How to make your budget stretch at IKEA

Posted on June 17, 2019May 5, 2025 by Jan Johan

It’s always a fun time when a trip to IKEA is involved.

It’s pretty much the Toys”R” Us for adults — we walk in knowing exactly what we want to buy, but end up walking out with a cart full of stuff we don’t need.

IKEA does such a great job with their store layout and displays that convincing you to add that extra item to your shopping cart doesn’t take much of an effort.

The final result? You blowing your budget without even realizing it.

To help you stay on track on your next IKEA trip, here are our own tried-and-tested tips for keeping that checkout bill…well, in check:

Know What You Need, Then Write It Down

The first thing you should always do if you want to stick with a budget is to start with a list.

The trick here is to create an actual physical list in hand, not a mental one that can conveniently be pushed aside or most commonly, forgotten.

Think you’ll need some additional ‘safety’ measures in place to keep you from overspending? Take a page out of some of the most seasoned IKEA shoppers and plan for two trips instead of one — one to scout out the products you want to buy, and the second trip for making the final purchase.

Shop For One Room At A Time

A trip to IKEA can be overwhelming.

To minimise this overwhelm, try picking out the items you need by room. This will allow for more ‘structure’ and breathing room while you shop.

Another plus of shopping this way: You’ll be able to focus on shopping for the specific look you want to create in each space rather than end up with a haphazardly-filled cart of impulse buys.

Shop The Store Backwards

Skip the showrooms and elaborate displays altogether by navigating the store backwards.

By starting at the warehouse portion of the store, you’ll be able to get your shopping done where all the actual pieces of furniture are stored instead of being tempted by the pretty showrooms that are strategically designed to encourage you to part ways with your hard-earned cash.

Be In The Know

About the bargains you can snag, specifically.

How do you do this?

Simply head to the IKEA website to check if the items you want are on sale.

If they are, great! This will make it a whole lot easier for you to stay on budget or even make room for something else that you’ve had your eye on, but didn’t make it to your list.

Enlist The Help Of An Accountability Buddy

Every successful IKEA trip needs a buddy.

An accountability buddy, that is — someone who can give you a reminder when you’re tempted to add something impulsively to your cart and stops you from pulling the ‘buy’ trigger on stuff you don’t need.

An accountability buddy can also help you drill down on why a particular item makes a great buy and help with the heavy lifting when it comes to hauling your purchases to the car.

Just make sure you choose a buddy who isn’t afraid to say “no” to you when you’re tempted to make a bad buying decision.

Sign Up For The IKEA Family Card

Even if you’re not a frequent IKEA shopper, signing up for the IKEA Family card will give you access to exclusive discounts on selected products and services.

The best part? It’s completely free to join and can help you buy what you need for less.

Get Pieces You Can Hack

Make the most of your space by going for modular designs — affordable yet customizable pieces of furniture that can easily be whittled down or taken apart, or even ‘built’ out further for greater function and storage.

IKEA products like the IVAR shelf system come with a wide selection of add ons that allow you to customize and expand on your set up to suit your needs.

Others like the PLATSA wardrobe series can be purchased as individual pieces that give offer you the option of expanding your wardrobe with other PLATSA pieces within the series.

Head to IKEA and you’ll even find uniquely-configured combinations that you can purchase as a set.

There you go — our best tips for surviving your next trip to IKEA without blowing your entire budget.

Or if you’re looking for ideas and new ways to decorate your home with the new furniture you just purchased from IKEA, you can check out our Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA- Inspired Home ebook.

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

6 IKEA hacks every dog owner should know about

Posted on June 14, 2019May 8, 2025 by Peony

As every dog owner will tell you, their fur kids are practically family.

From sharing a home to having a special place in your heart, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to pamper your dog.

That includes making your home more dog-friendly.

As much as we love our fur babies, living with them can prove challenging especially if they’re allowed indoors. Pretty soon, you’ll find hair latched on to every single thing. Then there’s the issue of toilet training the dogs, eating spaces, and more.

But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort, design, and — most importantly — cleanliness. We’ve rounded up some IKEA hacks every dog owner should know about, which we think you’ll find quite useful:

HACK #1: Get Sofa Slipcovers For Easy Maintenance

Large types of furniture such as beds and sofas can be a hassle to clean. But we have a solution for sofas: slipcovers.

Not only can slipcovers breathe new life into your older sofas, but they’re also easily removable if they get stained or dirty. Just toss them into the washing machine and call it a day.

