The 35 Best Finds at Ikea

Some of Ikea's products have become so ubiquitous that they're in more homes than not (we're looking at you, Poäng chair and Billy bookcase). But a trip to Ikea can still be intimidating for the uninitiated, especially if you don't know what's worth your pennies. While not everything is a home run, the store is full of great under-the-radar buys, many of which have been thoroughly vetted by happy owners. Here are some of the best. (And while you're navigating all that the Swedish retailer has to offer, be sure to check out 18 Secrets and Hacks for Shopping at Ikea.

Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

Price: $179
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This simple, well-loved wood-framed kid's bed is actually kind of genius — use it as a traditional low bed, convert it to a loft bed with play space underneath, or slide a mattress into the play space and use it as a bunk bed.

Price: $50
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Clean and simple is the name of the game when it comes to Instagram-worthy plating. This set of dishwasher-safe white dinnerware comes with 18 pieces made of durable porcelain, and owners love the sleek look.

Price: $629
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The Mörbylånga, made with a layer of oak and dovetail joints, has a more solid, handcrafted feel than many of Ikea's glossier tables. Owners sing its praises, saying it's sturdy and roomy enough for the whole family.

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Price: $17
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Perfect for light sleepers or people without your average 9-to-5 gig, these blackout curtains do their job right, according to users. They come in a standard 98" length but can be hemmed to whatever length you need.

Price: $179
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Futuristic-looking lamps are nothing new at Ikea, but speaker lamps are. This is a mashup that's as functional as it is pretty, with a Sonos-compatible speaker standing in for a lamp base and a hand-crafted glass lampshade on top.

Price: $89
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Toys from Ikea? Absolutely — and for less. This realistic kids' kitchen is a great way for little ones to use their imagination. Ikea also offers several accessories like play cookware, felt fruits and vegetables, and more.

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Price: $699
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Sure, you can nab Ikea's iconic Poang chair for about $100, but it's not exactly a chair you can sink into. The Genevad is made from full-grain leather, and the deep, wide seat will encourage you to stay awhile.

Related: Vintage Ikea Furniture Pieces That Resell for Serious Money

Price: $5
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Sure, you can use it for its intended purpose, but the wooden Bekväm spice rack has ricocheted around the web with dozens of other uses. Good Housekeeping has a nice roundup, showing the spice rack as a bookshelf, a jewelry hanger, and a toiletry holder in the bathroom, among other things.

Price: $239
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The Evedal lamp is definitely a foray into higher-end design and materials for Ikea: You'll get a handblown glass shade, marble base, solid oak stand, and brass accents that together make an heirloom-quality piece.

Price: 79 cents
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A favorite among restaurateurs and home cooks alike, these generously sized cotton dish towels have many uses. Some of the reviewers' favorites include storing fresh herbs in the refrigerator, using in a steamer basket, DIY gift wrapping, and of course, washing dishes.

Price: $90
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Available in black-brown or white, this desk has great storage despite its compact size and is ideal for a small home office or a child's desk. A cable outlet at the back helps keep cords hidden.

Price: $129
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Class up a bathroom or any room that could use a little more light with this simple, modern mirror, available in ash or walnut. Owners love the elegant, upscale look and the reasonable price tag.

Price: $6
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Maximize your dresser drawer space with this set of a half-dozen small boxes. Reviewers say they're hard to beat for keeping smaller items like socks, underwear, and jewelry well-organized.

Price: $299
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This well-loved daybed is ideal for small spaces. It can function as a sofa, a single bed, or can pull out into a double bed. Plus, it has plenty of storage space with three drawers underneath.

Price: $30
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Owners have high praise for the rolling, three-tiered Råskog cart. They say the powder-coated steel is surprisingly strong for the price, and the cart is versatile enough to use practically anywhere — a small bathroom, a playroom, a craft room, or anywhere else that needs some additional organization.

