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15 Best IKEA Alternatives for Every Design Lover

We all love a great IKEA piece! My home is covered in IKEA, from the coffee table and the media console to the china cabinet and the home office desk. Yet it never hurts to shake things up! Maybe you’re looking for a piece with “some assembly required” rather than “total assembly required”. Perhaps you’re simply wanting a bit of modern design variety at home. While nothing beats IKEA prices and the brand’s eye-catching Scandinavian design, today I’ve rounded up 15 IKEA alternatives should you want to look elsewhere for a furnishing or two…

1. CB2

Affordable, stylish, and always on-trend, CB2 (the sister store of Crate & Barrel) features a range of modern furnishings and decor. The patterns and materials are fresh, the colors reflect today’s most popular hues, and the product photography is gorgeous. Plus, the brand collaborates with talented artists and designers to breathe new life into each collection which makes it stand out as one of the best IKEA alternatives. A true Decoist favorite, CB2 seems too good to be true…except it isn’t! [Below: the Go-Cart Rolling Console Table, used as a desk, $369]

Rolling console table from CB2

2. MUJI

If you’re a fan of IKEA, you’ll love MUJI, a Japanese company committed to quality craftsmanship and simplicity of form. And yes, there are amazing deals to be found, such as the brand’s U-shaped table, which sells for $127. One aspect of the company’s philosophy reads as follows: “MUJI’s products, born from an extremely rational manufacturing process, are succinct, but they are not in the minimalist style. That is, they are like empty vessels. Simplicity and emptiness yield the ultimate universality, embracing the feelings and thoughts of all people.” [Below: the High Back Reclining Sofa, $680]

High-back reclining chair from MUJI

3. ferm LIVING

For a designer spin on Scandinavian style without the high designer prices, check out ferm LIVING, founded by Trine Andersen in 2005. Offering products for every room of the home, ferm LIVING is committed to quality materials and innovative style. Items aren’t on the bargain level, but they are fairly priced. Plus, as any good IKEA alternatives would do, you can always find a good deal, especially if you shop accessories and smaller decor. We love the clean-lined, cutting edge look! [Below: a variety of plant stands and pots]

Plant stands and pots from ferm LIVING

4. Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters may cater to a young demographic (college students and young adults), but there’s something here for all ages, especially if you’re into modern design. Think Boho-modern, because there’s a definite California vibe with a dose of ’70s style. But even if you’re not a fan of macrame wall hangings, you can find a range of IKEA alternatives and affordably priced furnishings, textiles, and decor items. Have a look! [Below: the retro-modern Astro Chair, $279]

Retro-modern chair from Urban Outfitters

5. World Market

For another retailer with a Boho vibe, browse the selection of World Market, which offers everything from bedding and barware to substantial furniture. Yet not all finds are earthy and Bohemian. If you’re into sleek and modern, do yourself a favor and take a second look. [Below: the Natural Wood and Chrome Colton Mix & Match Desk]

Trestle desk from World Market

6.AllModern

Curating an array of modern products at an equal array of price points, AllModern is a one-stop-shop featuring hundreds of brands (including Kartell, Knoll and Moooi). You may have to look for the bargains, but they’re yours for the taking. And if you want to splurge on one item while saving on another, you don’t have to hop around. This site has it all! [Below: the Mercury Row Minton Lounge Chair, $129.99]

Lounge chair by Mercury Row via AllModern

7. H&M Home

While more about decor and accessories than furnishings like our other IKEA alternatives, H&M Home offers a variety of interesting products that reflect today’s top trends. And as with H&M’s clothing, you can’t beat those prices! Vases, cushions, bedding, storage baskets…feather your nest in style. [Below: an assortment of vases, planters and baskets]

Earthy, tropical decor from H&M Home

8. Zara Home

Like H&M, Zara is known for its well-priced clothing. And like H&M, it also offers eye-catching home decor. Beautifully designed like its clothing, this furniture and decor are affordable and fabulous. Not all Zara Home items are modern, but you will have plenty of clean-lined finds and IKEA alternatives to choose from. Plus, it’s hard not to love the beautiful textile patterns! [Below: the Small Methacrylate Table with Organizer, $169]

Methacrylate table from Zara Home

9. West Elm

While not a hotbed of bargains, West Elm does offer beautifully crafted furniture and decor with retro-modern flair. The prices are fair, and you can find a good deal, especially if you shop for items on sale. Plus, the brand is committed to working with artisans rather than duplicating their designs, and some interesting collaborations result. The look is fresh, modern, and definitely on-trend. [Below: the Mid-Century Upholstered Bench, $299]

Midcentury-style bench from West Elm

10. The Land of Nod

Sure, The Land of Nod specializes in quality kids’ furniture and decor, but as the tagline reads, this is “design for kids and people that used to be kids”. In other words, there’s something here for everyone. The brand’s shelving, rug and lighting options are particularly ideal for design lovers of all ages. Plus, there are some playful pillows that would breathe new life into any living room! And yes, this is a sister store of Crate & Barrel and CB2. No wonder the design is so good… [Below: the Spotlights Pendant, $129]

Modern pendant lighting from The Land of Nod

11. PBteen

While we’re on the topic of furnishings that work well in the homes of adults and kids alike, we can’t skip over PBteen. This sister company of Pottery Barn and West Elm (among others) offers fun furnishings, bedding and accessories for teens. And the prices reflect the demographic. So don’t be ashamed to hunt for a bargain on this site, which features many of the latest trends. [Below: a sectional sofa from the affordably priced Cushy Lounge Collection]

Sectional sofa from PBteen

12. Target

Constantly collaborating with top designers, Target has transformed its home decor section in recent years, offering a smart, edgy array of eye-catching products at great prices. Whether you’re following the wire basket trend or the faux sheepskin trend, pop into your local Target (or shop online), and you’re sure to find an affordable version of the item you desire. [Below: the Threshold Whitewash Wooden Hexagon Mirror with Copper Metal Inset, $39.99]

Copper and wood hexagon mirror from Target

13. Room & Board

Not every piece is a steal at Room & Board, but the selection is so wide, there are affordable finds in the mix. We’re particularly smitten with the end tables, many of which showcase retro-modern flair. Visit the site, look around, and you’re sure to cross paths with an interesting piece that fits your price point. [Below: the Eileen Gray End Table (among other R&B finds), $399]

Eileen Gray table from Room & Board

14. Cotton On

While more about decor than furniture, Cotton On is definitely worth checking out. That’s because the decor is fun and modern! Whether you’re shopping for lighting or a planter in the shape of a crescent moon, this retailer is the perfect place to pick up gifts or ice the cake that is your beautiful home. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. And if the price is right, even better. [Below: the Pyramid Hanging Cage Light, $19.99]

Pendant lighting from Cotton On

15. Etsy

Let’s talk about Etsy! While this e-commerce site features a range of shops selling wares (the focus is on vintage and handmade items), the result is a wide array of unique products, many of which are priced well. While you may pay artisan/designer prices for items such as handcrafted furniture, there are deals to be had. You just have to be willing to look! And there’s always a good sale. If you’re a true bargain hunter, stick to small decor to avoid higher shipping costs. [Below: Copper + Cement Air Plant Holder from Etsy shop Etta & Odie, $12]

Air plant holder from Etsy shop Etta & Odie

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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