Take a peek at any design-forward apartment, and we dare you not to spot at least one Ikea item. Like classic wardrobe staples, there are certain pieces that are the foundation to a complete, furnished home. Not to mention, they'll save you a good chunk of money, too.
Whether it’s the classic Billy bookcase or the striped Stockholm rug, we’ve rounded up the best, tried-and-true buys from the Swedish retailer. So, the next time you’re on the hunt for apartment essentials, you won’t have to aimlessly wander the showroom aisles. Just use this slideshow as your shopping list!
Use these bowls for snacking, serving, and Instagramming.
Ikea Viktigt Glass Bowls, $8.99, available at Ikea.
It's probably time to replace your burnt pot holders.
Ikea Guldlök Pot Holders, $2.99, available at Ikea.
A fun pillow is an instant sofa upgrade.
Ikea Penninggräs Cushion, $3.99, available at Ikea.
These watercolor stripes have us thinking of warm weather, no matter what season.
Ikea Sommar Pillow, $8.00, available at Ikea.
These bamboo boxes come in a set of three for easy storage.
Ikea Dragan Boxes, $14.99, available at Ikea.
This cool nightstand has more than just good looks; the table includes a wireless charger.
Ikea Selje Nightstand, $59.99, available at Ikea.
A subtle shelf with the perfect pop of color.
Ikea Ekby Osten Shelf, $7.99, available at Ikea.
Sustainable, solar-powered ambiance.
Ikea Solvinden LED Table Lamp, $12.99, available at Ikea.
Just as durable as it is cute.
Ikea Skack Serving Bowl, $6.99, available at Ikea.
No stylish table setting is complete without equally stylish napkins.
Ikea Sommar Paper Napkin, $1.99, available at Ikea.
Add some whimsy to your living space with this playful pillow.
Ikea Thorine Cushion, $8.99, available at Ikea.
An upgrade from your elementary school lunchbox.
Ikea Halsa Steel Vacuum Flask, $6.99, available at Ikea.
Indoor, outdoor, mobile storage space.
Ikea Risatorp Utility Cart, $59.99, available at Ikea.
This fun mirror was made for accessories, with hooks for jewelry and a shelf for sunglasses or makeup.
Ikea Saltrod Mirror, $59.99, available at Ikea.
Screw these hooks into the wall or use the self-adhesive for instant, functional art.
Ikea Losjon Hanger, $7.99, available at Ikea.
This moveable coffee table makes just enough of a statement.
Ikea Coffee table, $49.99, available at Ikea.
Way better than anything we made in pottery class.
Ikea Sommar Tumbler, $1.99, available at Ikea.
This dollhouse-style shelf is too cute,
Ikea Flisat Dollhouse Shelf, $29.99, available at Ikea.
This ottoman only looks expensive.
Ikea Soderhamn Fotostool, $179, available at Ikea.
A lovely little print to add a pop of green to your home.
Ikea Anavandbar Fabric, $19.99, available at Ikea.
A classic brass bowl to store fruit and things.
Ikea Stockholm Bowl, $14.99, available at Ikea.
A standing desk that is actually cute? Yes, please.
Ikea Knotten Standing Desk, $149, available at Ikea.
Whether perched in a garden or on the sidelines of a pool, this chair's clean, modern silhouette stands the test of time.
Ikea, $29.99, available at Ikea
This petite round rug is great for in front of a door or under your desk.
Ikea FLONG rug, $9.99, available at Ikea.
We dig the sleek look of this minimalist desk light.
Ikea SINNERLIG Table Lamp, $59.99, available at Ikea.
Don't even think of having an outdoor bash without this.
Ikea SOLVINDEN Led Lantern, $12.99, available at Ikea.
Part of Ikea's new Brazilian-inspired collection, there's no doubt these rugs will be an instant classic.
Ikea TILLFALLE Rug, $69.99, available at Ikea.
We dare you to find one kitchen without these classic towels.
Ikea Telka Dish Towels, $.79, available at Ikea.
A minty loveseat for two.
Ikea NORSBORG Loveseat, $800, available at Ikea.
This might be one of the most iconic Ikea pieces out there. Everyone needs a Billy bookcase at home. Everyone.
Ikea, $79.99, available at Ikea
Same goes for the striped Stockholm rug. It has a simple design that will look wonderful in any room — and it's huge!
Ikea, $299.99, available at Ikea
For those who want to get the look of Eero Saarinen's famed tulip table, this will do the trick (minus the price tag).
Ikea, $179.99, available at Ikea
Because who doesn't love a good sheepskin? They instantly add warmth to a piece of furniture or room.
Ikea, $29.99, available at Ikea
Because, everyone needs a simple serving tray.
Ikea Vardagen Serving Tray, $8.99, available at Ikea.
A nice way to jazz up your sofa, these modern pillows add color but keep things elevated.
Ikea, $14.99, available at Ikea
Ikea's Krabb mirrors are an apartment essential. Plus, you can customize and display them however you see fit.
Ikea, $14.99, available at Ikea
Another great pillow option that only looks expensive.
Ikea, $10.00, available at Ikea
This modern stool is so multi-functional — it would make a great footstool, plant holder, or mini side table.
Ikea, $7.99, available at Ikea
Two words for this one: life saver. We can't even begin to tell you how many of these we own.
Ikea, $7.99, available at Ikea
So chic!
Ikea, $60.00, available at Ikea
Another tried-and-true storage item is the Kallax shelving unit. This piece is ideal for home offices or kids' rooms.
Ikea, $94.99, available at Ikea
Remember that sheepskin? Throw it on this bad boy and you've got yourself a cozy little corner chair.
Ikea, $109.99, available at Ikea
A little modern light for your desk? Yes, please.
Ikea, $12.99, available at Ikea
Looking for a simple desk? This no-frills iteration is one of our favorites.
Ikea, $119.99, available at Ikea
This classic cowhide is ideal for throwing over hardwood floors or layering above another rug.
Ikea KOLDBY Cowhide, $199, available at Ikea.
Just because it's made of cardboard, doesn't mean it's any less of a classic.
Ikea Lack Table, $10, available at Ikea.
This might be the most stylish (and cheapest) watering can to ever exist.
Ikea PS 2002 Watering Can, $.99, available at Ikea.
These simple, white curtains will spruce up any space.
Ikea Aina Curtains, $59.99, available at Ikea.
This wood cart is the way to go if you're looking to save space in a kitchen.
Ikea BEKVAM Kitchen Cart, $59.99, available at Ikea.
You can't beat a cozy throw that's priced under $4.
Ikea Polarvide Throw, $3.99, available at Ikea.
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