furpants I think you really have to pick and choose with Ikea. From my experience anything that gets a lot of movement (doors, drawers or sliding panels) just falls apart, and in a few years you have to buy another piece. MDF and particle shelves also start to sag in a fairly short time. The price is cheap in the short term, but long term it costs you more because you have to replace it. AND that broken down particle board stuff goes into the landfill.

angelicatv I used Ikea for the furniture in my girls room except for their bunkbed:


Knobs were updated via Anthropologie, the vanity stools are a custom cover I had my mother-in-law make, and ) the doll bunk bed was painted and attached by a dowel.

idilist Wow, you're girls' room is fab, angelicaatv! I do the same as angelica; I mostly buy from Ikea and add a few items that are handmade to add my own touch (search kijiji for local artisans and vintage stuff you can buy at a good price). Works just as well if you're on a budget IMO. My new kitchen is all Ikea except for the backsplash, countertop, a custom made table (made of reclaimed wood) and a bench.

My old kitchen table and chairs were from Ikea and they stood the test of time and I was even able to sell them after I was done with them, so yes, you have to pick the right items but Ikea seems to be getting better and better in terms of durability. The only thing I don't like about Ikea is, when I buy multiple items, I always get something that has a defect and I have to go back to return it. Their return policy is good but it's still a hassle.

housecat Excellent idea book. I love Ikea! We have moved 12 times in 20 years and we have original pieces from Ikea Baltimore that have held up through it all. I, too, try to mix in Ikea with antiques, thrift store finds, and other styles. Every room has a touch of Ikea, but no room is more than 25% Ikea. My favorites: Billy bookcases, Ektorp slipcovers (they fit my Pottery Barn furniture), the handmade glassware, the cheap plants and pots, and the Stockholm line (seems to be higher end and better made).

Kimberly Niesz Great examples! Love the nail head trimmed cabinet!
We've been very happy with our Ikea wardrobes. Trimming out with crown moulding gave them a bit more custom look and adding our vintage pieces to the room keeps it from looking like an ikea showroom.

Sonja Hilliard, DVM Ikea lovers should check out www.ikeahackers.net for more inspiration and ideas on making your basic Ikea pieces more personalized.

ibooks I have the monkey bars from the second picture :)

sondramartina Ikea wardrobe and dressers worked in my kids rooms for more than 10 years ,I think that was long enough.For that money the quality is pretty decent.