The Best IKEA Finds that Look Expensive (But Aren't)

One of my favorite pans costs $125. The other, I won’t lie, is from IKEA and maybe was $4. If you’re looking for IKEA finds that look expensive but are actually affordable, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of my favorite IKEA finds from all departments.

Best IKEA Furniture

We have the IKEA daybed that pulls into a king sized bed, and I’d highly recommend it for playrooms and anywhere that you need furniture that can do double duty! You can use it as a couch or a bed for overnight guests. You can read my full review of the HEMNES daybed here.

We also purchased the IKEA outside chaise lounge chairs and side tables, and those look far more expensive than they actually were! I’d recommend covering them in the off-season, as it makes a huge difference in how the wood weathers.

Best IKEA Glassware and Plates

A four pack of blue-and-white patterned plates would be at the top of my list.

The ruffle-edged deep bowls are so pretty. We have similar deep bowls for spaghetti-and-meatball night!

I honestly think so many of the IKEA plates look just like Crate & Barrel, but at a fraction of the price.

And the colorful glassware below looks just like something Anthropologie might sell – at a far higher price!

IKEA Baskets

I use big baskets in my kids’ rooms for all of their (many) stuffed animals. It’s easiest to just have one place to throw them all when I need to vacuum! Either style (open rattan or closed fiber) works, though I find the open rattan a bit easier for my kids to see what’s in there.

IKEA Closets

In our old house we built a custom IKEA closet in our primary bedroom, which cost us around $2000 total. In our new house we went with a local closet design company, which included installation, and that cost more than double the price of our IKEA closet. Honestly, I liked my old IKEA closet better! For one thing, the drawers were larger, so I could fit more in them. For our basement playroom, I’m designing a space using IKEA to build in drawers and shelves. I can’t wait to see how it comes out!