Ikea is coming to our province - good or bad?

**homesteadmamma** · 12-16-2008, 10:39 AM

Ikea is making an announcement today that it is coming to our province. Do you think this is a good thing or bad thing?

I probably won't be purchasing anything there because it's a 3 hour trip one way to get to the city, however I'm wondering if they have good quality stuff or just so so.

What has been your experience?

**Greebo** · 12-16-2008, 10:41 AM

Some of their stuff, we swear by. Unfortunately, our favorite - the Ivar shelving line, has been scaled back tremendously.

Other stuff is...kinda cheap. We bought an entertainment rack there, and while its nice looking, it's not nearly strong enough, and we had to reinforce it ourselves.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-16-2008, 10:44 AM

We got a table and some chairs from Ikea when we first moved to Calgary six years ago. I'd say the table is awesome but the chairs could use some work. They're ok if you don't have small children. Their toddler bed is pretty good, but the mattress that comes with it isn't up to the childproof test. My kids have managed to put holes in the mattress with their fingers.

I'd say some of the thicker furniture is good. The plates, bowls, etc are really nice.

It's a good thing.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-16-2008, 10:47 AM

Plates...bowls. I'm confused, I thought they only sold furniture, that type of items.

**annymoll** · 12-16-2008, 10:49 AM

I think everything looks cheap.Prices are inexpensive, will not bust the budget. I do not prefer to shop there.

**frugal.lass** · 12-16-2008, 10:55 AM

Let me preface this by saying I adore Ikea. I really like going through their stores to get ideas on how to organize small spaces. Some of their stuff isn't bad quality but if you're looking for something that is going to last generations...look elsewhere. I have lots of Ikea furniture, some of it is going on 11 years old. The stuff I have has been great as far as holding up through multiple moves but this isn't heirloom quality stuff. I have a few friends who tried Ikea sofabeds...none of them were happy with their purchases.

Check out some of the products on their website. Ikea has a pretty distinct style for most things so you will be able to decide whether or not you even care for it.

Plates, bowls, etc...They have a section of the store called the "marketplace". Basically, anything you need to furnish a home, you can get at Ikea and that includes rugs, toilet cleaning brushes, drapes, plates, bowls and more.

**IntlMom** · 12-16-2008, 10:56 AM

I love love LOVE IKEA.....
the furniture,
the plate, bowls, throw rugs,, the silverware, the Lingonberry jelly, the great big blue bags, the step stools.......I love it all!!

Yep, they are furniture, and SO MUCH MORE! You'll have to at least make a trip to check it out. Give yourself several hours.....it;s that big!

**Greebo** · 12-16-2008, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by homesteadmamma

Plates...bowls. I'm confused, I thought they only sold furniture, that type of items.

Nah - the upstairs is the furniture showcase. The downstairs has all the little stuff.

**JerryG** · 12-16-2008, 11:19 AM

We've been to Ikea, we have one local. We watch the sales when they're having free breakfast and go. EARLY. People start lining up. They have everything from dishes, complete kitchens, rugs, window coverings, food. It's an adventure unto itself even if you don't buy anything.

I have not bought any furniture, but I've bought some of their smaller items. They are not great quality but the prices are very very affordable, esp when they're on sale.

I would go check them out. If nothing else, you'll come home with some great ideas.

**lmbaker520** · 12-16-2008, 11:29 AM

I absolutely love IKEA. My kitchen is pretty much furnished with their plates, silverware, etc. I have numerous bookcases from there and they have proven to be very sturdy and have made it through a couple moves. I have coffee and end tables from there and I haven't been totally thrilled with them. They haven't stood up very well to the wear and tear of regular use. Other than that I have been thrilled, especially with the Marketplace items. The closest IKEA to me is 3 hours away so maybe go 1 time a year once I have enough "wishes" built up. The cost savings is worth it.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-16-2008, 11:36 AM

I actually love Ikea but the nearest one to me is about an hour away.... some of their stuff is actually really good quality and some is not. If I had one closer to me I would probably be there purchasing anything and everything for my home.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-16-2008, 01:01 PM

I don't shop there so I couldn't tell you if it is a bad or good thing. Sorry!

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-16-2008, 01:03 PM

I wouldn't drive 3 hours to go to it, but sometime when you're in the area you might want to check it out. The kitchen accessories and organizing stuff can be good value, and there are things/ideas that you wouldn't find anywhere else, they also sell some neat children's items. The furniture is mostly poor value, but some is good - look for solid wood pieces, otherwise it scratches and falls apart (but looks good on the showroom floor). I think it must be a lot cheaper in the states, most of it is not worth what they charge for it up here. They are great for utility shelving though.

**kittykatstrong** · 12-16-2008, 01:47 PM

I adore ikea. I love the fabric for their sheets. Also I love going there for ideas about small spaces. I could walk around for hours.

**djbout** · 12-16-2008, 01:47 PM

In 1992 I purchased a really big black entertainment unit 6'X4'x12", it is still in our living room and I had to assemble the darn thing! Linens also tend to be a good value, still have my King size duvet cover from 1992, blue with elephant design ( batik)not one hread is hanging anywhere and color has held up! Ikea has good and bad, you need to spend time in the store really looking at the quality and make the decision if it fits your needs or not, not to mention that the stores are quite huge, plan on lunch in the cafeteria they have!