’s got a very short nap so it doesn’t feel especially velvety. It’s also really easy to get cat hair off of it. I’m considering getting a custom cover made for my non ikea sofa because it’s so much more maintenance. I have anti-scratching plastic on the vertical sides but the horizontal sides attract so much fur.

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• #381May 11, 2025

  BIFL bed linen in Europe

  We really like our IKEA linen ones actually

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #382May 10, 2025

  What are some items under $500 you’ve made so far that changed your life?

  I love the IKEA 365 containers. Glass and metal, various depths of containers for different amount of storage, but use the same lids so I never have to mess around finding the matching lid. The lids have a rubber seal and snap tight, I can put liquid in them and tip them over without anything leaking. They've held up much better than my Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glass containers and lids.

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• #383May 10, 2025

  Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products

  IKEA utility scissors. $1.98. My current one (dark blue) is going strong. I also had a second pair from William/Sonoma that were $12 about 10 years ago and come apart for 'easy' cleaning. They got a crack in the handle and never need to take them apart to clean. Then saw the new ones at Ikea, a spa green and still $1.98. Bought it and threw the.WS ones out. I stick with two because why not.

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• #384May 10, 2025

  What Type Of Utensil Organizer Would Work Here?

  The ikea  organizer has a sloped edge https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/uppdatera-flatware-tray-light-bamboo-20491484/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks_Kitchen&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22399619184&gbraid=0AAAAAD27g7xDtoxP95ymbjGovA9-G9uEi&gclid=CjwKCAjwz_bABhAGEiwAm-P8YYyQYmRQXJdJ82QQ44v5nGtBZVM5SNMev08OLpyQkfVTDA_SUGEomhoCEwAQAvD_BwE

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• #385May 10, 2025

  What Type Of Utensil Organizer Would Work Here?

  Those are Ikea drawers and they make several organizers in metal, wood, or plastic that fit perfectly.

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• #386May 9, 2025

  Comforter or bed system for a hot, sweaty sleeper (with a not sweaty partner)?

  After 25 years of marriage, I finally separated our covers. Instead of King sheets, we use twin duvets in twin duvet covers. Mine is extra warm in the winter, and his is extra cool in the summer. They have a good selection at Ikea and tons of cover options. They also sell fitted King bottom sheets and King size pillow covers. Best sleep!

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• #387May 9, 2025

  We are in need of new couches

  I just edited my comment, since I didn't realize which sub I was on, sorry! But you didn't find any there that you could your feet up? But anyway, even if not Ikea, definitely get one that has washable covers

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• #388May 8, 2025

  I'm no good at buying good furniture. Any tips there on how to make sure I'm getting it for an affordable price while maintaining quality?

  Ikea sells some pine furniture, even Amazon. Southern yellow pine and heart pine are actually pretty hard too. The brand Walker Edison has some solid wood furniture and the brand Grain Wood Furniture. These are still budget friendly brands but can always be refinished. Even plywood furniture can last decades too.

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• #389May 7, 2025

  I'm no good at buying good furniture. Any tips there on how to make sure I'm getting it for an affordable price while maintaining quality?

  So my rule of thumb is: Spend money on what you use the most. Do not buy from companies that do not give thorough info on the materials and make of a piece. (rooms to go and Ashleys are perfect examples of not giving you information that you need, sure this couch is 100% polyester, but what is the frame made of? What kind of foam is in the seats? 0 info) Secondhand + Facebook marketplace are your friends (for the most part) If you have to buy cheaper-make sure the company is honest about construction. I mainly do this with organizational objects. (IKEA is a good example of honest construction) Focus on buying natural fabrics and other natural materials. I honestly like Crate and Barrel, Arhaus (fucking expensive), Ethan Allen West Elm, room and board, and IKEA- they are honest about construction and offer natural materials. But for any company-some items are great and some are poor. You just need to be thoroughly looking through the construction and reviews for each piece. I have yet to find a company that DOESN'T have bad reviews. Even the like old custom furniture builders from NC. They are honest in construction but still will get the shit review or so. Most of these companies will also have bad reviews for just the delivery and customer service part of the experience. If you can-before you make a purchase online, try to go to the store in person to get a feel for the fabric you want to choose and sit on that furniture or similar items. Know that the floor model will probably be dinged up or more broken in than what you will get. Most good couches have to be broken in a bit before they get really comfortable it seems. This is just the research of a person who has been trying to find a Buyitforlife couch at a reasonable price, that is also cute. Take what works for you. hope it helps and I can save you some of my own personal headaches.

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• #390May 7, 2025

  Top BIFL Household Items for Starting Over

  no one said this exactly yet- but for rebuilding from the ground up, furniture is a big point here. I am currently moving into my first home so completely different circumstances, but we are also figuring out what our priorities are for home things since we have lived in a tiny 1 bedroom apartment since being adults and are now moving to a townhouse. I've done a lot of research, and always see people give the advice of what you use the most should be a priority in your budget and home buying. So our priority furniture was first our mattress and frame, and now we are onto couch and our desk chairs. We spend so much time on those, and they can affect your health a lot. Our table and chairs we think we can get second hand or cheaper builds, same with coffee table, and dressers/nightstands we are going to find second hand (these are super common on our facebook marketplace- look daily or weekly on there, and you can start getting a feel for what is common for your area) organizational stuff is also important-we are going cheaper or mid-price point for most of this. We are also using IKEA and will be workshopping pieces to fit our space better. Ikea has some stuff that is really awesome quality for the price/holds up super well. For us- I cook every day (like a lot of people in this forum) but we are slowly building our kitchen, slowly buying stainless steel pots and pans. We don't have kids-so 2-3 pans and 2-3 pots is enough for us. Some of our stainless steel pots are from IKEA from forever ago, and it still works and looks pretty good. We have been using the same mid-price point knifes since we got married, and they are not awesome, but they work. I think buying "buy-it-for-life" knifes when you are having to rebuild from ground zero is a big maybe-think about where you and your family spend the most time and where in your house needs more organizational/functional things and put your money there. Most important for me is making sure to buy better materials where I can- stainless steel pans, glass water filter pitcher, stoneware plates. I am also adverse to buying furniture from places that will not tell you the materials, construction, details. (looking at you rooms to go) If a company can't be straight with you, why would the product even be worth pennies? This is why I also don't buy from brands on Amazon that don't have a real company website. Also check and see if you have a local buy nothing group of course! I have been trying to take advantage of that when I can. I am sorry for your loss, and I hope you can rebuild something you love now. I hope this is some help- I've been personally overwhelmed trying to figure out roughly the same thing, so I'm just sharing how I have thought through it.

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• #391May 7, 2025

  Top BIFL Household Items for Starting Over

  I have been very happy with my 100% cotton or cotton-lyocell blend sheets from IKEA. They've held up well against my restless tossing and turning, pup's claws, and hot-washing. Very affordable and lots of different options for fabric and knit preferences. If you have a warehouse near you, can touch fabric samples, but they do online orders too. My partner and I switched to separate duvet inserts and duvet covers, which has helped with blanket longevity and washing off pollen allergens in spring and fall.

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• #392May 7, 2025

  I'm no good at buying good furniture. Any tips there on how to make sure I'm getting it for an affordable price while maintaining quality?

  A good tip is to check out local outlet stores or warehouse sales (Ashley even has outlet spots), and don’t sleep on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist—sometimes you find gems for cheap. Also, look at places like IKEA for basics and then mix in secondhand or discounted higher-end stuff to balance quality and cost.

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• #393May 7, 2025

  So is there really no non-stick pan that is safe to use as long as it isn’t chipped?

  I have a selection of different pans, including a demeyere multiline and a de buyer carbon steel, but for nonstick I have a ceramic paj from Ikea (my wife refuses to learn stainless/carbon, and I sometimes prefer the convenience). Had the ceramic nonstick for about half a year, I dont think it will last super long (they often loose nonstick-iness despite not peeling). But it's cheap and pfas free.

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• #394May 6, 2025

  Finding BIFL chair as a gift for my mom this Mother's day

  Like an office chair? I'll go against the grain here and recommend the IKEA Markus. Won't break the bank, super comfortable and probably the most recommended ergonomic chair there is Honestly it fixed my back issues I was getting for about 2 years that I stupidly believed were being caused by lifting weights and not my bad previous chair

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• #395May 6, 2025

  Didn’t expect this to last me 10+ years… but here we are

  We just switched to induction and picked up a variety of pots to see if what we like. Those cheeeeeap ikea stainless steel pots do a wonderful job and I had the fun of putting it together myself!

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• #396May 6, 2025

  Didn’t expect this to last me 10+ years… but here we are

  IKEA stainless steel pots. Yeah I know it's not the usual $200+ pots/saucepans everyone recommends but they work fantastic and will probably last a few decades easily Basically all of my clothes are up to a decade old at this point with no wear/tear. They're definitely not the usual BIFL clothes, some are just regular Primark shirts. I honestly think people are washing their clothes incorrectly or are doing something ridiculously wrong considering how many people here seem to have issues getting clothing to last more than a year or so Random Adidas backpack - got it when I was 12 years old. It's got me through all of school, hobbies, college, university, part time jobs and a full time job and still works fine now. No idea how it's lasted that long

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• #397May 5, 2025

  Sleeping Duck Indestruct Bed - It's worth the hype IMHO

  I have a MALM from IKEA which was similarly priced and while it doesn’t look the best it’s never made a noise either. This seems like an excessive amount of money to spend on a bed, even if it is BYFL

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• #398May 5, 2025

  Stainless Steel Food Storage?

  I’ve been looking as well. It seems the hinges break on pretty much all of them. I just finally bought some from IKEA hoping they keep the design the same to replace the lids later. The main part is stainless and the lid is plastic with a rubber seal. They are also the rectangle ones, not the cylinder ones. So, probably doesn’t help anyway, but may for some of the containers. 

