Setting Up a New Home Office with IKEA: Tips for First-Time Shoppers

YYou might remember that a little over a week ago I introduced Amanda from Everyday Elements, who was starting a home office makeover and invited us to follow along. I always enjoy seeing makeover projects unfold, especially when I get to watch without spending a cent.

Today, for Part Two of the Home Office Makeover series, Amanda shares her IKEA shopping trip. If you’ve never been to IKEA, you can experience it through her eyes. If you have, feel free to share your best IKEA shopping tips in the comments.

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First, I want to thank Melissa for featuring my office remodel on The Inspired Room. You’re the best, Melissa!

Melissa showed photos of my many-windowed bedroom turned office, which was in serious need of attention. I needed the makeover completed before my first in-person photography workshop, so I planned to accomplish as much as possible in one trip — and where better to do that than IKEA?

On April 16th my husband, sister, niece and I drove about 2.5 hours to IKEA in Charlotte, NC. My sister drove her own car since she was returning to Raleigh afterward. We took my Dodge Grand Caravan (without “stow and go” seats). My husband removed the two back seats and considered removing the middle two, but I decided we wouldn’t need that much space. I later regretted that decision.

TIP: Make sure you have plenty of room in your vehicle to bring home your IKEA finds.

We grabbed a large shopping cart and began our route through the store.

My sister, a big fan of The Inspired Room, wanted to be in one of the pictures without officially posing, so she quickly stuck her hand into a shot of the cart. Hi, Kirstie — love you!

The desk was my top priority — everything would hinge on that choice. I wanted something simple and user-friendly, my husband wanted sturdy and not too feminine, and my sister wanted something attractive and stylish.

That combination made choosing a desk a challenge. The first few desks I liked were quickly dismissed by the others. If my husband tentatively approved one, he tested it thoroughly — wiggle, shake, press down, check underneath — and if it didn’t feel solid, it was vetoed.

Me: Oh, this one is simple and functional, I like it.

Him: Let me see. Wiggle, shake, look under… nope.

Me: Oh, I love this one. A bit traditional but simple and all I need.

Him: Too girly, and… wiggle, shake, look under… not sound enough. Veto.

After about five vetoes we finally found a desk that both my sister and husband liked and that met my needs. Naturally, it was the most expensive option. It’s always easier for others to choose when it’s not their money being spent.

And yes, this desk was “not girly,” which prompted me to remind my husband that it was my office. Love you, sweetheart.

Next we hunted for bookshelves and a credenza for behind the desk. That turned into a new adventure — and the store was busy, which raised my stress level since I’m not a big fan of crowds.

We then explored the lower floor for lighting, frames, drapes and accessories. I picked up a few frames, two baskets (which I later didn’t need), a set of drapes I ended up returning, and a trash can. I also found a stool I liked but couldn’t purchase there — a story for another time.

After the showroom we moved to the warehouse to collect the flat-packed boxes. As IKEA novices, we were unprepared for this stage. I was frustrated to make multiple trips upstairs to find missing parts. Lesson learned.

TIP: If you plan to buy furniture at IKEA, bring a notebook and pen and write down every item and part number so you don’t miss anything.

We started with one cart and a single large shopping cart. Foolish optimism. Below is a shot of our modest beginning.

By the time we collected everything and headed to checkout, our cart train had grown considerably.

TIP: You will probably need more than one cart if you are doing serious shopping.

I started tallying costs in my head and estimated about $930. I hoped my math was right.

Not bad — I was only about $70 off and just over $1,000, which I accepted.

Then I remembered we hadn’t picked up the desktop surface, which required a separate ticket at another counter. That added about $130. I was too deflated to photograph that moment.

Putting on my big-girl pants, I moved forward. After arranging and rearranging in the van, my husband managed to fit everything in. Barely. Those middle seats would have helped.

And that was my IKEA adventure. The good news: most of what I needed for my new desk and office came home with me. The bad news: I went over budget.

I’m writing this from my new desk in my freshly painted office. Things are coming together with just a few hiccups. Next week I’ll share more in-process photos and then the final reveal so you can see how it all turns out.

Thanks, Amanda! That was fun — I can’t wait to see the finished room.

IKEA SHOPPING TIPS

Here are my top five IKEA shopping tips:

1) Measure your rooms and write all measurements in a notebook to bring with you.

2) Bring a measuring tape.

3) Don’t bring young children if you need to focus on shopping.

4) Eat the meatballs and lingonberry sauce for lunch. Seriously — they’re good.

5) Buy an extra jar of lingonberry sauce to take home — it makes many dishes tastier.

Have you been to IKEA?

What are your tips for making the most of an IKEA trip? Please share them in the comments!