10 Best IKEA Furniture: Cheap furniture that looks expensive from $15

I’m continuously fascinated by how IKEA furniture have managed to stay on trend for so many years despite its ubiquitous, household nature. 

From the IKEA Marimekko, Swedish House Mafia collaboration, to the recent IKEA VARMBLIXT collection with Sabine Marcelis (yes, that orange donut lamp pictured below is sold out), they are just brilliant at finding the right brands to launch limited edition collections with. 

And if you didn’t already know, IKEA also nailed their conversions down to a tee – they are very good at getting you to buy their stuff. 

But what’s really great about IKEA is that it allows you to achieve a great looking home on a budget. While you obviously shouldn’t just be lazy and get everything from IKEA (ideally pick a few staples and splurge on other pieces), the truth is everyone will be faced with a restricted budget when it comes to fitting out your home.  

Are IKEA furniture worth it?

So if you’ve been hankering after a few designer furniture pieces from high-end designer furniture brands but are on a tight budget, you may be surprised to know that there are a few pieces from IKEA that are somewhat similar to some designer brands. 

The similarities are purely visual only. If you are more concerned about looks and saving some cash, IKEA furniture is great. However, the built quality and user experience can be completely different.

For example, the small details such as the curvature of the more expensive chair can make a difference in how comfortable it is to sit in, as well as the actual build quality. 

10 Best IKEA Furniture to Buy

With that aside, here are 10 best things to buy from IKEA that can achieve that high-end designer furniture look that you might be going for. 

*Unavailable in Singapore as of time of writing. Can be purchased from IKEA Malaysia.

1. IKEA ÄPPLARYD 3-Seater Sofa, $1,399

Sofas are arguably one of the most important pieces of furniture in the house – not only do you sit on it every day, any guests coming over will sit on it, and unlike your bed or closet, it is one of the first things that people see when they enter your home.

Therefore, it is imperative that the sofa is not only stylish, but durable. 

Muuto Outline Sofa

The Outline Sofa by Muuto (pictured right above) is a modern version of the classic Scandinavian design from the 1960s, which has a price tag of $12, 450. It comes in from black or cognac leather, or the more popular fabrics, along with a choice of black or aluminum metal finishes for the legs.

IKEA ÄPPLARYD Sofa

If you want a similar look, the ÄPPLARYD sofa is IKEA’s version of this timeless classic sofa, having a very similar feel that fits well with homes with modern and minimalistic designs.

While its price, which is only $1,399 for velvet and $1, 099 for cotton at the time of this writing, is its most obvious difference, there are other things that set the IKEA ÄPPLARYD sofa apart. For one, it comes in a choice of luxurious dark blue or a reddish-brown velvet cover, or if you want something more minimalist, a dark and light grey fabric option (which is easier to clean too!).

If you're looking for a grand statement piece, the dark-coloured velvets are surely for you. But if your living room is a little smaller, the light grey fabric option might open up the space.

IKEA ÄPPLARYD 3-seater sofa is retailing at $1,399 from IKEA.

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2. IKEA EKENÄSET Armchair, $369

Hans Wegner GE 240 and 290 Lounge Chair

Another timeless piece of furniture that can be incorporated into a variety of interior design styles is the Hans Wegner GE 240 and 290 Lounge Chair. Danish designer Hans Wegner introduced this classic piece of furniture in the 1950s as part of the Getama series, gaining prominence because of its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Characterised by their sleek, low profile, and wide-set legs, the GE 240 and 290 are both modernist designs that feature clean lines, minimalism, and focus on comfort. The main difference between the two is that the former is smaller and has a higher backrest.

IKEA EKENÄSET Armchair

So for those looking for a more affordable option, the IKEA EKENÄSET armchair offers a very similar aesthetic. It's perfect for any open living room, or even as an outdoor sitting option.

While the materials themselves differ, with the Wegner version using unglazed Oak wood while IKEA uses solid wood, there was no big compromise in form. 

The Wegner GE 290 costs around $5,300 today, while IKEA sells their version for only $349, helping to bring this mid-century modern work of art into a lot of households.

IKEA EKENÄSET armchair is available at $369 from IKEA.

