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Interior designers have recommended IKEA pieces for practical storage, flexible seating, useful lighting, and everyday homewares. The 20 picks below come from a MyDomaine roundup updated September 10, 2021; they reflect designers’ opinions and project examples, not a standardized durability or performance test. Treat the names as a shortlist, then verify the current model, dimensions, configuration, and availability in your region.
How to use this designer shortlist
The list spans bedroom and living-room furniture, kitchen fittings, storage, lighting, textiles, glassware, and outdoor furniture. Some entries are product families or older model names, so a recommendation does not establish that the exact item is currently sold. For a construction or renovation project, compare each candidate with the room’s measurements, intended use, material and finish, care needs, and the configuration you can actually purchase.
MyDomaine’s 2021 roundup is the source for the 20 recommendations below. The rationale is attributed to the designers it quotes; it should be read as design judgment or personal project experience, not as a head-to-head product assessment. A separate Livingetc roundup published May 18, 2025 offers additional designer picks, noted after the original 20.
The 20 IKEA picks, organized by use
Bedroom and living-room furniture
- MALM bed frame. Athena Calderone likes its clean-lined, minimal look and describes painting the frame to suit two different homes. That is an example of customization, not evidence of a durability test.
- GRÖNADAL rocking chair. Tali Roth recommends it for a bedroom or living-room reading nook, styled with a cushion or sheepskin.
- KIVIK sofa. Brian Patrick Flynn says he used it in a country house alongside higher-end furnishings. This is a personal design opinion rather than a comparative evaluation.
- KARLSTAD / FINNALA sofa. Kimberly Winthrop recommended KARLSTAD for its clean lines. MyDomaine reported in 2021 that KARLSTAD had been replaced by FINNALA; check IKEA’s current catalog before treating either name as a current purchasable option.
- HEMNES dresser. Lindsay Pennington values its storage and scale, and suggests replacing the knobs to personalize it. She also suggests using it in a dining room.
- HENRIKSDAL / BERGMUND bar stool. Brian Patrick Flynn described using HENRIKSDAL stools with custom slipcovers. The 2021 article said HENRIKSDAL had been replaced by BERGMUND, so confirm the current model identity and available options.
- VOLFGANG chair. Lindsay Pennington recommends it for dining, desk use, or extra seating.
Storage, shelving, and kitchen cabinetry
- SEKTION base drawers. Calderone described using the cabinetry as a bold kitchen base and adding leather strap hardware. Her example involved customization; it does not establish that the described finish and hardware combination is a current IKEA configuration.
- BESTÅ storage. Roth describes lining up multiple units to create a built-in-like effect, with storage and finish options as described in the article. Check current configurations and dimensions for the installation you have in mind.
- KALLAX shelf unit. Lara Fishman recommends its modular display format for books, art, and objects, with cabinet inserts as an option. It is the clearest pick here for someone seeking modular display and storage shelving.
- LACK shelves. Roth recommends the floating shelves to fill wall space and describes reinforcing them with brackets in a project. For any wall-mounted shelf, select attachment hardware appropriate to the wall and expected load; the article does not provide a tested load rating.
Lighting, textiles, and small homewares
- RANARP work lamp. Lindsay Pennington likes its mixed-metal appearance and use as task lighting in a home office that can double as a guest room.
- FADO table lamp. Roth describes using it in projects for its shape and soft ambient light.
- KATTRUP flatwoven rug. Pennington describes using its graphic pattern in an office and suggests it for a playroom or children’s room.
- AINA curtains or fabric. Brady Tolbert recommends the long linen curtains for an elevated-looking window treatment at a relatively accessible price. The article said in September 2021 that the curtains were unavailable while the fabric was available in multiple colors; that is a historical status note, not a statement about current stock.
- POKAL glasses. Pennington likes them for everyday use, dishwasher convenience, and low replacement cost.
- GODIS glasses. Tolbert recommends keeping affordable everyday glasses on hand.
- GLADOM tray table. Roth recommends the movable table as a side table or sofa table and discusses pairing its color and material with other furnishings.
Kitchen and outdoor picks
- BOSJÖN kitchen faucet. Roth recommends its shape and value for a kitchen renovation. The source’s note that a matte-black version was unavailable dates to November 2019; it does not establish the faucet’s current finish selection or availability.
- TÄRNÖ table and chairs. Pennington recommends the bistro set for a balcony, garden, or exterior entryway. Check the current materials and care guidance for the conditions where you plan to use it.
What newer designer picks add
Livingetc’s May 18, 2025 roundup is a separate, more recent set of recommendations, not an update that verifies the 2021 products’ present status. Its designer picks include KUGGIS storage boxes, EKTORP sofa, BESTÅ TV bench, ALEX desk, PAX wardrobe, HOVET mirror, and GRILLSKÄR barbecue. The article highlights stackable storage for KUGGIS; removable slipcovers and comfort for EKTORP; modularity for BESTÅ; versatility for ALEX and PAX; full-length use for HOVET; and outdoor cooking and prep features for GRILLSKÄR. These are the article’s descriptions and designer judgments, not independently tested findings.
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#1 Best Overall
IKEA.. VegasDoggy 403.495.31 Fejka Artificial Potted Plant, Indoor/Outdoor, Hanging, Green, 9cm
- Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
- Included components: lifelike, artificial plants that stay fresh year after year.
