The Best IKEA Products that Actually Last, According to a Home Stylist

There’s a common misconception that IKEA furniture isn’t built to last, but today, I’m here to completely bust that myth for you! From my own home to my vacation rental, I’ve been using IKEA pieces that have stood the test of time – and I’m talking up to 18 years for some of them. Whether you’re considering investing in IKEA furniture for your home or looking for a little DIY inspiration to make their pieces your own, today I’m sharing the best IKEA products that have not only held up but have become timeless additions to my spaces.

My Oldest IKEA Piece: The HEMNES Sideboard

Let’s kick things off with the oldest IKEA piece I own: a sideboard that’s been with us for 18 years! My husband, Sean, and I bought this shortly after we got married, and while the exact model may not exist anymore, it’s very similar to what you can find in the Hemnes line today. This solid wood sideboard has been through multiple moves, has served as a TV cabinet, and now functions as our living room craft cabinet.

A couple of years ago, I gave it a fresh coat of paint, and it still looks incredible. If you’re considering an IKEA piece for longevity, my tip is to look for solid wood items. They tend to stand up better over time than MDF or laminate options. And if you’re thinking about painting any IKEA furniture, even if it’s laminate, give it a light sanding first, use a bonding primer (I get mine from Home Depot), and then finish with a durable cabinet and trim enamel for a long-lasting finish.

Kitchen Cabinets That Last

Next up are my beloved IKEA kitchen cabinets. They’ve been in my home for 11 years, and guess what? They still look just as good as the day we installed them! The only thing I’ve updated is the hardware, and earlier this year, we built a custom range hood and chose matching paint for the upper cabinets.

Many people are skeptical about the longevity of IKEA kitchens, but from my experience – in my own home, my vacation rental, and even Sean’s clients’ homes – these cabinets have proven to be incredibly durable. The key is proper installation. Make sure to follow the directions closely, use the right tools, or better yet, hire a contractor like my husband who has plenty of experience installing IKEA kitchens. Pro tip: You can also repurpose IKEA kitchen cabinets for other uses, like the dining bench I created for our breakfast nook using over-the-fridge cabinets. It’s been a daily-use spot for eight years and still holds up beautifully! In my opinion, their kitchen cabinets are THE best IKEA products out there.

Bathroom Vanities from IKEA Cabinets

Speaking of versatility, did you know you can use IKEA kitchen cabinets in your bathroom too? That’s right – I installed IKEA cabinets in both our kids’ bathroom and our master bathroom, and they’ve held up incredibly well over 11 years, even in humid conditions. The reason I love using kitchen cabinets for bathroom vanities is that they’re deeper than traditional bathroom cabinets, giving you extra storage space, which is always a bonus. I skipped the toe kicks and installed them directly on the floor, which gives them a modern, sleek look and makes them the perfect height for everyday use.

I recently painted the cabinets in my daughters’ bathroom, and they look brand new! A little bonding primer, some cabinet enamel, and voila! I’m a huge fan of using paint for an affordable refresh – it’s amazing what a difference a fresh color can make.

The Timeless Farmhouse Sink

Now, let’s talk about my 11-year-old IKEA farmhouse sink. This thing is a workhorse! I’ve bathed babies in it, washed endless dishes, and scrubbed out stains, and it still looks as good as new. Unfortunately, IKEA no longer carries this exact model, but they have a similar white ceramic option available. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a sink that’s both functional and stylish.

Some people are hesitant about white sinks, but this one has been so easy to clean. I use Bar Keepers Friend for any gray marks, and it’s still completely chip-free and stain-free after all these years. It’s a perfect match for our busy household.

The Ever-Versatile Kallax Units

Who doesn’t love the IKEA Kallax units? These square-shaped shelving systems are on of the best IKEA products, and for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile and provide fantastic storage in just about any room. I’ve used Kallax units in my daughter’s room for years, and they still look amazing after eight years of wear and tear. We even gave them a little pre-teen makeover last fall, and they fit perfectly into her updated space.

One thing I love about IKEA is that they’re always coming out with new baskets and bins that fit into these units, so you can easily refresh the look of your space without having to buy new furniture. It’s a budget-friendly way to switch things up without making a big investment.

Solid and Sturdy: Our IKEA Farmhouse Table and Bed Frame

Let’s take a little trip to my vacation rental, a cozy lake house that Sean and I renovated three years ago. With hundreds of families passing through, our IKEA furniture has seen it all! Our solid farmhouse table in the kitchen is an absolute favorite of mine. It’s sturdy, durable, and still looks brand new despite all the wear and tear. Crayon marks, fork scratches, you name it – this table has handled it all with grace.

Our primary bedroom’s IKEA bed frame is another piece that has stood the test of time. It’s modern, stylish, and most importantly, sturdy! Paired with an IKEA mattress, it’s been a dream for our guests, and we haven’t had to worry about any wobbling. A quick maintenance tip: make sure to tighten up the bolts on your IKEA bed frames and chairs regularly to keep them in top shape.

Hemnes Love: TV Stands and Bathroom Vanities

Back to my love affair with the Hemnes line – in our vacation rental, I transformed an IKEA Hemnes TV stand into a built-in-look bench for extra seating. I also used a Hemnes piece for our bathroom vanity, both of which I painted, and they’ve held up wonderfully through countless guests and frequent cleaning. Once again, that bonding primer and a little creativity go a long way in making IKEA pieces your own.

Slipcovers That Withstand Kids and Messes

Finally, I have to mention my one-year-old IKEA slipcovers and chairs. These have quickly become some of my favorite additions to our home. With kids dropping food and leaving pen marks, I needed something durable yet washable. I’m a sucker for white and cream fabrics, even though they can be tricky with a messy family. But with my secret weapon – OxiClean White Revive – I’ve been able to keep them looking fresh and clean.

These slipcovers wash up beautifully, and with a quick tightening of the bolts on the chairs, they’re as sturdy as ever. If you’re thinking about slipcovers but are worried about durability, I highly recommend giving IKEA’s a try.

So, there you have it – a roundup of IKEA pieces in both my home and vacation rental that have proven to stand the test of time. With proper assembly, a little maintenance, and maybe a bit of creativity, IKEA furniture can last for years, even decades. If you’ve been on the fence about investing in IKEA, I encourage you to give some of these tried-and-true favorites a go. And if you’re a fan of DIY, IKEA pieces are the perfect canvas for budget-friendly hacks and makeovers. Happy decorating!