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• #399May 5, 2025

  Couch… thoughts on Restoration Hardware…

  i have never enjoyed RH furniture. Always found it stuffy and slightly lagging in design. i find/ prefer room and board or something completely vintage. i would also wanna keep the ikea leather/ premium collection in my list.

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• #400May 5, 2025

  Sleeping Duck Indestruct Bed - It's worth the hype IMHO

  For folks at the other end of the price spectrum, you would not believe how sturdy an Ikea Malm bed can be with just a little bit of extra effort. 1) Glue every wood peg and raw wood surface as you assemble it. Allow 24 hrs to fully cure. 2) Get some color matched L brackets and add them everywhere you can without them being visible. Drill pilot holes, and add some glue on the screws as well. The bed will be absolutely rock solid and monolithic when done. Zero movement, zero squeeks, and it holds up to even advanced extracurriculars. Just note that you will never be able to disassemble it. Expect to use a sawzall when you move.

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• #401May 3, 2025

  Stackable Glass Storage Containers

  Wait, the IKEA 365+ glass containers say that they're oven safe.  I just bought one to try it out and started looking into it more, will go check out the pyrex ones now. 

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• #402May 2, 2025

  Are they really unbreakable?

  Honestly the similar tumblrs from IKEA are cheaper and I’ve seen them in commercial kitchens, they are near unbreakable (my wife has tremors and we went through a lot of glasses).

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• #403May 2, 2025

  Whats the best home office chair?

  Yep, everyone is talking about $1000+ chairs, while the Ikea Markus is a very good challenger at $150

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• #404May 2, 2025

  Whats the best home office chair?

  Ikea Markus or Ikea Jarvfjallet

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• #405May 2, 2025

  Are they really unbreakable?

  If anyone is looking for a relatively cheap alternative for robust glasses, the pokal ones from IKEA have lasted very very well in our house. Most of ours are the original we bought over 10 years ago. They wouldn't survive a 4 foot drop onto a tiled/cement floor, but I don't believe we've lost a single one to chipping/cracking basically anything other than a high drop. About 8 years ago we bought my dad a few glasses sets for his new house, including a set of pokal ones, they are the only full set still survived 

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• #406May 2, 2025

  Looking for a good quality, sub-$100 duvet cover for a twin/twin XL

  I got mine from IKEA and it’s worked really well for me. I know IKEA isn’t renowned for the BIFLness but with the different weights of duvet inserts made all the difference for me

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• #407May 2, 2025

  What’s the best TV soundbar you’ve owned long-term?

  Speaking from experience, I had a ZVOX soundbase early on due to space constraints. Then, I got the Polk Audio Signa S2 and it was surprisingly good for the cost (closer to $100 than $200). Had it for 4 years before trading up to a Beam Gen2, Sub Mini and Ikea Symfonisk rears. The Signa S2 never had the wireless sub lose connection in the many times I've moved it. The Sonos is clearer than the Signa S2, but also 4-5x the cost. The Sonos 3.1 system was a no-brainer because i had One's scattered elsewhere long before and it was nice before the app debacle (it's gotten better!) to group speakers and control.

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• #408May 1, 2025

  What’s a kitchen item you bought once and never had to replace?

  Kitchenaid 600, 10 years of service so far. Stainless steel frying pan and pot from ikea.

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• #409May 1, 2025

  Phone charging cables

  Ikea cables seem decent to me.

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• #410May 1, 2025

  What budget home office setup surprised you and lasted?

  Firstly, my Ikea desk with keyboard tray that I bought 30 years ago. Then bought one for the new hubby, then two more when kids came along. They have moved with us more times than I can remember. The last move one had a wheel break out so now we have to be careful moving it. And the finish is starting to wear on one where a kid always put their cup without a coaster. Kids have now grown and moved out, but the desks remain. And when they're home, they wfh or game with Dad. I swear these things may outlast us all. Second relatively inexpensive game changer..... A second monitor for my laptop. And yes, it's absolutely worth it to spend the extra for a 20" monitor.

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• #411May 1, 2025

  Looking for a very sturdy bed frame that will not rock and squeak and eventually break.

  No one is going to believe me, because IKEA, but I've had a Malm bedframe that's lasted over 10 years and survived two moves. We have the nightstands that sits behind it and has slide outs the sides. It's also pushed up snugly against the window. We also tighten the screws every year or so. None of my other IKEA furniture has been BIFL, except an older version of the Micke desk I had when I was a kid that lasted 15 years. I only got rid of that because it was white and after 15 years was more of a yellow than white.

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• #412May 1, 2025

  BIFL hangers that don’t break the bank?

  Ikea has pretty good ones. For cheap.

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• #413May 1, 2025

  BIFL hangers that don’t break the bank?

  Ikea wood hangers. Works fine for pants, jackets, shirts. Specifically for suit pants the clip ones are good but most pants fit fine folder over on a normal hanger

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• #414May 1, 2025

  What's one item you've owned for years that's still going strong-and was totally worth the money?

  Hate to say it… Ikea couch. Took it off a friend who had it 5 years, we’ve had it another 13 so far.

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• #415May 1, 2025

  What's one item you've owned for years that's still going strong-and was totally worth the money?

  IKEA blue bags. They last forever…literally forever. I bought some around 18 years ago. Use for everything, pack em’ full of groceries every week. They have yet to bust . I swear it was around a buck when I bought them.

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• #416May 1, 2025

  What’s a well made, durable bed frame that won’t break down over time

  Same, going on 15+ years on an IKEA solid wood bed frame.  Also, for anyone reading this down the line, Zinus is CRAP quality and has maaaany fake accounts to leave ‘reviews’ on various subreddits.

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• #417Apr 13, 2025

  Do smart home items really work in long term?

  I still have my original 3x TRÅDFRI smart colored bulbs with the original home hub that I purchased back in 2018 with my first ever paycheck. 7years later and all 3 bulbs haven’t deteriorated even slightly, which is even more impressive considering they were considered to be the budget option for smart lights. Don’t get me wrong they aren’t super bright & don’t have the best colour output but they work how I need them to, that being 3 different lamps in my bedroom as my only lighting (I hate the big light). The software still works great and they still update the app every few months despite discontinuing the home hub in 2022. Whats actually the best thing about them is that in 2018 I paid $55 AUD ($35 USD) for 3 bulbs, smart hub system & remote in a starter pack bundle. Last time I saw the same bulb in late 2022 they were $50 AUD for just 1x light bulb & remote. I don’t know if I just got lucky with how they have lasted or maybe it’s actually due to their lack of any fancy features, somewhat limited selection of colors & a pretty average maximum brightness that has made them so durable and problem free for 7 years of daily use.

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• #418Apr 13, 2025

  Europeans, what cookware brands do you use?

  Castiron stolen from my parents Global knives Cheapest Teflon pans I could find is local store. PYREX glass stuff a bunch of IKEA cookwear that still hold up after a few years.

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• #419Apr 13, 2025

  Europeans, what cookware brands do you use?

  Mostly the IKEA 365 stuff. We have had our pots for over ten years now, and they are still going strong. We recently bought two Silberthal pans, one non stick and one stainless steel, and they are fantastic quality. Silberthal is a German company, they do produce in Asia though...

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• #420Apr 13, 2025

  Europeans, what cookware brands do you use?

  Anders peters (pot) and ikea (pan).

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• #421Apr 13, 2025

  Europeans, what cookware brands do you use?

  WMF for pots. Høyang polaris for cast iron pan, and a couple of carbon steel woks from hot wok and some other brand I forget. Ikea nonstick pan/wok.

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• #422Apr 13, 2025

  Looking for a thick, soft blanket for my bed

  Omg IKEA extra warm duvet, you could get a single size. That description does not lie and it’s like a weighted blanket. I was shocked it was so warm for something so affordable.

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• #423Apr 12, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  Ikea glass with snap on lids

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• #424Apr 11, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  ikea has cheap glass square storage bins with snapping tops, that are perfect

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• #425Apr 11, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  I buy glass containers from IKEA. They’re cheap and borosilicate.

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• #426Apr 11, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  IKEA also have stainless steel ones like some people have been suggesting! I think those are a good option for non-breakable but long lasting, and I’m pretty sure the same lids work on their glass, plastic, and stainless steel containers, so if they want to switch to glass when the kids are older they could just get new containers without having to get new lids

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• #427Apr 11, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  I like the IKEA glass containers. I bought Pyrex but the lids don’t last long, and the replacements are as expensive as the whole container. IKEA also has divided containers, square, rectangular, and different sizes in both width and height. I started buying them five years ago and none of the lids have broken.

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• #428Apr 10, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  I think the IKEA glass containers are borsillicate glass so a lot harder to break but it’s still possible. The only thing that could wear out is the lids but the good news is you can easily buy replacements. The containers are also microwave, freezer and oven safe. That’s what I want to invest in while we slowly get rid of plastic. The only other option is stainless steel containers but they wouldn’t be microwavable.

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• #429Apr 10, 2025

  Modern alternatives to Tupperware?

  To be fair the very large lidded Tupperware bowl should be a kitchen standard.  I really like the ikea glass containers. Because you can replace the container or lid whenever one does break without having to by a whole new set. 

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• #430Apr 10, 2025

  Do smart home items really work in long term?

  I only get things that do not require the internet to work. Security risk and for longevity reasons. I have ikea motion sensor and smart bulbs that turn on when I walk by. As long as I feed it batteries or the LED doesn't die, it should just keep working. App or no app.

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• #431Apr 9, 2025

  Would a Salon style stool be good for a home office desk for the long run?

  [https://www.ikea.com/se/sv/p/oevning-multifunktionellt-ergo-fotstoed-00552020/](https://www.ikea.com/se/sv/p/oevning-multifunktionellt-ergo-fotstoed-00552020/)

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• #432Apr 8, 2025

  Best mattress in a box advice needed - which ones actually hold up over time?

