IKEA

We have gotten a lot of things at IKEA over the years. I don't mind assembling furniture and cabinets myself. I have installed their kitchen cabinets in several houses and they are generally very easy to do though there are a few little design flaws they need to work out still. Their service is also sometimes not the best but for the money I would not expect a lot more, I guess. The restaurant has some very good selections and some that are not so good. It's clean and pleasant and usually not crowded. more

I'm a big fan of IKEA. We've done several kitchens with their cabinets and have bought dressers, bookcases, wall units, chairs, coffee tables and housewares and lighting from IKEA over the years. You do have to know what to look for as far as construction because some of it will not hold up well. Check out the "As Is" department on the lower level for bargains but check carefully for damage first. Service ranges from very good to not very good. The restaurant also ranges from very good to awful (prepared sandwiches and platters are more consistently good than the hot foods, and the desserts are always delish). Be sure to check out the little Swedish grocery on the lower level past the checkouts. Parking can be tight during peak hours and the store is usually very busy on weekends and during their two annual sales. more

IKEA is an inexpensive store for furniture and home items. You can get quality furniture at the fraction of the price of other retail stores because you need to assembly the furniture yourself. However, it is not difficult to do. I love just going to the store and walking around to see the different displays. IKEA likes to show its customers different ways to use the same piece. more