Like Ikea but not Ikea?

[Civilsoot]

We're furnishing our first home and like all good first time home owners 90% of our furniture has come from Ikea.

I'm getting ikea-ed out.

Basically I want cheap but long lasting, stylish furniture that isn't from Ikea?

Can't afford John Lewis, Habitat, Next etc. That's why ikea has been so good to us but I would like to get a few pieces so my house isn't one ikea show room.

Thank you

I think, if I was you, I would be stalking eBay and Gumtree for John Lewis/Habitat pieces. You'll pick them up for next to nothing, as second hand furniture doesn't sell well (she says bitterly)

The things that we have sold have all been in excellent condition. I am sure you would get some bargains!

Second hand stuff can be an option but also have a look on Wayfair, TK Maxx/HomeSense or even Argos etc. Or 'invest' in some key pieces - so there's plain Ikea stuff forming the background but you have a real show stopper of a piece getting all the attention. Or just get funky cushions, rugs, pictures and other decor to make the space look more unique.

Or customise Ikea so it looks less Ikea, e.g. add funky drawer knobs to a plain Ikea chest, spray paint a piece etc.

Here are some pics of Ikea hacks for inspiration.

Bemz sell replacement covers for Ikea furniture, and websites like www.prettypegs.com/us/
Make different legs and fronts to make Ikea look less Ikea-like but staying modern. Some you’d never know it was Ikea.

If you really want Ikea not Ikea as opposed to high end but cheap, then look at Argos. I've bought a few bits over the years when I CBA to go to Ikea and I can click and collect in 10 mins.

I second second hand! Have bought a sofa and bed from gumtree recently, which would have cost me over £1k each to buy new, but I got for £300 each.

Both in amazing condition and being sold because the owners were moving house.

I agree, get secondhand. Or if you want new stuff go to Argos. I know Ikea is trendy, but I was distinctly underwhelmed with the quality of the things I've bought from there.

The Range, Dunelm Mill, HEMA and Wilko

Another vote for second hand. A friend bought a fabulous Laura Ashley sofa from Gumtree recently.

Asda online (George) has some different bits and pieces at the moment. I'm eyeing up the geometric tables amongst other things. H&M and HEMA good for home accessories.

Like others above most of my furniture is secondhand!

I recommend maisons du monde for the sort of thing you’ve been looking for.

Thanks for the links Watt. I'm about to put my Kallax 1x5 horizontally on hairpin legs but there's so much inspiration on Pretty pegs! Off to check out Bemz

When I first moved into my own place I bought a few bits of Argos furniture and it was absolutely awful! None of it survived a move 18 months later, it just fell apart. I definitely recommend looking for secondhand quality pieces and mix it in with Ikea.

H&M Home

Check out Søstrene Grene if there is one near you. Mostly smaller homewares like kitchenware but beautiful Nordic design.

Bits and bots - Tiger
Pots and pans - Wilko
Furniture - No idea. Ikea is one of a kind.