Ikea has always been a savior for young people trying to equip their places. But it used to be everything kind of…well, looked like it was from Ikea.  These days, you can easily find beautifully designed, modern home pieces for reasonable prices. I recently took a stroll through my local Ikea, and these were the items that stood out to me. Like something you see? Let's have a conversation in the comments!
Tobias Chair, $79
Made of glass, plastic, and chrome, the Tobias chair takes on the color of its surroundings, creating a modern feel that can balance a room containing more natural furniture.
Sinnerlig Stool, $49
This short stool looks like it should cost a lot more, thanks to its cork seat, which provides natural dirt and water repelling properties. Use it as extra seating or as a stand for a plant.
Lovbacken Side Table, $60
A beautiful and minimalist mid-century modern table with a split design faux teak top.
Rissna Nesting Tables, $119
Nesting tables have been popular for several years now – they offer extra table space when needed, and easily slide into one another when finished. The legs of these tables are solid beech wood.
Raskog Stool, $29
A simple, classic metal stool for an unbeatable price. If you've shopped at all for metal stools you know they regularly command upwards of $80. Use as is, or easily install a wood top with my DIY.
Pugg Wall Clock, $11
Similar to plants, well designed clocks bring a certain life to a room. This one, with clear roots in mid-century design is reminiscent of vintage gym clocks.
PS Cabinet, $99
Vibrant, simple metal design, this cabinet works equally well as a TV stand or as extra storage for the dining room. Imagine a small home bar on top.
PS 2012 Coffee Table, $50
From the same line as the cabinet, this metal coffee table with casters adds a modern touch to any room.
Nittio Bulb, $8 & Sekond Light Cord, $8
Edison style bulbs, noted for their visible structure and warm, dim light, have been a must-have since the vintage / industrial style became popular a number of years ago. The only problem with traditional Edison bulbs is they're inefficient and expensive. This LED version will last up to 25,000 hours. Simply hang to introduce mood lighting to any space.
Janinge Stool, $129
Balance vintage or rustic elements with modern pieces like this beautiful bar stool.
Hyllis Metal Bookshelf, $15
The problem with most commonly available shelving is it looks cheap. Made out of particle board and cardboard, they look like every single book shelf you've ever seen in a young person's apartment. Break the mold with these dirt-cheap galvanized metal shelves at an unbeatable price. Want to take them up a notch? Simply add stained wood tops to each shelf.
Hemnes Night Stand, $99
Introduce character and color into your bedroom with this solid pine night stand, available in 4 colors.
Helmer Metal Drawer Unit, $40
An homage to vintage drawers and card files, the Helmer unit adds needed storage to a desk area, or even in a living room for sorting magazines and remotes. I have a red one in my office and love it. Also, shout out to its construction, it comes flat and you bend the metal along perforations into shape. Pretty cool.
Wooden Hangers, 8 for $5
Those wire hangers with the dry cleaning paper over them aren't doing your clothing any favors long term. Luckily, Ikea sells decent wooden hangers for a fair price. Start out by swapping your best shirts to wooden hangers, with the eventual goal of using them exclusively.
Hector Floor Lamp, $50
Matching designer style from the likes of Design Within Reach and Restoration Hardware, the Hektar floor lamp's oversized head provides more than just lighting, it's a part of the room.
Ekoln Soap Dispenser, $6
Stereotypically the last room in any guy's place to get design love, add intention with a simple swap in soap dispensers.
Arod Floor Lamp, $55
This gun metal floor lamp will make any nook shine.
