Avoid Buying These IKEA Products That Give Pro Designers The 'Ick'

Walking through IKEA's perfectly styled showrooms can make it seem like every item is a must-have, but professional designers warn against certain products that don't live up to the hype. Shopping for your home should be a thoughtful process, choosing designs you'll be happy to see every day rather than impulsively picking items you might start to regret. There are many items professional interior designers actually buy at IKEA, but they also know which pieces to steer clear of. That said, it's helpful to consider how many pros agree that IKEA's low-quality seating and generic wall art give them the "ick" and are best avoided.

Professional designers are well-acquainted with IKEA's lineup, and their expert insights can help you make the right shopping choices. Before investing in items that might not meet your expectations — like the UPPLAND and SÖDERHAMN sofas, SALNÖ armchair, GILLSTAD wall set, PJÄTTERYD canvases, and BJÖRKSTA prints — consider why the pros advise against these particular IKEA purchases.

Whether you're wondering if the least expensive couches at IKEA are worth buying or considering splurging on a more expensive model, quality is crucial. For instance, some designers have pointed out that the UPPLAND sofa is prone to pilling and its fabric may not last well with regular use, despite its stylish appeal. These sentiments can be applied to many of the different sofa variations in its collection. Many buyers have left unhappy reviews on the various UPPLAND designs, commenting that the cushions are uncomfortably firm and the fabric feels itchy and synthetic.

Interior designer Jordan Samson shared a TikTok video highlighting his advice for IKEA shoppers, noting (via TikTok) that sofas are "a big ticket item that you don't want to get wrong." Samson mentions the risks of designs like the SÖDERHAMN sofa — although a popular choice, its poor construction and thin cushioning may not be as comfortable as other options. Reviewers have echoed these concerns across the sofa's many modular designs, pointing out issues like legs that break easily, cushions that slide, and overall discomfort when sitting.

Designers have also criticized expensive items like IKEA's accent chairs, deeming them overpriced for the quality they deliver. Some encourage shoppers to skip styles like the SALNÖ armchair, noting its high back that makes it uncomfortable for sitting. It's no surprise these items dismay designers — poor seating quality can ruin your daily experience, especially when you're trying to relax.

Designers also warn that, while IKEA's decorative styles are budget-friendly, their mass production leaves them lacking any unique appeal. If you've been wanting to create the perfect gallery wall, sourcing your art will have a big impact. Relying solely on IKEA for artwork might result in a home that mirrors millions of others instead of a space that reflects your personal style. Wall decor sets like the GILLSTAD can end up looking too bland and generic, and designers believe they would be better replaced by designs with a more meaningful appeal.

Interior experts also often critique IKEA's canvas prints and posters, like those from the PJÄTTERYD canvases, which feature many different overused images of famous paintings. According to designers, these pieces can feel cliché and impersonal — the decor equivalent to stock photos. Similarly, the BJÖRKSTA line of moody photography posters may have been stylish once but now feels too cheesy and out of place among more modern decor styles. 

Mainstream artwork might suffice for hotels and short-term rentals where personal touch is less crucial, but your home should reflect more than transient trends. Instead, consider exploring second hand stores or supporting small businesses for distinctive pieces that add genuine character to your home. Take advice from the pro designers and avoid the generic IKEA decorations that can make your living space feel too common. Although IKEA designs are often affordable and accessible, they aren't always worth investing in.