It's hard not to agree with Nell Frizzell. Ikea is a global brand and I think everyone at that one particular moment in their lives (after moving out from his/hers parents house to a rented room or apartment) bought almost all furniture, cutlery and glasses there, I know I did. Ikea made this start into independence just a little bit easier.
I agree with Jacek. Everyone know what exactly Ikea is. I know person, which have everything from that company. It is scary but true. Bed, furniture, tables, all from Ikea. Everything except construction items like main door, windows, floor etc. So you can see that people can be crazy about this store. But at least he had a cheap finish :) On the other hand Ikea will open section for animals. Maybe we will soon be able to buy everything for home there? :)
Ikea is a well reconized brand in the furniture world. When you think about buying some new furniture, Ikea is the first word which comes to your mind. You may not like it, but it is said the Swedish brand has the best quality/price ratio.
I moved few times to new flat and trip to Ikea is a must be after moving in. Honestly, when you can buy pretty much everything to your home in one place if not there?
First of all, I’m impressed by the founder of Ikea, Ingvar Kamprad. He made one of the biggest company in the world. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s possible nowadays to build such a organization. I’m not sure if I have furnitures branch in my mind, but generally, any kind of business. He founded Ikea in 1943. It’s clear that he wasn’t start with worldwide trademark, but he do that after all, despite of many problems. But on the other hand, Ikea is a monopolist, what is bad for a market. It is not so simply because monopoly from economic reasons is a bad phenomenon, but Ikea don’t make price higher, Ikea make prices lower. Of course it’s of the cost of quality, but authors said „It is hard to imagine any student bedroom, any couple’s first flat, home office or granny annexe untouched by the sharp lines of a Billy bookcase, Poäng chair, Klippan sofa, Lack table or Ribba picture frame”. It’s hard to have money for everything what we imagine, so it’s nice to have so cheap furniture, especially during student life. That is why it’s hard to expressly make a judgement about Ikea.
As well pointed in the article and by almost everyone before me, the fact that we all probably witnessed - it's hard to imagine student's apartment without IKEA's furniture. I don't find it bad, I actually find it amazing. I remember furniture market being almost the same 10 yrs ago and now, IKEA still holds the first place when it comes to average consumer's choice. Łukasz pointed out that it might be bad for the market where we have such hegemon, aiming for monopoly. I do agree that it might be unhealthy but what other companies did throughout the last 10 yrs? I'm in a process of choosing furniture for my own - currently in construction - apartment and I'll be honest with you: there is barely a choice when it comes to a big brands. You either go for IKEA which is not a best choice if you're looking for long-lasting home arrangement or you need to spend a lot more money (thrice as expensive) for local craftsmen and carpenters' work. I went for the latter but I find it extremely surprising that there's such a huge market gap to fill. IKEA's design is clean and minimalist, fits most of the apartments, is practical-driven and has reasonable price. I don't get why others won't follow.
I don't agree that there is no other choice then IKEA. Along craftsman carpenters who value their products there are some big companies (BRW, Agata) and a lot more of small, local ones in every city providing furniture with good prices and reasonable quality. I wouldn't point IKEA as cheapest solution also, because it's not :) In my opinion IKEA wins in Poland because you can't find any similiar market where you can buy all your furniture in one place. And that's because they build their markets huge.
Do you really like the design of BRW or Agata though? Maybe I'm the weird one here but for me IKEA is far more superior in how the furniture looks in general. :)
As far as I know, BRW and Agata products are more expensive - and as for the looks… I would describe it as a future of polish wall units - future that never came:)
Domestic equipment from Ikea can be found almost in every household. That is why when I have my own flat, I will try to avoid purchasing in that shop. I think you can opt for creativity and purchase something interesting for my flat for a low price in other shops. The majority of Polish flats with Ikea equipment are very monotonous in my opinion.
I have only 2 coffe cups bought in Ikea, because I rent flat and I don't have to buy things in stores like Ikea. I was surprised that first Ikea was opened in my familiar town Warrington, but this city has huge amount of factories. However, maybe only for me, it is weird to open a museum of IKEA. For what? Maybe it would be much better to open a museum of founders and show there Ikea founder and things connected with history of it.
