Where to shop when you graduate from IKEA...
Note - this post may contain affiliate links, which may provide commission to me if you purchase through these links. I only recommend sources I know and trust, and all opinions are my own
All Grown up now…
Love IKEA, want to move on?
First, let me say that I love and respect IKEA; I have an IKEA kitchen, I’ve purchased and assembled more pieces of IKEA furniture than I’d like to admit (but I’m also that nerd who likes assembling things!) and I have a stash of the IKEA dark chocolate with hazelnuts in my desk drawer. But there comes a time for a lot of us when IKEA furniture feels too temporary, too mass produced, or particle board just isn’t your thing anymore. It could be that those crazy instructions and the IKEA store fights with your partner are outweighing the cost savings.
Whatever the reason, you’ve graduated — it’s time to expand your horizons and find some new, stylish resources for furniture and accessories.
Top 10 furniture sources for great design at a friendly price
Some of these are online stores and some of these are favorite brands you should look out for, that I think deliver great design value for the money.
Many of these you may know, but there are a few surprises in there too.
CB2 - The style here has really ramped up and can rival much more pricey stores.
Article - A personal favorite - I shop here ALL the time for clients and their quality, price and customer service are all fantastic.
Anthropologie - Some of the prices are steep but they have some awesome designs that are worth the splurge.
West Elm - A great starting point — with frequent flash sales so hang in if something feels like it is just a little too high.
Organic Modernism - Details like cast metal legs and hardware, and nicely finished woods make their products feel more handmade and bespoke.
Room and Board - In terms of design, R&B tends to play it safe, but they have good solid pieces, although fabrics are a bit limited and might be a bit…boar-ing…for some (so, so sorry about the pun). All kidding aside, they are a solid choice for well made furniture.
Bludot - Streamlined and contemporary, but a little playful too, with some fun colors and great silhouettes.
Eq3 - Just opened a Chelsea, Manhattan showroom - well made pieces from Canada.
Four Hands - A new trade discovery that has some great designs at varying price points. Available at online retailers such as Burke Decor.
Nuevo Living - A brand that I love and a trade favorite of mine. Again, well made pieces that are worth the price. Look for them at online retailers.
Renwil - a real designer secret - while they sell to a lot of boutique hotels, they have lighting and accessories available at many online retailers, and their design/cost ratio is excellent!
Just a note that these last two are actually BRANDS that have a great design aesthetic.
Happy shopping!
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