NationStates Jolt Archive

Having settled into a comfortable post-degree job, I decided over Christmas that it was time for me to get out of the crappy shared condo that I put up with as an undergrad. I was lucky enough to find a 2 bedroom apartment on the fringes of a gentrified west end neighbourhood and I'm moving in February.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to furnish it. I've always scorned IKEA as cheap clutter to fill overbuilt suburban fortresses, but it didn't take long for me to realize that real, well-made, furniture is still out of my budget. I've been scouring craiglist and government surplus stores in hopes of finding some bargains, but to no avail so far. My thrift store experience has been equally disappointing.

So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA? Any good first apartment stories? Is this thing on?

No not about IKEA.

You are being a snob about IKEA. A lot of their furniture is just pictures of wood laminated over crap, but they do have some decent solid pine or birch pieces which are nice and sturdy and look good in a room. You have to shop carefully. Also, if YOU have any taste and know anything at all about design, you can get some good post-modern knock-off accessories real cheap from them to tone your new place up. Plus their prices on things like tableware and small kitchen gadgets cannot be beaten.

Other than that, your best bet for cheap furniture remains craigslist or dumpster diving.

When organizing your furnishings budget, there are a few rules you should follow:

DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR BED. Get a NEW mattress and as good a one as you can afford. It's for your health.

Also buy new lamps and electronics. They'll be up to code, energy efficient, and less like to burst into flame.

Other than that, you can pretty much improvise anything.

EDIT: Another rule from a professional interior decorator -- saw this in a design magazine once: DON'T RUSH. It's better to do without things and hold out your cash for what you really want, than to spend your money on crap that you're never going to really like and will just have to spend more to replace when it breaks anyway.

You know perhaps I'm a bit biased here, but I own one piece of Ikea furniture which I have had for at least 18 years now, and it is well built and solid, still looks contemparary, can easily be taken aprt and reassembled for moving house ect...

I see nowt wrong with Ikea stuff, now MFI! That's a differant matter.

Of couse in answer to the OP's question, build your own man.

So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA? Any good first apartment stories? Is this thing on?

Firstly, see if you know anyone with a Costco membership; they have amazing beds for little. Also, don't be so sure that IKEA has crap. I have amazing solid pine book shelves from there, and my desk, solid birch, is also from there.

You know perhaps I'm a bit biased here, but I own one piece of Ikea furniture which I have had for at least 18 years now, and it is well built and solid, still looks contemparary, can easily be taken aprt and reassembled for moving house ect...

I see nowt wrong with Ikea stuff, now MFI! That's a differant matter.

Of couse in answer to the OP's question, build your own man.
I agree. I'm an IKEA fan. Like I said, you have to examine the pieces in the showroom before you buy, but they have good stuff. I have my eye on a pine armoire from them to buy this year.

Plus, their Swedish meatballs rock. :D

Having settled into a comfortable post-degree job, I decided over Christmas that it was time for me to get out of the crappy shared condo that I put up with as an undergrad. I was lucky enough to find a 2 bedroom apartment on the fringes of a gentrified west end neighbourhood and I'm moving in February.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to furnish it. I've always scorned IKEA as cheap clutter to fill overbuilt suburban fortresses, but it didn't take long for me to realize that real, well-made, furniture is still out of my budget. I've been scouring craiglist and government surplus stores in hopes of finding some bargains, but to no avail so far. My thrift store experience has been equally disappointing.

So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA? Any good first apartment stories? Is this thing on?

You've got two choices:

Second-hand and improvised furniture. Empty giant cable spools like this: http://www-d0.fnal.gov/icd/photos/index/044-icd_lv_cable_spool-01.jpg make excellent tables. Get some cinderblocks and wooden planks for book shelves. See if the spare couch in your aunt's house smells okay despite the dog peeing on it several times. Don't invite girls over.

or: Shop around for cheap furniture with a decent look. If your apartment is neat, clean and has some of your personality, nobody is going to scrutinize your coffee table to see if it's laminate. And if they did, would you really want to have a relationship with such people?