Price: $149
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This solid wood table is the star of Ikea's well-loved Applarö line of outdoor furniture, made from solid acacia wood. It has adjustable drop leaves to fit your needs and a space in the center for a patio umbrella.

Price: $99
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This steel cabinet has an undeniably sporty look that makes it a favorite for adding storage in kids' rooms or rec rooms. It's lockable and has a cord outlet for electronics, too.

Price: $30
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What better place to get supplies for a trendy hygge design than Ikea? The Scandinavian retailer delivers with the Rens sheepskin, which can add instant coziness to a room as a rug, throw, or simple accent piece. Owners say it's as soft as it looks and a fantastic value for the price.

Price: $8
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This inexpensive French press coffee maker makes the perfect amount for two people. Owners love that the simple design is easy to use and even easier to disassemble when it's time to clean it.

Price: $15
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Everyone can use a little extra storage space, and owners sing the praises of this galvanized shelf unit that can be used indoors or outdoors. Many say they've been an inexpensive lifesaver in spaces including kitchen pantries, garages, and basements. A smaller size is available, too.

Price: $149
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Owners give this high-pile rug near-perfect marks for its vibrant color and softness. And because it's made of polypropylene instead of wool, it won't shed and fade.

Price: $20
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Your budding artist will love a space to express themselves, and you'll appreciate reclaiming the kitchen table. This pine easel has a whiteboard and a chalkboard, plus Ikea sells drawing paper that's a perfect fit.

Price: $40
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Crisp white linens will never go out of style, and owners say this all-cotton set washes well despite the low price. It has a bit of dobby texture for interest.

Price: $129
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This solid pine dining set is sturdier than most Ikea pieces, and users say it's also easy to assemble. Owners particularly love the compact footprint, saying it's ideal for small kitchens or homes without a dedicated dining area.

Price: $8
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Owners say these soft, absorbent microfiber bath mats dry quickly and are oh-so-comfy to step on after a bath or shower. Even better, they wash and dry well when they get a little musty.

Price: $279
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The Strandmon has all the makings of an instant classic, including a timeless wingback look and a low price tag. It comes in several colors and patterns, and owners say it's easy to assemble and surprisingly comfortable. They also love the style.

Price: $13
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This no-frills set of 20 stainless steel utensils is one of Ikea's most well-loved. Reviewers say that the pieces feel durable, and the quality far exceeds the price.

Price: $99
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If you admire the streamlined look of Ikea's famous Lack coffee table but want something a little sturdier, take a look at the Trulstorp. It also adds another level of function — part of the tabletop can be raised for eating and working, and items can be stored inside.

Price: $10
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Whether you use it for indoor or outdoor décor, this steel lantern is a versatile accent that shoppers love. It's sized for block candles and comes in a larger size and a white finish, too.

Price: $2
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Ikea's hard-to-miss Frakta bags get a lot of attention, but if you need something a little less blue and crinkly, the Knalla reusable bag has its own devotees. They love how compactly it folds, but how roomy it is for groceries, books, or other heavy loads.

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Price: $109
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Who can't use a little extra cooking space? This birch cart earns raves for its ability to add storage and more surface area in even the tightest kitchens.

Price: $14 (through Oct. 28; then $18)
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Always waking up in a puddle of sweat? Reviewers love this thin, soft comforter for spring and summer since it's lightweight and comfortable, and it's hard to beat the price.

Price: $3
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Duracell batteries fare slightly better than Ikea's in expert tests, but the key word is "slightly." But there's nothing slight about the price difference, which will have you paying triple the price for the iconic Coppertop batteries versus Ikea's cheerful yellow ones.

Price: $25
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This LED lamp has a decidedly old-fashioned feel that stands out among Ikea's modern designs. A built-in dimmer means it can be true mood lighting.

Price: $15
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Ikea's mattresses can be a hit-and-miss affair, but owners have no such qualms about this machine-washable mattress protector, made with a waterproof layer that helps prevent stains.

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