I agree with Carol. In our country Ikea is synonym for home design. Unfortunately many people take a very big mortgage loan and not calculate cost of home furnishings. They have one way for cheap furniture and home accessories. Ikea have a very, very good price ratio to quality, but these products will not last for 10 years. Of course part of products have a good quality (in example garden funiture).
Do you know 'Pokolenie Ikea' book? The author humorously describes the generation that works mainly to repay the loan.
Minimal or Swedish design are very interesting, but every flat equipped with Ikea is the same. In my opinion Ikea products kill own style, imagination.
I think it is the value for money that makes this furniture so popular (let's not forget about Swedish meatballs;)). I really like their clean Swedish desing. Thanks to that in many homes people were able to get rid of the old wall cabinet 🙂.
Many people complain about the quality of these furniture, but I did not experience it myself. All the Ikea furniture that I've got is in good repair They've been used for a couple of years and in a couple of apartments. Maintaining good quality and price is probably due to the scale effect. Such a large corporation can not afford to sell untested furniture of low quality.
I really like Ikea style of furniture and all other stuff which comes out of theirs design studios. I’m also very impressed how big this company is. As everybody know is not that easy to grow your business on such a huge scale. But for me Ikea is a symbol of Scandinavian lifestyle. I’ve been here and there in the north Europe and I can see some analogies. Every single thing which you can carry out of the shop in that big blue plastic bag is very easy-going during “building” your relations but also very useful in the future. It’s always ready to help you with getting things done without unnecessary problems. And also keeps simple H&M style. ;) Just like Scandinavian people who I met. Can any of you share similar thoughts on that topic?
Being one of the biggest Ikea lovers I know, I agree with all the positive comments dropped here. How can you possibly not worship Ikea?? It's such a perfect combination of stylish and cheap. It stands for quality and simplicity, and makes a good choice not only for students but for all the age and profession ranges (if not for its style, then for the simple and clever solutions - my grandma spends even more time than I do wandering among the shelves).
When it comes to interior design, I’m keen on mixing styles and eras. I search for furnitures at vintage markets and online shopping sites like OLX. If you sacrifice enough time, you can find some real gems there - and ridiculously cheap, too. I’m a big fan of iconic labels such as HAY or Kartell - but there’s a price to pay. As long as you’re not ready to spend long hours looking for cheap old-timers and don’t necessarily want to pay 1500 EUR for a dining table, you collect the essentials nowhere else but at Ikea. Then, creating your own, unique vibe in an apartment is nobody else’s but your job - none of the furniture stores will provide it for you.
Ikea systematically cooperates with top designers such as Tomasz Rygalik or HAY (the latter is still at stock in Polish stores), offering the best design in reasonable prices. Not to mention the (continually upgraded) timeless classics you can find at almost every polish household. Plus, the pro-ecological policy. Plus, the modern-Swedish, broad-minded approach. Tell me, just HOW not to love them?
I agree, Ingvar Kamprad gives people really nice store. In my opinion The most satisfying think in Ikea is that there's a 99% sure that buying object in addition to the price it holds good quality. Second think which I like is clean look. For example, buying AA batteries I get nice looking yellow object without unneeded inscription.
Whole Ikea represent this simple Sweden lifestyle. A good example of this may be their famous meatballs. Good quality, good price and "i hope" good quality are key to success.
I was moving to a new flat lately and only shop I buy stuff is Ikea. I also think its hard to compare this brand with others, usually more expensive and out of date. It’s a company that with good prices gives you high level designs and sometimes „steal” from the best. Swedish design is very likeable for most people. Lately I bought great lamp which is a collaboration with dannish brand HAY. Its normally very expensive. Beyond furnitures Ikea gives us a lot cool stuff so we can arrange homes almost from A to Z and taste the „swedish” life. I always start shopping with a good lunch. I eat, the girl can later comfortably walk around without my yelling. Also the funny names. Cheers
IKEA have comfortable, practice etc. product but for me it's something more.
Each for us remember catalog in postbox from IKEA. This is the moment when we can dream about our future life. Each for us (almost) spend time with family or friends wander among the shelves and the next folded furniture. Each for us ate meatballs. And each for us know something about Swedish life and style and know about blue and yellow brands. It isn't only shop is a type of life.
This is a lot of moments which IKEA is the basic of certain stages of life.
