15 IKEA Home Decor Finds That Look Really Expensive (But Actually Aren’t)

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Uncover 15 IKEA treasures that scream luxury without the price tag.
Updated Sept. 27, 2023
Woman looking at an IKEA magazine

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IKEA is a mainstay for college students and those furnishing their first apartments. But its minimalist style and unbeatable prices have staying power, and dozens, if not hundreds, of incredible decor finds are waiting on IKEA’s massive showroom floor.

Want to spruce up your place while keeping more money in your bank account? Here are 15 finds that look expensive (but aren’t), sourced straight from Sweden’s best import to the home decor scene.

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STOCKHOLM Gold Bowl

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-stockholm gold bowl

This brass-colored bowl covered in abstract 60s-inspired flowers looks like something you’d buy from a high-end modern design store. But it’s less than $30. 

It’s petite at 8” in diameter, but you can use it as a centerpiece on a coffee table or dining table filled with baubles or leave it empty for a minimalist look.

FULLTALIG Candlestick Set

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-fulltalig candlestick set

Three sleek black candlesticks in varied heights set the stage for a cozy dining table, or try them on a living room coffee table. 

You can create a perfectly autumnal vignette with these minimalist metal candlesticks that resemble something crafted by a maker rather than purchased from the shelves of IKEA.

KRALLIG Seagrass Basket

Courtesy of IKEA ikea krallig seagrass basket

You could spend big bucks at a boutique on a seagrass basket or pick up this handwoven beauty from IKEA. 

It’s perfect for corralling everything from kids’ items to dog toys to simply serving as a decorative accent, and it adds a natural, organic texture to any room.

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RÄFFELBJÖRK Vase

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-raffelbjork vase

Artful vases that seem to defy gravity have been popping up in expensive decor stores, but you can get that same look for just under $30 with this vase designed by Lisa Hilland. 

She took inspiration from rainbows in this shimmery, multi-color piece, and it makes a statement whether you fill it with flowers or let it shine on its own.

CHILIFRUKT Vase

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-chilifrukt vase

This sculptural clear vase looks sophisticated. It’s like a modern art piece that should sit on a pedestal — except you bought it for just $17.99. 

Plus, you can use it as a watering can when it’s not storing flowers. You’ll be happy to display this functional piece, even when it’s not in use.

ENTHUSIASM Side Plates

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-enthusiasm side plates

Dishware isn’t cheap, but these bright and cherry blue and white side plates are only $19.99 for a four-pack. 

They’re porcelain, so they feel as lovely as anything you’d get in a fine china shop, but only you’ll know they came from IKEA.

LAUTERS Floor Lamp

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-lauters floor lamp

This wood floor lamp has an architectural look that could have come from an expensive modern showroom floor. 

Try it in your living room with a minimalist sofa, white walls, and one big piece of abstract art for something practically magazine-worthy.

LOHALS Flatwoven Rug

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-lohals flatwoven rug

A classic sisal rug is a must-have in any designer space, but you can pick one up that’s made entirely of 100% natural jute for just under $35 at IKEA. 

Try it layered or use it to add texture to a space. It’s an organic, warm detail that only looks expensive.

FEJKA Artificial Potted Plant

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-fejka artificial potted plant

Don’t spend your hard-earned money on a plant that might not make it. Instead, pick up this $69.99 artificial monstera that will add greenery and a lush feel to your home. 

The best part? It’s indoor-outdoor, so no one will ever know you don’t have a green thumb.

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SÄLLSKAPLIG Champagne Coupes

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-sallskaplig champagne coupes

Invite your friends over for a fancy night of cocktails and serve them in these patterned glass coupes. They’ll only run you $22.99 for four, but they look like they came from an exclusive cocktail bar. 

You can keep them displayed on a bar cart or sideboard when you’re not using them for a sparkly touch.

GADBJERG Rug

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-gadbjerg rug

You could splurge on a gorgeous vintage wool rug — or you could buy this low-pile rug from IKEA for under $45. 

It’s durable and stain resistant, so you won’t get mad if your dog sheds on it. Try it in an entryway as a runner or beside your bed for a soft, richly colored touch.

SKOGSTA Bench

Courtesy of IKEA ikea skogsta bench

This solid wood bench resembles something you would find in a high-end hotel or an indulgent spa, except it’s under $100 at IKEA. 

Try it at the end of your bed as a landing spot for bags, shoes, and clothes, or use it in a mudroom. You could even pull it up to a dining table as extra seating.

BEGÅVNING Glass Dome with Base

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-begavning glass dome with base

This glass dome with a base could hold its own in a stately library with an antiquity tucked neatly underneath. But you can use it in your home to display a succulent, feather, or rock collection. 

Try it styled on a bookcase or a dresser. It’s a quirky but stunning addition to any decor vignette.

GRINSBOL Mirror

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-grinsbol mirror

Rattan decor pieces sell for a fortune in high-end bohemian-inspired decor stores, but this striking natural mirror could be yours for just $44.99. 

Imagine it above a dresser in a light and airy bedroom or even a powder room that you’ve redone with vibrant wallpaper.

RÅMEBO Gold Mirror

Courtesy of IKEA ikea-ramebo gold mirror

At $219, this mirror isn’t a steal, but compared to the champagne budget mirrors it resembles, it will go easier on your wallet

This vintage-inspired mirror looks like something out of a Parisian apartment, and its ornate floral details can be removed if you want something a bit more minimalist. Hang it on the wall or lean it for a more artful look.

Bottom line

filmbildfabrik/Adobe IKEA branch on a warehouse in Nuremberg

If you’re feeling crafty, you can go one step further than finding inexpensive home decor items on IKEA’s shelves. 

A quick search will turn up hundreds of options to stretch your creativity and give you a designer look without the need to take on a side hustle or fork over designer dollars.

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Author Details

Heather Bien Heather Bien is a writer covering personal finance and budgeting and how those relate to life, travel, entertaining, and more. With bylines that include The Spruce, Apartment Therapy, and mindbodygreen, she's covered everything from tax tips for freelancers to budgeting hacks to how to get the highest ROI out of your home renovations.

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