Is IKEA a good place to shop for a start up pad?
Question:is the furniture there at least decent in terms of quality and duribility?
Answers:
I think IKEA is a fantastic place for people that are just starting out and also for people that want to experiment with different decorating styles. Even if Scandanavian is not your style, you can find all types of things to work with other decorating styles. I love the place. They have rooms set up so you can get ideas for putting things together, nice if you don't know exactly what you want to do.
no, it's not high end, but it's not Wal-Mart either. I've been pleased with the durability of the items I've bought from them.
In their stores, they have bargain areas (ours is in the back on the first floor) where you can find different things for next to nothing, too.
Definitely worth checking out.
No, I do not think it's on the higher end of durability. But I like their stuff...
Yeah, it's pretty good. It's nothing special in terms of durability, but if you're just getting a basic furnishings for a new place (you're a college student, or a recent grad, just entering the real world) then it's fine. You're not looking for heirlooms. You're not going to those new bookshelves down to your grandkids, are you? IKEA's stuff will do what you need them to do, and nothing more.
The benefit to shopping there is that they have just about everything you need. Furniture aside, it's a good place to get basic kitchen equipment, rugs, lighting, and even cheap artwork. You can get everything at once, and you're not likely to have a hassle if some of it doesn't work out.
It all depends on what you buy. If you go really cheap... you'll get things that only last a year or so. I've purchased many things from IKEA some really cheap couches... lasted just over a year... but we recently bought a coupel of couches with the slipcovers... every easy to wash (we have them at our store, an indoor playground) and very durable.
If you really want to save alot of money, scour furniture thrift shops and second hand shops in your town. Salvation Army, Good Will, St. Vincent de Paul. You will be able to make a great unique start pad for very little money and have fun beside. In these places you will find furniture in very good condition that is 30 to 40 years old, but remember furniture was made much better then and vintage furniture is very collectible. Then I would be a great area rug, some nice side drapes, some great accessories such as lamps and you will have a great living area for very little money. Yes, IKEA is good, but you will do better, I assure if you do what I advise.
It's one of the only ways to be able to afford everything you need to start out. It's not high end but then if you're just starting out your taste may change in the very near future & you won't feel bad if you chose to replace something because you didn't pay a fortune to start. You can always make a buck or two from IKEA cast offs at a garage sale!
More Related Questions & Answers...