When organizing your furnishings budget, there are a few rules you should follow:

DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR BED. Get a NEW mattress and as good a one as you can afford. It's for your health.

Also buy new lamps and electronics. They'll be up to code, energy efficient, and less like to burst into flame.

Other than that, you can pretty much improvise anything.



Luckily I already have a great bed. The only big ticket item I'm facing right now is a couch, and I'm trying to figure out a dining area. I have a big kitchen counter that faces the living room; I'm thinking about mounting a bar on it and getting a couple stools.

Other than that, I need more shelving/cabinets and I haven't quite figured out the lighting situation. My desk is falling apart, too, but so long as it doesn't crumble in transit I'll probably put off replacing it until I get rid of my 'puter.


EDIT: Another rule from a professional interior decorator -- saw this in a design magazine once: DON'T RUSH. It's better to do without things and hold out your cash for what you really want, than to spend your money on crap that you're never going to really like and will just have to spend more to replace when it breaks anyway.

Makes sense.

You know perhaps I'm a bit biased here, but I own one piece of Ikea furniture which I have had for at least 18 years now, and it is well built and solid, still looks contemparary, can easily be taken aprt and reassembled for moving house ect...

I see nowt wrong with Ikea stuff, now MFI! That's a differant matter.

Of couse in answer to the OP's question, build your own man.

I just don't understand how people can despise Wal-Mart and love IKEA when, to my eyes, they have identical business models.

I just don't understand how people can despise Wal-Mart and love IKEA when, to my eyes, they have identical business models.

Ikea has swedish meatballs for lunch. :)

Ikea has swedish meatballs for lunch. :)

The cafeteria's never open when I go. :(

you're being a snob about IKEA. there's nothing wrong with it - its cheap, the stuff lasts, and their stuff is stylish enough. not always the absolute best quality, but good enough, and beggars can't be choosers anyway.

there's a new IKEA opening in town here next year, just as i'm planning on moving out myself... good timing :)

you're being a snob about IKEA. there's nothing wrong with it - its cheap, the stuff lasts, and their stuff is stylish enough. not always the absolute best quality, but good enough, and beggars can't be choosers anyway.

there's a new IKEA opening in town here next year, just as i'm planning on moving out myself... good timing :)People were hospitalized when an Ikea opened near me. They were offering huge discounts for the first hour or so they were open. Basically there was a huge stampede/crush when they opened there doors. Blech. I don't understand how so many people could be so desperate just to get a few quid off a few furniture items. But hey, maybe I'm the odd one. The one who is willing to pay extra just so I don't have to have a harrowing shopping experience.

Looks like you are in Ottawa.

I think you should have Pier 1 they have a lot of relatively cheap stuff more accent pieces. JC Penny was pretty good.

So we need information to solve this. What are the main pieces you are trying to get.

Sofa was one

I thought I heard desk...

You don't live in the right country. Two words for you...New Jersey! No sales tax and the prices are already bone cheap to start with.




So it seems price is the main factor.

Typical sofa runs anywhere between 250 and 600

Am I being a snob about IKEA?
Yup, though it isn't the be-all and end-all of cheap furniture.

You can pick up a lot of furniture at IKEA that doesn't look like IKEA furniture, if you see what I mean. I'm currently using, and have been for about six years now, a wonderful desk from IKEA which fits in with the more expensive, non-IKEA furniture in my flat.

But don't overlook charity shops! They are a goldmine.

Or, sofamine, as the case may be.

There is a Pier 1 at South Keys. There is no JC Penny there, as far as I remember. There is no shortage of IKEAs. The Brick and Leons usually have sales around this time of year; just pay back sooner than later and you won't incur the cost of the interest.

