16 Key IKEA Pieces That Haven’t Dated For A Decade
IKEA has mastered the art of creating furniture that stands the test of time. While trends come and go, certain IKEA pieces remain as stylish and functional today as when they first appeared.
From living room staples to bedroom essentials, these 16 items have maintained their appeal for over a decade, proving that good design truly is timeless.
1. BILLY Bookcase
Who would have thought a simple bookshelf could become a cultural icon? First introduced in 1979, the BILLY continues to grace homes worldwide with its clean lines and versatile storage options.
Adjustable shelves accommodate everything from paperbacks to display items, while the modular design lets you expand as your collection grows. Available in various finishes, it’s no wonder this Swedish superstar sells one unit every five seconds globally.
2. POÄNG Armchair
Bouncy, beautiful, and built to last! Since its 1976 debut, the POÄNG’s distinctive bentwood frame has become instantly recognizable in living rooms worldwide.
Designed by Japanese craftsman Noboru Nakamura, this chair combines Scandinavian aesthetics with ergonomic comfort. The cantilevered design creates a gentle rocking motion that soothes the body, while replaceable cushion covers ensure it stays fresh through changing decor trends.
3. LACK Coffee Table
Minimalism at its finest! For just $9.99, you get a perfectly serviceable surface that’s outlasted countless pricier competitors.
Weighing next to nothing yet surprisingly sturdy, the LACK’s honeycomb construction is an engineering marvel. Square, simple, and infinitely hackable, DIY enthusiasts have transformed this humble table into everything from cat furniture to kitchen islands.
4. MALM Bed Frame
Crawling into bed feels like a luxury experience with the MALM’s sleek, low-profile design. Smooth lines and understated elegance make this bed frame a perpetual bestseller.
Available in various wood finishes, the MALM adapts effortlessly to different bedroom aesthetics. Secret storage drawers beneath offer practical solutions for small spaces, while the solid construction ensures years of squeak-free sleep.
5. KALLAX Shelving Unit
Square by square, the KALLAX has revolutionized storage solutions worldwide. Record collectors particularly adore these units, as the dimensions perfectly fit vinyl albums.
Endlessly configurable, you can arrange KALLAX horizontally, vertically, or even create room dividers. Add doors, drawers, or fabric bins to customize functionality. From nurseries to offices, this chameleon adapts to any space while maintaining its distinctive geometric charm.
6. EKTORP Sofa
Sinking into an EKTORP feels like getting a warm hug from an old friend. Rounded arms and plush cushions define this cozy classic that refuses to go out of style.
Smart engineering makes this sofa a practical choice – slipcovers can be removed and washed, extending its lifespan through spills and pet hair. Deep seats accommodate afternoon naps, while the timeless silhouette works in country cottages and modern apartments alike.
7. RÅSKOG Utility Cart
Originally designed for industrial kitchens, this versatile little cart has rolled its way into every room of the house. Crafty types use it for art supplies, plant enthusiasts for indoor gardens, and parents for changing stations.
Made from powder-coated steel, the RÅSKOG withstands daily abuse while maintaining its charm. Its compact footprint slides into tight spaces, and the three-tier design maximizes vertical storage in minimal floor space.
8. HEMNES Dresser
Solid pine construction gives the HEMNES dresser an authenticity that particle board competitors can’t match. Unlike trendy pieces that quickly look dated, this traditional design only grows more charming with age.
Smooth-gliding drawers provide ample clothing storage, while the sturdy top doubles as a display surface. Available in several painted finishes or natural wood, the HEMNES brings a touch of countryside charm to contemporary bedrooms.
9. FÄRGRIK Dinnerware Set
Morning coffee tastes better in a perfectly balanced mug! FÄRGRIK’s simple silhouettes and solid colors have graced breakfast tables for years without losing appeal.
Dishwasher and microwave safe, these ceramic pieces blend practicality with understated style. Mix and match colors for a playful table setting, or stick with classic white for timeless elegance. Remarkably chip-resistant, many households still use sets purchased a decade ago.
10. IVAR Storage System
Raw, untreated pine gives the IVAR system its distinctive character that improves with age. Launched in the 1970s, this modular storage solution has outlasted countless storage trends.
DIY enthusiasts love customizing IVAR with paint, stain, or hardware upgrades. Adjustable shelves accommodate everything from pantry items to workshop tools. The solid construction can handle serious weight, making it practical for book collectors and home canners alike.
11. KLIPPAN Loveseat
Small in footprint but big on comfort, the KLIPPAN loveseat fits where full-sized sofas can’t. Perfect for apartments, guest rooms, or cozy reading nooks.
Introduced in the 1980s, its simple box-like shape has remained remarkably relevant. Replaceable covers extend its lifespan through changing color trends or accidental spills. The lightweight frame makes rearranging furniture a breeze – no wonder college students and first-time homeowners adore it.
12. LÖVBACKEN Side Table
Fashion truly does come full circle! Originally released as the LÖVET in 1956, this three-legged beauty was IKEA’s first flat-pack product. Reintroduced as the LÖVBACKEN, it’s now a collector’s item.
Poplar veneer creates the distinctive grain pattern on the leaf-shaped tabletop. Mid-century modern enthusiasts treasure its authentic vintage vibes, while the compact size makes it perfect for small spaces needing a touch of design history.
13. FLISAT Children’s Furniture
Made from solid pine, FLISAT pieces withstand the enthusiastic play of multiple children across years. Unlike plastic alternatives that quickly look worn, these wooden items develop character with each scuff.
Thoughtful design details make the difference – rounded corners protect little heads, while child-appropriate heights encourage independence. From the beloved desk with adjustable height to the charming dollhouse wall shelf, FLISAT grows alongside children without looking babyish.
14. SUNDVIK Crib
Generations of babies have slept soundly in the SUNDVIK crib’s embracing frame. Unlike trendy nursery furniture that quickly looks dated, this classic design blends with evolving home aesthetics.
Converting easily to a toddler bed, it grows alongside your child through early years. The solid wood construction stands up to teething babies and energetic toddlers alike. Available in timeless white or rich dark brown, it’s no wonder parents pass these cribs down through siblings.
15. NORDLI Chest of Drawers
Modular magic allows the NORDLI to adapt to your changing storage needs. Start with a small configuration and add matching units as your wardrobe expands.
Clever design details set it apart – integrated cable management keeps phone chargers tidy, while the push-open mechanism eliminates the need for hardware. Smooth white surfaces reflect light in small rooms, and the customizable layout works around awkward architectural features like sloped ceilings.
16. MELLTORP Dining Table
Simplicity reigns supreme with the MELLTORP’s clean lines and no-nonsense functionality. Whether in studio apartments or spacious dining rooms, this table never looks out of place.
The melamine tabletop resists stains, scratches, and heat damage better than many expensive alternatives. Steel legs provide stability without visual bulk. Available in different sizes, it works equally well as a dining table, desk, or crafting station.