Also, plus points include having a multitude of designs and fabrics to choose from.

HACK #2: Add A Throw To Your Sofa

Are slipcovers not enough to protect your sofa from the wrath of your dog’s fur? Fret not — simply get a blanket throw and drape it onto your sofa.

Not only will you get instant cosiness, but the throw also adds an extra layer of protection that will catch any drool, treats and dog hair that latch on during cuddle time.

HACK #3: Change Your Furniture Legs To Metal Ones

While wooden furniture legs are more common, if your dog has a tendency to chew on your furniture legs, it might be a better idea to switch to metal ones.

Metal legs are sturdier, won’t scratch as easily, and will deter your dog from wanting to chew on them.

But if your dog isn’t prone to chewing on furniture legs and you’re still keen on changing to new ones, we have some options for you as well.

HACK #4: Use A Low Pile Rug

A fluffy rug may feel nice on the feet, but they may not be the most ideal when you have an equally fluffy dog around the house.

Hair gets entangled with the rug, and it becomes hard to tell which is the rug and which is the dog.

A low pile rug will be your saviour here. It’ll be easier to pay attention to when dog fur starts to build up, thus making it easier to clean.

HACK #5: Hide Your Cables

Got a dog that just loves to sink its teeth into your cables, especially your phone ones?

Here’s a tip: keep it out of sight. Better still, charge your phone from your sofa with our smart USB Sofa Cover.

Now when you order one of our slipcovers, you have the option of adding in a built-in USB port and wireless charger.

Keep your smartphone juiced up while being able to stay on the sofa as your fur kid sleeps on your lap. Better still, they won’t be able to get to your charging cables.

HACK #6: Pick The Right Fabric For Your Sofa

Don’t just pick any kind of sofa fabric if you want something that will work well for both you and your dog.

Our recommendations? A velvet fabric (like our Rouge), leather or premium cotton such as our Madison will be perfect for homes with dogs who like snuggling on the sofa.

These materials are tightly-woven, which means that claws won’t get stuck, and your fur kid won’t rip a hole in your brand new sofa.

Thinking of making your home more pet-friendly? Start with your sofa by giving it a machine-washable sofa slipcover. Take our slipcover fabrics for a test run here:

SEND ME FABRIC SWATCHES

Transform your backyard into a magical space with IKEA

Posted on June 10, 2019May 5, 2025 by Jan Johan

If you weren’t able to plan a getaway trip with your friends or family this summer, you can still enjoy the warm weather and long summer days by making the most of your time at home by turning your own backyard into a magical getaway.

Work up a summer tan with the IKEA NÄMMARÖ chaise

What better way to enjoy the sunny weather and heat than by chilling out on a comfy chaise with an icy drink and a good book? Made of sturdy hardwood, the NÄMMARÖ chaise is a durable piece of furniture that would last you many years. Additionally, it has been pre-treated to be better protected against sun, rain, stains and other wear and tear.

And we have the perfect companion for your NÄMMARÖ chaise – our Summer Vibes Collection couch covers. Spill-resistant, stain-resistant, mildew-resistant and UV-protected, these couch covers are the best complement to your NÄMMARÖ chaise so that they stay fresh for a good number of years. Comes in a range of colours to match each and every taste too.

Complement my NÄMMARÖ

Upgrade your space to accommodate multiple guests

IKEA Applaro outdoor furniture set in white cushions — Image credit: IKEA

If you want to have friends over this summer, but you lack the furniture to comfortably seat them in your space, the ÄPPLARÖ sofa set from IKEA is exactly what you need.

The modular sofa set allows you to arrange the sofa in any configuration you like to suit your outdoor space, and its soft back cushions are filled with a hollow fibre that’s made out of 100% recycled materials.

Cover my Applaro

Add some shade

These Outdoor Finds From IKEA Make Any Backyard Look Truly Magical (OXNÖ) — Image credit: IKEA

While it can be nice to spend your summer days out under the sun, having some shade nearby can come in handy for those extra sunny or rainy days.

The IKEA OXNÖ patio umbrella provides excellent protection against rain as well as the sun’s UV rays, and even has a built-in mechanism that allows the umbrella to be positioned in different angles to let you enjoy your outdoor time longer.

Light up your garden with romantic LED lights

Take your garden lighting to the next level by swapping out your regular lights for these LED lights. Place them on top of your garden table or coffee table outdoors and see how romantic of a mood they can help create. You could spend hours sitting outdoors with your favourite people and just talking about everything on the planet.

