I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest IKEA fan. I mostly prefer to collect thrifted, personality-packed pieces for my home, but there are a few IKEA staples that have seen me through two gruelling remodels that I'd recommend to anyone.
These aren't just budget-friendly temporary solutions, but pieces that have proven themselves time and time again in IKEA hacks and DIY projects for their practicality, adaptability, and surprisingly high-end look.
So, whether you're remodeling from scratch or just refreshing a corner, these are the IKEA pieces I’ve repurchased without hesitation – and exactly why they’ve earned their place in my design toolbox.
IKEA recommendations from a serial renovator
Below are a mix of pieces I pick up at IKEA, either due to their standalone usefulness in the home (whether you're renovating or not) or great buys that, with a little vision, are able to become so much more than they initially suggest.
As someone with a design-led eye but a DIY budget, I've found that the key is to look beyond the showroom and imagine how these pieces might work with a bit of customization.
Clever design isn’t always about buying the most expensive item, but it is about knowing how to curate, mix, and make the most of what you have access to. And IKEA, with its affordability and hackability, plays into that beautifully.
1. Havsta Cabinet
The HAVSTA cabinet was one of those IKEA discoveries that surprised me. I originally bought it as a placeholder while I figured out adding built-ins to my living room alcoves, but with a little imagination, it has ended up being a permanent fixture.
Its solid pine construction, soft-close doors, adjustable shelves, and timeless shaker-style detailing give it a far more elevated look than its price suggests. Plus, because it is made of pine and not melamine, it is totally paintable!
I have built this into my alcove to look totally custom by adding filler pieces to either side (where there were some gaps between the unit and the walls), adding some additional decorative trim – I love this Rope Twist Decorative Wood Trim Molding from Amazon – and painted it in the same Farrow & Ball hue as the rest of my space for a color drenched moment.
This solid pine cabinet can be used as a standalone unit or as the base in a combination with a stackable unit, which makes it so versatile.
2. BEKVÄM Stool
The BEKVÄM step stool might not be the most glamorous item, but it’s hands down one of the most useful things I’ve picked up at IKEA.
In the middle of a remodel, when everything feels a bit upside down, having a piece like this becomes essential. I’ve used it not only to reach high-up storage or paint ceiling trim, but as a nightstand, a plant stand, even as a little side table in a pinch.
It’s the definition of form meeting function. Plus, if you're someone who loves a quick DIY, it takes beautifully to stain or paint, just be sure to use something that isn't going to be slippery if you intend on using it as a step stool.
This step stool is made from solid rubberwood, which gives it a natural warmth and sturdiness, while the hand-hole in the top step makes it super easy to move around.
3. Pax Storage
The PAX storage system is a beloved IKEA piece for a reason, and was a total game-changer when it came to revamping my closet storage in both my remodels.
MDF and wood are expensive commodities, and if you can pick up a piece like this that does most of the hard work for you, it's a brilliant time and money saver for your DIY projects.
The beauty of PAX is how endlessly modular it is – you can literally build it around what you need. I fitted mine out with a mix of hanging rails, drawers, and pull‑out trays, creating a custom closet vibe without the custom‑cabinet price tag. All you need to do is fit it to the walls, add a base, and any filler panels you might need to make it a custom fit, and of course, some door fronts.
Here's my best top tip for making IKEA furniture look more expensive when it's made of melamine like this: pick up a tin of Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Oil Primer from Amazon, and give the entire surface a coat of primer so you can paint straight onto the surface without it peeling off.
If you're renovating an old home, PAX comes with adjustable feet for you to level it to any bumps and dips in the floor, as well as a really easy foldable construction that couldn't make assembly any simpler.
4. Billy Bookcase
Another IKEA icon, the Billy bookcase, is certainly an IKEA piece that will not date. Thanks to its versatility, you can use it in so many different ways, and there are various sizes and styles to choose from.
I wanted to highlight this smaller size as it is not only great for a children's room, but when sat on top of a unit like HAVSTA, with a little trim and crown molding, you can create an even more custom look for your alcoves.
At around $90, it’s easy on the budget, yet once styled or painted, it can look far more upscale. The flat‑pack construction also means it’s easy to move around during the chaos of demolition and reassembly, and the adjustable shelves accommodate anything from cookbooks to vinyl collections.
BILLY bookcase is a beloved icon that never goes out of style. Thanks to its versatility, you can use it in many different ways at home – regardless of whether you store books or everyday items in it.
Adjustable shelves can be arranged according to your needs.
A simple unit can be enough storage for a limited space or the foundation for a larger storage solution if your needs change.
Billy bookcase will always be an icon for a reason. It's so adaptable, and is used in a myriad of viral IKEA hacks to create some really impressive custom designs.
5. Organizing must-haves
No matter how big or small the renovation, I’ve learned one universal truth: storage makes or breaks the end result. It’s one thing to have a beautiful space, but if the stuff behind the scenes isn’t organized, it never really feels finished and adds so much stress.
That’s why, whenever I'm in IKEA, I pick up some of these affordable organizing heroes that are affordable, look good, and do the hard work of keeping the chaos contained.
The OSTBIT bamboo plate holder might technically be made for kitchen shelves, but I use it everywhere. Of course, it’s great for stacking plates or keeping saucepan lids upright, but I’ve also used it on bookshelves to hold books, vinyl records, and even art prints.
Then there’s the BRANÄS rattan basket, which is my secret weapon for turning open IKEA units into elegant storage. It fits perfectly into cubby-style shelves like KALLAX and gives instant texture and warmth. I use mine in the entryway to catch shoes, in the living room for cords and remotes, and in closets for seasonal accessories.
Finally, the KNAGGLIG pine box is a must for utility zones like the pantry, laundry, or mudroom. I use them to stash everything from chip bags to spare dish towels, basically all the not-so-pretty essentials you still need easy access to. They’re stackable, sturdy, and easy to customize with paint or labels.
Designed to fit 6 plates, pan lids, or books, this rack is made from warm bamboo, which is not only stylish but also easy to care for.
The handwoven finish of this rattan basket makes it feel a bit less like a storage bin and more like an intentional styling choice.
Thanks to its solid pine construction, these crates look good for years (trust me, I've got some as old as five) and can also be finished with oil or wax if they need it. They're just super handy to have around.
While I’ll probably never be an all-in IKEA loyalist, these tried-and-true pieces have more than earned their place in both of my remodels. The trick is knowing what to pick, and how to make it your own. And if you're curious, we also have a handy list of things to avoid buying at IKEA.
