Admit it … we all love IKEA! Okay, so we’re not so enamored of those cavernous stores, and the fight for a parking space, but aside from a few weird offerings, their furniture is great. I could furnish my whole house from there (admittedly, that wouldn’t be difficult given the size of it). Here are my favorite items.
Price: $799 at ikea.com
My idea of a good sofa is one that's big enough to lounge on. In fact, this looks like it would take up my entire lounge! I like the 'Graddo brown' shade, as it looks like it could cope with me dropping crumbs all over it (could any Swedish speakers enlighten us as to what Graddo actually means?).
Price: $449 at ikea.com
I need a king-size bed just for me and the cats! This simple, fuss-free style would suit me fine. The covers can be removed for cleaning, when all those cat hairs get too much.
Price: $199 at ikea.com
This bookcase ought to be big enough to accommodate my library! I like the small compartments, so that you can keep your books tidy, and also use it for other things like candles, ornaments and photos.
Price: $299 at ikea.com
I love clever design, and this is an ace idea. Perfect for my small flat! The chair backs are shaped, so when they are pushed in they occupy minimal space. If you have lots of friends, they'll have to use the following …
Price: $119 at ikea.com
A coffee table does sound so terribly 70s and middle-class, but it doesn't have to be used just to put your coffee on. It can provide extra table space when you have guests, as mentioned above. Plus it's great for putting your feet up (I speak from experience).
Price: $199 at ikea.com
A nice big wardrobe is a must (if only so that you can shove everything out of sight and make your bedroom look tidy). This one has shelves! And they're adjustable! Just don't forget to fix it to the wall as advised, or it could be Death By Wardrobe … especially if you've shoved an awful lot of things in there …
Price: $19.99 at ikea.com
Did I say I needed a king-size bed? This is such a great idea that I want a single bed now! Why should kids have all the fun …
Price: $9.99 at ikea.com
Another children's item that I'd love to steal! This star-shaped might not give much illumination, but it's fun and cheerful. Why can't they do more fun lighting for adults?
Price: $9.99 at ikea.com
You can never have enough cushions, and this would go perfectly with the sofa I've already picked out. In the red/multicolor option, anyway! It's a lovely silk fabric too … does silk attract cat hairs?
Price: $9.99 at ikea.com
Not just for magazines I say. This box could be used to store all sorts of things. I love the dark red color, the cotton cover makes it look good, AND it's made to fit into the bookcase I like!
Are you an IKEA fanatic, or does the mere name make you tremble in fear? Has your copy of the catalogue been read so many times that it's falling apart? What´s your favorite purchase from the mighty Swedish superstore?