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3. IKEA TÄLLBYN Table Lamp, $48

Louis Poulsen PH2/1 Table Lamp

It goes without saying that the Louis Poulsen PH2/1 is a table lamp classic that will forever remain an iconic piece. 

Typically, it comes in either brass, black, or chrome plated finish with white opal glass on the top. There are different variations today too (like this lovely shade of pale rose).

IKEA TÄLLBYN Lamp

Fortunately, for those looking for a more affordable version, IKEA has something similar with the TÄLLBYN table lamp. It has the same minimalistic and functional aesthetic, with a sleek and slender metal stem. Also, it has an adjustable shade that provides warm and diffuse light using a LED bulb instead of the old-school halogen lamp.

IKEA TÄLLBYN is a great choice in both form and function that can help create the right mood and effect for any space. Do take note that lightbulbs are sold separately!

Though the table lamp is sold out in Singaporean stores, the hanging lamps are still in stock here. For the table lamp, you can order from IKEA Tebrau in Malaysia here, a half hour drive from Woodlands Checkpoint and 40 mins from Tuas Checkpoint. Priced at RM169, it converts to about $48 SGD.

IKEA TÄLLBYN table lamp retails at $48 from IKEA Malaysia.

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4. IKEA TOKABO Table Lamp, $15

HAY is a furniture brand that probably needs no introduction to the furniture and design lover, with their colourful HAY PC Portable lamp being a very popular option.

HAY PC Portable Lamp

But, if you prefer something more monochrome, they also have the HAY Apollo Portable lamp. The only drawback, though, is that it can cost you around $400.

IKEA Tokabo

Again, IKEA comes to the rescue for the more budget-conscious with a cute table lamp named TOKABO. This lamp, just like the high-end version, is made from glass opal with a distinctive look of being hand-made, with an emphasis on “look.”

While not truly handcrafted, it still has the same visual appeal. It’s also compact enough not just as a tabletop but something you can put on your shelf for a decorative accent.

And as you might have guessed already, IKEA sells this beautiful piece for just a fraction of the HAY Apollo’s cost, which is only $15.

IKEA TOKABO table lamp is available at $15 from IKEA.

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5. IKEA REGNSKUR Pendant Lamp, $50

Here’s a pendant lamp designed by one of the leading designers of the mid-20th century, George Nelson. Just like his other creations, HAY Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp is characterised by its simplicity and functional design.

HAY Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp

Apart from its space-age, and flying saucer look, the process that Nelson used to create this was also an interesting one. Did you know that he spun skeleton steel wires on a turntable and shot it with translucent polymer until it was completely covered? If that’s not cool, I don’t know what is. 

Process aside, the Nelson Saucer is a great pendant lamp not just because of its design but because of the soft, warm glow it emits when lit. It's perfect for hanging above your bed for a cozy atmosphere.

IKEA REGNSKUR Pink

For those who want a similar look, you can get it with the IKEA REGNSKUR. While the design is not exactly the same, the effect is almost the same. What’s more is that the cost-effective materials used are made from an environmentally-friendly material, recycled polyester.

IKEA REGNSKUR pendant lamp is retailing at $39.90 from IKEA.

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6. IKEA DOCKSTA Table, $279.99

Knoll Saarinen Tulip Table

There are many reasons why the Knoll Saarinen Tulip Table is a must-have dining table in my book. The form itself is well-thought-of, eliminating the cumbersome and often space-restricting four-corner legs. With a single leg at the centre, the table can accommodate a wide variety of surfaces – from textureless laminates to marble to veneers.

However, the original Knoll Saarinen Tulip table has a high barrier for purchase, which is around USD 2,800 for its 30″ variation.

IKEA DOCKSTA Table Top

Again, if you want to achieve the same look, then IKEA’s DOCKSTA can help you have a similar-looking product.

While you won’t get the same quality for the surface of the table (no marble top here) you still get to experience the benefits of its design and function. There are only two color options, black or white, which are universal colours that should work well with any theme you have at home.

With the IKEA DOCKSTA, there’s no need to worry about shuffling your feet, so it doesn’t get stuck on one of the table’s legs. Best of all, you get to have the same elegant look for a table without having to break the bank.

