Ideas, ideas, ideas! Over the years, Swedish retailer Ikea has become a go-to for folks trying to furnish their first?or fifth!?apartment in one clean-lined, budget-friendly swoop. A Billy bookcase here (the company claims one of them is sold every five seconds), a Poäng chair there (the 40-year-old design has continued to get cheaper), and you?re well on your way to a presentable space that?s functional and maybe even cozy.
But there comes a time?whether because you want to feel bit more special or have some more money to spend or the safety of your family nearly demands it?when you find yourself seeking something different, for a world beyond Ikea. This is a starter kit for those moments.
Below, we?ve outlined 10 Ikea staples by room and offer three alternatives for each item. (Note: in all images, the Ikea product is on the top left, followed with three alternatives listed by clockwise order.)
Living room
1. Kallax shelf unit, $34.99 and up

8-Cube Organizer by Better Homes and Gardens, $68.00 and up, Walmart

Storage organizer, $106.99, AllModern

Micah Cube Unit Bookcase by Corrigan Studio, $264.99, Wayfair

2. Poäng chair, $79.00

SoBuy Rocking Chair, $79.95, Amazon

Fabric Wooden Rocking Chair, $181.99, Overstock

Terreno Leather Chair, $799, CB2

3. Karlstad sofa, $399.00

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