Our Editors’ All-Time Favorite IKEA Products, From Dressers to Lighting

“I live in a New York City apartment, so it’s safe to say I’m always on the hunt for clever storage solutions. In this specific instance, I needed an extra coat closet in a bad way. Even though this is technically in the kids’ section, it fits perfectly into my tight corner and holds about 20 of my jackets and coats (including a thick faux fur). It also has a shelf that I use for shoes and items I want to keep out of sight. Plus, it looks great and blends seamlessly with the rest of my closet. The real cherry on top? It was easy to assemble with no power tools, all on my own.” —Megan Stein, Editorial Director

“Let’s be honest—there’s a reason we all love IKEA. It’s stylish, it’s fun…and it doesn’t wreck your budget. I picked up this sleek little bookcase on a whim, thinking it would be a cute, temporary fix for my bedroom. It’s slim, so it doesn’t hog space, and it perfectly shows off my favorite books, photos, and little keepsakes. What I didn’t expect? Staying power. I bought it FIFTEEN years ago. Since then, it’s moved with me across three states and through countless room rearranges—and it’s still going strong. Affordable and built to last? That’s a win-win.” —Erica Brown, Social Media Director 

“All you vinyl nerds out there will already know about this shelf. It can look a little generic, but if you get a non-white version, it works (especially once it’s full of your stuff). It is really tough to find suitable shelves to house records and these fit vinyl records perfectly—something most coveted by collectors. These also work well for kids shelves due to the storage basket and bin options IKEA manufactures that can fit snugly into the shelves. The storage shelves are a great way to hide clutter and keep things looking nice and neat. Something all parents out there most desperately desire.” —Jim Bertoni, Art Director

“My favorite IKEA product is the PAX Wardrobe System. While a closet solution isn’t the most sexy product in the catalog, it well makes up for lack of pizazz with product design excellence. With hundreds of components that all fit together smartly, PAX is ecosystem design at its best: both highly flexible and deeply satisfying. I have PAX elements in no fewer than five diverse areas of my home, from a traditional wardrobe closet, to office and design studio storage, bathroom cabinetry, a basement workbench, and an outdoor potting shed. Setting up the various drawers, inserts, shelving and other accessories is intuitive and scratches that organizational itch, both on installation day, and for years to come.” —Katie Noyes, Creative Director

“In our house, overhead lighting is a no-no. So it’s essential to have soft mood lighting like this lamp. I use a smart bulb in mine and it’s set to a pale pink which is such a nice light source in the evenings when I’m trying to wind down.” —Aly Nagel, Community Manager 

“I bought this solid wood dresser for one of my first apartments and it never failed me. I had it for over four years, and only resold it because I wanted to change up my bedroom decor when I moved. That said, I think this is a really lovely piece that can work in most spaces, from a chic primary suite to an adorable kids’ room. It’s a very versatile option with strong long-term value.” —Megan

“Even though Jim stole my all-time favorite KALLAX shelving as his pick earlier, I had to actually mention it again because it’s really that notable. I have had the black-brown KALLAX storage unit as a bookshelf for over 20 years, and it has survived several moves including across the country and back in that time. It’s a sturdy workhorse that exudes Scandinavian minimalism and won’t break the bank.” —Barb Dybwad, Strategy & Operations Director

“When I think of versatility, this utility cart immediately comes to mind. I’ve used it as a bar cart in the past (and in fact my former roommate is still using it—nine years later). But it would be just as handy in the kitchen, craft room, kids’ room, garage, or any spot where you need that extra level of organization. Bonus points for its extremely affordable price tag and its choice of three colors, though I had this nice blue in my home.” —Megan

“These are stylish and don’t break the bank. Kind of like everything from IKEA come to think of it. I have two children and we go through a tablecloth each night. I bought three of these and three of the green (though, sadly, it looks like the green is not available anymore). What I like about these is because of the thread, stains are well-hidden so as to hide my not-so-perfect-life.” —Jim