Ikea Expedit Bookcase
Perfect In My Wardrobe - Ikea Expedit Bookcase Furniture

Product Type: Ikea home furniture

Newest Review: ... Recently, we decided we no longer needed a desk and so simply removed that attachment but were still left with a perfectly functioning b... more

Perfect In My Wardrobe
Ikea Expedit Bookcase

beautybabiex

Member Name: beautybabiex

Product:

Ikea Expedit Bookcase

Date: 27/10/11, updated on 27/10/11 (92 review reads)

Rating:

Advantages: see review - too many

Disadvantages: none

I have quite a reasonable sized bedroom but I have always longed for a walk in wardrobe that I never got. Ikea had on their website about 5 months a go, storage ideas and ways to create a walk in wardrobe without building any walls.

Instantly I got searching and measuring to find items which I could use. In the end I brought this and one other section the same size with shelving etc (I cannot remember the name but it fits to the wall and has shelves, drawers and hanging space).

Because the other section was more for hanging clothes, I have used this mainly for folded items like t-shirts and shoes - as the holes were the perfect sizes.

=== Sizing and Colours ===
The shelving is available in three colours: birch (the image above), black and white. I purchased mine in white to go with my all white furniture and because I don't really like black or birch wood.
The black and white colours are very matte and look lovely when stood in a modernized room.

When fully assembled, the measurements are:
Width: 185 cm
Depth: 39 cm
Height: 185 cm
Max. load/shelf: 13kg

I have to say, I have never tried to put 13kg on a shelf before as this is quite a lot, mine usually have no more than 3kg per shelf!

The shelving is available in a few different sizes. I brought the one which is 5 boxes across by 5 boxes wide (giving me in total 25 boxes of space). Although you can also buy this range with only 4 boxes, 5 boxes, 8 boxes and 12 boxes.

The range is so versatile which I love. When viewing the product online, it shows you complementary products such as cupboard doors, box inserts and boxes. I chose 4 cupboard door boxes, 5 boxes and that was all. The cupboard doors are on the 2 middle boxes either side and the boxes are all along the bottom holding items like underwear, socks and random bits and pieces.

=== Using The Storage ===
I did think when I first assembled the product that it would be quite big, but it is just the right size. Not every shelf is full mind you, but this looks effective and it means if I want more stuff then I can have it - because I have enough room!

Cleaning the shelves when they get dusty is fine, I simply wipe over them with furniture polish and they are good as new. I have yet to scratch or dent any part of this yet which is surprising with my nieces and nephews over all the time running round!

I really like the fact you can turn the shelves into anything you'd like. They could be a room divider, wardrobe essential, bookshelf or simply to look decorative and fill unwanted space. It is so versatile and it means that when I move out of home, I can use it for other things and it isn't just going to be put on eBay!

=== Self Assembly ===
Like most Ikea items, this one did come flat packed. I am a bit rubbish when it comes to putting things together, but with my mums help we managed to do it in about an hour (time taken out for tea and biscuits of course).

The shelving came in a few boxes which I think would of fitted in a big car, but never in a small one like my mothers Golf. Unless you have a big car, I would recommend ordering it online or getting it sent to your house because delivery would make things easier.

The instructions are quite easy to follow and pretty much everything except for a screwdriver is included. The wood pieces slot together pretty easily and there isn't much that needs to be screwed together except for the outside edges. The screws don't really look untidy on the frame of the shelving.

=== Pricing ===
Bearing in mind how much storage this gives me and how versatile the product is - I find this product to be quite a reasonable price. Obviously depending on the size of the shelving you buy, the price goes up. I paid £129 for the 20 box shelf which will last me a very long time. I am quite glad it comes in monochrome colours as I know that whatever wallpaper and paint I put in a room - the shelving will go with the decor.

=== Quality ===
I used to think Ikea furniture wasn't up to much, but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. The wood is really thick and sturdy, I don't worry that it will fall over even though it isn't securely screwed to the floor and on carpet. I can't believe I paid such a low price for such a good product!

=== Conclusion ===
If you're looking for a new book shelf, room divider, storage, shelving or just something to give the room some decoration - this is your perfect product!
I can't fault it at all. It looks lovely, well made (by myself), good quality, cheap price and completely versatile as I keep saying.

I like the fact you can also take out some of the middle shelves so you can fix a telly to the wall in the middle or to put something bigger on the shelves - just make sure you don't loose these shelves!

Summary: can be anything you want it to be