Screaming kids. Fighting couples. An endless maze of flat-packed furniture. A weekend expedition to Ikea can be something of an undertaking, and if you're going to make the trek, you want it to be worth your while. As such, we've scoured the aisles of the superstore for its smartest and most stylish buys - so that you can be in and out of there faster than you can say "Swedish meatballs."
1. 'Hemnes' shoe cabinet, $179.
Why is it that no matter how much wardrobe space you have, there never seems to be enough room for your shoes? Supplement your robe with this specially designed shoe cabinet, available in a few sizes and configurations. It's super slimline, making it perfect for an entry or hallway.
Ikea's upping the style stakes with these mini hexagonal mirrors, which can be laid in any configuration you choose. Install them with removable 3M strips to glam up a rental property.
Image via planete-deco.fr
Ok, they're not sexy, but what these clips lack in good looks, they make up for in practicality - we've heard more than one convert proclaim: "They changed my life!" They're super handy for sealing food bags when you're short on storage jars, and will probably soon have you wondering how you ever survived without them.
This seemingly simple rail has myriad uses, but really comes into its own in a small kitchen - use it to hang utensils and herb pots, therefore maximising your bench and drawer space. For an industrial look, try it as a magazine stand or shoe rack, as pictured below.
Image via remodelista.com.
Image via stilinspiration.blogspot.nl
At first glance, the 'Kallax' unit appears modest, until you see it insitu and and realise it's just what you need to create an uber-chic shelf display - the kind that's usually the sole domain of super-styled Pinterest pics.
Image via nordicdays.blogspot.nl
A mainstay of Scandinavian spaces, a sheepskin (choose between real and faux options in-store) does its best work draped nonchalantly over a chair. It may be hard to entertain the idea in this heat, but come winter, you'll be loving it more than bacon.
Image via frichic.com
Didn't we say we'd make your trip worthwhile?