I just don't understand how people can despise Wal-Mart and love IKEA when, to my eyes, they have identical business models.
I don't see how you reach that conclusion, but it's beside the point. The preferential difference between Wal-Mart and IKEA is that Wal-Mart sells the same particle-board shit that every other discount store sells for only pennies less than those other stores, while IKEA sells a particular style of furnishings nominally exclusive to them and has a wider range of quality choices as well.

If all you want is to fill up your space so that it looks like someone might live there (if they don't have much a life), I guess Wal-Mart is good enough. Ditto if you enjoy buying new furniture every two years to replace the broken bits.

If you want to take a little time to search out a quality piece for a decent price, and you like either post-moderne modern or vaguely euro-country traditional (French-cottage-ish), then IKEA should be one of the stores on your list.

Yes you are. IKEA is decent.

Freecycle. It's like dumpster diving with style.

Yup, though it isn't the be-all and end-all of cheap furniture.

You can pick up a lot of furniture at IKEA that doesn't look like IKEA furniture, if you see what I mean. I'm currently using, and have been for about six years now, a wonderful desk from IKEA which fits in with the more expensive, non-IKEA furniture in my flat.

But don't overlook charity shops! They are a goldmine.

Or, sofamine, as the case may be.
I have this weird phobia of old upholstery. I keep thinking about what might be growing inside it. I don't own a single upholstered piece of furniture -- I just put washable/replaceable cushions on hard furniture. I won't buy a sofa until I can afford a good one that's brand new, or a truly excellent antique that I will completely reupholster before it comes into my house -- and I'll likely reupholster it every several years thereafter.

But that's just my hang-up.

Freecycle. It's like dumpster diving with style.
Yes, yes, yes.

Freecycle is awesome.


I have this weird phobia of old upholstery...But that's just my hang-up.
I can understand that; grublies living in your cushions.

Ikea... Gah. :p

So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA?

you are being a fool about ikea.

not that ive ever been IN an ikea.

but very little of the great looking already assembled furniture that you see in the nicey-nice furniture store is actually made of solid wood. the stuff that is is extremely expensive.

so all you are doing is paying someone else to put together ikea-like furniture for you. if you are on a budget that is foolish.

if you like the look of furniture that is assemble-it-yourself, are able to do it, and find that it is significantly cheaper than the already assembled stuff you really ought to save that money by buying it.

i like to look at second hand and antique stores. you can get great old sturdy solid wood (and fancy real wood veneers) stuff for far cheaper than new (if its not big name antiques) that will last much longer because it has already proven its durability. sometimes you have to put in a bit of refinishing but refinishing is far less effort than complete assembly.

Sorry, I did Ikea. I like their Leksvik line -- solid wood, not pressboard.

So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA? Any good first apartment stories? Is this thing on?

Some advise? Go for IKEA, and stay away from the thrift shops. I've found good clothes there at times, but never ever good furniture.

Now, the IKEA stuff I've had for two decades is still going strong and looking - well, you can't call it grand, because the things I went for are more of a timeless, non-flashy style, but they're still looking good.

Ikea... Gah. :p

I don't know much about IKEA stuff, never been to one. But I've heard good things so don't disregard it so quickly.:wink:

I don't know much about IKEA stuff, never been to one. But I've heard good things so don't disregard it so quickly.:wink:

I've been to one. :p

you are being a fool about ikea.

not that ive ever been IN an ikea.

but very little of the great looking already assembled furniture that you see in the nicey-nice furniture store is actually made of solid wood. the stuff that is is extremely expensive.

so all you are doing is paying someone else to put together ikea-like furniture for you. if you are on a budget that is foolish.

if you like the look of furniture that is assemble-it-yourself, are able to do it, and find that it is significantly cheaper than the already assembled stuff you really ought to save that money by buying it.

i like to look at second hand and antique stores. you can get great old sturdy solid wood (and fancy real wood veneers) stuff for far cheaper than new (if its not big name antiques) that will last much longer because it has already proven its durability. sometimes you have to put in a bit of refinishing but refinishing is far less effort than complete assembly.
Fyi, in case you ever do wander into one, IKEA furniture is actually pretty easy to assemble. They've done a pretty good design job in that respect. I put together a whole, solid pine dining room set for my mom with less trouble than I had putting together several small picture-of-wood laminate shelves from another store for myself (to fill odd spaces in my living room).

