IKEA is the world’s largest retailer of furniture and home essentials. This Swedish retail giant is worth over 21 billion USD to date and operates 473 stores in 63 countries worldwide.
So, what makes IKEA worth the hype? Why would the typical consumer choose an IKEA wardrobe, among many others?
A Brief Overview on IKEA
IKEA began in 1943 in Sweden and has since expanded to global operations, with 473 stores worldwide. Its catalogue contains over 12,000 products, ranging from furniture like IKEA wardrobes, dressers, and beds to home essentials like lighting and decor.
The brand is known for its modern, Scandinavian-themed motifs. With a price range that fits the middle-income levels, many customers choose IKEA for their accessible home interior needs.
One of the distinct characteristics of IKEA is its DIY aspect. While most furniture stores sell pre-assembled furniture, IKEA carries many pieces (like the IKEA wardrobe) that homeowners can assemble in their spaces with little bit of effort.
While this may appear unappealing, many customers seek out this option. IKEA items are easy to transport, and there are also many pieces that can be combined, allowing homeowners to customize their interiors according to their room capacity and aesthetic preferences.
What Do Homeowners Look For in an IKEA Wardrobe?
Many homeowners are choosing IKEA for bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen interior needs. But what makes these products stand out? These are the typical qualities that customers look for in an IKEA wardrobe:
- Affordable. IKEA items are reasonably priced. While not on the cheap side, it is definitely much more accessible compared to many furniture brands. This is because compared to other brands that use wood, most IKEA materials are generally made with particle board, which comes at a lower price point.
- Easy to assemble. Many pieces can easily be assembled with a few tools and a trusty guidebook or brochure. Homeowners want to avoid the inconvenience of complicated handiwork.
- Sustainable. Most of the furniture is made of particleboard, which comes from recycled wood chips.
- Creative concept. IKEA products can be mixed and matched to suit the design preferences of homeowners. Many enjoy the planning and design experience that comes with shopping at IKEA.
- Universal design. The modern, Scandinavian-inspired pieces suit a variety of interior themes and contemporary aesthetics. They are a safe choice when it comes to choosing tasteful interior elements.
- Numerous options. The 12,000-item catalogue gives shoppers a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing furniture and ornamental pieces.
IKEA Wardrobe Ideas
Wardrobes come in many shapes and sizes to fit different room dimensions and arrangements, as well as the purpose they are intended for. These are the typical styles that IKEA wardrobes come in.
Fitted
Fitted wardrobes are the perfect choice for homeowners who want a tailored interior that maximizes space. They are custom-made and are built to fit the exact measurements of the space they are meant to be placed in.
Hinged
These are the most common designs of wardrobes you would often see in a bedroom. They have doors to protect garments from dust and contaminants and to add some privacy to your space.
Open
Open wardrobes display clothes and items out in the open for easy and quick access. They are also a clever way to keep clothes fresh as they hang longer in the air.
Mirrored
This space-saving solution is both practical and stylish. Mirrors are fitted into the doors of a wardrobe, resulting in a functional piece that can make your space look more open and spacious.
Corner
For rooms that already have a lot of furniture, it may be a challenge to add a wardrobe. Corner wardrobes are a great option, however, as they utilize space that is often overlooked, allowing you to use the remaining space for other belongings.
Walk-in
Walk-in wardrobes are a luxurious, relaxing amenity. They feel like an extra room where you can easily plan your outfit and have time for yourself. They are spacious and can accomodate garments, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Sliding
Sliding wardrobes are ideal for small spaces that require as much extra space as possible to place furniture or move around in. Eliminating the drawers and doors allows extra leeway to move about or add an extra fixture.
Solitaire
These free standing storage spaces are not affixed to the room, meaning they can be easily moved around. They come in a wide variety of sizes and can suit different uses. Solitaire wardrobes can be used in the living room, bathroom, or even as an extension to built in wardrobes.
Hallway
Hallway wardrobes are a must for people who are always on the go. They take up little space so that you can quickly grab a hat, coat, or a pair of boots before you head off to work.
Built for Children
There are many wardrobes built specifically for children – they could be made low to make them reachable, or built in a structurally safe manner to keep them from toppling over. IKEA wardrobes are made to be child-friendly but are customizable enough to accommodate their changing needs as they grow older.
Sloped Ceiling
Some rooms may have unusual structures, such as sloped ceilings. This wardrobe type comes in many combinations to maximize the space in irregular architecture.
IKEA Wardrobe Fittings and Accessories
One of the selling points in IKEA’s immersive marketing campaign is the option to purchase fittings and accessories that naturally blend in with interior and furniture pieces. These extras can add value to a room, whether it’s adding more convenient amenities and storage options or just for their visual appeal.
Knobs, Handles, and Fittings
Even the smallest detail like a door knob or handle, can change the vibe of a room. IKEA wardrobes come with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit every style and taste.
Shelves
There are various shelving options to choose from, depending on your needs. You can choose from more space to hang long dresses and coats or lots of compartments for folded clothes.
