16 Overpriced IKEA Products Based On Reviews

IKEA's known for impressive prices on home items with cult followings (and Swedish meatballs, of course). However, some of the retailer's deals may just be too good to be true. Sure, low-cost and best-selling items like KALLAX shelves and LACK tables have amassed thousands of glowing reviews. But the store's designers have also released some products that customers say are overpriced misses for various reasons.

Due to complaints like quality issues to functional failures, a few of these products have fallen flat when it comes to ratings and reviews. Luckily, the brand has designed a wide range of versatile offerings, and they have at least one well-rated alternative to not-so-promising items. So, learn from the experience of other customers and fill your reusable blue tote or flatbed cart with some of the store's more beloved finds.

Well-layered illumination, including accent lamps, is key to a luxuriously-feeling space. IKEA's lighting section has tons of options and is constantly debuting new releases. However, the retailer's $100 VARMBLIXT LED dimmable lamp is not getting very impressive feedback. The model is designed to either sit on a table or be installed on a wall. However, several users note that they can't even get the fixture set up due to missing parts or a non-working remote. This, in addition to its bland plastic finish, has helped it earn an average 3.4-star rating for value and a 3.5-star rating overall.

However, another option in the same line, VARMBLIXT LED wall lamp, costs a few dollars more at $110, but it has earned a 4.4-star average both overall and for value. Contrary to its plastic line-mate, users are impressed by the wall light's appearance. However, those sticking to a smaller budget can still find low-cost ways to add accent lighting. The glass FADO table lamp is $30 and has earned over 900 5-star reviews. With a 4.6-star rating both overall, and for value, customers love the orb-shaped fixture for its ease-of-use and versatility.

When it comes to dressers, functionality and looks are equally important. The $349 TARVA 6-drawer dresser is designed in natural pine to let the grain show or to be customized with paint or stain. However, the item has a 2.8-star overall score and has received 2.9-star marks for value. Many reviewers note that it was either originally very tough to assemble or that it eventually fell apart. One reviewer even warned, "But this dresser is quite possibly the most deceptively awful product IKEA has ever produced. Heed my words: it will become the bane of your existence."

For buyers looking for a similarly-sized option, the VIHALS 6-drawer dresser has received 4.2 stars overall and 4.1-star marks for value. Contrary to the TARVA, reviewers noted that the $279 option is sturdy and was simple to assemble. It's also designed to be mixed and matched with a variety of other pieces in the same line for a cohesive look.

Upholstered bed frames create a polished look, but often don't come cheap. The IDANÄS Upholstered king frame runs $800, pricier than a lot of IKEA's other bed options. Despite its hefty price tag, reviewers have noted that the wooden legs fail, making it a waste of their money. The bed has earned 3.2 stars overall and 3.3 stars for value, and multiple customers report that it is the worst bed that they've purchased from the store.

For those looking to invest in a quality bed, the reviews for the $630 TÄLLÅSEN Upholstered king frame are more promising. This option averages 4.3 stars both overall and for value. This model's legs are made from powder-coated steel, and customers said that it's easy to assemble and that the upholstery feels high quality. IKEA's lower-cost RAMNEFJÄLL Upholstered king bed frame also earns 4.3 stars for its value, but rings up at $340. Several customers note that it was easy to put together and that it looks great in their space, giving it 4.2 stars overall.

Couches take a beating, so quality is a must. However, customers give the ÄPPLARYD Sofa 3.3 stars for value, due, in part, to poor cotton-blend fabric that looks worn quickly. Despite its $1,200 price tag, users also noted that the seats were sagging and the couch made creaking noises when sat on.

The store carries another option with a similar silhouette in full-grain leather that has a higher 4.4-star rating. The STOCKHOLM Sofa, at $2,500, is praised by owners for its color, high quality, and comfort, with many noting that it looks great after multiple years. IKEA also has a more affordable couch with a streamlined look at a lower price point. The SALTSJÖBADEN 3-seat sofa, priced at $600, has a 4.3-star ratings overall and 4.2 stars for its value. It comes in colors from neutral gray to vivid red-brown, and reviewers note that the quality is impressive and that it was easy to assemble.

Automatically opting for the most expensive option can be a pillow shopping mistake. In fact, reviewers of the $70 down-filled GULKAVLE side/back sleeper pillow report that it isn't worth its price, and some even note a foul odor coming from it. Buyers have given it a 3-star rating for value and a 3.2-star rating overall.

However, IKEA has two much-lower priced items with better customer reviews. At $20, the SKOGSFRÄKEN side/back sleeper pillow has a 4.1-star rating both overall and for its value. Customers are impressed with the price and comfort they get from the polyester hollow fiber fill. At an even lower price point, the $8 LAPPTÅTEL side/back sleeper earns 4.3 stars for value and 4.2 stars overall. Many customers praise the softness of the recycled polyester fill, as well as the value for the money.

