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IKEA is an amazing store, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. As soon as you set foot inside, there is so much to see and do. Their marketing techniques are also top-notch. They have a knack for making us purchase things that we didn’t know we needed!

Of course, IKEA has some great deals and also has some items that could be best purchased elsewhere. But, an inexperienced IKEA shopper may not know what to buy and what to avoid.

So, we’ve put together this little list of things to buy and things to avoid buying from IKEA. Enjoy and happy shopping!

What to buy from IKEA:

1. End Tables

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Wake up feeling inspired with these bedroom essentials.

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For starters, IKEA has the perfect end tables for any home setup. They work best by the couch or next to your bed. All of the horror stories that you have heard about IKEA furniture being difficult to assemble? No worries here. They’re cheap, they’re easy to put together, and they are very durable.

2. The Gulliver Crib

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Well we now have two cribs! #makingprogress #ikea #gullivercrib #twinboys

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These cribs are an excellent choice because they’re practical and work well with various ages, from newborn to toddler. They’re solid wood and the price can’t be beaten. As a bonus, they match up so well with any nursery decor!

3. Throw Pillows

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Inspired by past master painters, the new DEKORERA collection combines rich colors and styles of those artists' work with traditional Scandinavian craftmanship. Link in bio for more.

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IKEA’s throw cushions are also a steal. For just a couple of bucks, you can choose from a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They go great on beds, couches, and reading nooks.

4. Bekvam Spice Racks

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So I might've taken these shelves from Cam's room. 🤪😍 I'll just have to replace them. These spice rack shelves are only $4.99 at @ikeausa . I mean, c'mon! I'm going to find some other pieces to decorate this lonely bathroom of mine. It needs just alittle more love! . . . . . . . #ikeausa #ikea #ikeaspicerack #bekvamspicerack #bekvam #bathroomdecor #smallbathroomdecor #bathroominspo #target #shelfstyling #shelfie #shelfiesaturday #shelfdecor #decoronabudget #decorinspo #plantstyling #mystyle #pocketofmyhome #neautraldecor #lightandbright #homesohard #habitandhome #littleaccountlove #nesttoimpress #smalltownstyle #dailydecordose

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You can get these for only $4.99. Even if you’re not using them for spices, they make for a great place to keep your magazines, cookbooks, or other wall decor!

5. Dvala Duvet Cover

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Overstock bed wasn’t bad at all ❤️❤️❤️ and got my new Dvala duvet cover from IKEA yesterday 😍 #overstock #overstockbed #loftliving #newnanlofts #westillneednightstands #newnanga #downtownnewnan #oldcottonmill #historiclofts #yolo #ikea #dvaladuvetcover

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IKEA’s Dvala duvet cover is only $25 and comes with two matching pillowcases. It’s lightweight, breathable, and so cozy! You can order it in a variety of colors, too.

Ok, now that we’ve covered some of the best IKEA finds, what are the items that we should be avoiding?

1. Spring Mattress

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Your home is the most important place in the world. We're sharing a few ways to make the most of your time together – indoors and in your backyard. Link in bio for more. #togetherathome

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Their spring mattress often feels like a perfect solution for the cash strapped buyer. Unfortunately, the reviews speak for themselves. They don’t have much give to them and when it comes to mattresses, you tend to get what you pay for. If you purchase the IKEA bedsheets, you will only compound the issue. They’re starchy and rough to sleep on.

2. The Hemnes Bed Frame

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Jutro smo zapoceli montazom HEMNES kreveta s 2 madraca i 3 ladice 🙂 – IKEA

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The Hemnes bed frame suffers from the same problem. It’s quite affordable and also very flimsy.

3. Legitim Chopping Boards

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You’ll run into similar issues with the Legitim cutting boards. These boards come cheap but they won’t last you long.

4. Pokal Glassware

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Gw udah koleksi seri Pokal ini dari awal2 suka Ikea. Waktu itu blm ada di Indo, jd belinya dari mana2. Gak tau kenapa, pokoknya suka aja, jadul2 gmn gitu. Naah..pas mulai2 suka ngopi, terkaget2 sendiri, kok rata2 cafe2 itu pake gelas sejenis si Pokal ini? Hehe..berarti mecing deh dg hatikuwww..Sejak itu, jd makin seneng ngopi deh..*lebaydikit😄 #ikeapokal #pokalglass

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If you’re looking for long-lasting glassware, this isn’t it.

5. IKEA Knives

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There is nothing like razor sharp knives. #ikea #ikeaknives #whetstone

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These may look nice, but they’re not durable. While many items from IKEA come with quality at a cheap price, you get what you pay for with the knives.

We urge all shoppers to do their homework at all times. Even the brand name stores have their do’s and dont’s. Let’s all do our part to help each other become more informed shoppers by taking the time to share these useful pointers! IKEA is an amazing store but it always helps to have a handbook. Happy shopping!