IKEA’s great innovation was introducing low cost furniture with simple, aesthetically pleasing styles.

Despite that, it is basically temporary furniture, built with low cost materials, for short term use.

• It is ideal for people moving into their first apartment or furnishing a home on a limited budget.
• It is excellent for students who will leave the furniture behind when the school year ends.

Although there are customer stories about cheap IKEA bookcases that have lasted for 20 years, a 3 year lifespan is more typical.

Most consumers and nearly 100% of furniture industry professionals do not consider IKEA furniture to be “high quality.”