- Quality product
- Item package quantity: 1
Livingetc also names Bemz as a specialist in custom IKEA furniture covers, including covers for EKTORP. This identifies a cover option, not a verified current product listing or endorsement.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Best Value
VIVATREES Olive Trees Artificial Indoor, 5FT Tall Faux Olive Tree with White Tall Planter, Artificial Plants with Natural Wood Trunk and Lifelike Fruits for Home Office Decor
- ✅ Planter Included - Our olive tree comes with a 9.45 inch White Planter ,save extra purchase of planter.The artificial Olive tree is pre-assembled in a sturdy plastic planter for easy placement and care.
- ✅ Easy Maintenance - No sunlight,No watering, No pruning, No fertilizer required, the faux plants tall is an ideal room decoration for people who love plant but don’t have the time or energy to care for a real one.
- ✅ Lifelike Artificial Plant - Realistic looking plant with vibrant colors, and true to life texture details.The olive trees artificial indoor are lifelike, when it is windy, it can sway in the breeze, creating a natural and comfortable atmosphere, bringing you comfort and adding color to your room.
- ✅ Perfect All Seasons Home Decor - Suitable for living room, shop, bedroom, office and other places. Perfect for home, office, shop, entryway, hallway, classroom, shopping mall and many commercial places.These artificial fake plants for home decor indoor don’t require pay special attention. They maintain their refreshing and vibrant look even in the long run.
- 💖 Great Choice - Besides being an eye catching addition to your home, our faux Olive Tree also makes a thoughtful and charming choice for friends and family. It’s the perfect for Housewarming, Birthdays, Christmas, Holidays, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and more.
Rank #4
Glivpny Mushroom Lamp Small Lamp, Mid Century Modern Table Lamps(Orange)
- Mid Century Modern Lamp--- Its minimalist design with a cute egg tart glass lampshade and a solid chrome base to enhance your decor. Glivpny midcentury lamp is the perfect vibe for a chill midcentury modern lamp bedroom lamp, this glass lamp will give you a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
- Aesthetic Hand-Blown Bedside Lamp--- Glivpny modern table lamp combines Silver metal lamp pole with unique hand-blown lampshade,makes it a practical choice to place on a desk,which enhance the taste of the space, cool lighting.
- Stepless Dimmable Mushroom Lamp--- The Glivpny table lamp included G9 LED bulb offers stepless dimmable,adjust the rotate control button to choose the brightness according to your mood,you can set the brightness to be used an ambient light and night light or bedside reading,meet your various requirements.
- Perfect Decor &Gift--- Egg Tart Lamp for nightstand , stepless dimmable Table Lamps with glass lamp body. The retro lamp is great as a gift for House Warming Gifts New Home, birthdays, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
- Friendly Service--- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible,Quick replies and friendly customer service will be provided!
Rank #3
BIEN BEAU Retro Strawberry Milk Carton Vase, Kawaii Ceramic Pink Decor
- 🍓 MILK CARTON FLOWER VASE – Add a Eclectic Décor piece to your strawberry kitchen decor with our milk carton vase. Made from ceramic it is a unique vase that can be utilized in many ways to bring color and style, plus some practicality to your kitchen area.
- 🍓 UNIQUE RETRO VASE – Designed to resemble an old fashioned milk carton but with modern pink color touches. The strawberry vase theme is ideal for anyone looking to achieve stylish strawberry kitchen décor or a Kawaii kitchen in their home
- 🍓 SIZE INFORMATION – Measuring 8.5 inches x 2.75 inches, our ceramic milk carton vase is suitable for any size kitchen. The cute design wraps around all sides of the ceramic carton. Please note that this is a decoration piece and should not be used as a pitcher or drink container
- 🍓 MULTIPURPOSE DISPLAY PIECE – Position pride of place on a kitchen shelf or a work surface or add a real or artificial flower stem for additional style and color. You can use it as a book end for your favorite recipe books or place it on your office desk or bedroom night stand for a pop of color
- 🍓 EASY TO KEEP CLEAN – Not suitable for dishwashers, item must be handwashed when required. Not suitable for the microwave, it is purely a decoration item for aesthetics only. The vintage shape and cute Japanese kawaii style make it a must have piece for any modern kitchen
Rank #2
IKEA 203.953.31 Fejka Artificial Potted Plant with Pot, Indoor/Outdoor Succulent
- Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
- Quality product
- Item package quantity: 1
- Artificial Plant
How to shortlist products for a real project
- Start with the job and room. Separate display storage from concealed storage, task lighting from ambient lighting, and occasional seating from furniture used every day.
- Check the exact dimensions and configuration. Product-family names can cover multiple sizes or arrangements. Measure the room, openings, clearances, and installation area against the current item details.
- Confirm finish, material, and care. The designers’ preferences do not establish how a particular finish will perform in your home or how much maintenance it needs.
- For modular or customized pieces, verify the components. Confirm that the inserts, hardware, covers, or accessories you want fit the current model and are available where you live.
- Check current regional availability before planning around a model. The 2021 article contains historical status notes, and neither roundup is an official live catalog or price source.
Sources
- MyDomaine, “The 20 Best IKEA Products, According to Interior Designers,” updated September 10, 2021.
- Livingetc, “The Best IKEA Products, According to Interior Designers,” published May 18, 2025.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