Drawers
Small accessories, handkerchiefs, underwear, and jewelry are best suited for drawers where they can be easily found and taken out. Drawers help prevent clutter and can come with compartments to help organize items.
Baskets
For spacious wardrobes with lots of extra floor space, baskets can be a godsend. They help organize items from garments to books or kids’ toys.
Lighting
For particularly wide storage, lighting helps you find garments and accessories, even those hidden in the deep recesses of your wardrobe. They are also visually appealing.
Popular Materials for IKEA Wardrobes
Interior design has evolved so much that the amount of options for theme and palette can be quite confusing. These are the most common materials that homeowners fall back on when it comes to wardrobes.
Solid Wood
Wood is a classic choice when it comes to kitchen cabinets and interiors in general. It’s durable, versatile in design, and boasts natural colors. However, wood can be on a steeper price point.
Popular wood choices are cherry, oak, walnut, bamboo, maple, pine, and birch.
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
This material is composed of small wooden fibres. These fibres are glued on together and compressed to create a wood-like furniture material with a smooth finish.
It’s a budget-friendly option that can be easily painted on and mimics the visuals of wood.
Particle Board
Particle board is the cheapest material option. It is mainly composed of waste wood and sawdust. It’s a great option for homeowners on a budget, but it certainly isn’t for long-term use and will not hold against heavy objects.
Plywood
Plywood is engineered wood – this material is on the pricier end but is a favorite due to its structural strength. It’s a great option for surfaces, shelves, and cupboards as it can hold weight pretty well.
Stainless Steel
One of the newest material options for wardrobes is stainless steel. It boasts an industrial and modern appeal.
It is extremely durable, holds heat well and is not porous, meaning it is easy to wipe down when wet. Stainless steel can be cleaned easily and is resistant to bacteria. It is also long lasting.
The material, however, can get expensive depending on the project.
IKEA Wardrobe Color Combinations
The color scheme can drastically change the atmosphere of a home. It can be warm and inviting, intimate, or even sterile. These are the top color choices when it comes to bedroom wardrobes.
Natural or Bare
Scandinavian interior design has become a major influence in recent years. As such, many homeowners are seeing the appeal in natural, unpainted wood.
Light wood, in particular, are typically associated with the “Scandi” style. These are often paired with touches of white as well as some greenery. This color scheme attracts natural light and can make a room appear inviting.
Medium wood tones are more versatile and can fit different aesthetics. Rich colors like those of walnut are also experiencing more popularity due to its sophisticated vibe.
Black
Black is particularly popular in modern style interiors. It’s edgy, sophisticated, and moody. This sleek look matches best with contemporary and minimalist designs.
White
White is a timeless color that matches well with anything. It looks crisp and clean, which is a must for bedrooms. It also makes it easier to spot details like loose threads, dust, or small accessories. White looks best with wooden floors to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Pastel Hues
Pastel colors are warm and relaxing. They are believed to bring harmony and positivity into the room. Friendly colors are particularly ideal for children’s rooms. Lighter colors are also proven to make a room appear bigger.
Green
It’s hard to go wrong with green – light and muted shades evokes nature, peace, and serenity. Deeper hues show a more sophisticated impression. Green works well wide a wide variety of materials and colors. For example, it can pair well with gold and brass for an elegant air or harmonize with cream or natural wood to evoke a feeling of calm.
George Vs.IKEA: The Difference Between Custom and Convenient
What makes IKEA stand out as an interior design brand is its convenience and affordability. One of the main contributors to IKEA’s success is the accessible price range that limited budgets can still afford. Homeowners are also able to do the assembly themselves, provided they have the know-how. IKEA gives homeowners the option to take responsibility for measurement, planning, and assembly in order to acquire affordable and quick furniture options. This is also made possible because of a lot of choices are built with low-cost materials. The downside, however, is that compromising on material quality and professional handling can affect the overall life of the product. While IKEA does offer professional services, these come at an added cost. For example, assembly rates start at $52/hour, while room measurement services start at $99.
Custom-built furniture like George Furniture offers a one-stop service for consultations, purchasing, delivery, and support for a package price. The services integrate various services that would otherwise require interaction with multiple vendors. Measurement, planning, logistics, and budget control are all incorporated into the service to create a highly targeted plan that is tailored to the customer’s needs. Custom-built furniture is then delivered and installed in houses, apartments, hotels, and offices. These fixtures are built with high-quality and sustainable materials to last a lifetime.
How To Bring Your Ideas to Life
IKEA’s planning studio allows homeowners to bring their ideas to life from paper to actuality.
IKEA’s gallery lets customers see different design concepts and ideas to get inspired for their own designs. After measuring the dimensions of their homes, customers can use the company’s planning tools to plan out the design of the room.
IKEA specialists and planning services are also available for appointments that require professional advice.
With its staff’s expertise and a wide range of furniture and design pieces, IKEA can help homeowners make their vision of a dream home a reality.
This immersive purchasing, planning, and actualization creates a unique and satisfying experience that keeps customers returning.