Also, IKEA's solid wood pieces are actually solid wood, except for the backs of cabinets, which are fiber board. But that is typical of all furniture manufacturers nowadays. TIP: With solid wood furniture from any manufacturer, if you replace the fiber board backing with a thin piece of plywood cut to fit, you will have a full-wood, sturdy, warp-resistant piece of furniture as good as anything made before WW2.

So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA? Any good first apartment stories? Is this thing on?

I, my parents and my fiancee's parents have bought lots of furniture at IKEA since time immemorial, and we're pretty satisfied about IKEA. Of course, some IKEA items, expecially ultra-low-cost stools, aren't worth it, but you just avoid them.

So, yes, I think you're being quite snobbish about IKEA.

Sorry, I did Ikea. I like their Leksvik line -- solid wood, not pressboard.
The Leksvik armoire is the one I want to buy this year. My mom got Leksvik dining room pieces. It's decent wood.

I'm going with Kat on this one. I and my family have used Ikea shelves extensively (almost exclusively even) and have never had any real problems with them.

All of them are still in full use today (as many as fifteen-twenty years after they were bought), which should tell you a lot.

Freecycle. It's like dumpster diving with style.

Sweet! I had completely forgotten about freecycle.

is anyone going to die soon? make friends with hotel staff they can steal you beds and shit or if your feeling high class try and see what is being sold at police auction (you would be shocked)

Having settled into a comfortable post-degree job

lower management?

I was lucky enough to find a 2 bedroom apartment

why would you want 2 bedrooms :confused:

The Leksvik armoire is the one I want to buy this year. My mom got Leksvik dining room pieces. It's decent wood.
I've got the three door wardrobe, and I am VERY satisfied with it. That was a stone cold bitch to put together though -- my dad and I spent an afternoon with it (as opposed to everything else I put together in minutes). Mostly, it was because it's big and awkward to get the two outer sides and the inner wall all fastened to the top and bottom evenly. That piece I *might* suggest having them build for you -- or have a third person just to help hold things in place.

I'm going with Kat on this one. I and my family have used Ikea shelves extensively (almost exclusively even) and have never had any real problems with them.

All of them are still in full use today (as many as fifteen-twenty years after they were bought), which should tell you a lot.
Yes -- My dad's Billy Bookcases have been LOADED for 20 years, no warping. (A house with three teachers, two of whom were English lit teachers-- have you any idea how loaded the shelves were?)

iwhy would you want 2 bedrooms :confused:
A bedroom and guest room? A bedroom and office/study/crafts room? A bedroom and computer/video game room? A bedroom and library?

I can think of millions of reasons for a second bedroom...

Fyi, in case you ever do wander into one, IKEA furniture is actually pretty easy to assemble. They've done a pretty good design job in that respect. I put together a whole, solid pine dining room set for my mom with less trouble than I had putting together several small picture-of-wood laminate shelves from another store for myself (to fill odd spaces in my living room).

Also, IKEA's solid wood pieces are actually solid wood, except for the backs of cabinets, which are fiber board. But that is typical of all furniture manufacturers nowadays. TIP: With solid wood furniture from any manufacturer, if you replace the fiber board backing with a thin piece of plywood cut to fit, you will have a full-wood, sturdy, warp-resistant piece of furniture as good as anything made before WW2.
i dont think there is ikea around here. in new mexico i mean. they obviously dont have a store in this tiny town i live in.

ive been furniture stores looking for some piece of furniture or other than i wanted at the time. virtually every time when i took a closer look it was crap. not solid wood, not plywood, sometimes not even composite wood at all. just shiny pieces of shit (my ashmoria currency, btw) sold at enormous prices. or, if it was made correctly, priced higher for a complete set than what i paid for my car.

it sounds to me like IKEA is a great alternative to that. having some kind of "dont want to be like everyone else" snobbery doesnt make good sense in the face of its obvious benefits.

