I'm an interiors expert, and these are the 5 things I stock up on every time I go to IKEA

Jump to:

1. SANNAHED Frames
2. ISTAD Resealable bags
3. SVALKA Champagne flute
5. BEKVÄM Spice racks

A new IKEA store has opened up a short drive from my house. This is big news, as before this, I was having to travel over an hour for my furniture fix. And since it has opened, you won't be surprised to hear that I've already made two click & collect orders. Ugh, the convenience.

Aside from flatpack must-haves, there are a few select items I always stock up on when I go to IKEA. Some are great to have at home, just-in-case you need spares, while others are home decor pieces that I swear by.

5 things I always buy from IKEA

1. SANNAHED Frames

IKEA SANNAHED frames in entryway, in black — (Image credit: Future/Annie Collyer)

I have these frames dotted all around my house. We're talking my entryway, living room, and soon, up my staircase. So, normally, I'm always grabbing one when I go to IKEA, as you never know when one is going to be accidentally knocked over and will need replacing.

Using 6 of these, I made a gorgeous gallery wall above my couch. I bought 3 of the 10x10" size, too, for a wall in my entryway, and I've displayed them vertically to give the illusion of higher ceilings.

The SANNAHED frame comes in two size options and seven colorways. And yes, I know I need to fill two of them, I'm just undecided!

2. ISTAD Resealable bags

My leftovers love to see the ISTAD resealable bags coming. I use them for all sorts of things — freezing leftovers, storing dried foods, transporting lunches out of the house, and holding crafty bits like crayons, play-dough, puzzles, and more. You get 25 pieces of each two sizes — 2.6qt and 1.2qt.

Better yet? In some cases, I find that I can wash and reuse these bags, so I only really need to stock up on new ones every 6 months.

3. MOSSLANDA Picture ledges

IKEA MOSSLANDA Picture ledge in black, holding 2 vinyls — (Image credit: Future/Annie Collyer)

I currently have five of these in my house. When I say that they're multi-functional, I truly mean it.

Attach them to the wall, normal side up, for a picture ledge that you can also use for showcasing things like vinyl, thin hardback books, spices in the kitchen or even cards.

Turn them upside down for a stylish shelf, which I have done and attached to the wall above 3 of my radiators. This way, I can use the space above these radiators, while it hides them a little, as let's be honest: while useful, radiators aren't the prettiest thing on the planet, unless you're willing to fork out some $$$s.

These ledges come in two sizes, a 45 1/4 " size and a 21 ¾ " size. You can choose from six colors.

3. SVALKA Champagne flute

If there's one thing I am always breaking, it's glassware. I've learned the hard way that I need to opt for thicker glassware, especially when it comes to everyday drinking glasses for water and sodas. So, having rehauled my glassware cabinet, I'm now only left with thin (or, normal thickness) champagne flutes. Normally, these break when I am being frivolous around the dish drainer, as I always accidentally knock one onto the countertop and smash it goes.

I always buy a box of the SVALKA glasses when I am in IKEA. I know they'll get used, whether for alcohol or OJ, and it's always handy to have some spare, especially in case you end up hosting or for use in the backyard as a cheaper glassware option.

5. BEKVÄM Spice racks

BEKV&Auml;M Spice racks on wall in room, holding kids books — (Image credit: Future/Annie Collyer)

Last but definitely not least, the multi-functional BEKVAM spice racks make an appearance in six different spots of my home. I use them for spices in my pantry and for housing my daughter's book collection in her bedroom.

I have styled one upside down in her bedroom, too, using the rail for extra clothes storage, and the top for displaying a few of her knitted toys.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

Annie is a freelancer at Tom's Guide. She's been an Editor at various home magazines for 7 years — reviewing and writing about everything from cleaning products to air fryers and mattresses. Annie started her career at Real Homes as Deals Editor in 2018 and by 2020 she was the UK Shopping Editor at Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Ideal Home. She was in charge of the majority of eCommerce content on these sites, including reviews and buying guides. Now, as a freelancer, she writes features, reviews, and guides for several brands including BBC Good Food, Ideal Home, and Parade Home & Garden.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.