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Budget-friendly and pro-approved? Say no more.
They say there's no place like home, but let's be honest: IKEA is a close second. Since its founding in 1943, the Swedish retailer has been the go-to destination for affordable, Scandinavian-inspired decor that adapts to different spaces. Large? Small? Traditional? Contemporary? IKEA has something for everyone. But just because many of IKEA's offerings are reasonably priced doesn't mean they're relegated to rental apartments and shoestring budgets. The truth is, the pros shop at IKEA way more than you think.
Though interior designers have access to the buzziest collaborations and custom pieces, there's something about IKEA's mix of form and function that makes it a no-brainer. Plus, some of the best, designer-approved pieces cost less than a tank of gas or your electric bill. Don't believe us? We asked Christine Tuttle, a Boston-based decorator and IKEA enthusiast, to share exactly what she would buy for $100.
Her picks run the gamut from tabletop essentials to crowd-pleasing storage solutions to one "splurge-worthy" piece. Whether you choose one piece or follow Tuttle's recommendations to the letter, the picks are proof that beautiful and budget-friendly don't have to merely co-exist. Rather, they can live together in perfect harmony.
Decorators and editors agree: The Billy bookcase is the best way to fake built-in storage. Tuttle prefers this nearly 80-inch-tall option in white—and then gives her own, stylish spin.
"I have our carpenters attach it to the wall, then add baseboard trim at the bottom that matches the existing in the room to unify it in the space," she explains. "We paint it in the same color as the existing trim colors, or accent the piece on its own in a fun color."
While the Billy bookcase can work in virtually any room of the home, Tuttle says she particularly loves to use it as a niche in a guest or children's bedroom.
Tuttle says IKEA has carried its PAPPERSBJÖRK glasses in an assortment of color palettes—ranging from bold jewel tones to pretty pastels—but they're always a hit. "The colors always coordinate," she adds. "For roughly $3.75 each, you can buy enough for a party!"
To round out your order, Tuttle loves this deep bowl, which is suitable for both family-style dishes and a generous helping of pasta you'll devour on your own. "This looks special with a dip effect and a handcrafted look," she says. "It's rustic and would be great on a country table setting, but you will not cry if a child—or adult!— breaks it."
It's possible to buy several chic pieces for under $100, but if you're looking to "splurge" on just one item, Tuttle is a huge fan of IKEA's LOHALS rug. She learned about this piece from a designer in the United Kingdom and has since used it in summer homes, entryways, and even in her own laundry room. "The thick, wonderful, and variegated fibers make this rug look and feel much more expensive than the price," she says. "One rug and you are almost at $100, but well worth it!"
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