to be thinking about going to Ikea this (Bank Holiday) weekend?

[OtterInaSkoda]

I want to decorate my bedroom and am finally feeling motivated enough to do so (posted on DIY asking for bedroom colour inspiration - any ideas welcome btw).

Would it be complete insanity to brave Ikea this weekend? It would, wouldn't it...?

Yes, utterly mad.

But if you went first thing it might be less dreadful? Surely sensible (and childfree) people will be having a lie in.

I have never been to Ikea with DH and not had an argument. Anyone else?

you will come back on the cusp of divorce having speant £450 on assorted candles, storage and throws ...

don't do it

Good luck! Take snacks, water, sleeping bag & torch. Send us a postcard, won't you?

I think you need to lie down in adarkened room and think about what you are contemplating.
In fact, go on the naughty step.

Lock yourself in a room until the urge passes.

(shhh, I love Ikea too - just because we don't have one over here)

I only want a couple of rugs and a lampshade!
rubyslippers is right of course, but add icecube trays, tea towels, picture frames that won't fit anything I actually want to frame, more storage, more cushions...

Hmmm. I might stick to Argos and Habitat. Habitat/Argos = Ikea anyway, probably.

I'm making my DH go with me on Saturday morning as penance for sodding off on a stag WEEK while I'm 29 weeks pregnant.

He's going to heft around my new wardrobes and bookcases and is not allowed to grumble even once.

Go at your own peril!!

Lucky1979- in this case his promise to not grumble is as reliable as my toddler's.

I took a mummy day today and went to IKEA, it was carnage. The new catalogues aren't even out yet it was lunch time the car parks were steaming the babies in there were screaming-so glad it wasn't mine for a change-the queues were huge-the shelves were a mess and they are rolling out all of the new stock as well.

Go at your peril on the biggest DIY week-end of the year!

Go Friday evening if you can - will be much more civilised and is open until at least 10pm.

go really really early, know exactly what you want and it should be ok.

I won't even work in my IKEA at the weekend, never mind August bank holiday weekend. Scary stuff. If you have to though - come early before the store opens (restaurant is open for breakfast 1/2 hour before) The first hour isn't as bad as the rest of the day.

Good god on a regular weekend is bad enough but a bank holiday would be awful.
But I do love IKEA so I hope you find what you want and dont end up killing anyone with trolley rage!

Go late at night.

I have decided that it would be complete madness. I'll go after work one night

I have been once on a "normal" week end and thought my last hour had come!

DON'T DO IT!

Go early or late and you will be fine, ours is never very busy if you get up and are there for the opening time. The thought of the meatballs is enough to keep DH happy

I wouldn't ever go by choice at a bank holiday weekend. Can you not go tonight? It's usually quite quiet in the evening.

I've had many good trips to ikea. We always go early if we are doing serious shopping (I also use it as a free rainy day soft play when desperate). Look on the website for "browsing time". At mine thats 30 mins before opening.

Go on-line before you go and check the stock of everything you think you may want. Print out a list with all the names/colours/codes on.

Then you have a fighting chance of it going well.

Just don't promise the children ice cream at the end. That queue is enough to ruin the whole thing.

I agree with whoever said go late on Friday night. It's the only time it will be bearable and you'll have everything ready for the weekend ahead.

You do know they've got a website don't you?

I live near an IKEA and it is bedlam most weekends, never mind on Bank Holidays.

Or go at 9pm at least.