The other day I was returning some items to IKEA, that I had bought for a client, and it got me thinking about how I could help with the IKEA shopping experience, seeing as I worked there for so many years as an interior designer.
As I was getting the bits and bobs out of the boot, there was a guy unloading a van next to me. He was huffing and puffing to the point where I asked if he was okay ….
“Urgh, I’ve got to return all of these wardrobes because my wife has changed her mind and didn’t measure the space properly!”
He proceeded to load a flatbed trolley with all the massive boxes and I met him on the way out, of a thankfully quiet returns area, struggling to maneuver a very full trolley.
This encounter made me think …. firstly why blame his wife when he could have measured it and secondly this chap could have used some help with the IKEA shopping experience.
Love it or hate it buying furniture from IKEA can be an exciting and budget-friendly way to furnish your home. However, to avoid costly mistakes, it’s essential to approach this process strategically.
I have over ten years’ experience working with IKEA and its furniture so here are some of the tips and benefits of working with an interior designer to help with the IKEA shopping experience in turn saving some unwanted trips to the returns area of IKEA.
Top Tips for Buying Furniture from IKEA
Measure twice Buy once
Before you even step into an IKEA store or browse their website, measure your rooms. Knowing the exact dimensions of your space will help you avoid purchasing furniture that is too big or too small. Use a tape or laser measure to record the length, width, and height of the room, and note any obstacles like doors, windows, and built-in fixtures. Also remember to consider skirting – if measuring for wardrobes are you going to remove the skirting or fit the storage between?
Plan Your Layout
Utilize online tools or apps to create a floor plan of your space. IKEA offers its own planning tools that allow you to arrange their furniture virtually in your room’s dimensions. Find them here … https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/planners/
This can help you not only visualize your wardrobes, kitchen etc. but also compiles a shopping list of all the components needed for the job.
Read Reviews
Before making a purchase, read reviews of the furniture pieces you are interested in. Customer feedback can provide insights into the quality, durability, and practicality of the items. Look for reviews that include photos to see how the furniture looks in real homes.
Visit the Store
While online shopping is convenient, visiting an IKEA store can be incredibly helpful. Seeing and touching the furniture in person can give you a better sense of its quality and comfort. Take your time to test out chairs, sofas, and beds to ensure they meet your standards. Treat yourself to meatballs in the Customer Restaurant too! Find a store near you here ….https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/stores/
How are you getting it home?
With larger items it is always worth the home delivery charge but you may be able to fit all your items into your car or van – always make sure you have a second pair of hands to help you load, although I’ve always found the staff incredibly helpful if you are struggling. You can also hire vans from IKEA customer services but plan ahead as you’ll need identification to hire the vehicle.
Consider Assembly
IKEA furniture is known for its DIY assembly. Assess your comfort level with assembling furniture and consider hiring a professional if needed. Improper assembly can lead to unstable furniture and potential safety hazards. You may also need to rope someone in for larger items like wardrobes …
How could an interior designer (or more specifically me!) help you with your IKEA purchases …?
While the tips above can help you make informed decisions, working with an interior designer can improve the outcome of your home project. I have over ten years’ experience working with IKEA products and spent many of those years designing kitchen layouts so I am the ideal candidate to help you with your the IKEA shopping experience.
Expertise and Vision
Interior designers have the expertise to understand your style and needs and translate them into a cohesive design plan. They can help you choose furniture that not only fits your space but also enhances it.
Avoiding Mistakes
An interior designer can help you avoid common pitfalls like incorrect measurements, mismatched styles, and impractical purchases. Their experience allows them to foresee issues that you might overlook and prevent costly purchases that don’t suit your home.
Saving Time and Stress
Furnishing a home can be overwhelming and time-consuming. An interior designer manages the entire process, from planning and shopping to delivery and assembly, saving you time and reducing stress.
Personalised Solutions
Designers tailor their services to your specific needs, ensuring that your home reflects your personality and lifestyle. They can create a custom plan that makes the most of your space and budget.
In conclusion, buying furniture from IKEA can be a rewarding experience if approached thoughtfully. By following the tips above and collaborating with an interior designer you can enhance your results. Whether you go it alone or with professional help, hopefully this article has helped with your IKEA shopping experience.
If you’d like help from a professional with over ten years IKEA experience then get in touch here or book a 15 minute free discovery call with Claire on www.plotdesign.co.uk