These Are the 9 Worst Things to Buy at IKEA

If you haven’t shopped at IKEA before, you might not have realized that shopping there is an experience in itself. There's a reason why some shoppers call IKEA the Disney World of furniture. Not only is it fun browsing through all the displays, but IKEA also offers furniture and other household items at an affordable price.

Personally, I've bought a lot of items from IKEA that were well worth the price. Our family has an IKEA couch that has lasted us nearly eight years. Some of the top items to buy at IKEA include storage items, dressers, and bookcases.

Specifically, one home editor recommended IKEA items such as the:

• Korken Bottle With Stopper
• Tjena Storage Box
• Kullen 6-Drawer Dresser
• Billy Bookcase

Although there are many items worth buying at IKEA, including the Swedish meatballs, there are also some items you’re better off buying elsewhere. For some of these items, they aren't the highest quality, and others, we just have a personal preference for other brands.

Before your next shopping trip, check out this list of the worst things to buy at IKEA.

This post was updated in July 2026 with updated information about some of the recommended products from IKEA.

A high-quality knife is essential for every kitchen, but you won’t find the type of quality knives you need at IKEA.

The knife sets at IKEA may be cheap, but this is a situation where it’s worth spending more money. Dull knives are more likely to cause accidents, and the cheap knife sets from IKEA will become dull very quickly.

A sturdy cutting board is another must-have for your kitchen, but a flimsy one can be dangerous.

IKEA has plenty of options for affordable home goods, including cookware and other kitchen items. The LEGITIM cutting boards sold at IKEA are definitely affordable, but they’re not sturdy at all. This is not only a nuisance but also could be a safety hazard if you’re using a sharp knife on them.

Along with your mattress, your bed linens also play an important role in helping you get a good night’s sleep.

While you’re looking for a new bed frame, lamp, or other bedroom item, you might browse the bed linens at IKEA. The bed linens from IKEA may be cheaper than other places, but they’re not the most comfortable. An uncomfortable set of bed linens is bound to keep you up at night, so you’re better off finding your new sheets and pillowcases elsewhere.

You might consider the wooden bed frames from IKEA if you’re looking for something affordable, but they’re not the most reliable option.

When you purchase a new bed frame, you’ll want to find one that will last. Wooden bed frames are one of the cheapest options, but they’re not as durable as frames made out of other materials. The wooden bed frames from IKEA are notorious for breaking apart because it’s difficult for the wooden slats to carry the weight put on the bed.

Glassware at IKEA may seem affordable, but it isn’t sturdy and could be dangerous if it shatters.

IKEA is a great place to stock your kitchen with new plates, bowls, utensils, and other items. However, if you’re eyeing the glassware from IKEA, you might want to skip it. Any glassware can shatter because of the material, but there have been reports of IKEA glassware shattering spontaneously. It’s worth paying a little bit extra to buy more reliable glassware.

Adding new cabinet handles to your home can add a touch of elegance, but buying them at IKEA may not be the best deal.

One of the reasons you might choose IKEA for your home goods shopping is that its items are affordable. This is true for most of their products, but when it comes to cabinet handles, you can probably get a better deal elsewhere.

Scented candles are a nice addition to your home, but the candles at IKEA aren’t made to last.

As you browse through the aisles of potted plants and other home decor items, you might place a few scented candles from IKEA in your cart. Although purchasing scented candles won’t harm you in any way, they lose their scent pretty quickly. You’re better off purchasing scented candles from specialty stores if you’re looking for something that lasts.

A quality appliance can last nearly a lifetime, but you won’t find the quality appliances you’re looking for at IKEA.

IKEA does a lot of things right, and they’re better than most stores when it comes to their home decor options. IKEA appliances are known for being affordable and functional, but reviews are mixed. While some customers are satisfied with their performance, others prefer appliances from specialty brands for higher-end features or durability.

A good night’s sleep is important for your health, but you might not get one if you purchase an IKEA mattress.

The key to a good night’s sleep is a comfortable mattress. No matter where you buy one, mattresses are an investment, and it’s important to find one that supports your health instead of hindering it. IKEA mattresses receive mixed reviews—some models are considered good value for guest rooms or children, but for a primary bed, you may find better quality and support from other brands at a similar price.