12 IKEA Products That Look Expensive (But Aren’t)
Here’s something I tell clients all the time: a room looks expensive because of the details, not the price tags. A beautiful glaze, a thoughtful finish, a sculptural shape, or a piece of real brass can do more for a space than a big-ticket purchase.
IKEA gets this right more often than people expect. Once you know where to look, you can find pieces that read as pricey, collected, and intentional. Here are 12 IKEA products that look expensive and I’d happily put in a high-end room. Plus, I’ve included a tip for making each one look even better.
See all my picks for The Best IKEA Products, The 15 Best IKEA Products Under $25, Timeless IKEA Products That Never Go Out of Style, and The Best IKEA Sofas in 2026: Which Ones Are Actually Worth Buying.
12 IKEA Products That Look Expensive
STOCKHOLM 2025 Chair
BLÅSTÅNG Pendant Lamp Shade
SANELA Cushion Cover
1. STOENSE Rug | $149
The soft, low pile has a light sheen that catches the light like a much pricier rug, and it comes in sizes up to 7’10” x 10′.
2. AKTERSPRING Table Lamp | $60
The mouth-blown opal glass shade and brass-plated base give it an art deco, high-end look.
3. STOCKHOLM 2025 Chair | $215
A solid beech backrest bent by steam gives this chair a sculptural, designer-dining-chair shape that also works as an accent chair, too.
4. ADLAD Scented Candle | $23
The speckled stoneware jar with a matching lid looks like a boutique candle, and it burns for about 60 hours.
5. UGGLERUM Coffee Table | $200
The warm walnut veneer and mid-century leg placement make it look like a vintage piece.
6. ANKARUDDEN Wardrobe | $280
The oak-effect finish, sleek sliding doors, and two exterior drawers give this narrow wardrobe a tailored, built-in look.
7. KANDLENÖT Mirror | $150
A tall, 55-inch mirror framed in rattan brings in a warm, natural texture that you’d normally expect from a much pricier mirror.
8. EKENÄSET Armchair | $429
The 1950s Scandinavian silhouette, golden brown leather seat, and solid wood frame make it look like a vintage designer find.
9. HOLMVI Throw | $10
The classic gray knit with playful fringe on the short ends layers beautifully over a sofa or chair.
10. FRÖTORP Coffee Table | $349
The smoked black glass top over a marble-effect shelf gives this round table a sleek, luxe look, and reviewers call it high-end and expensive-looking.
11. BLÅSTÅNG Pendant Lamp Shade | $40
Made of paper strings with tiny holes, it glows like candlelight and casts a pattern on the walls.
12. SANELA Cushion Cover | $10
Cotton velvet with a soft sheen adds instant luxe texture to a sofa, and it comes in 14 refined shades.
IKEA Products That Look Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a budget piece look expensive?
Material, finish, and shape matter most. Look for real wood or veneer, ceramics with a reactive or matte glaze, glass, brass or metal accents, and simple, well-proportioned silhouettes. Busy patterns and shiny plastic are what make something look cheap.
What’s the easiest IKEA upgrade for a high-end look?
Hardware. Swapping knobs and pulls on a dresser, cabinet, or nightstand costs a few dollars and changes how the whole piece reads.
Does IKEA furniture hold up?
It varies by piece. Solid wood and veneer pieces tend to hold up better than particleboard, so check the materials listed on each product page and read recent reviews before you buy.
How do I mix IKEA with higher-end pieces?
Spend on the items you touch and use the most, like a sofa or a bed, and save on accessories and supporting pieces. A well-styled IKEA lamp or vase next to a splurge looks completely natural.
Do these prices change?
Yes, IKEA adjusts prices and stock often, and some of these pieces are newer releases, so I’d confirm current pricing and availability before you buy
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