When it comes to getting must-have items for the home, I always make a beeline for IKEA. It just makes everything so easy.
When I first moved into my rental, IKEA was my go-to for getting pieces to fill my rooms and make them feel more like home. It was the first home I had to decorate by myself, and I wanted to make sure it worked aesthetically and functionally. Luckily, IKEA had my back, and I’ve picked up plenty of pieces over time that I’ve been impressed with.
These items are all renter-friendly, so no need to drill any holes or hang anything up. They’re also all super adaptable, meaning they will work in different rooms in the house and will be useful to have no matter where you end up living in the future.
From adorable lighting to amazing organizers, these IKEA pieces are my absolute faves.
My must-have interior buys from IKEA
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Simple, classic, but seriously clever. I love the fact that you can separate this set as a side table and coffee table, or bring them together to create different layers of color and texture in one place. Go for a minimalist look with a couple of items, like a vase and magazine, or go all out with plants, candles, and glasses.
At first glance, you may be thinking that this is a great chopping board for cutting onions. Indeed, it is useful for that. But it’s so multi-functional! Place it on your vanity for a cute way to lay out makeup pieces or for an easy way to find your jewelry and accessories. It would even work on the table by the door, for keys and finishing touches.
No more letting bananas go bad in your cupboard (trust me, it’s a recipe for disaster). Keep those fruits and veggies visible and well-ventilated in this handy metal basket. It is perfect for popping on your kitchen counter or shelves. They aren’t just great for the kitchen though — try storing office pieces and bathroom essentials in them, too.
Faux flower stems and real ones will look gorgeously playful when placed in one of these vases. There’s something so mesmerizing about iridescent glass. It’s cute and colorful without being quite as loud as a whole rainbow. Plus, the shape is so fun — like a vase Slinky. It also comes in a smaller size, if you want a more subtle look.
I love a luscious bit of greenery just as much as anyone else, but I’m forever forgetting to water them. Enter these adorable cactus-style ceramic decor pieces. Place them together or spread them out across your shelving — bookshelves are a fab option for this — to add little pops of greenery without the hassle.
Living in a small space and having problems trying to make room for all your clothes? The struggle is real. Here’s a handy hack — hang this inside your wardrobe to expand your shelving. It’s also really useful for planning outfits for the week. Or if you hang it on a clothing rail, you could even stack accessories in it for an aesthetic, curated look.
Insta and TikTok are obsessed with these, and frankly, so am I. Say goodbye to messy drawers and say hello to dreamy organization. De-clutter those kitchen drawers with these nifty peg boards, which are great for separating plates, saucepans, and bowls. Not only will they look satisfying, but they’ll create so much more space, too.
Sort out all your cookware needs in one buy with this six-piece set. With two different-sized pots, a frying pan, a saucepan, and two lids, no matter what you’re cooking up, you can do it in style. One of the lids even has a colander function — mega handy TBH. I’m also loving the navy blue shade — it’s so versatile, and will make your worktops look super chic.
Into all things forestcore right now? Same. That’s why I love this adorable mushroom lamp, which went viral on TikTok. The soft white colored glass, matched with the LED bulb, makes it look so calming and cute whether it’s on or off. Mine currently sits on my nightstand and I can confirm it’s a gorgeous addition.