  Ikea mattresses have served me well for over a decade and wont break the bank.

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• #433Apr 8, 2025

  Looking for flatware set that won’t rust - reccs please only if you purchased in the last year

  Just checked my Amazon purchased list. I bought [these](https://a.co/d/27BFckq) last April exactly. They have not rusted as I use a counter top dishwasher. I really like them as I am picky with the weight and cut of my flatwear if that makes sense.

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• #434Apr 7, 2025

  What’s your best lazy-but-functional home upgrade?

  3 key pieces for my mental peace, but not really furniture: 1. 50 socks of the same model and throw all Others away. (Thank me in 2075 for the 2 weeks of life time that I saved you.) 2. 10-20 Lock'n'Lock boxes, in 2-3 different volumes, preferably stackable, buuuut the important thing, make sure you only have lids in 2 different sizes. (Add another week.) 3. Buy 10-20 larger stackable plastic boxes of the same type to properly store (and not forget) the stuff you only need once or twice per year. I have Ikea Samla.

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• #435Apr 7, 2025

  Best Cooking Pans Now? Recommendation?

  I would consider what size pans you actually use. I would buy a Lodge skillet - simple cast iron - in whatever size you use. Personally, I like the 10.5” size. It’s a good balance between size and weight, imho. If you want a 12, go for it. I would buy the Lodge lid, that matches. I would go to IKEA. I would buy an IKEA 365+ stainless steel sauce pan, in the size that matches your need. I would buy a Dutch oven. I would buy a stock pot. Buying a steamer insert and / or a colander is a good idea. If you are on a budget, I would buy the cheap three pack of stainless steel pans - two sauce pans and a Dutch oven. They are not BIFL, but for $25 they hit way above their cost. The big thing keeping them from being BIFL is the handles. They just aren’t durable enough. You would still need a stock pot. I would get an Aroma stainless steel rice cooker, sized to your needs. I like the 3 cup. If you need the 14 cup, it is also good. Note that these are the normal, dumb rice cookers with a stainless steel insert. In addition to this, you will need: A can opener. EZ-Duz-it s currently considered the BIFL darling. I have one. It is worth it. A chef’s knife. Spend money here if you have it. I have a cheap 6” vegetable knife from IKEA. It’s their Santoku knife. I prefer the club foot design, and I like how thick and easy to control it is. I have the **VÖRDA** version because the nonslip handle is nice. It does not hold an edge very well, but it takes an edge fast. I would suggest a Santoku knife design. I have a cheap one because I am brutal and will throw it away and buy new as needed. Cutting board: these are disposable. Get cheap. I like plastic because you can abuse them by throwing them in the sink and disinfecting them with bleach and they don’t dull knives. Wood is harder to take care of, but still good. Do not get glass or marble. Ideally, you will have one for meat and one for veggies. NOT BIFL. Buy it, use it, when it gets bad, replace it. This is an expendable. A flipper, a spoon, a ladle : I have a grey plastic set from IKEA. Really, get any that you like. These, too, are not BIFL. Use them until they wear out, then buy new. I find that if you treat cast iron like nonstick in terms of utensils, the seasoning lasts better. Measuring cups: haven’t found any I really like yet. Mixing cup: I really like the Anchor Hocking Fireking. The open handle design makes them stack and nestle better.

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• #436Apr 7, 2025

  Best Cooking Pans Now? Recommendation?

  For stainless steel pans the best cheap options are IKEA Sensuell (not recommended for induction stove) or Tramontina. I just bought large pan for 40 EUR and it's great

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• #437Apr 6, 2025

  What's the current best bang for buck standing desk that WFH folks love the most?

  I have used this for the last 10 years and it has survived several moves. [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/trotten-desk-sit-stand-white-s79429602/](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/trotten-desk-sit-stand-white-s79429602/) IMO if long lasting is important, hand cranks are better, regardless of brand.

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• #438Apr 6, 2025

  Any recommends on kitchen hand towels?

  I don’t care for terry towels other than bar mops which we use for napkins. I like and have used the IKEA cotton towels. Recently ordered Zeppoli kitchen towels on Amazon. 100% cotton. 15 for $20.

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• #439Apr 6, 2025

  What's the current best bang for buck standing desk that WFH folks love the most?

  I have a single motor standup desk I got from Ikea about 7yrs ago. It has a weight capacity of 150lbs, I wish I had purchased something with an approximate 250lb capacity. And something a little faster. A big reason I wish I got a higher weight capacity is because then I could put a different top on it. I'd like to make the L shape more pronounced, but I hit the 100lb with just the stuff I keep on the desk. Adding a bigger topper might put me over. If you're willing to be spending $800, focus on the brands with reputable motors, and higher weight capacitys you can get a top desk for pretty cheap and could change it out if you have a good base

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• #440Apr 6, 2025

  Any recommends on kitchen hand towels?

  The Ikea 79cent towel is my go to. Goes by HILDEGUN. Although not BIFL they are still in good shape after 5 years of daily use and being washed and bleached weekly.

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• #441Apr 6, 2025

  [Request] Super light weight water bottle

  go to ikea and get one of their small aluminum bottles

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• #442Apr 4, 2025

  What do you think of the two section laundry hampers? It seems most of them use bags which are hard to get your clean clothes back into to take them back to your room.

  I love the klunka laundry bag at IKEA. It stands on its own, is easy to hang on a hook, holds the laundry, it's easy to carry to the washer, etc. I don't fold laundry and put it into the bag.

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• #443Apr 4, 2025

  What do you think of the two section laundry hampers? It seems most of them use bags which are hard to get your clean clothes back into to take them back to your room.

  Honestly, big old blue IKEA bags ftw! They cost pennies, are HUGE and fit over your shoulder. They fit folded clothes like a laundry hamper and have even more capacity.

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• #444Apr 3, 2025

  Unpopular Opinion: “Researching Before Buying” as an Excuse for Overthinking

  I love my IKEA spoon. It’s got an extra wide and thick neck that makes it strong enough to be an ice cream scoop. Fuck those spoon elitists

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• #445Apr 3, 2025

  Unpopular Opinion: “Researching Before Buying” as an Excuse for Overthinking

  This is why I thrift. My BIL (brother in law, I didn’t miss an F lol) does a lot of great research on big purchases like knives. Meanwhile I’m buying my decent knives literally one knife at a time; I posted about a CUTCO knife here one because I love it more than my “better” brand knives and this sub tore me a new one but it’s still my favorite knife. I also have a quality steel KitchenAid made in Germany with a hefty tine I’ll be resharpening for the next decade, and a Chicago Cutlery bread knife I might take to my grave. For each of these I have 2-3 knives I tried and didn’t “cut it” (literally), I just donate those. My cookware is Le Creuset or thrifted, I have only two exceptions (3-ply SS IKEA 360 pot) and off-brand Hexclad (Snowclad) frying pan. My dinnerware is Corelle or Lennox Fine China. My partyware, bowls are all vintage borosilicate glass: Anchor Hocking, PYREX, ARCOROC pink swirl. I don’t own any glassware of any kind that isn’t borosilicate. My tea set is moss rose (mixed porcelain makers, same pattern). I do not use paper plates or bowls ever, I own plenty of reusable vintage pieces. If I can attach an appliance to my KitchenAid stand mixer I will do that before buying yet another thing. I have a spiralizer, meat grinder, and pasta maker. All of my utensils are vintage (including Cutco! lol), excellent quality high temp silicone, or wooden. I use a wooden spoon or spatula every single day because hardwood has barely been improved upon. For clothing I require 50% minimum natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and linen. I don’t count rayon unless it is labeled organic. I read all the fabric labels and can thrift by feel, like I never mistake a polyester sweater for wool and can feel different cotton blends. Natural fibers last longer, and my wardrobe is like 75% thrifted. I also thrift BIFL boots and shoes, which generally don’t exist but better boots last a very long time and have exchangeable parts like boot liners and insulated soles so there is rarely a need to buy new. To each their own but I’m mostly here to learn about what things last so I can then thrift those things or find them on Marketplace.

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• #446Apr 3, 2025

  Metal tea infuser from Europe

  Yeah TeeS. is a bit pricey. Their teas are one of a kind 🤯 Personally, I drink tea on a daily basis, and always brew loose tea. I tried multiple ways of brewing, and found the best and cheapest way to brew some amazing tea is via the Ikea brewers The chinese stuff is not bad too, but the glass is super thin. Will only recommend if you actually see them in person, via a brick and mortar shop. If there is a chinese market near you, head over, and browse around for kettle vendors. I personally brew my tea the old method via a stove, and then use a paper filter to filter out the tea. you can try glazed pottery kettle/ceramic, they last a life time too Hope that helped in your search 🫶

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• #447Apr 1, 2025

  Pillow for side sleepers

  I have a memory foam pillow from ikea that I really like, because I switch up my sleep style frequently .. it's rounded and soft on the one side for back sleeping, but if you flip it it's level and firm for side sleeping.

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• #448Apr 1, 2025

  What to buy for upkeep of house as a 22M?

  I got a set of three stainless steel pots from IKEA and they’re holding up great after 6 years of daily use

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• #449Apr 1, 2025

  Pyrex, GlassLock, or Anchor Hocking food storage?

  Glasslock sucks, for me anyhow. The lids fail to stay closed. The lid is a 1-piece molded plastic that has 2 "teeth" per flap which corresponds to groove in the glass rim. I (meaning my wife) have had these for 2 months and they have become the bane of my (actually me) existence. They snap shut and almost immediately pop open. I have to use rubber bands if I want to use these, I have another for the life of me I cannot remember the name (from Amazon under my wife's account so no access to name). Each lid is 5-pieces. The lid and 4 separate hinged flaps. The flaps snap tight and hold extremely well. The flaps can be removed for washing and, best of all, there are accesses in the lid to easily remove the gasket for washing. My wife has 1 Ikea container that has been the little train that could. Zero issues for years. The biggest issue I have it that my wife is an experimenter. To keep track we have 3 separate contains which means I am always looking for the proper lid for the correct base. I, on the other have only want 1 base, 1 lid with 30 containers. Grab one base, grab one lid DONE. Nope, our plastic container drawer is 20 containers with 20 extremely specific lids.

