So, I'm sure that what I'm going to say is going to offend a lot of people. If you are a die-hard IKEA fan, I suggest you stop reading now. I know that some people think it is the most wonderful place on earth, but I feel like I should express some observations I made recently:- IKEA may be "crazy about low prices," but their prices really aren't that great. Sure, $4 is a wonderful price for a single flat sheet, but, when you add $10 for the pillow cases, $10 for the fitted sheet, and however much more for the ruffle, you are paying as much for your sheets as you would pay at a higher-end store. Furthermore, the sheets are terribly uncomfortable. I'm not kidding.
- IKEA's return policy is absolutely unbearable. I opened something partway and didn't use it at all, realizing that I had accidentally purchased the wrong size, and they would not take it back. Yeah, I should have been more careful in my purchase, but in my defense, I swear I checked the package at least ten times before I bought it. I think it had been placed in the area of the size I was looking for and I somehow just grabbed the wrong one. But what happens if you buy a table hoping it will look good and it doesn't? Are you just stuck with it?
- While handy and slick, a lot of IKEA products are good looking and low quality. Sorry, but, it's true.
I do, however, have some nice things to say about IKEA:
- While the everything-sold-separately thing can be rather annoying, it is also brilliant. If you just need two pillow cases, it's really nice to be able to buy them without ending up with sheets you don't need.
- I'm pretty sure 75% of the products in IKEA can be matched together in one way or another. This is especially true with the somewhat eclectic feel contemporary design tends to have. I love that I can have the same bed spread as someone I know and still have a room that looks totally different.
- The show room maze they practically force you through is pretty brilliant, inspiring, and sells a ton.
- I feel happy walking around there, and sometimes anxious because I want everything.
All in all I actually like the store. I just don't think it's quite as tremendous as it's hyped up to be in the end.
Also, please check out this SNL spoof of High School Musical 4 that Natalie showed me. It makes my insides hurt it's so funny.
8 comments:
how funny, i had been all into the hype of ikea too, before they came here. then when we got one, and after i as so excited about it i wondered why. i would never really buy anything from there unless i lived in a teensy apt. overseas. and i don't. i just love walking through and eating their meatballs.
plus they have the best darn black currant jam. hehe
We actually just went to Ikea yesterday and were more enamored with their food than anything. Lignonberry juice boxes?! FROM SWEDEN?! Ah. It was beautiful.
I do like their displays.
Their stuff isn't always high quality. But I think it's absolutely perfect for students.
I have to say that I am truly one of those people who is slightly obsessed with the store. Yet, at the same time, I do realize that you need to be careful about what you buy there. A lot of their furniture is made of particle board, which is never long lasting. It's excellent for some things, but like you said, not so great for others. I love the show room too, PS.
Hi! I found you while browsing the net for microscopic pictures of pollen. :) I noticed that we have much in common (art, Italy...). I'll come back again when I have more time to read. :)
Don't even get me started on my IKEA rage. I spent 7 straight hours in that store when we moved to Greenwich & now I get nauseous when I think about that store.
Isn't that skit hilarious?! I love that SNL is making skits about OUR high school. That rocks.
*grin*
Their quality is miserable. It makes me rather upset. Particularly when TWO of the four drawers on my recently-purchased dresser are broken.
oh IKEA. I can relate to a lot of your sentiments. If you saw my bedroom though... let's just say I find IKEA a good option for this time in my life. :)
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