It's hard not to agree with Nell Frizzell. Ikea is a global brand and I think everyone at that one particular moment in their lives (after moving out from his/hers parents house to a rented room or apartment) bought almost all furniture, cutlery and glasses there, I know I did. Ikea made this start into independence just a little bit easier.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jacek. Everyone know what exactly Ikea is. I know person, which have everything from that company. It is scary but true. Bed, furniture, tables, all from Ikea. Everything except construction items like main door, windows, floor etc. So you can see that people can be crazy about this store. But at least he had a cheap finish :)
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand Ikea will open section for animals. Maybe we will soon be able to buy everything for home there? :)
Ikea is a well reconized brand in the furniture world. When you think about buying some new furniture, Ikea is the first word which comes to your mind. You may not like it, but it is said the Swedish brand has the best quality/price ratio.
ReplyDeleteI moved few times to new flat and trip to Ikea is a must be after moving in. Honestly, when you can buy pretty much everything to your home in one place if not there?
First of all, I’m impressed by the founder of Ikea, Ingvar Kamprad. He made one of the biggest company in the world. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s possible nowadays to build such a organization. I’m not sure if I have furnitures branch in my mind, but generally, any kind of business. He founded Ikea in 1943. It’s clear that he wasn’t start with worldwide trademark, but he do that after all, despite of many problems. But on the other hand, Ikea is a monopolist, what is bad for a market. It is not so simply because monopoly from economic reasons is a bad phenomenon, but Ikea don’t make price higher, Ikea make prices lower. Of course it’s of the cost of quality, but authors said „It is hard to imagine any student bedroom, any couple’s first flat, home office or granny annexe untouched by the sharp lines of a Billy bookcase, Poäng chair, Klippan sofa, Lack table or Ribba picture frame”. It’s hard to have money for everything what we imagine, so it’s nice to have so cheap furniture, especially during student life. That is why it’s hard to expressly make a judgement about Ikea.
ReplyDeleteAs well pointed in the article and by almost everyone before me, the fact that we all probably witnessed - it's hard to imagine student's apartment without IKEA's furniture.
ReplyDeleteI don't find it bad, I actually find it amazing. I remember furniture market being almost the same 10 yrs ago and now, IKEA still holds the first place when it comes to average consumer's choice.
Łukasz pointed out that it might be bad for the market where we have such hegemon, aiming for monopoly. I do agree that it might be unhealthy but what other companies did throughout the last 10 yrs?
I'm in a process of choosing furniture for my own - currently in construction - apartment and I'll be honest with you: there is barely a choice when it comes to a big brands.
You either go for IKEA which is not a best choice if you're looking for long-lasting home arrangement or you need to spend a lot more money (thrice as expensive) for local craftsmen and carpenters' work.
I went for the latter but I find it extremely surprising that there's such a huge market gap to fill.
IKEA's design is clean and minimalist, fits most of the apartments, is practical-driven and has reasonable price. I don't get why others won't follow.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI don't agree that there is no other choice then IKEA. Along craftsman carpenters who value their products there are some big companies (BRW, Agata) and a lot more of small, local ones in every city providing furniture with good prices and reasonable quality.
DeleteI wouldn't point IKEA as cheapest solution also, because it's not :)
In my opinion IKEA wins in Poland because you can't find any similiar market where you can buy all your furniture in one place. And that's because they build their markets huge.
Do you really like the design of BRW or Agata though? Maybe I'm the weird one here but for me IKEA is far more superior in how the furniture looks in general. :)
DeleteAs far as I know, BRW and Agata products are more expensive - and as for the looks… I would describe it as a future of polish wall units - future that never came:)
DeleteDomestic equipment from Ikea can be found almost in every household. That is why when I have my own flat, I will try to avoid purchasing in that shop. I think you can opt for creativity and purchase something interesting for my flat for a low price in other shops. The majority of Polish flats with Ikea equipment are very monotonous in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI have only 2 coffe cups bought in Ikea, because I rent flat and I don't have to buy things in stores like Ikea. I was surprised that first Ikea was opened in my familiar town Warrington, but this city has huge amount of factories. However, maybe only for me, it is weird to open a museum of IKEA. For what? Maybe it would be much better to open a museum of founders and show there Ikea founder and things connected with history of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carol. In our country Ikea is synonym for home design. Unfortunately many people take a very big mortgage loan and not calculate cost of home furnishings. They have one way for cheap furniture and home accessories. Ikea have a very, very good price ratio to quality, but these products will not last for 10 years. Of course part of products have a good quality (in example garden funiture).