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• #450Apr 1, 2025

  Pillow for side sleepers

  I have a flat memory foam pillow and one of those cheap Ikea long and narrow pillows to put under my hand. Served me well for years.

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• #451Apr 1, 2025

  Hot plate or portable electric stove?

  If you have ferrous (a magnet sticks to the base) cookware then induction is the way to go, an Ikea single induction hob has been working well for me for 3 years and it is like cooking on gas but much cheaper and better.

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• #452Mar 12, 2025

  BIFLers, what things do you not understand why people spend their money on?

  The problem with nonstick is that the nonstick coating and the metal it's bonded to heat and cool at different rates. Over time this gradually wears down the bond between the materials. No matter how gentle you are with nonstick cookware, it has a limited use period before the toxic nonstick chemicals start coming off the metal. Also, nonstick coating has the potential to aerosolize under high temperature and isn't good for high heat cooking. Carbon steel is an incredible option for long lasting nonstick cookware. IKEA sells a carbon steel pan dirt cheap. I use mine almost every day.

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• #453Mar 11, 2025

  What's the most expensive item you've bought with the intention of keeping it for life?

  I’ve been slowly replacing my college/20s ikea furniture with well built mid century pieces over the last decade - mostly second hand, a few new ones when it’s lights or storage or something. I’m hoping most of it is BIFL for me - and if it’s not I like knowing that it’s likely to still be usable and desirable to someone else.

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• #454Mar 11, 2025

  Looking for a new couch. Found the perfect one, but i have to plug it in?

  This is definitely not a BIFL couch. IKEA has similar couches at similar prices without the electronics. All higher end brands will offer you the choice but you are getting into thousands of dollars

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• #455Mar 11, 2025

  need a down comforter i can also use in the summer

  Ours from ikea have lasted years and years. I like the lighter ones, I use them all year long, and on really cold days throw a woolen blanket on top.

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• #456Mar 11, 2025

  need a down comforter i can also use in the summer

  Ikea has different levels of down comforters for heat. I use the lower level for summer time. I wouldn't call it BIFL but it's still in good shape after using it.

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• #457Mar 11, 2025

  What is the longest lasting item you've bought?

  4x2 IKEA cubby. I bought that thing when I moved out from my parents, and it still holds up 15 years later…

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• #458Mar 10, 2025

  what are your BIFL ADHD products that make life easier?

  Agreed, everyone’s needs are different so OP will need to test some mattresses before committing to anything. I followed r/mattress for months before buying mine (I also have ADHD and went down a research rabbit hole). Here’s some of the best advice I learned from there: 1. Most modern mattresses are junk and aren’t made to last more than a few years, even if you rotate it regularly 2. Be wary of online mattress companies and random brands on Amazon. A lot of them contain fiberglass, and if you remove/rip the outer cover you risk contaminating your home, ruining all your stuff, and breathing it in which could wreak havoc on your lungs 3. You might want to DIY your bed setup by using both a mattress + a topper. This way, you’ll wear out the topper and can replace it without having to replace your whole mattress. 4. Not all toppers are the same and what works for one person might not work for you. Memory foam lets your body sink in but can get uncomfortably hot. Latex has more bounce and is a bit more breathable but might feel a bit hard compared to memory foam. 5. I ended up going with a relatively inexpensive medium/firm IKEA hybrid (metal springs w/foam top) mattress. Then I added a solid latex topper from Sleeponlatex (you can get soft, medium or firm iirc, I think I got soft). IKEA abides by EU safety regulations and therefore their mattresses don’t contain fiberglass. I’m happy with my setup and it cost $700-800 back in 2022/2023. I also got a Coop brand pillow — you can add or remove the memory foam inside, and I’m happy with it as a petite person who’s a side/back sleeper 6. When reading reviews for mattresses/toppers/pillows, you NEED to take people’s height, weight, and sleeping position into account. Reviews that don’t provide that information are basically useless

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• #459Mar 10, 2025

  what are your BIFL ADHD products that make life easier?

  I love the “landing zone” I created by my door using IKEA peg boards. I got little dishes, hooks, a container for mail etc that all go on the board. This is where I dump everything on me and in my hands as soon as I walk into the house. Keys, mail, coupons, receipts, doggy bags, etc.

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• #460Mar 10, 2025

  what are your BIFL ADHD products that make life easier?

  No, it differs for everyone. I recommend going to a bedstore to test some matresses. Don't let the salesperson upsell you anything: they're like carsalespeople. As for the pillow, I got the tempur orthopedic pillow, but at my partners house I have an ikea orthopedic pillow which is just as nice honestly.

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• #461Mar 10, 2025

  Anyone recommend a chair? h8 these features but love the seat length

  I got the markus from IKEA

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• #462Mar 4, 2025

  Searching for a quality couch

  I don’t know how bifl furniture is, one thing I do know is having stuff that is repairable is a huge thing. We have a microfiber couch thats over 20 years old, at 10 years we thought it was done for. We had the foam replaced with high quality foam that wasn’t broken down in ten years since while adding multiple kids and a dog. I look at estate sells for future furniture needs also ikea because its cheapish okay quality.

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• #463Mar 4, 2025

  Best Pillow PLEASE for neck posture and side and back sleeper

  I know this is old, but I bought an IKEA ergonomic pillow for $25 and it works best for me! It kinda smells for a couple of days, I would recommend airing it out before use. I used to have a latex pillow and I would highly recommend that too… I damaged mine and can’t find the same one again. This ikea pillow is pretty comparable

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• #464Mar 3, 2025

  BIFL, but also BISecondhand. What are some things that everyone should keep an eye out for, but can commonly be found for cheap when preowned.

  Ikea Poang Chairs and Ottomans

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• #465Mar 3, 2025

  I might have a problem

  I have a lounge-y chair like this (ikea HAVBERG) and I mostly use it for reading. I like it because its a nice looking chair, its comfortable, and relatively cheap compared to a recliner. I can also use the ottoman with the couch or as extra seating.

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• #466Mar 3, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  I love the Ikea's glass containers. My kid uses the lids as frisbees too :)

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• #467Mar 3, 2025

  Scrub brush for dishes

  I really like the IKEA metal handle that you can replace the brush ends with the wood/bristle head. I don't feel bad about throwing away plastic anymore!

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• #468Mar 3, 2025

  Where Does "Buy It for Life" Not Make Sense?

  While I generally agree with you, I wouldn’t put a blanket statement on this. I’ve handed down kids clothes to multiple children, and my kids have received hand-me-downs from cousins. We have used the same mini crib for all of my newborns. We’ve even used many of the same cloth diapers for each child. We bought metal toddler beds at Ikea that extend to twin sized, so theoretically they’ll last a while (we’re 5 years in with these and still going strong). Our double stroller was an investment, but it’s on baby number three now and is still in great shape.

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• #469Mar 3, 2025

  Scrub brush for dishes

  These [IKEA](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/antagen-dish-brush-bright-green-60534226/#content) ones are 0.79 each and they don't seem to wear out for me.

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• #470Mar 3, 2025

  Scrub brush for dishes

  These IKEA ones are 0.79 each and they don't seem to wear out for me. [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/antagen-dish-brush-bright-green-60534226/#content](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/antagen-dish-brush-bright-green-60534226/#content)

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• #471Mar 3, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  IKEA makes glass bowls with glass lids that would work

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• #472Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  The full product line is called ikea 365+. The lids and containers are sold separately and have been for a long time. No change to the design so if the lid seal fails or a container breaks you can just get the q replacement.

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• #473Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  Seconding IKEA. SKU 303.591.96 seems the closest match. But as already indicated there are a selection of container sizes and materials and lid choices.

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• #474Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  For lunches I use the Ikea 365+ glass containers with the plastic lids. The seal is great, everything stays very fresh for a long time. I've only rebought plastic lids once in 13 years, the side flaps eventually break. None of the containers have broken, however.

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• #475Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  ikea do one that is the shape, made of glass, glass lid, silicone o-ring around the lid for sealing. I've had some for several years now and I'm v happy with them. Link: [https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-glass-s59279651/](https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-glass-s59279651/)

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• #476Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  IKEA makes some too, if you would prefer not to spend money on Amazon

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• #477Mar 2, 2025

  Favorite office chair?

  For the price you can't go wrong with IKEA JÄRVFJÄLLET

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• #478Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  This^ I use ikea glass containers for my lunches at work. Went back a year after buying the first set and bought the exact same one so I had a second. I could walk into ikea in 10 years and it’ll still be there.

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• #479Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  Ikea also sell glass, metal and plastic containers that all fit the same lids, and if you end up with too many lids or too few you can rebalance as they're sold separately. Definitely my go to now

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• #480Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  If you live near an IKEA they have glass versions of these with snap on lids that I really like and they are pretty cheap.

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• #481Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  [Ikea 365 round food container](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-round-glass-plastic-s39567148/) [Costco Pyrex Snapware](https://www.costco.com/snapware-pyrex-18-piece-glass-food-storage-set.product.100358145.html?COSTID=androidapp_deeplink_24.10.1.6&sh=true&nf=true)

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• #482Mar 2, 2025

  Is there a glass or no bpa plastic version of this take out container

  IKEA containers are awesome in my opinion. Various shapes and sizes, interchangeable lids, sturdy enough to take it everywhere.