Add some texture to your backyard flooring

These Outdoor Finds From IKEA Make Any Backyard Look Truly Magical (RUNNEN) — Image credit: IKEA

Old, tired-looking floors that are stained, cracked or peeled can take all the magic out of a space.

So if that’s what’s making your backyard look run-down and uninspired, try turning to IKEA’s RUNNEN floor decking collection, which offers a variety of decking styles, including those that could easily pass for parquet flooring or real grass (minus the need for regular watering).

Your backyard transformation begins here

10 tiny, inspiring outdoor spaces we love

Posted on June 5, 2019May 5, 2025 by Jan Johan

Having a small space at home can feel restrictive, but not if you decorate it right.

The amazing tiny spaces we’re about to share prove that with a little creative thinking and resourcefulness, even the smallest of spaces can make a big impact.

A garden space with patio furniture

Ever notice how your space can appear to be more spacious than it is once you start filling it with furniture?

That’s exactly what interior designer Myra Hoefer did in this tiny patio space in her backyard. Inspired by the way Parisians turn balconies or pathways into ”poetic spaces for lunch, drinks, or dinner”, Myra Hoefer used this cramped space to her advantage by turning it into a cosy gathering area using a couple of Adirondack chairs, and a marble roundtable.

A space-saving balcony nook

It’s one thing to utilise a tiny space and turn it into a cosy gathering spot. But it’s another thing entirely when you manage to create more space for yourself out of nothing. And that’s exactly what Ryan Phyper did in this tiny outdoor balcony. You can follow his YouTube channel where he outlines the process and the steps needed to create this multifunctional furniture piece.

This wooden piece functions as a seat with a storage compartment, as well as a shelf with enough space to hang things like your plants, lights, and other decorative pieces for your balcony without taking up any unnecessary floor space.

A bar counter along your balcony rail

While we’re still on the subject of creating more useful spaces for our tiny balconies, this nifty shelf which can be mounted on almost any kind of balcony railing helps turn a simple balcony rail into a sturdy bar or countertop that can hold your food and drinks while virtually taking up zero floor space.

This was designed by Arjen and Daan, who are based in Amsterdam. You can find this product and many other balcony friendly furniture pieces on their website.

A wall just for your plants

There’s no such rule that says you need to have a backyard with lots of space in order to have a garden. Which is exactly why we’re in love with the way Ana from Decora y Vende utilised her tiny space to create a garden wall.

With just a few wall hooks mounted onto her wooden wall panel, along with a few mounted steel planters for her flowers, Ana was able to save herself a ton of space for things like more seats, rugs, and candles for lighting.

A D.I.Y sofa that fits into your space

If you enjoy a little D.I.Y. challenge for yourself, you could always follow Becky’s lead by making your own sofa using wooden shipping pallets and layering them with seat cushions and throw pillows. What you’ll end up with is an inexpensive couch that won’t just look good, but will feel surprisingly comfortable for your space as well.

A space with foldable furniture

This tiny balcony space was transformed into a beautiful reading nook using a few carefully selected furniture pieces that don’t take up any more space than they need to. Designed by Antonia Schmitz, a stylish home decor blogger. Everything from the Acapulco chair with its thin and minimal legs, to the foldable table in the corner that can be stored away when it’s not being used, helps Antonia find the perfect balance between a functional yet stylish balcony space.

A stylish balcony with a touch of privacy

We found this amazing balcony transformation created by interior design blogger Olivon her Instagram feed. Once again, we see how versatile wooden pallets can be when it comes to creating a makeshift sofa set.

In this Boho-chic inspired balcony with its hanging bamboo wind chime and chunky woven rug, Oliv was even able to add a touch of privacy for her balcony using a roll of budget-friendly reed fencing.

A dedicated space for your pets

Sharing your apartment with a furry friend? Why not turn your tiny outdoor balcony into a puppy-friendly space with these tips from BarkPost Stories. The tips will walk you through everything from building white picket fences, to decorating the space with synthetic turf and a small garden.

A space with freestanding walls and floor tiles

Just because you live in a rental home, doesn’t mean that you can’t add your own little flair to your space.

That certainly didn’t stop Amanda, a D.I.Y enthusiast and interior design blogger who insisted on redecorating her rental space with the help of some wooden pallets, free-standing walls and floating floor tiles. The most impressive thing about this space? Everything can be easily removed and restored to its initial state when it’s time to move.

