Being able to host friends and family in our homes again is fun, exciting and heartwarming after so much time apart – but it does require making slightly more of an effort when it comes to our living spaces.
If, like us, you’ve enjoyed hunkering down and becoming a homebody over the last year, you may have become used to putting comfort and ease above style. (Working from bed, letting your floodrobe get out of control, allowing flowers to wither in their vase for a little too long...)
But thanks to IKEA, our failsafe homeware destination, it’s easy and affordable to spruce up our home and make our living spaces feel special and new again. Following the launch of the IKEA Festival on 16th September, which is all about flinging open the doors to how we really live, we've picked nine of the coolest IKEA items available right now (all for under $100).
Click through for affordable pieces that will revamp your living space and turn you into the host with the most.
Every space looks brighter and more inviting with a bunch of seasonal blooms and this glass vase is elegant and understated thanks to its smooth lines and light-reflecting ripples. What’s more, it’s an absolute steal.
IKEA PÅDRAG Vase, $, available at IKEABuy into the paper lampshade trend with this chic solar-powered pendant lamp – for a fraction of the cost of the most expensive Japanese brands. It’s safe for outdoor use, so let it recharge in the sunlight and watch it light up your balcony or garden automatically when the sun goes down. It’s cable and plug-free as well – low maintenance lighting FTW.
IKEA SOLVINDEN Led Solar-powered Pendant Lamp, $, available at IKEAFamously, a good mirror can make any room feel bigger and more dynamic. They’re particularly useful for adding depth and brightness to small, dark rooms. This impressively-sized mirror is bathroom-approved and can be hung vertically or horizontally. Versatile indeed.
IKEA LINDBYN Mirror, $, available at IKEAIf you’ve turned your home into a jungle over the last year or so, you’re not alone. This multifunctional braided basket looks great as a vessel for a large house plant and also doubles up as a storage solution for anything from laundry to loo rolls to kids’ toys.
IKEA Flådis Basket, $, available at IKEAPlant parents can never have too many storage solutions for their children. Show off your favourite plants by lifting them off the floor with this modern black stand, which can be used both indoors and outside.
IKEA Gojibär Plant Pot, $, available at IKEARock yourself to calmness after a stressful day on this sleek rocking chair and lets guests do the same. Both comfy and practical, the high back offers neck support while the cushion cover can be changed to fit your prevailing interiors palette.
IKEA POÄNG Rocking-chair, $, available at IKEAWorking from home is here to stay for many of us, so it’s worth investing in proper equipment. This sturdy adjustable laptop stand allows you to WFS (work from the sofa) in comfort and even has a cup holder for your coffee. Simply fold it away and out of sight when you’re hosting.
IKEA Björkåsen Laptop Stand, $, available at IKEAA tidy space makes for a tidy mind and this is no more important than when you’re winding down for bed. Declutter your bedside by storing your handcreams and wires in the drawer and your most impressive books, magazines and trinkets on the shelf of this bamboo bedside table.
IKEA NORDKISA Bedside Table, $, available at IKEAEveryone deserves a good set of linen bedding and this warm pink shade makes for a cosy night’s kip. Happily, the material’s natural fibres will ensure you maintain a comfortable temperature all night long, whatever the weather.
