A boring question about the life of Ikea furniture

[slackcabbage]

Perhaps not really a 'home decoration' question but just wondering if anyone else is disappointed with the durability of their Ikea furniture? How long is it meant to last do you reckon?

I know by it's very nature, it's meant to be furniture that it fairly cheap and cheerful (as it happens I live in a country where it's not actually that cheap to buy) but nonetheless I'm disappointed.

Bought a wardrobe and chest of drawers (I think they were from the Hemnes range) for dd about 7 years ago (when she was 3 yrs) and they have both just broken. The wardrobe doors don't close properly any more, and one of the supporting horizontal planks between the drawers of the chest of drawers has split in two. In addition, they are both made of white melamine which has discoloured/yellowed (even though on farthest wall from window) and the horizontal trimmings on both pieces either are coming away or have fallen off.

I don't think we have been excessively hard on either piece (except, admittedly, dd did hang on one of the top drawers a bit when she was too short to see to retrieve something.)

To replace both of them at Ikea it is going to cost me in the region of 520 euros. Just weighing up whether it's worth it or not.

Problem is, not many good alternatives available over here [Belgium].

[HaveToWearHeels]

All my Ikea furniture is 5-10 years old and still looks good and functions as it should and has also withstood two house moves. I think 7 years is pretty good for furniture used in a childs room to be honest. Unless you spend a fortune for solid pieces this will happen.

[burnishedsilver]

7 years is pretty good for Ikea.

Nothing I've bought there has lasted well.

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

Mine is hitting ten years.

It's you....? Sorry.

[lunar1]

I think my ikea furniture will outlive me. One book case was bought in the bargain corner when I was a student, so 15 years ago. It moved house about 8 times and counties 3 times. It is now living in my brothers house with his dogs who have seen off lots of furniture when they were puppies!

[Rollypoly100]

My two Ikea sofas were bought in 1996 - still look good. And I bought two sets of changeable covers so I never get sick of them. They were a real bargain but that style was sadly discontinued.

[mrsseed]

I think it depends on the range. I remember looking at Hermes but the stuff on show in the shop was showing signs of wear and tear so decided against it. Went for Malm stuff about 9 years ago and it barely looks used now.

[mrscumberbatch]

Agree with it depending on the range.
We use expedits in just about every room- you can't tell the new ones from the 10 year old ones.

[WhispersOfWickedness]

Ours is also mostly between 5 and 10 years old and looks good as new, apart from the odd bowed shelf where we have put books that were too heavy
We have:
Three bookcases
Huge tv unit
Dining table and chairs
Three chests of drawers
Storage headboard for our bed
Massive pax wardrobe

Think we are a bit addicted

[cupcake78]

All ours is doing well and most is about 5 years old and it's not the best money could buy.

You have to be realistic. Ikea furniture isn't expensive and I don't think its make to last 20+ years. 10 years seems fair if it bottom to mid range

[slackcabbage]

Sorry not to get back on here yesterday!

Thank you everyone for your replies.

Actually, I'd completely forgotten when I wrote the question that one of our sofas is from Ikea and must be at least 15 yrs old and going strong. We also have some ancient old Billy bookshelves in the roof which are still in pretty good nick!

Minnie

Whispers can see you are a fan!

Lunar your book case is certainly well travelled!

That's interesting that it depends on the range MrsSeed - I'll choose more carefully next time - if I go ahead and buy from Ikea again that is!

And for everyone who feels that 5-10 yrs is reasonable for the price - I can definitely see where you are coming from. I agee it's not meant to last a lifetime.

But if you look at it from an eco pov I still don't think it is that great. For example, we have 2 Victorian and 1 Edwardian chests of drawers (2 were inherited - nothing fancy - a bit battered but functioning perfectly) and 1 that we bought 10 yrs or so ago for about £250. If you think about it, they've all been going strong for at least 100 yrs ... .

[slackcabbage]

Burnished glad I am not the only one btw!