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• #483Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  Ikea lasts a really long time. So I have Ikea Pax wardrobes and chest of drawers (Hemnes) in my bedrooms and they have been there 17 years. They are showing signs of wear now. I’m going to replace the chests of drawers with the same ones and just replace the closet doors leaving the closet itself as it is. I honestly don’t see why this would be something to spend a lot more money on. There are other areas of the home where we have bought more expensive, sold wood items because we wanted them to look or feel different, but these particular items are very well designed even if they are particle board covered in laminate. What does irritate me is when something has a high price and pretends to be something it is not. On appliances I spend money. I always buy the most expensive I can afford of the best quality I can. For me that is Siemens.

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• #484Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  IKEA is underrated. I still have my childhood IKEA bookshelf from like 1999. I also bought some IKEA furniture on FB Marketplace for a bargain and love it.

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• #485Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  IKEA furniture can be really good and durable! The toys especially are well done!

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• #486Feb 10, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  Ikea 365+ makes them too. They use the same sizes and lids as the other ikea 365+ containers (glass and plastic) so everything can be mixed and matched.

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• #487Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  Sometimes you can get secondhand BIFL items for the cost of new, less durable goods. For your example, my husband and I bought a lot of IKEA to supplement our garage sale finds when we first got an apartment together. The IKEA stuff all didn’t last, while our $40 solid wood dining table from a garage sale is still in use 25 years later. It outlasted everything else. We were more intentional when we bought our condo; I sourced all solid oak in a mission style with cherry stain so it would mostly match. Spent a while on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. But we spent a FRACTION of what it would have been new, and even less than new IKEA stuff. It’s all held up beautifully and at worst might need a sand and stain.

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• #488Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  Ikea is such value if you're not too hard on the item. Our kitchen table is from there and is still like new. It's even painted white! We're not hard on things so 

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• #489Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  A lot of comments here are already making some really good points, so I just have a one thought to add. Sure, cheap Ikea furniture (by which I’m assuming you mean furniture made out of particle board) can last a decade, but solid wood can last a century or more if it’s well cared for. Obviously if it gets water-damaged, scratched by pets, etc, that significantly shortens the lifespan, but that is far outside of normal wear-and-tear. In the context of furniture, 10 years is not at all a long time, and when it comes down to it, particle board is much weaker (and WAY more susceptible to water damage) than solid wood. In addition, Ikea does actually sell some solid wood furniture. It’s made of pine, so much less expensive than hardwood but still much stronger than particle board. It’s possible some of the furniture you’re thinking of is made from pine. For the record, I actually really like Ikea’s pine furniture! I think it’s absolutely perfect for anyone on a budget who wants something better than particle board. As far as clothing, again, several years is just not that long in comparison to how long quality clothing is capable of lasting. The line here is a lot vaguer though, as most clothing isn’t going to last longer than a person’s life with regular use (the only thing I can think of is something like a leather jacket). I do fully understand your point about your size changing being an issue, in which case, obviously, you do what you can. However, with changes in style, I think this problem has been largely created/influenced by the fast fashion industry, which depends on ever-changing trends to sell more clothing. A century ago, styles remained popular for longer than a few months. And while I know you’re talking about your own personal style changing, not the trending styles, an individual person’s style tends to change much more gradually (at least in my experience). Say I get 5-10 years of regular/semi-regular use out of an article of clothing. Within this amount of time, I’ve likely purchased at least a few other pieces of quality clothing, which when purchased, was exactly my style. After 5-10 years, my style may have shifted with the purchases of these new pieces, but it’s not like I ever did a complete 180 and started hating my previous clothes. Lastly, higher quality clothing tends to be more comfortable and look much nicer, which are some significant pros to me. This ended up being a very long comment, oops. Also, I am not an expert on any of these topics, these are just my observations which I’m providing as food for thought.

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• #490Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  Yea for the price point I've been very happy with Ikea! I'm not sure that the mid-tier stuff (Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Pottery Barn, etc.) is really 5x better to justify 5x the cost.

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• #491Feb 10, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  BIFL is taking the long range view. Only buy stuff you actually need. Re IKEA: I just helped my friend shop for a piece of furniture to go behind her couch that would corral all the stuff that comes in from outside (keys, bags, coats) she fought hard against the kallax unit but we got it and she loves it. Nothing else on the market came close to the exact dimensions she needed and customization to meet her needs. I have nine kallax units, the oldest is 15 years old, and they are champs.

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• #492Feb 9, 2025

  Do you think BIFL is actually cost effective?

  Well, I wouldn't call my Ikea bookcase BIFL compared to something like my parents' dining room table. They've had that thing since before I was born. In contrast, my cheap particle board furniture lasts because I'm gentle on my stuff and only moved twice in the past decade.

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• #493Feb 9, 2025

  Recommendation Needed: High quality USB cables of all types, that charge and do data xfer

  Try ikea, their cables are uniformly sealed. The weak spot at the neck is tougher and they do data and power. Good value too.

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• #494Feb 9, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  I get the Ikea glass ones with bamboo lids. Very cheap and pretty good quality

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• #495Feb 8, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-rectangular-glass-70359199/

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• #496Feb 8, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  Ikea has nice glass refrigerator dishes. Or you can buy vintage Pyrex on EBay or estate sales

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• #497Feb 8, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  IKEA glass is awesome, ruin this plastic lock top? Just buy the top, less than $2

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• #498Feb 8, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  Ikea wide mouth Korken jars are great

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• #499Feb 8, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  If you to use mason jars, make sure they are without shoulders, meant for the freezer. I mostly use IKEA glass containers - lids are plastic with silicone sealer, but they never touch the food; stasher silicone bags; and 1 cup divided silicone containers for freezing liquids.

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• #500Feb 8, 2025

  Looking for Tupperware alternatives

  Or Anchor Hocking or IKEA 365+ glass containers with bamboo lids

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• #501Feb 8, 2025

  A more durable version of this rectangular insulated shopping bag?

  Costco sells some huge ones sometimes, I have a couple old ikea medium sized

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• #502Feb 8, 2025

  any quality milk frothers out there?

  Ikea makes a wonderful little one. Bought mine 20 years ago for 99 cents. I understand that they're $2 now, but everyone I know who has one is delighted, no matter when they bought it

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• #503Feb 7, 2025

  Quality duvet covers?

  I buy ikea ones and have never had them rip.

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• #504Feb 6, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  I have been using the cheapo Ikea Oftast plates for $0.79 each and have dropped them more than a few times. They are pretty much indestructible in my opinion

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• #505Feb 6, 2025

  Maybe "Reverse" BIFL

  Not me getting a cheap desk from IKEA knowing I had to throw it away because "IKEA" and it still not giving up after two moves, one disassembly AND water damage.

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• #506Feb 6, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  I also have an IKEA set. Not 365+ but a group set they sold all together a few years ago, can’t seem to find it now. But after 5 years only one bowl has a small chip. Tbf 100% my fault and trying to unload all the bowls from the dishwasher at the same time….

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• #507Feb 6, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  Idk I have some white plate sets from ikea and I absolutely love them

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• #508Feb 6, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  Honestly we love all of our IKEA glass cause we “don’t care” about it. Literally cheap enough and plentiful enough to just get more.

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• #509Feb 5, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  Personal opinion? Ikea. 99¢ a pop. If one goes, get a new one. That's BIFL enough for me. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/godmiddag-plate-white-00585011/ (Woops, 1.99 a pop now. Inflation!)

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• #510Feb 5, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  IKEA has cheap but durable plain white plates that have been doing me a solid service for over 5 years. I’ve dropped them before and no chips or shattering yet.

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• #511Feb 5, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  The IKEA 365+ range is inexpensive, functional, and inoffensive in design. I call it my "breakable" crockery because I couldn't care less if a plate cracks or a glass breaks. OP needs to reassess their expectations. Ceramics chip. Frequently used ceramics are more likely to chip/scratch. Some things can simply never be BIFL.

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• #512Feb 5, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  Been using the same set of white tempered glass plates/bowls from IKEA for 7+ years. Despite daily use, including during house parties and social dinners, we've only broken one out of 24 pieces. We don't baby them, eat with stainless steel cutlery (incl. serrated steak knives), and they don't have any scratches whatsoever. Pretty indestructible stuff.

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• #513Feb 5, 2025

  Modern chic plate set that is durable and won’t chip

  I’m not saying they won’t chip, but the IKEA 365+ white porcelain dinnerware that we have had for 5+ years now is chip free and looks great.

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• #514Feb 4, 2025

  Best water bottle to take everywhere? One that can last very very long?

  I have a Contigo bottle, stainless steel with a screw cap, if I need a lot. Smaller and still good, I have a glass IKEA bottle with a yellow screw cap. It’s glass though.

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• #515Feb 3, 2025

  Dinner Plate Recommendations

  Plates and crockery are something where I prefer ‘nice enough’ over BIFL. You’re only a drop away from ruining them and there’s no real practical and very little aesthetic advantage of expensive ones over cheaper ones. Mid-range IKEA for me

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• #516Feb 3, 2025

  Dinner Plate Recommendations

  I’m in the US and love my plates from ikea. I got the cheapest all white ceramic plates and they’ve been great. If one breaks it’s easy to replace or find something that matches.

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• #517Feb 3, 2025

  A list of BIFL not made in the USA

  For a lot of items, especially like kitchen items, Ikea products are perfectly good for a lifetime of use.

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• #518Feb 3, 2025

  Sofa bed that ships in multiple boxes in order to fit up narrow stairs

  NYHAMN ikea sofa , its just metal frame and mattress on it , we moved it by standing, so it could fit also narrow spaces

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• #519Feb 3, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  Ditto! We got a cheap ikea one years ago, dark green handle with a slight curve to the blade, it's incredible! My wife has tried to replace it so many times with more expensive peelers, but this thing kicks their ass - and we're Irish, so it gets out through its paces.

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• #520Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  I bought a midrange set of pots at IKEA around 30 years ago. Still going strong with heavy use! I prefer a nicely weighted stainless steel without non-stick coating or any bells and whistles. I’m also at 15 years now with a workhorse of a Lodge cast iron pan.

