The 2 Popular IKEA Storage Solutions You Didn't Know Were Solid Wood

Finding a good storage solution is a must if you want function in your day-to-day life. There's also the matter of form to consider. The truth is that for all of the benefits affordable furniture has, a massive downside is that it can detract from the appearance of your home, making the whole space look cheap. While IKEA is generally known for having basic, affordable pieces in its inventory, two popular storage options from the Swedish furniture giant are made from solid wood, giving an ideal balance of form and function. These reasonably priced items mean you no longer have to wonder whether solid wood bedroom furniture is a smart investment.

If it's real, solid wood you're searching for, IKEA's HEMNES and IVAR are two legitimate options worth considering. The HEMNES is a tried-and-true dresser line, while the IVAR is an expansive wall cabinet. Everyone knows that solid wood is heavier and sturdier-feeling than synthetic alternatives, but it also has a number of other benefits that give it a leg up. These benefits include it being more durable than plywood, as well as being the sustainable option — given that it is made from real, not manufactured, materials. Finally, choosing solid wood means that your storage solution will have a timeless sense of style. While solid wood furniture can be out of reach financially, the aforementioned pieces from IKEA remain affordable options.

The IKEA HEMNES range features attractive pieces of furniture designed to keep your apparel nicely organized when not in use. Their solid wooden dressers come in an 8-drawer style as well as a 6-drawer chest. With the former, you'll have your choice of black-brown, dark grey, or white for colors, whereas the latter is available in only black-brown or white. Features included in the HEMNES range include quiet drawers that have a function to prevent them from being pulled out of the dresser. While this is a great standalone piece, it can also be used in the IKEA HEMNES chest hack you can try in your work space.

The IKEA HEMNES 8 Drawer Dresser has a 4.1-star average from over 80 reviews. Customers mention they appreciate how good the piece looks in addition to how well it stores clothing. One customer wrote, "I like it over the other MDF products since it feels more solid, and you can sand and stain it if you wanted a different look." It is worth mentioning, however, that despite the many positive reviews, some customers are critical of the design of the drawers and claim that the dresser is difficult to assemble. When looking at the smaller chest of drawers model, you'll find similar reviews; however, the piece does lose some marks when it comes to the difficulty of assembly. With diligence in installation or paying for professional assembly, the HEMNES solid wood dresser and chest of drawers provide good value for such an item.

For an even more economical storage solution, you might set your sights on the IKEA IVAR Wall Cabinet. Crafted from solid pine, this piece has a charming simplicity that can be personalized in a number of ways. Since it comes in plain pine, you can make it your own through a coat of stain or a colored coat of paint, helping it match your space better. Choose a gloss paint for a sleek finish, or consider learning how to DIY a distressed paint look for a more rustic appeal. The IVAR wall cabinet retails for just $200 and has exceedingly high customer feedback, with a 4.6-star average out of over 120 reviews. Customers praise features like the IVAR's appearance, quality, and value for money.

A common criticism shared by a number of buyers is a gap between the doors; for the most part, however, the craftsmanship on this cabinet is highly regarded, and even the buyers who mention the gap leave mostly positive feedback. One satisfied buyer writes, "We did a clear coat of polyurethane and put 2 cabinets next to each other with a countertop on top, and it makes a great sidebar in our dining room. Looks great and so functional!"

Finding solid wood furniture can be an expensive endeavor, but IKEA's affordable storage solutions take some of the guesswork out of it. Remember that should you have any issues with the HEMNES, IVAR, or any other product from IKEA, the company allows for a full refund on opened products within 180 days, so long as you have proof of purchase.