I've got the three door wardrobe, and I am VERY satisfied with it. That was a stone cold bitch to put together though -- my dad and I spent an afternoon with it (as opposed to everything else I put together in minutes). Mostly, it was because it's big and awkward to get the two outer sides and the inner wall all fastened to the top and bottom evenly. That piece I *might* suggest having them build for you -- or have a third person just to help hold things in place.


That's all wardrobes, though. I've put together Ikea wardrobes and non-Ikea ones, more often than not with the help of my brother, who's a carpenter.
They're a bitch to get even, you always need one person to just stand inside and hold things up and together until it's all done.

i dont think there is ikea around here. in new mexico i mean. they obviously dont have a store in this tiny town i live in.

ive been furniture stores looking for some piece of furniture or other than i wanted at the time. virtually every time when i took a closer look it was crap. not solid wood, not plywood, sometimes not even composite wood at all. just shiny pieces of shit (my ashmoria currency, btw) sold at enormous prices. or, if it was made correctly, priced higher for a complete set than what i paid for my car.

it sounds to me like IKEA is a great alternative to that. having some kind of "dont want to be like everyone else" snobbery doesnt make good sense in the face of its obvious benefits.
http://info.ikea-usa.com/StoreLocator/StoreLocator.aspx

Doesn't appear to be near you, but there are a lot of pieces you can buy online.

Just check out the materials make-up if solid wood is important to you. I like Leksvik, but there are other lines that are solid, too.

Fyi, in case you ever do wander into one, IKEA furniture is actually pretty easy to assemble. They've done a pretty good design job in that respect. I put together a whole, solid pine dining room set for my mom with less trouble than I had putting together several small picture-of-wood laminate shelves from another store for myself (to fill odd spaces in my living room).

i can vouch for this. our whole office is largely from IKEA, bought at different times for different offices/locations. all but one of the pieces have survived the move(s)... its a drawer unit on wheels which now splits into two halves should you lift it from the top, but other than that it works fine to store stuff in. nothing has ever been too difficult to construct, and has never taken more than two people, a screwdriver and (sometimes) a hammer. i seen to remember making up a whole load of new furniture when we moved to our current location, about 18 months ago, in only an afternoon, largely by myself. but then, we're quite experienced at putting together IKEA kits by now :p




why would you want 2 bedrooms :confused:
i'll only be able to afford a 1 bedroom place, and i'd certainly love to have another one for guests, my g/f to sleep in when i'm snoring too much (:(), putting the cross-trainer and rowing-machine in, etc, etc

Ikea has swedish meatballs for lunch. :)

What is this fascination with our regular meatballs? I just don't get it. They're meatballs - nothing fancy, nothing one can't whip up in ten minutes oneself with some potatoes, brown sauce and lingonberry jam. Can someone please explain it to me?

lower management?

I work for a media research firm; my job's similar to an assignment editor in a regular newsroom. It's nothing glamorous, but I can pay my student loans and feed myself with a bit left over.



why would you want 2 bedrooms :confused:

I have a lot of family and friends out of town, so a guest room is a good "nice-to-have" for me. Besides, the price difference between 1 and 2 bedrooms didn't amount to much.

What is this fascination with our regular meatballs? I just don't get it. They're meatballs - nothing fancy, nothing one can't whip up in ten minutes oneself with some potatoes, brown sauce and lingonberry jam. Can someone please explain it to me?

No.

Just keep em coming. ;)

One of the potential benefits of buying from IKEA would be the possibility of re-arranging the kit however you see fit.
One does not have to follow the plan if feeling especially creative.
And the more furniture bought, the more variation and items you could construct.

If you have a very low budget, my tip would be to seriously consider what you really need.
I for example have done away with beds, and living room table/chairs/sofas.
The only furniture I posses is desks (for my computers),
Bookcases, for my books,games,dvd´s,stuff,food,stuff...
And a kitchen table with some chairs.
I have all the rest stored away.