A space that looks more spacious than it actually is

One of our favourite tricks to help create the appearance of more space is with the help of mirrors. Mirrors do a fantastic job at opening up the visual space of a room, and that’s exactly what interior designer – Dan Marty did to help expand his small patio space where he usually entertains his friends and family in his apartment in L.A.

You know, you too, could change your current space to look the same?

Turning your indoor sofa more outdoor-friendly is easy – all it takes is a sofa cover for the transformation to happen. Spill-resistant, stain-resistant, mildew-resistant and UV-protected, The Summer Vibes Collection is the ultimate fabric you need for your sofa for this purpose.

We cover models from IKEA, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, West Elm and many more.

Create your summer outdoor space

Everything you need for a last minute party – all from IKEA

Posted on June 3, 2019May 5, 2025 by Jan Johan

It’s now that time of year where people are coming out of hibernation and are finally spending more of their day being outdoors.

What better way is there to welcome the new season other than throwing a big party with all the friends that you’ve missed over the winter?

It’s time to step up your party game, here’s how you can throw a memorable party. Spoiler alert: they’re all from IKEA.

When it comes to hosting a party, you have to start with the essentials like chairs, tables, food, music, and drinks (Especially that last one).

A standalone drink area

While it makes sense to have your drink area located next to where you get your food, some parties prefer to keep their drinks in a different area of the party altogether.

Keeping your drink area separated from the food area helps avoid overcrowding the food area in a party. While some people might get hungry during a party, other people might just need a simple drink to keep socializing.

And what better way is there to set up your own drink area than with a dedicated drink cart for your party? You’ve probably seen the IKEA RASKOG cart around in some places. They’re a popular IKEA product for their affordability, convenience, and also, they don’t look all that bad. Their wheels make the RASKOG easy to move around, and their deep shelves make tall drink bottles easy to transport without toppling over.

A homemade beverage

If you’re the type of person who likes serving homemade drinks at a party, the FÖRFRISKNING from IKEA will definitely impress your party guests. This drink dispenser is great for serving all sorts of beverages from lemon-infused water, to your own blend of fruit punch.

The FÖRFRISKNING’s size and volume make it great for all kinds of gatherings, especially outdoor ones so that you won’t have to go back and forth replenishing the cooler box every time you run out of drinks.

Use baking cups for small snacks

Although the SOCKERKAKA makes baking a whole lot easier thanks to their oven, dishwasher, and microwave-safe silicone baking cups. They can also be used as tiny snack cups to be served alongside other finger foods during your spring party.

Use some lanterns for some de”light”ful fun.

If it’s getting late, and you find yourself in need of some extra light for your outdoor spring party, the ROTERA lantern from IKEA is something you’ll definitely want to have around your party.

The ROTERA’s nostalgic lamp design will help make any setting look homier and welcoming when it’s lit up with candles — making the ROTERA the “light” of the party.

These can come in especially handy when there aren’t any outdoor outlets located nearby for actual lights for your party.

Never be without music

What’s a party without music? Probably not a very good one.

With the IKEA ENEBY Bluetooth speaker, you can keep your tunes going without needing to keep your device physically connected to the speaker.

Although the ENEBY Bluetooth speaker itself needs a power source, you can buy a separate battery pack that will power the speaker for up to 10 hours so that you have a fully portable speaker and bring the party wherever you go.

It’s the little things that count

A party is never really complete without some decorations. We’re not just talking about the paper decorations from IKEA’s VISIONAR series, we’re talking about pimping out your spring party to the point where all your party guests will want to take photos of your party and post it on their Instagram feed.

Nothing quite captures the essence of spring better than some bright and vibrant flowering plants. With IKEA’s SMYCKA collection of artificial flowers, you can fool all your party guests with your so-called gardening skills and easily transform your outdoor space into a beautiful spring getaway.

The added benefit of having artificial plants is that you can store them away until you need them again for future spring parties!

With these IKEA products, you can now impress all your guests by hosting the most memorable spring party of the year!

Spring is certainly one of the busier seasons of the year. It’s a time when people are shaking off their winter blues, a time when a lot of wedding are happening, and it’s also a time when people decide to do some spring cleaning and redecorating at home.

If you’ve been thinking of redecorating your space this spring, you’ll find plenty of useful and easy to follow tips to help you with just that in our Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA- Inspired Home ebook.

DOWNLOAD IKEA EBOOK

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