IKEA FAVORITES {1}

Over Spring Break we took a quick road trip, just far enough to get out of town for a few days and stay in a hotel (my daughter's favorite thing).   One morning while the rest of the family was holed up in the hotel watching basketball and swimming, I headed to Ikea.  It was a win-win for everyone!

Although our nearest Ikea is 3 hours away, I manage to get there a few times per year, and have been often enough now to have a pretty good idea of the regular stock items they carry.  So, even if I don't have a trip planned, I can put out a plea to my friends who might be going to pick up what I need.

I thought I'd share a few things with you that I consider to be Ikea "staples"... what I purchase time and time again, what I'm glad I purchased, and things that I use in my home.  If you don't get to Ikea often, the store can be VERY overwhelming, and it's very easy to end up wandering around aimlessly caught up in a sea of choices in each department.  So, here's my Ikea Highlight reel...

Clockwise from top left:  1  / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8*

*Rug pictured is square and has a decorative border.  I prefer the 8x10 with no border, but it's not listed online ($99 indoor/outdoor).

Disclaimer:  These were phone pics and the lighting is bad, but they should give you an idea of what things look like on the shelf.   I did try to include the label in the photo so you could see the price, too.

This woven seagrass placemat is the perfect addition to almost any table.  Indoors or out, it adds texture and a nice layer under a pretty stack of plates, and looks good over a tablecloth, runner, or on a bare table.

Early Fall Tablescape

The first time I saw these plates I exercised some willpower and didn't buy them.  Then I came to my senses and sent money with my sister to buy them when she was at Ikea a few months later. ;)  They are large, and can be used as a charger or the perfect plate for Thanksgiving a plate.

DIY Pom Pom Napkin Ring

Ikea has the BEST prices on feather pillow inserts.  I wish they offered more sizes!  They have a 20x20 for $5.99, as well as a larger size and lumbar size.

Spring Tour  ||  How to Make a Pillow with a Zipper

Ikea also has the best prices on drapery panels, that are also amazing quality.  The fabric is always really nice.  The Ritva is a home bloggers' favorite and has a linen like look and texture.  The Lenda is a thicker, tan color with a slight ribbed texture.  The Merete is a true plain solid fabric that's a nice heavier weight.

I used a set of Lenda in my son's room after adding some stripes at the bottom and black-out lining to the back.

Customized Ikea Curtains

Last week I shared my look for less designer pom pom basket with you.  Here's the baskets I bought, and the bottom photo shows how the tops are folded in when they're stacked on the shelf.

I've had several people trying to locate the basket near them and requesting the product information, here you go (9.99)!  Maybe I wasn't crazy when I thought I had just missed it before, and it IS a new item... one reader said they couldn't locate it in their system (I don't see it on the website, either).  If that's the case, keep checking back!

A few more great storage baskets, the trunk style nice and sturdy and is a fantastic size for storing throw blankets or whatever.

A few favorite rugs... I own 2 of the black and white rugs pictured and they are on the patio.  The jute seems like a great natural fiber rug for a great price, the charcoal striped runner is so versatile, and the colored tassel runner is just fun (I think it's new)!

Patio Series

I bought 3 of these faux sheepskins one year (9.99 each) and they have been well worth the money.  I've used them across chair backs, over a bench, as a table runner, and even as my Christmas tree skirt.

Love, love, love these two electrical items.  The first is the best little $3 automatic nightlight.  The "Dimma" cord pictured on the right has a sliding dimmer switch on one end, so you plug your lamp into it and can automatically dim the bulb.  We used them in my son's room for the sconces flanking his bed, so the light was not overpowering at night.  I'm also using one on my marquee letter which can be VERY bright full blast, so it's nice to be able to dim those bulbs.

I think I bought this scarf hanger on my very first trip to Ikea several years ago, and it's been one my hardest working purchases ever!

With a diameter that just about 2 feet across, this clock is substantial and perfect for standing on it's own.

Of course, I had to doctor mine up a bit by changing the silver rim to gold.

The popular Ribba frame comes in a variety of colors and sizes, and the mat is included.

I have bought so many of these Borrby lanterns.  They are nice to have on hand for a small gift or to tuck in with a wedding gift or birthday present.

Lastly, I ALWAYS leave Ikea with a fresh plant of some sort.  They have a fairly good selection and if they have something you like, the price can't be beat.

I still have lots more favorites from Ikea, those will be for another day!  Are you a lucky duck that has an Ikea in your town?  Are you a reader who has NEVER been to Ikea?  If you frequent the store, what is YOUR favorite find?