Oh IKEA, it makes me happy. (Ikea)

Member Name: Dinah93

Product:	Ikea
Date:	22/10/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, easy to assemble and transport

Disadvantages: Mass produced and boring furniture

There is a huge IKEA about an hour up the road for us at the Metro Centre, and whenever anyone needs anything for their home, off to IKEA they go.

IKEA is basically a large home furnishings superstore, stocking everything from cups and pans to sofas and plants. For under one roof convenience you can't beat it.

IKEA originated in Sweden, and have a minimalist design principle. They were one of the first companies to produce flat pack furniture, which is about as close to disposable furniture as you get. Furniture is stylish but not built to last, none of this will be kept for generations!

Prices are very reasonable, you could kit out a whole lounge for £300 if you weren't picky. However the major draw back of IKEA is that this mass market affordability means everyone has it. There is a Billy bookcase in every home, and the canvas prints are instantly recognisable. Considering they started off as thriving on individuality and new design, it is odd how they ended up defining mainstream.

IKEA stores are massive, there is the shop floor, the cafe (or two), and then the warehouse, where you collect your items yourself, and take them to the tills. Throughout the shop floor there are lots of promotions on smaller items, yet when you come home you begin to question the sanity of so many bargains you have no use for.

All furniture comes flat pack which makes it easy to transport home, but means you need some degree of common sense to assemble. I've put together a few pieces of these and have never had any problems with missing parts although some have been damaged upon opening.

IKEA is a great first time buyers store, to furnish a house cheaply and quickly there is no easier way, but for quality or unique design look elsewhere.

Summary: Great for bits and bobs for the home