ReplyDeleteDo you know 'Pokolenie Ikea' book?
The author humorously describes the generation that works mainly to repay the loan.
Minimal or Swedish design are very interesting, but every flat equipped with Ikea is the same. In my opinion Ikea products kill own style, imagination.
I think it is the value for money that makes this furniture so popular (let's not forget about Swedish meatballs;)). I really like their clean Swedish desing. Thanks to that in many homes people were able to get rid of the old wall cabinet 🙂.
ReplyDeleteMany people complain about the quality of these furniture, but I did not experience it myself. All the Ikea furniture that I've got is in good repair They've been used for a couple of years and in a couple of apartments. Maintaining good quality and price is probably due to the scale effect. Such a large corporation can not afford to sell untested furniture of low quality.
I really like Ikea style of furniture and all other stuff which comes out of theirs design studios. I’m also very impressed how big this company is. As everybody know is not that easy to grow your business on such a huge scale. But for me Ikea is a symbol of Scandinavian lifestyle. I’ve been here and there in the north Europe and I can see some analogies. Every single thing which you can carry out of the shop in that big blue plastic bag is very easy-going during “building” your relations but also very useful in the future. It’s always ready to help you with getting things done without unnecessary problems. And also keeps simple H&M style. ;) Just like Scandinavian people who I met. Can any of you share similar thoughts on that topic?
ReplyDeleteBeing one of the biggest Ikea lovers I know, I agree with all the positive comments dropped here. How can you possibly not worship Ikea?? It's such a perfect combination of stylish and cheap. It stands for quality and simplicity, and makes a good choice not only for students but for all the age and profession ranges (if not for its style, then for the simple and clever solutions - my grandma spends even more time than I do wandering among the shelves).
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to interior design, I’m keen on mixing styles and eras. I search for furnitures at vintage markets and online shopping sites like OLX. If you sacrifice enough time, you can find some real gems there - and ridiculously cheap, too. I’m a big fan of iconic labels such as HAY or Kartell - but there’s a price to pay. As long as you’re not ready to spend long hours looking for cheap old-timers and don’t necessarily want to pay 1500 EUR for a dining table, you collect the essentials nowhere else but at Ikea. Then, creating your own, unique vibe in an apartment is nobody else’s but your job - none of the furniture stores will provide it for you.
Ikea systematically cooperates with top designers such as Tomasz Rygalik or HAY (the latter is still at stock in Polish stores), offering the best design in reasonable prices. Not to mention the (continually upgraded) timeless classics you can find at almost every polish household. Plus, the pro-ecological policy. Plus, the modern-Swedish, broad-minded approach. Tell me, just HOW not to love them?
I agree, Ingvar Kamprad gives people really nice store. In my opinion The most satisfying think in Ikea is that there's a 99% sure that buying object in addition to the price it holds good quality. Second think which I like is clean look. For example, buying AA batteries I get nice looking yellow object without unneeded inscription.
ReplyDeleteWhole Ikea represent this simple Sweden lifestyle. A good example of this may be their famous meatballs. Good quality, good price and "i hope" good quality are key to success.
I was moving to a new flat lately and only shop I buy stuff is Ikea. I also think its hard to compare
ReplyDeletethis brand with others, usually more expensive and out of date. It’s a company that
with good prices gives you high level designs and sometimes „steal” from the best.
Swedish design is very likeable for most people. Lately I bought great lamp which is
a collaboration with dannish brand HAY. Its normally very expensive.
Beyond furnitures Ikea gives us a lot cool stuff so we can arrange homes almost from A to Z
and taste the „swedish” life. I always start shopping with a good lunch.
I eat, the girl can later comfortably walk around without my yelling.
Also the funny names.
Cheers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wXjs6DXoeY
By the way I have BEDDINGE for sale really cheap.
IKEA have comfortable, practice etc. product but for me it's something more.
ReplyDeleteEach for us remember catalog in postbox from IKEA. This is the moment when we can dream about our future life.
Each for us (almost) spend time with family or friends wander among the shelves and the next folded furniture.
Each for us ate meatballs.
And each for us know something about Swedish life and style and know about blue and yellow brands. It isn't only shop is a type of life.
This is a lot of moments which IKEA is the basic of certain stages of life.
IKEA is answer for what you needs of all ages.