It's important to find a great chair for your home office, but that doesn't mean that you need to spend top dollar. The $450 GRÖNFJÄLL Office chair with armrests is at the more expensive end of the store's offerings. However, it's earned 3.3 stars for value and 3.4 stars overall. Some customers report that there are issues with adjusting the supports and that the wheels don't work. Others note that the chair is simply uncomfortable and therefore not worth the price.

For those looking for a similar high-back design, the MARKUS Office chair is $300 and has a 4.5-star average from over 3,000 reviews. It's earned 4.3 stars for value, and users note that it's supportive and comfortable, even after hours of sitting. If budget is more of a priority, the FLINTAN Office chair has a lower back but has a price tag of $100. It has 4.4-star averages both overall and for value, thanks in part to its adjustability and ability to recline.

It can be easy to overspend on window treatments, even at budget retailers like IKEA. For example, the $45 LENDA curtains have disappointed customers complaining about poor quality and the cotton material shrinking more than expected after laundering. The set has earned 3.3 stars overall and 3.4 stars for value. Buyers who have previously purchased LENDA curtains say that they think that the redesigned option uses cheaper, less-crisp fabric.

For a similar look and at a similar price point, the $40 ROSENROBINIA curtains earn 4.6 stars overall and 4.5 stars for value. They are praised for their quality, and customers note that they are easy to wash and iron. Another 4.5-rated option, the BYMOTT Curtains, costs $10 a pair. Earning 4.6 stars for their value, they are loved for their airiness and price point, with one buyer exclaiming, "Best bargain in the store!"

You may know about IKEA's Poäng armchair, as it's one of IKEA's most iconic products. But the retailer has expanded its line of accent seating to include a ton of models over the years. However, some, like the $250 ROCKSJÖN Armchair, aren't getting great feedback from customers. The model has received 3.6 stars both overall and for value, with customers complaining about its small size and sloppy, cheap appearance.

However, IKEA has another option at the same $250 price tag with an overall 4.4-star rating. Unlike the ROCKSJÖN, the HERRÅKRA Armchair's compact design works for customers who love how it works in their small spaces. The $200 option also gets praise for its looks and comfort level, and it's earned a 4.3-star rating for value. The OSKARSHAMN Wing chair is another well-reviewed option that's a bit more of an investment at $500. Users note that it's well-built and simple to put together, in addition to the higher-back design being extremely comfortable.

Floor lamps are helpful for tasks, and versatile models like the $145 SKOTTORP/SKAFTET Combo can work with a wide range of styles. Unfortunately, several IKEA customers aren't happy with the quality of this fixture. It has a 3.5-star overall rating and a 3.6-star average for value. Several customers mention that the steel frame is flimsy, allowing the lamp to arch down much more than in the product photos depict.

However, IKEA's RANARP Floor/Reading Lamp is a highly-reviewed option at less than half of the price. At $70, it also features steel framework. The arm is adjustable, and customers who praise its quality and appearance have given it an average of 4.5 stars both overall and for value. At an even lower price point, the $23 LERSTA Floor/Reading Lamp is another metal choice that's received 4.5 stars. Many customers love this lamp and use it for everything from reading to illuminating their craft table. The price and quality are other common compliments, and the lamp has earned 4.7 stars in the value for money category.

IKEA has several items that make hosting easier, including food and beverage serveware. The IKEA 365+ Beverage Dispenser is a budget-friendly option at $30, but reviewers point out that the dispenser has a lot of flaws. Reviewers are disappointed in the slow trickle coming from the spout, and many experienced mold growing on the bamboo lid. This has resulted in a 2.6-star rating for value and a 2.4-star average overall.

The retailer carries another glass beverage container with an earthy lid. However, the IKEA 365+ Carafe has a cork stopper, a material that's naturally mold-resistant. It holds less liquid than the beverage dispenser, but it has a small footprint and a lower price point of $7. Many reviewers noted that they use multiple for tasks like storing various drinks in the fridge and setting up a mimosa bar. These happy users have given the carafe 4.5-star averages both overall and for quality.

In addition to task and accent fixtures, ambient lighting is a key part of any layered illumination scheme. It also has the potential to make a style statement. For example, IKEA's $250 GRINSBYN Chandelier has a Sputnik-inspired design and adjustable arms for a custom look. However, frustrated buyers have given the fixture 2.5 stars for value and 2.6 stars overall. Several note that the globes have randomly fallen out of the fixture and shattered below. Even worse, many explain that they can't source replacement globes, leaving the product permanently flawed.