IKEA DOCKSTA table retails at $279.99 from IKEA.

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7. IKEA FRÖSET Chair, $119

Eames LCW Chair 1946 Walnut

The Eames LCW was named by Times as the “chair of the century”, and was unveiled at the end of the World War in 1946 at the Museum of Modern Art. (If you’re wondering what LCW stands for, it’s Lounge Chair Wood). 

Of course, the catch is that a single chair can cost you up to around $1,600. If you don’t have the money to shell out for this elegant chair, then you can always find one with a similar design, offering a similar but not-exactly-the-same experience.

IKEA FRÖSET Chair

The IKEA FRÖSET easy chair offers the same seating solution with a price that won’t break your back. Following the same design, it provides a very similar look, and whether you slouch or sit up straight on the chair, it only costs around $119 per piece. It comes in black, red, or white stained oak veneer.

IKEA FRÖSET chair is retailing at $119 from IKEA.

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8. IKEA LISABO Chair, $85

Maruni Roundish Chair

The Roundish chair designed by Naoto Fukasawa for Maruni released in 2014 was named one of Japan's Good Design Award recipients in the same year. The large roundish back and gentle curvatures on the chair stand as the main design highlights for the chair that is going for about $1,010 with up to 22 weeks of waiting time, as this is a made-to-order piece.

IKEA LISABO Chair

If you do not want to be waiting around, you can take a trip to the IKEA showroom to experience a similar-looking (less roundish) chair in the LISABO series by an award-winning pair of designers. The LISABO chair was designed by a sibling duo, Knut Hagberg & Marianne Hagberg, and the LISABO table range was recognised for its high design quality in Red Dot Awards 2016.

Comes with a spacious seat and a high backrest with slight curves, the IKEA LISABO chair is sturdy and comfortable that can function as more than just a dining chair. You can choose between ash or black for your LISABO chair. At just $85 per piece, you can buy up to 11 LISABO chairs at the price of 1 Roundish chair.

IKEA LISABO chair retails at $85 from IKEA.

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9. IKEA NYMÅNE Table Lamp, $119

Marset Polo Lamp

Spanish lighting designer Joan Gaspar designed lamps since 1988 for various brands before opening his studio in 2002. The Marset Polo lamp series is one of his many designed lamps which has an iconic minimalist and slender design, where the rotary switch is cleverly hidden at the back of the head stock. It is made of lacquered aluminium and it comes with swivel joints to enhance its practicality as a task lamp.

You can get Marset's Polo table lamp at $1,088 at Finnish Design Shop, or would you like the affordable and smart IKEA NYMÅNE table lamp instead?

IKEA NYMÅNE Table Lamp

As a work lamp, the IKEA NYMÅNE table lamp doubles up its function with the wireless charging surface and an extra USB-C charging port for you to conveniently charge 2 devices at once. Both table lamps are adjustable and provide a directed light for reading. The IKEA NYMÅNE table lamp with dual charging gives a good run for your money at just $119, and you can even choose between having a black or white lamp.

An even better deal, in my opinion, with the ability to charge and without the hassle of dusting the wire that runs up the lamp, at a tenth of the price.

IKEA NYMÅNE table lamp is available at $119 from IKEA.

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10. IKEA DESJA Table Lamp, $59

The Astep Nox table lamp is a lovely and elegant portable table lamp that you can take with you everywhere you go. A simple charge on the wireless charging pad is all that is required to power up the lamp for a good 15 hours. The thoughtful handle adds to the overall design of the endearing-looking Astep Nox lamp, which you will need at least $1,500 to have in your home, excluding shipping fees.

An almost similar-looking endearing mouth-blown opal glass lampshade in IKEA DESJA table lamp is just priced at $59. The main difference is in the colour offering, where you only have the beige-coloured body, and IKEA DESJA also does not come with neither a handle nor a cool wireless charging station.

Aside from the obvious differences, both of the overall mushroom-like shape lamps offer the soft warm glow you need in your home.

IKEA DESJA table lamp retails at $59 from IKEA.

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Part of this article was first published in StackedHomes. Additional reporting by Isabel Lim.