Cheap and cheerful (Ikea)

Member Name: radish

Product:	Ikea
Date:	06/09/08 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Price, range, quality

Disadvantages: Busy shop

I live near an Ikea store in Cardiff. Apparently this is their least profitable store, being placed quite near to the Bristol and Birmingham stores. I can't believe this as it's always full.

We bought our first house in 2004 and we couldn't really afford to spend loads of money. After much looking around we realised that you can't go wrong with Ikea. They have a huge range of furniture for every room in the house and the prices are excellent. There are more expensive things in the shop if you want but if you're looking for value, this is the place.

People joke about putting together Ikea flat packs but to be honest after you've done a couple they are really easy, I think I could do them without the instructions now. The furniture itself is sturdy and seems pretty good quality. None of ours has ever fallen apart. The range is massive so will suit any style.

The shops themselves are a bit of an experience and I feel like it kills me a little bit every time I go there but saying that they are well laid out and the staff are generally helpful and friendly. The returns bit is always a bit slow but they do their best.

The only thing I would say is that we have Ikea sofas (not the cheap ones) which have been a bit disappointing. Also we have an Ikea kitchen which seemed great but the units go right to the wall which our gas man tells us is unusual and makes fitting pipes etc more difficult.

All in all Ikea does a job, good value, good choice furniture. Just don't go there too often.

Summary: Great for first time buyers