I, my parents and my fiancee's parents have bought lots of furniture at IKEA since time immemorial, and we're pretty satisfied about IKEA. Of course, some IKEA items, expecially ultra-low-cost stools, aren't worth it, but you just avoid them.

So, yes, I think you're being quite snobbish about IKEA.

Yes, that seems to be the consensus. Wouldn't be the first time I engaged in pointless snobbery....won't be the last, either.

One of the potential benefits of buying from IKEA would be the possibility of re-arranging the kit however you see fit.
One does not have to follow the plan if feeling especially creative.
And the more furniture bought, the more variation and items you could construct.

If you have a very low budget, my tip would be to seriously consider what you really need.
I for example have done away with beds, and living room table/chairs/sofas.
The only furniture I posses is desks (for my computers),
Bookcases, for my books,games,dvd´s,stuff,food,stuff...
And a kitchen table with some chairs.
I have all the rest stored away.
where do you sleep?

where do you sleep?

In my apartment. ,)

OK, very well, on a mattress then.

I've got the three door wardrobe, and I am VERY satisfied with it. That was a stone cold bitch to put together though -- my dad and I spent an afternoon with it (as opposed to everything else I put together in minutes). Mostly, it was because it's big and awkward to get the two outer sides and the inner wall all fastened to the top and bottom evenly. That piece I *might* suggest having them build for you -- or have a third person just to help hold things in place.


That's all wardrobes, though. I've put together Ikea wardrobes and non-Ikea ones, more often than not with the help of my brother, who's a carpenter.
They're a bitch to get even, you always need one person to just stand inside and hold things up and together until it's all done.
That's why I haven't bought one yet. I'm waiting for when I have the time and the money simultaneously so I can be here to let the IKEA guys in to build and install it for me. I'd like the 3-door Leksvik model, too, but I know for certain I can't even maneuver the big parts up the stairs of my apartment house by myself, much less assemble the damned thing. Me need movers!

Pfff don't believe all this shit about needing to go to Ikea. Check with friends and family, see if they have any old furniture that they would like to get rid of. That generally results in awesome shit like a leather chair. Check around for broken stuff, a lot of times it can be fixed relatively easy. 2x4 under the sofa if the back legs are missing. Duct tape and flipping the cushions is easy enough as well. You also have the added bonus, if you break it, big whoop, it's not like it wasn't broken before.

Pfff don't believe all this shit about needing to go to Ikea. Check with friends and family, see if they have any old furniture that they would like to get rid of. That generally results in awesome shit like a leather chair. Check around for broken stuff, a lot of times it can be fixed relatively easy. 2x4 under the sofa if the back legs are missing. Duct tape and flipping the cushions is easy enough as well. You also have the added bonus, if you break it, big whoop, it's not like it wasn't broken before.

True. Don't forget you can get fabric cheap, to make a slip cover. Look for sturdy over stylish, clean lines over clean fabric.

When it came time to furnish my room I had two commodities, neither of them money. They were 'free time' and 'a cargo van.'

That meant that I could sit on Craigslist all day looking for free shit and then go and get it. The final count was:

Two futons.
End tables.
Cool 70s lamp that is a pole that goes from the ceiling to the floor.
Speakers.
Credenza.
Cabinet.
Wardrobe.
6'X6' EasyUp tent
Cool old cabinet style stereo record player.
TV stand.
5 Disc DVD Player.
50" TV (old school standard def. rear projection).

I stopped because I'm out of room.

I suppose it's the novelty of having it made for you. That, and Ikea's food mart is one of the few places I know I will get lingonberry jam.