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• #521Feb 3, 2025

  Sofa bed that ships in multiple boxes in order to fit up narrow stairs

  My ikea futon came in two boxes, I’m pretty sure. Can’t remember the name of it but it’s the kind where the seat comes out, revealing storage, then the back flips down to make a full bed. 

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• #522Feb 3, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  IKEA bath rug! Haha

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• #523Feb 3, 2025

  Strange request for a very robust blanket…

  check out Ikea’s TIPHEDE rugs. almost like a heavy blanket, or a light rug. very cheap, 100% cotton, and i’d be surprised if a pup could rip one apart.

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• #524Feb 2, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  A cheap Ikea potato peeler. It was a temporary purchase till I got a good one...that is still going 14 years later.

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• #525Feb 2, 2025

  Dinnerware: Corelle or Luminarc?

  My wife bought ikea white plates previously having used luminarc and I’m blown away by their quality and durability We have 2 small kids and the plates have survived quite lot of abuse from the kids

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• #526Feb 1, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that has lasted for YEARS and was worth every penny?

  IKEA knives. Separately, an electric knife sharpener. The knives outperform any I’ve owned.

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• #527Feb 1, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that has lasted for YEARS and was worth every penny?

  We have a cast iron IKEA tagine from the early 2000s that sees a lot of work in the kitchen

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• #528Jan 10, 2025

  should we spend $800 on a wood standing desk surface?

  I have a nice frame; don't remember which now, and an IKEA butcher block top which cost me $99. ( A few years ago now). Far better than any mdf/hdf. I spent a weekend sanding and oiling and it's now butter smooth and protected from anything.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #529Jan 10, 2025

  should we spend $800 on a wood standing desk surface?

  The pressed sawdust stuff will break down after 5-10 years. Depending on how humid it is where you live. And it's mostly cosmetic so wether that even matters to you is personal.  That being said in 2020 I bought an IKEA desk to work from home. I've abused the heck out of that thing and it's not showing any problems yet. The slab was like $80 iirc. It's 5 or 6 feet long. I drilled holes in the bottom to attach an extending shelf for my keyboard (hardware from previous desk). And that's doing ok, but not great (but it was never meant to hold that so I'm not taking a star off). 

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #530Jan 10, 2025

  should we spend $800 on a wood standing desk surface?

  Buy a good frame and butcher block from IKEA. I got a 5' by 3' IKEA butcher block of Facebook marketplace for $20. Solid wood will last longer (my manufactured wood desk lasted 2 months). If it stains it has Alot of wear/tear, you can just sand it and refinish it. Definetly something that will last you a life time if you take care of it.

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• #531Jan 10, 2025

  should we spend $800 on a wood standing desk surface?

  The one I've got is from IKEA which is pretty solid. But it need to fit in your room design.

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• #532Jan 10, 2025

  should we spend $800 on a wood standing desk surface?

  Just to add to this, I used this as a top https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/karlby-countertop-oak-veneer-70335207/ And these as the base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C2LC3H2/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams&th=1

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• #533Jan 10, 2025

  should we spend $800 on a wood standing desk surface?

  i used: [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/anfallare-tabletop-bamboo-00465141/](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/anfallare-tabletop-bamboo-00465141/) as a top and a [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1F81YDY/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1F81YDY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) as a base

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• #534Jan 10, 2025

  Bath Stones - Replacement for Bath Mats ?

  IKEA [ALSTERN mats](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alstern-bath-mat-white-00447350/#content) have treated me well (Relatedly, I also became a waffle weave towel guy recently and I’m just loving how…dry the towels and mat get between showers)

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• #535Jan 9, 2025

  Buy It For Life Knives

  IKEA 365+ is also buy it for life quality.

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• #536Jan 8, 2025

  Buying a quality couch that can last more than 2 years?

  I ran an ikea tylosand for well over a decade before it got sold to a very happy Craigslist couple. Going on 15 years now. We swapped the cover out for one from comfort works, just for style. But don’t sleep on the right ikea purchase. They get rightfully dogged on for some things, but they’re a global force for a reason. Particle board does not a shitty furniture make.

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• #537Jan 8, 2025

  They don't make furniture like this anymore

  ETSY. Etsy has so many after-market cushion covers, some for existing models (if you have an IKEA couch, they have you covered, even if IKEA doesn't make other covers for it) and some are custom.

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• #538Jan 7, 2025

  They don't make furniture like this anymore

  I got a chair from ikea last year. All upholstery can be taken off to wash and replaced 👏 crazy how rare that is.

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• #539Jan 7, 2025

  They don't make furniture like this anymore

  I had a $500 IKEA one you could. More than a decade later the friend I gave it to still uses it with new covers which were only like $150. I bought an 'upgraded' $$$ one from a fancy furniture store and it doesn't flip. The bottom and back is just a durable fabric that doesn't match so you can't flip the cushions back to front or upside down. They only have one 'right' way.

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• #540Jan 7, 2025

  Long lasting durable, comfortable & high quality sectional sofa?

  Some people are going to hate this recommendation, but a sofa like KIVIK, UPPLAND, or MORABO from IKEA really does hold up. My parents had their IKEA sofa for 15 years, and simply replaced a cover once or twice over the years. We had dogs growing up, so the slipcovers were a huge thing that we were able to watch. I've personally had my leather MORABO for about 5 years now, and it looks brand new.

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• #541Jan 7, 2025

  Who makes the best couch?

  [https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1hvcb5f/long\_lasting\_durable\_comfortable\_high\_quality/](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1hvcb5f/long_lasting_durable_comfortable_high_quality/)

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #542Jan 6, 2025

  What home coffee essentials have held up and lasted you over time?

  This is wild, but my $1.99 IKEA handheld frother held up to daily use for ten years. I bought an identical replacement last year as it was slowing down (but kept the original in the cupboard, since it still kind of works) and I assume that I’m all set for the next ten years.

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• #543Jan 6, 2025

  Buying a quality couch that can last more than 2 years?

  If your budget is $1600 max I would stick to something ikea like and cheap. I deliver for a sofa company in Canada and the decent stuff starts at around $2500 and the good stuff at $5000. It will last you 15+ years unless you're an animal but it's simply too much for now.

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• #544Jan 6, 2025

  Buying a quality couch that can last more than 2 years?

  Our IKEA couch has lasted over 5 years, still going strong. We had a generic couch from a Big Lots-type of store before that, and it was going strong when we sold it after 4 years. I have not had a couch that hasn't lasted over 2 years, and we're pretty hard on our couches. IKEA is a good option at your budget.

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• #545Jan 6, 2025

  Buying a quality couch that can last more than 2 years?

  I second this. When I was in a smaller place I had the IKEA MORABO. When I moved to a bigger place I bought the chaise add on. It’s sort of built modularly so it’s a smart investment that way and you can keep adding on as you need. Decently comfortable though after a few years I’ve worn in the area I usually sit in, I’ve swapped the cushions around which helps. It does need some decent pillows on either end if you want to lay down but I like that since you can decorate and refresh the look by changing cushion covers every once in a while.

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• #546Jan 5, 2025

  Buying a quality couch that can last more than 2 years?

  Just buy some used mid-level stuff like Crate & Barrel or Room & Board, then get some money out of it whenever you move. I would hold off on higher quality new stuff until you plan on being in a home for years. Avoid Ashley and similar. You could go to IKEA and try the Kivik couch. I’ve never sat on one, but have read several posts elsewhere that said they’re are reasonably comfortable and solid for what they are.

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• #547Jan 5, 2025

  Buying a quality couch that can last more than 2 years?

  I have an Ikea couch that's going on 5 years now. It's a good first couch and has replaceable covers. It is not BIFL and true BIFL couches are thousands of dollars. For your first apartment you probably want something that will let you 5-10 years and I think this fits that bill. https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/cat/fabric-sofas-10661/

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #548Jan 5, 2025

  Daybed with trundle, preferably wood.

  I have that IKEA trundle daybed and it is amazing. I’ve had it for 10 years. I’m moving house and downsizing and the bed is making the move w us. It’s in perfect condition after daily use for that time. I’d declare it a BIFL product for us!

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• #549Jan 5, 2025

  Thoughts on plywood bookshelves?

  Plywood is a remarkable material and it is exceptionally strong and resistant to warping. However, it is not as attractive as a hardwood. Two other things to consider would be used hardwood bookshelves that you can find on FB marketplace--in many cases, you can find hardwood products that cost thousands of dollars new for a fraction of the price. Sometimes they need a little TLC, but it's something you can learn to do on your own. Additionally, Ikea Hemnes line is actually solid wood--it's pine, so it is a soft wood, but it's a solid wood product nonetheless and pine can still make pretty good furniture (worlds better than particleboard) and at a lower price than hardwood. I've got Hemnes products that are 15+ years old.

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• #550Jan 5, 2025

  Bedframe recommendations under $150?

  IKEA Vevelstad. Metal, comes with slats so you won’t need a box spring, sturdy, has legs instead of those shitty rollers on the old style ones that you drop a box spring into. No headboard, but that just means you can add whatever headboard you want later on

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• #551Jan 4, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Every person I’ve met with the “IKEA is cheap particleboard furniture” attitude has either never shopped there, was over 50, or both. It’s just not accurate, they have lots of quality stuff that lasts for years. Their most popular chair they’ve been making for years is bent plywood frame. And they last forever, I was at someone’s house recently that still had theirs from the mid 90s. They had just switched out the fabric parts, which are always going to have a lifespan because of friction and wear on textiles.

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• #552Jan 4, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  We just bought some IKEA items, and being upper Midwest folks they felt like what we used to buy at Shopko 30 years ago, which means, a more solid piece of flat build. Our Shopko shelves and twin beds are still sturdy, while newer Walmart shelves have already sagged and become barn shelves/cat beds. I’m hoping the two IKEA pieces-last till we are dead.

