I've written before about how you have to approach IKEA will a laser-like focus. And that, how in my 20 years as a design journalist, I've worked out which IKEA pieces will stand the test of time, and that I wouldn't buy from anywhere else. But what about the ones I'd never buy from IKEA, and would always suggest you look for elsewhere?
Follow this list and you'll be able to navigate the Swedish megastore with ease, leaving only with the good things (in my opinion, the IKEA pieces that won't date are picture frames, table linen, and storage) and keeping firmly away from the rest. These are the 5 things I would always avoid buying from IKEA, plus the place I would shop instead.