That's why I haven't bought one yet. I'm waiting for when I have the time and the money simultaneously so I can be here to let the IKEA guys in to build and install it for me. I'd like the 3-door Leksvik model, too, but I know for certain I can't even maneuver the big parts up the stairs of my apartment house by myself, much less assemble the damned thing. Me need movers!
In that case definitely get them to send the delivery/assembly people... it wasn't too much as I recall -- $50 to assemble the bed, $40 for a chest of drawers, $30 for a table, $30 for a bookcase., $60 for a couch... the delivery fee (bringing a houseful of furniture, jackassing it up some steep narrow stairs) was $135...

Cinder blocks and two-by-fours.

I'm really looking forward to the move to Montreal, not just because of the obvious perks (the perkiest being GoG), but also because I'm not hauling my shit furniture across the country. Meaning, I get to start anew!

I never had a chance to really get stuff I wanted because I was either living with roomates/too poor/living with my ex who was lame. It might drive GoG nuts, but I'm totally buying small people stuff. A good low table for the living room that I, and my kids can sit comfortably on the floor to access. Low couches, if I even bother with couches. Yes, even bean bag chairs. Just not horrible gaudy day-glo coloured.

Actually I can't wait to get started...I suspect it will take quite some time to get the things I feel will really fit, but that's okay. I don't intend to 'entertain' at my home, I'm looking for functionality/durability (kids are hard on furniture, though so is GoG) and the right level of quirk.

I will never set food in an IKEA store again.

Quite a bit of my appartment's furniture originates from Ikea. Unlike DIY furniture from other stores, I've never had any problems assembling those pieces of furniture. Most of my Ikea stuff is about six years old now and it's still pretty solid. The piece of Ikea furniture I use the most is my computer desk, a strong and sturdy Jerker.

And I know what you're thinking, you moral degenerate!

Ikea furniture = Reasonable quality

But I find shopping at Ikea is like have your soul slowly flayed from your body with white hot razors while someone pours acid into your eyes and rogers you with a tyre iron. I feel like a cow in a crowded pen being cattle-prodded towards my impending evisceration.

Agrgh. Just thinking about is making me shiver.

Holy Cheese and Shoes, it helps if you know in advance what you need. Whenever I go to Ikea to buy something, I do my shopping fast. And sometimes I just go to Ikea for a cheap hot dog with a soda. But it's always preferable to go to Ikea when there are not too many other merry consumers around.

What is this fascination with our regular meatballs? I just don't get it. They're meatballs - nothing fancy, nothing one can't whip up in ten minutes oneself with some potatoes, brown sauce and lingonberry jam. Can someone please explain it to me?

As for me, it's that the only place in Milan where you can get lingonberry jam is the IKEA store. So, while I'm there buying lingonberry jam, pickled salmon and matjes...

Paint is your friend. Or, if you're aiming for a slightly more traditional look, sandpaper, woodstain and varnish are your friends.

Take one bunch of mismatched and cheap, but still wooden, furniture, and achieve any of these styles:

I don't give a damn what you think: All horizontal flat surfaces painted a different colour from all attached vertical surfaces. Thus, tabletop red, three legs green, one yellow. Chairs must not match. This works until you're about 35. After that it's just sad.

I am sooo cool: Walls white, furniture black, accessories (rugs, lamps) another single colour (red is a cliche. You're so cool you can make cliches angsty all over again. Matt grey or silver is also acceptable.) Also works with walls black, furniture white, but landlords seldom approve of this variant.

I am in touch with my feminine side: Furniture cool white with restrained Delft-blue stencil involving flowers and leaves. Some discreet gilt permissible. Walls slightly warmer white. (If you really are female, you are permitted huge gingham bows in irrelevant places, such as on frames of paintings.)

I am Swedish: Furniture stripped, re-stained pale wood colour, accessories unusual pastels (eg, milky cocoa, pale olive, light mustard, slate).

I am comfortable: Furniture stained warm wood colour, no flat surface without a cushion OR lovingly polished. Accessories strokable, eg, velvet, silk. A well-placed cat enhances this style.

Shelving: metal shelving from hardware stores, repainted according to I don't care what you think rule. Also good for coool, if painted black or chromed. Bolt together to make an entire wall or divide a room. Also ...