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• #553Jan 4, 2025

  Looking for a sturdy bed frame with storage underneath

  For that budget you’re basically looking at IKEA, and the Nordli bed specifically. Build it according to the instructions, mount the headboard properly (French cleat, IIRC), and don’t use it as a trampoline and it’ll be great.

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• #554Jan 4, 2025

  What home coffee essentials have held up and lasted you over time?

  I have two set up, I use them depends on the type of coffee I like to drink. one is pullover, stainless steel with filter that I have a choice of adding paper filter or not. The 2nd setup is an electric moka pot, also stainless steel. I believe these could last for years if not decade. I also have a stainless steel hand grounder, all mechanical and really hard to fail. I think my milk foamer stick from ikea will be the first item to fail, but still, I have used it for 5 years already.

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• #555Jan 3, 2025

  What home coffee essentials have held up and lasted you over time?

  I'm using a cone pour over that I got from a roommate in 1999. Her mom got it at a garage sale when she got divorced in 1983. It looks 60s or 70s. I did buy a chemex so I can make a pot instead of just a cup but it's glass and metal so I expect it to outlast the other one I have a $2 ikea milk frother I bought in 2001. It's still frothing milk like a noisy little barista

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• #556Jan 3, 2025

  Love the look of joybird furniture, but not the quality. What to get instead?

  I think this entirely depends on your budget. I might get downvoted for this, but I have honestly had better luck with IKEA couches than myself and my friends and family have had with West Elm, Pottery Barn, Joybird, and big box stores. I've had the same IKEA Karlstad couch (which is very midmod) for more than ten years and it's still going strong. My mom (who has gone through three couches in as much time) is always telling me how comfortable my couch is, but still refuses to buy an IKEA couch because they're "too cheap." We have had several people sleep on it, I've slept on it while pregnant, and our child has jumped and slept and pushed it around and it's still totally fine. The cushions are starting to flatten just a bit, but still comfortable. I've gotten two custom velveteen covers from PetbitatStudio on Etsy. They wash wonderfully, and it's allowed me to change the look when I want. I currently have a chartreuse cover that is five years old, and it looks great. I know there are several companies and also Etsy stores that make custom furniture legs that also fit IKEA furniture if you really want to customize. Karlstad is discontinued, but there are a few current models that I've considered buying since we are now looking for a bigger piece. However, if you like the look, I recommend looking for the Karlstad on Facebook Marketplace, they were very popular and are still floating around.

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• #557Jan 3, 2025

  Long-lasting LED bulb brand

  IKEA bulbs are solid. We have plenty of them in our house. Can easily last 10 years. Would recommend solhetta over trådfri

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• #558Jan 3, 2025

  Daybed with trundle, preferably wood.

  For what it’s worth, I have the IKEA hemnes day bed and it feels very sturdy. Unless the people planning to sleep on it weigh more than (let’s say) 200 lbs, then I feel like it will last for a long time. I’m sure it’s rated for more weight, but it might not last as long if someone built like a linebacker is sleeping on it every night. I hope that makes sense.

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• #559Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  If you didn't build the billy right and don't lift carefully, it'll shear.

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• #560Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  My parents have IKEA furniture from 1989 that's still going strong

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• #561Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  We have well over a thousand books (and over 500 video games) and they’re all kept on the cheapest ikea Billy bookshelves with no anchors, because furniture wedges are sufficient.

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• #562Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Yeah I’ve got a lot of very cheap ikea, target and closetmaid (which are worse quality than the other two) flatpack furniture items that I got when I moved into my first college apartment and they’re all more than 15 years old now and they’ve held up perfectly through 5 moves. They’ve outlasted much higher quality furniture pieces that I bought or inherited that cost multitudes more, including an entire solid wood bedroom set that eventually all irreparably broke. That flat pack furniture is genuinely the oldest furniture I own now and not a single piece of it has ever broken.

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• #563Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I’ve had the same few ikea and target bookshelves (as well as several other similar flat pack furniture items from target including a desk, storage cubes and corner shelf unit) for over 15 years and they’ve survived 5 moves so far, some of those not even bothering to take them apart since a couple moves were across town at different life stages.

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• #564Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I have two Hemnes bookshelves. One is filled up with books and the other is filled with older edition books that I've collected from thrifting and my ~450 piece CD collection. There's a lot of weight on them and they're still holding up.

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• #565Jan 3, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  My galant desk, My 16 year old IKEA Stockholm couch, and wool rug, and a few other things are still rock solid and comfortable, even after 4 moves all over the country. The two things I’ve learned with IKEA. - you really get what you pay for at IKEA. Their uncharacteristically for IKEA expensive stuff is usually way better quality than any generic furniture of the same price. - Things like the Billy book case are intended to be secured to the wall. Do they, and they are actually quite solid and will last a long time.

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• #566Jan 3, 2025

  Looking for dishwasher safe steak knives

  I’ve had Ikea steak knives for 15 years. No rust. Wooden handles still doing great. Still do a great job on steak. 🤷🏽‍♂️

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• #567Jan 2, 2025

  Im I’m desperate need of a proper milk frother/foamer that isn’t a fill up design

  I have both a Bellman steamer and an IKEA Produkt frother. I use the IKEA one far more often because it is fast and easy with less cleaning work after use. And I've figured out how to control my depth and angle with the IKEA frother to make comparable frothed milk as the steam wand.

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• #568Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Ahh, good to know! I will say we bought a very expensive couch from a reputable chain furniture store 2 years ago and it literally fell apart within 6 months. SO disappointing! I'd say a couch and bed lasting several years (esp. if you have pets and/or kids) is pretty good for IKEA prices.

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• #569Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  hit or miss for me. my ikea couch and bed are not doing too hot these days, though they’ve lasted several years. shelves, desk, and kitchen table are all holding up great.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #570Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I had that 5$ table and even when i left it out on my balcony for years it still looked fine. Even cheap Ikea shit is great quality.

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• #571Jan 2, 2025

  Im I’m desperate need of a proper milk frother/foamer that isn’t a fill up design

  As weird as it sounds - IKEA “Produkt”. Ours is several years old and just won’t die. Although we don’t use it as much as we used too after getting a super automatic. Not rechargeable, but IMO that’s a good thing.

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• #572Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I think you are right. Unless people are talking about the very cheapest Ikea stuff. I've got lots of 10 year old Ikea stuff, including my kitchen and it's fine. A couple years ago I decided to be a grownup and bought a couple things at a real furniture store. The quality isn't amazingly better.

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• #573Jan 2, 2025

  Stainless steel cookware recommendations?

  Buying only what you need is a great recommendation. You often do not need everything in a set... I look for versions with no plastic. Those can be thrown in the dishwasher with an ease of mind... Also a strong connection of the handle to the pan. I like the [ikea finmat](https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/finmat-frying-pan-copper-stainless-steel-90555712/). The copper gets very muted/dark after a dishwasher, but I don't care about the look much. It is multi-clad and conducts heat well. I like the handle a lot, it does not get hot due to the air gap. Most complaints online are about the copper getting dirty but again - it's a visual thing. I would probably prefer if they made it fully clad in stainless to always look the same, but functionally it is perfectly fine. If you do decide to polish it up or only clean it by hand, it does look cool too.

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• #574Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I'm pretty sure I have some IKEA furniture that's older than I am. If you take care of your stuff, your stuff takes care of you.

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• #575Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  You know, I'll fight you on the Ikea stuff.  Their solid wood items are pretty good. The Kalax line is still cheap, but dang it is handy.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #576Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I have an IKEA dresser and chest of drawers that works nand looks great after 7 years. It's good stuff.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #577Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Yep. My desk and bookcases that I purchased straight out of college and have been through 3 moves are in better shape than a more expensive brand i purchased just 2 years ago. I live ikea items!

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #578Jan 2, 2025

  Advice: buying furniture (daybed) online

  a decade ago i used a formula where the couch price divided by $100 = the years it will last. a $300 couch will last you three years before the cushions start wearing, fabric seams might start busting and the joints start to wobble. these days, it’s more like $300/yr. also, moving the couch will quickly shorten its lifespan, so take a year off for every time you move / disassemble it. you can beat this formula by buying higher quality furniture used. but options and styles will be a bit more limited. unless you plan to move / sell it in a couple years, i would highly recommend adding $500+ to your budget, just to get something that will last. it is wild what couches cost these days, but realize anything under $1000 new is junk. *do not buy from Wayfair,* as they are a step or two below even Ikea. Ikea makes some decent stuff. but it too will start to fall apart in a few years. look for used West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and their modern line CB2. each of these used to make high quality furniture but have fallen from grace in the last decade. there is still good stuff to be found, but just make sure it’s built from solid wood (pine is ok, oak is better) and held together by traditional joinery / bolts, not some quick assembly / proprietary system.

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• #579Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  1. My DAD was a hoarder, my mom got rid of everything when he died, but my mom also collects lots of old antique nicknacks like her mom did. I respect that. 2. I get this sentiment. I have a four year old now. It's wild, and my cousin has four boys, she's been donating unused toys to us. My son loves it. 3. I have Ikea/walmart style bookshelves that I've had for 5+ years and they are fine. I have a buddy who we picked up his whole bedroom set in 2009 from Ikea, I think he's replaced the mattress once. It's all still fine. If you buy shit products you'll have a shit time. Don't buy the $25 book case at walmart, but a little nicer one. Or buy one from the recycle store/thrift store that's made of actual wood if you are concerned about that. Even better buy a saw from a pawnshop and make your own. 4. This is all mostly right. Take better care of the stuff, I always tell me kid not to leave toys outside, they will get messed up and thrown away or stolen.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #580Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I have an IKEA dresser that is 20 years old that has even been broken down, moved, and reassembled twice

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #581Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  > none of their (not even that cheap) items have any real wood. Either you do absolutely 0 research or you have some agenda to lie. They have lineups of solid wood furniture. Some tables even have a hardwood top.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #582Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I have an ikea chest of drawers which is over 25 years old - still in great condition and no problems. My most recent ikea purchase was another chest of drawers, and within two months, one of the drawers has gone crooked and doesn't shut properly.

