5 Budget IKEA Finds Interior Designers Use to Make Any Space Look Expensive
Walk into any high-end showroom, and you might be surprised to learn that some of the most stunning pieces actually started life on the shelves of IKEA. The Swedish retailer has quietly become a secret weapon for interior designers who know how to spot diamonds in the rough – affordable pieces that, with the right styling or subtle modifications, can rival furniture costing ten times the price.
Designers are well aware that IKEA is full of great finds. That's why they very often buy certain pieces at IKEA. Nowhere else you'll find such good design at such an affordable price. The key lies in knowing which pieces to choose and how to elevate them beyond their humble origins.
The Designer's Secret: Strategic Selection Over Everything
The difference between an obviously budget space and one that feels curated and expensive lies in strategic selection. Professional designers don't shop IKEA the way most consumers do – they're hunting for specific qualities that signal quality and sophistication. Interior designer Tola Ojuolape says she always opts for pieces that have been designed in collaboration with iconic designers, and these feel more expensive and bespoke. 'When I want my IKEA furniture to look more expensive, I would opt for pieces from IKEA's iconic designer collaborations, such as the Ilse Crawford Collection, which emphasises timeless, sustainable design,' she explains.
The magic happens when you understand what makes furniture look expensive: quality materials, clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and timeless design that won't date. These elements can be found at IKEA if you know where to look, often hidden among more obviously budget-friendly options.
Five Game-Changing Finds That Fool Everyone
The KALLAX Shelf System might be IKEA's most famous piece, but designers love it for reasons beyond its popularity. Designer Aimee Meisgeier shares: "I bought the Kallax unit for my home office and sample library. It fits perfectly in the space, and with the addition of storage boxes, it keeps my samples well organized and easy to access." The secret lies in its perfect cube proportions – a hallmark of expensive built-in storage. As designer Miranda Cullen notes, "This staple can be transformed into a bespoke built-in that looks completely custom—just a little imagination can turn an everyday piece into something extraordinary."
The SINNERLIG Pendant Light has earned its place as what designers call their "go-to" fixture. Interior designer explains: "The best thing I ever bought at IKEA would actually be a whole category of items: pendant lighting. You can't go wrong with the classic Sinnerlig pendant. That light is a designer staple for a reason. It's versatile enough to go in almost any style of room, but bold enough to make a statement." Its cork construction and organic form echo the natural materials trend that defines expensive contemporary lighting.
The LOHALS Sisal Rug consistently appears in designer projects because sisal immediately elevates any space. Designers from KLH Homes explain: "We've come back to the LOHALS rug time and again for how it flexes to any aesthetic, provides the perfect hit of warm texture, and of course the fact that it maxes out at $159 for a 6'7 x 9'10 size! You could easily stack it with a second rug for greater impact as well." Natural fiber rugs are a hallmark of expensive interiors, and this piece delivers that luxury feel at a fraction of designer prices.
The SÖDERHAMN Sofa System earns designer loyalty through its sophisticated proportions and modular flexibility. Interior designer Carmelo Carrasco notes: "The Soderhamn sofa is great, because it has a unique design with right and left armrests that can be exchanged. Because of its versatility, the Soderhamn sofa can easily fit into any living room." Its low profile and clean lines mirror the aesthetic of much more expensive contemporary furniture, while its modular nature allows for custom configurations that feel bespoke.
The JUTHOLMEN Outdoor Sofa represents perhaps the ultimate designer hack. Designer Noz Nozawa explains her strategy: "I like the simple but boxy JUTHOLMEN modular outdoor sofa, which I dress up in my own way. The amazing price point on the frame allows me to splurge on custom cushions. When the sofa frame is this minimal, all the aesthetic interest comes from the cushions." This approach – investing in an affordable, well-proportioned frame and elevating it with quality textiles – is a cornerstone of designer thinking.
The Styling Secrets That Seal the Deal
Choosing the right pieces is only half the battle. The real magic happens in the styling and subtle modifications that blur the lines between budget and luxury. As designer Noz Nozawa puts it: "I think IKEA makes some great furniture frames and bases that are a wonderful quality for their value. The way I elevate these frames is by making custom cushions with more vibrant textiles."
The most successful designers mix their IKEA finds strategically with vintage pieces, quality textiles, and carefully chosen accessories. The key is restraint: "one or two well-chosen pieces, ideally mixed with vintage finds and the odd 'proper' thing, and suddenly your home looks considered and pleasingly individual, rather than as though you've just moved into an Ikea showroom." This high-low approach creates depth and authenticity that purely expensive rooms often lack.
Simple upgrades can transform these pieces entirely. Fresh hardware, quality paint finishes, custom cushions, or strategic placement can elevate a budget find into something that looks professionally specified. The investment in these small details pays dividends in creating a cohesive, expensive-feeling space.
The next time you walk through IKEA, remember that you're not just shopping for furniture – you're hunting for the raw materials of great design. With the right eye and a few strategic styling choices, these five finds can anchor spaces that feel far more expensive than their modest price tags suggest. The best part? Your guests will never guess where you found them.