Open cubes: wooden cubes with one end open can be painted to suit, arranged to suit and used to pack stuff in when moving. Just make sure the corners are true, or they'll topple when you stack them. Up-end one and put a cushion on top when you've got company -- instant seating.

Paint is your friend. Or, if you're aiming for a slightly more traditional look, sandpaper, woodstain and varnish are your friends.

Take one bunch of mismatched and cheap, but still wooden, furniture, and achieve any of these styles:

I don't give a damn what you think: All horizontal flat surfaces painted a different colour from all attached vertical surfaces. Thus, tabletop red, three legs green, one yellow. Chairs must not match. This works until you're about 35. After that it's just sad.

I am sooo cool: Walls white, furniture black, accessories (rugs, lamps) another single colour (red is a cliche. You're so cool you can make cliches angsty all over again. Matt grey or silver is also acceptable.) Also works with walls black, furniture white, but landlords seldom approve of this variant.

I am in touch with my feminine side: Furniture cool white with restrained Delft-blue stencil involving flowers and leaves. Some discreet gilt permissible. Walls slightly warmer white. (If you really are female, you are permitted huge gingham bows in irrelevant places, such as on frames of paintings.)

I am Swedish: Furniture stripped, re-stained pale wood colour, accessories unusual pastels (eg, milky cocoa, pale olive, light mustard, slate).

I am comfortable: Furniture stained warm wood colour, no flat surface without a cushion OR lovingly polished. Accessories strokable, eg, velvet, silk. A well-placed cat enhances this style.

Shelving: metal shelving from hardware stores, repainted according to I don't care what you think rule. Also good for coool, if painted black or chromed. Bolt together to make an entire wall or divide a room. Also ...

Open cubes: wooden cubes with one end open can be painted to suit, arranged to suit and used to pack stuff in when moving. Just make sure the corners are true, or they'll topple when you stack them. Up-end one and put a cushion on top when you've got company -- instant seating.
Quality.

I like IKEA. I have some good stuff from there.


http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/Gravlen/NSG/motivator2880161.jpg

Ikea furniture = Reasonable quality

But I find shopping at Ikea is like have your soul slowly flayed from your body with white hot razors while someone pours acid into your eyes and rogers you with a tyre iron. I feel like a cow in a crowded pen being cattle-prodded towards my impending evisceration.

Agrgh. Just thinking about is making me shiver.
Yes...but there are meatballs, too.

I made a coffee table out of tempered glass and cinder blocks in college; it was cheap and easy; take a hammer and nail and just gently tap the nail along the side of the side of the glass, it will break the interior panel and it looks cool... also makes the table sturdier believe it or not.

It does...

Find a hotel with furniture you like and a balcony. Get a friend with a van and a lot of strong rope.

Probably better if you do it in a quiet area in the middle of the night. Just so you don't disturb anyone. Only polite after all :)

Find a hotel with furniture you like and a balcony. Get a friend with a van and a lot of strong rope.

Probably better if you do it in a quiet area in the middle of the night. Just so you don't disturb anyone. Only polite after all :)
All the hip hotels get their furniture from IKEA nowadays. :p

but it didn't take long for me to realize that real, well-made, furniture is ...Easiest found in IKEA.

Just don't go for the cheapest stuff, choose all-metal or solid wood pieces.

Their supplied screws are crap, though, replacement is recommended. Also, be careful with wooden plank sofas if you're over 200lbs, they're best not to stand on. OTOH, these sofas never get butt-shaped holes in them, and they're very light and easy to move.



So, NSG, how do you get furniture on a tight budget? Am I being a snob about IKEA?
My budget is anything but tight, but nearly a third of my furniture comes from IKEA. The other half is mostly custom-made (usually welded aluminum frames, and deeply anodized or coated surfaces - I'm a bit conscious about fire safety so avoid flammables). There are only a few good things I've found elsewhere.