For a similar look at about half the price, IKEA also carries the STORSLINGA LED Chandelier. The $130 fixture has a 4.5-star average both overall and for quality, and customers love the ease of installation. Another option, the $180 HÖGVIND Pendant Lamp has earned overall value marks of 4.4 stars. Users praise the look of the glass shades and the fixture's modern vibes. However, a few noted that it was a bit too dim and that they had some trouble getting it installed correctly.

An attractive laundry bag is nice to have, but functionality is a must. IKEA's $40 LJUNGAN Laundry Bag's structured silhouette is made of earthy jute, but many customers point out that it's too floppy to stand up straight. One buyer also reported that the inability to wash the bag was a major flaw. This has led to 3.3-star ratings for value and overall.

For those seeking sturdier structure, IKEA has two bags that are supported by steel frames. At a slightly lower price, the $30 PURRPINGLA Laundry Bag has a 4.8-star rating overall and averages 4.4 stars for value. The bag can be hand-washed and is divided into two sections for sorting loads, a feature users love. Buyers also praise the compact size and its ability to fit into tight spaces. Another highly-rated item, the $70 ENHET Laundry bin, has an additional feature the buyers love — casters. Customers note that it's attractive and rolls easily, but some aren't thrilled about the higher price. So, it makes sense that this product has earned 4.4 stars overall, but has only averaged 3.6 stars for value.

A reliable cutting board is a must for cooking and meal prep. However, some IKEA customers were disappointed by the performance of the NORRSJÖN Cutting Board, made from solid oak. While it's true that wood cutting boards should be oiled about monthly to maintain their condition, customers claimed that their NORRSJÖNs splintered, even with proper care. A few also noted that their boards warped or even split in half. So, the $40 cutting board has earned 3.1 stars for value and 2.9 stars overall.

For those looking at a similar price point, IKEA also carries the $30 APTITLIG Butcher Block made from bamboo. The best seller has earned 4.6 stars overall and 4.5 stars for value from over 650 reviews. Many praise the board's durability and design, with a groove to catch meat juices. Users are also impressed with the appearance, and they note that they keep it on display at all times. The APTITLIG Cutting Board from the same line is a budget-friendly option at $13. Also a best seller made from bamboo, over 2,200 customers have given it 4.4-star averages for value and overall. Users praise the size and the fact that it can double up as a serving surface.

When styled right, a wall clock can double as a timekeeper and wall decor. However, some users note that the $60 ROTBLÖTA Wall Clock doesn't fulfill its functional purpose. Buyers love the sleek look and that it's designed to be silent. But many report that it keeps time inconsistently, despite swapping the batteries. This $60 clock averages 3.2 stars for value and 3.3 stars overall.

The retailer's TROMMA Wall Clock is a smaller option. However, the $5 timekeeper has a 4.7 rating for value and a 4.5 star average overall from over 700 reviews. Users note that this model is also noiseless, and many love the lightweight design. Because of the low price point, customers have used the TROMMA as a base for lots of internet DIYs, from embroidering the number holes to decoupaging the face.

Many times, complaints about IKEA products stem from assembly issues, and that's the case for several buyers of the $35 BÄCKNATE Table Lamp. Users note that it's frustrating (or impossible) to put together. They also point out that once they were done, the results were lackluster. The lamp has earned a 3.7-star average for value and 3.5 stars overall.

Shoppers who don't want to deal with assembly have lower-cost and more highly rated choices for soft tabletop lighting. The $13 GRÖNÖ Table Lamp is designed for simple setup, and many love the streamlined look of the glass shade. Over 730 reviewers have given it a 4.7-star average for value and 4.6 stars overall. Another option, the VINDKAST Table Lamp, has more detail but is a bit more expensive at $30. However, customers love the shade's look, and the fact that assembly just included attaching it to the base with a zipper. It has a nearly perfect 4.9-star overall score and a 4.6-star average for value.

Helpful under-bed storage solutions are a must for maximizing your space. IKEA is known for creating products that do just that. The GLADSTAD Upholstered Bed Storage Box is designed to give users easy access to the area under their mattresses. However, many are disappointed in the quality of the $100 two-pack. Reviewers have given the boxes 2.2 stars for value and 2.3 stars overall. Several reported that the drawer fronts pull off either immediately or over time, and others noted that pieces broke during assembly.

Another option at the same price, the $100 MALM Underbed Storage Boxes also come in a two-pack. However, over 1,000 reviewers have given the product 4.5 stars overall and 4.3 stars for value. Multiple buyers note that the boxes are sturdy, roll easily, and are easy to assemble. For those looking for a lower-budget under-bed storage solution, IKEA designed the SKUBB Storage Case. It doesn't have wheels, but the largest size of the lightweight design is $13. It also has a 4.8-star average from over 2,600 reviews and has a 4.6-star score for value. Even though they are made from polyester, many users praise their sturdiness and ability to provide long-term extra storage.