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• #583Jan 2, 2025

  Apple/lightning phone chargers?

  I've had great luck with the braided nimble, anker and ikea braided cables for work/home use. I've had PVC ones that break apart after very light usage within 1 year from Amazon so I typically make sure the sheathing is very solid. Can't go wrong with the original apple cable though. Those things really last quite a bit and can take a lot of abuse.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #584Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Ikea has some good stuff that's in the bifl category. Usually the items that are made from actual wooden planks.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #585Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  For me, that's what the attic is for. Anything that I don't throw away gets boxed and goes into the attic. Eventually, my future self would have to deal with the attic mess, or when my kids are old enough and goes up to clean up and find childhood memories to post online for useless internet points. Ikea do have higher quality furnitures, they cost more.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #586Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  The Hemnes bookcases are solid wood and about $250.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #587Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I’d highly recommend their Hemnes line. We have three of them all full of books and they’ve held up great. They’re solid wood unlike the fiber board of the Billy.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #588Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I also want to say I’ve had a kallax for 16 years. It’s scraped up from moving it to 5 different houses in that time but it is structurally bulletproof. 

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #589Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  IKEA stuff is made better now than in the 90's, but the cheap stuff is still shit and maybe that's why people complain. That said, a lot of used furniture (even IKEA) can be bought for 70% off retail. If you are in a big city you have a lot to choose from

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #590Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Same my ikea office furniture has held up. The filing cabinet just broke after 20 years. I’d say I got my monies worth.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #591Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  My multiple Kallax units have all survived 5 moves in 8 years, with the only damage being a few threaded screws - which I was able to replace for free at any IKEA store. I’ve had them in so many combinations and your story has given me hope that there’s many more years to come. My bedside tables only made it through one move, but they were cheap and only bought because I needed something narrow at the time - as you rightly said, quality varies with price!

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #592Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  A deep, solid wood bookcase that itself weighs over a hundred pounds with hundreds of pounds of books on it is in no danger of tipping and I really don't understand why you keep going on about it. You are only used to cheap dinky book cases that can be assembled and dissassembled. I stopped buying crap bookcases like IKEAs years ago. None of them are quality. I've actually worked for IKEA before.

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• #593Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  SAME. I've had mine 10 years exactly and moved 4 times. My floor is slanted, and they never sway. Only thing I can think of is that OP keeps the bookshelf empty and bumps it a lot.

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• #594Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I was able to get years 25 years and 16 moves out my first Ike’s bookshelf. I sold it for $20. Paid 19.99 for it 25 years before. It was solid. We have times furniture the living and bedrooms approaching 13 years. Looks and works great.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #595Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  There are two different price points for Ikea furniture and it shows. I have had both the particle board and the solid wood stuff, while the particle board is flimsy it usually still lasts 5-10years. I’m fairly certain the wood stuff will last until the end of time.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #596Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  so I may or may not be too eastern european for this but here we go: 2.: I'm at a stage of my life where I can only refer to my own upbringing (genX parents). I did not have too many actual birthday parties overall but my parents and grandparents were pretty generous with christmas and birthday gifts, so I think the 10+ gifts a year holds. solution: we had 1 large plastic container for miscellaneous toys and 1 large plastic container for LEGO. a smaller container for toy trains. when playtime ends you shove everything in it's container (and eventually teach the kids to) and then shove the container under the stairs or in a closet or something. protip for many little pieces lying around: have the kids play on a blanket instead of the ground, and at the end you just grab the four corners and everything is collected. free de-clutterification. 3.: IKEA stuff can last a long time. we've never had a furniture item fail, when we grew out the kid beds and little desk we donated them all to other families we knew who just got kids that age. younger coworkers etc. there will always be people who will appreciate perfectly good old furniture. and it WILL be perfectly good if you treat it with just a little respect. anchor your shelves to the wall, keep them clean, and they will last forever. 4.: just care about your stuff what else can I say. teach your kids (and yourself) the importance of caring about your stuff. it's not only the cre of BuyItForLife, it's also just a good life philosophy to have.

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• #597Jan 2, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  > It’s well worth it to buy high quality items (like a bookshelf) for $250+ Are we talking about a bookshelf like Billy in Ikea? Good luck finding a solid wood one for $250 but then our Ikea shelves are doing just fine after 10 years. No bowing or swaying and a tall bookshelf shouldn't sway as it needs to be attached to the wall regardless of quality. I have no clue how people use their Ikea furniture but stuff we got (Malm, Billy, Hemnes) lasted for years and some are still being used.

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• #598Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  If it’s getting wobbly during a move that means you’re doing something wrong. I moved a couple Billy bookcases half a dozen times between homes before I upgraded them to something that I liked the look of better. They were as sturdy the day I sold them as they were when I first assembled them. If you abuse your stuff, *nothing* is ever BIFL.

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• #599Jan 1, 2025

  where to find a standing desk for small space?

  The IKEA Mittzon comes in 120cm x 60cm. I'd also recommend not using a gaming chair. The "racer seat" style chairs are actually quite bad for the back.

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• #600Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I just retired an Ikea Futon after 2 DECADES in my family. Some slats underneath broke. I put it online for free and someone picked it up…

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• #601Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Yeah I had movers damage my Billy bookcase in a move. A bit of 2x4 cross brace and it was stronger than new (plus easier to affix to the wall that way)

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• #602Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Quality bookshelves don't require wall anchors. I have got over a thousand books, and I'd never buy an IKEA bookshelf.

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• #603Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Yeah, I have an extremely solid set of dressers from them, and a few of their bamboo tables, they all seem pretty high quality. Definitely over the quality you'd find at target, but they also cost way more than target equivalents

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• #604Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I mean, even a Billy bookcase shouldn’t break on you. Set it up according to the instructions, fasten it to the wall, add shelves. They’re pretty fucking sturdy despite being shitty particle board with wood grain printed paper veneer, unless you get the solid colours.

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• #605Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Shoutout to Facebook Marketplace for selling $400 IKEA hutches and consoles for $100-200.

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• #606Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Huh… I guess my metal bed, solid bamboo and steel desks, solid wood and stainless island, aluminium and bamboo plant stands, plastic and steel chairs, and solid wood bookshelf that I bought at IKEA don’t exist.

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• #607Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Yeah, anyone who paints all IKEA with the brush OP used is telling on themselves in one way or another. Either: 1. Never actually owned anything from IKEA 2. Buys the $5 coffee table made of honeycomb cardboard and paper, and wonders why it doesn’t stand up to being abused like a wooden table 3. Can’t follow simple pictographic assembly instructions 4. Some combination of the above A good half of my furniture is IKEA. My wife and I have a couple items that are nearing 20 years old at this point and have moved thousands of kilometres between 10 different homes in multiple cities across western Canada.

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• #608Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  This, i live in Norway and Ikea is massively popular here. I do not understand what people who crap on Ikea furniture do. Every household I've been to here has at least a good few furniture pieces from Ikea as a minimum and everyone's experience has always been positive. We recently got billy shelves from Ikea as we moved and after fastening the shelves to the wall i can't even imagine how they would get damaged or ruined. My father in law showed me his kitchen fully furnished from Ikea back in 2009 and it looks brand new and according to him only required minor maintenance.

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• #609Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I’ve got IKEA shelves that are 25 this month and they’re some of my favorite furniture. They’ve also moved three times. One is a cabinet with deep shelves and a frosted glass door. If someone tried to take it away I would fight them bare-handed.

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• #610Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  My Ikea sideboard must be about 70 years, and it's doing great!

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• #611Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  There are definitely better bookshelves, but not near that price point. Eventually, I build something into my house with solid wood, but until then, the Billys stay where they are (cause you have to anchor them to the wall for safety).

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• #612Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  I have one of the old Expedit shelving systems, it’s over 20 years old. Their stuff isn’t usually BIFL quality though, definitely not any of the upholstered furniture.

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• #613Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Yeah, my Billy shelves are awesome. No bowing, moved twice and it's been about ten years for us too.

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• #614Jan 1, 2025

  The difference between generations…

  Me with my IKEA shelves going strong after ten years and three moves.

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• #615Dec 6, 2015

  Looking for an office chair $400 and under

  Ikea Markus is also going to be my recommendation, unless op can find a used Steelcase Leap that needs little or no work, or a good condition Embody or Aeron (depending on op's tastes) cheap enough to qualify. I have, however, been lusting after a [Hag Capisco](http://www.haginc.com/products/hag-capisco/), but you're not going to find those new under $800, unless you start looking at the Capisco Puls.

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• #616Dec 6, 2015

  Looking for an office chair $400 and under

  Was doubtful at first, but am overall very happy with my Ikea Markus after seeing a few people recommend them on here. And for well under the price of a leap or similar.

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• #617Dec 4, 2015

  BIFL stand up desk/laptop adjustable height stand for desk?

  I like this DIY hack using Ikea units: [http://lifehacker.com/5862208/the-reconstructed-bookcase-workspace](http://lifehacker.com/5862208/the-reconstructed-bookcase-workspace)

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• #618Dec 2, 2015

  Kitchen knife for personal use

  long deboner and ceramic stick sharpener - fits 90% of my need. comfortable handle matters, so try to hold the knife in person. (any cheap serrated knife, paring knife, and chef knife helps) shop at ikea - they sell the best bang for the buck in knives.

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• #619Dec 1, 2015

  KONG Pillow dog beds- Outside all year long in 100+ and below 0 temps, still tough as hell and the dog still sleeps on it.

  I bought my large dog a $35 toddler mattress at Ikea and a few trendy sheets. Still going strong after 3 years. Minus 1 sheet.

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