Furnishing Your New Home Office at IKEA: Smart Tips for First-Time Shoppers

YYou may remember that just over a week ago I introduced Amanda from Everyday Elements, who began a home office makeover and invited us to follow along. I love a good makeover and it’s especially fun to watch one unfold without spending a dime.

Today, for Part Two of this Home Office Makeover, Amanda shares her IKEA shopping trip. Whether you’ve never been to IKEA or you’re a seasoned visitor, join her experience — and if you have IKEA tips, please share them in the comments. Take it away, Amanda!

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First, thanks to Melissa for featuring my office remodel here at The Inspired Room — you’re the best, Melissa!

Melissa showed photos of my many-windowed bedroom turned office, which was in real need of attention. I wanted the makeover finished before my first in-person photography workshop, so I had to accomplish a lot at once. Where better to do that than IKEA?

On April 16th my husband, sister, niece and I drove to IKEA in Charlotte, NC — about 2.5 hours away. My sister drove her own car since she was heading back to Raleigh. We took my Dodge Grand Caravan (without the “stow and go” seats), and my husband began removing the back seats. I told him not to bother — we wouldn’t buy that much — words I later regretted.

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

We grabbed an IKEA cart and started through the store.

My sister — a big fan of The Inspired Room — wanted to be in a picture without formally posing, so she slipped her hand into a shot of the cart. Hi, Kirstie!

My top priority was finding a desk — everything else would revolve around it. I wanted something simple and functional, my husband wanted sturdy and not too feminine, and my sister wanted something attractive and stylish.

That led to several disagreements. The first three desks I liked were vetoed. If my husband approved a desk, he’d test it thoroughly — wiggle, shake, look under — and if it didn’t feel structurally sound, it was out.

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

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

Me: I love this one — traditional, simple, all I need.

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

After several vetoes, we finally found a desk my husband and sister liked and that met my needs. Of course it turned out to be the most expensive option. It wasn’t “girly,” which prompted me to remind him that it was my office, but we all agreed on it in the end.

Next we hunted for bookshelves and a credenza for behind the desk — a whole new adventure. The store was busy and I’m not great in crowds, so my stress level rose. We moved through the bottom floor browsing lights, frames, drapes and accessories. I picked up a few frames, two baskets (which I didn’t end up needing), a set of drapes to return later, and a trash can. I also eyed a stool I couldn’t buy that day, but that’s another story.

When we reached the warehouse to collect items, we discovered we weren’t prepared. By the second trip upstairs to retrieve missing small parts, I was frustrated.

TIP: If you plan to buy IKEA furniture, take a notebook and pen and write down everything you need — parts, item numbers, and quantities.

We started with one cart — optimistic, but foolish.

By the time we had everything and headed to checkout, our little cart train had multiplied.

TIP: Bring more than one cart if you plan serious shopping.

I did a quick tally and thought the total was about $930, fingers crossed.

Not bad — I was only $70 off and ended up just over $1,000, which I could accept.

Then I remembered we hadn’t picked up the desk top ticket — an extra $130 — which added to the final total. That was a blow, but we pressed on.

After arranging and rearranging, my husband managed to load everything into the back of the van — barely. I was right: removing the middle seats would have helped.

So that was my IKEA adventure. The good news: most items I needed for my sleek new office came home with me. The bad news: I went over budget.

I’m writing this now from my new desk in my freshly painted office. Things are coming together with a few hiccups. Next week I’ll share more in-process photos and reveal the finished room.

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

IKEA SHOPPING TIPS

Here are my top five IKEA shopping tips:

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

2) Bring a measuring tape.

3) Avoid bringing young children who will distract you if you need to shop seriously.

4) Eat the meatballs with lingonberry sauce for lunch — they’re worth it.

5) Buy a 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!