IKEA's Secret High End Furniture

[@DanielTitchener]

Honestly, Morning Brew is tough to beat for a daily news briefing. Check it out - it's free! morningbrewdaily.com/danieltitchener

[@davidhunternyc1]

Your design knowledge is magnificent but in real life the IKEA versions don't compare. MDF is the worst! It looks and feels cheap. Throw-away furniture. I wish IKEA would really make high-end versions of their furniture with real solid hardwood. Charge more money and plant a tree for every piece of furniture sold.

[@TrasteIAm]

Oh i trust you... much

[@derekbsheldon4861]

In my experience, morning brew is just as clickbaity, but it tends to be more boring. I prefer the plain google news site because it gives way more options in terms of articles and it knows me.

[@PlamenBarzev]

Very interesting video (as always)! Daniel, one thing that I have as feedback: You should probably clarify that the similarities are only visual. If you want your home to look mid-century modern and save some bucks, the IKEA furniture is great. The built quality and user experience is a completely different thing. Although, IKEA's designs are pretty good for their price, some very small details and changes in the curves of the chairs, for example, can be the difference between a comfortable sitting and a painful one. I work at a company that digitizes designer furniture and I had the privilege to use many of the designs you've mentioned in the video. My home is entirely furnished from IKEA and I can say for fact that the comfort and overall experience is miles apart. Of course, the sofas aren't 10 or 20 times better like the prices will suggest, but they worth it if you can afford it.

[@DanielTitchener]

This is a really great point! I actually had something recorded on this but decided to cut it for the algorithm. It’s included in the Nebula version.

[@anaalves3658]

Excellent point. The only designer piece of furniture I can definitely remember sitting on was the Eames lounger, it was amazing, I have since tried out knock off's and the comfort level is not the same. I would love to own a real one, but with a cat and a 7 year old that loves to jump on everything I will hold of on it for now 😁

[@PlamenBarzev]

​@@anaalves3658, it's really fun to read the stories of brands like Herman Miller and Design Within Reach, which were established "because there weren't any good and affordable designs around". It gives you a perspective what some people call "affordable". Thus said, there are some designer brands that offer furniture at prices comparable to IKEA like HAY, &Tradition, Wilkhahn, etc.

[@anaalves3658]

@@PlamenBarzev I've had a look at Hay, & Tradition, they are definitely more expensive than IKEA . I haven't heard of Wilkhahn, I will have a look. Some people are happy to buy inexpensive furniture because they change it out often too keep up with trends, like fashion. Personally I prefer to buy something that would last, but I do sometimes find it hard to hand over all that money 💸💸💸, our taste changes as we grow and so do our needs.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Yes and no. While that's certainly true in some cases, it isn't in others. Some of the most expensive sofas I've came across were the least comfortable to sit on. Also, you find some great quality stuff in the mid tier level. Having said that, cheap furniture won't last, that unfortunately seems to be the case, whereas many designer pieces really do last. To that however, do you really, also, need to add an overpriced Eames lounge chair to your living room,just like everyone else who wants to make believe that they know something about design and that they have taste? Seriously, it's totally spoilt by now and is just unoriginal and embarrassing. I can't look at them anymore, it just turned into an eye sore. So yeah, those things aren't in fact timeless.

[@susanwilliamson788]

There are a great many Ikea videos but this one showing the similarities between designer furniture and Ikea products is unique, educational, and fabulous. I really like learning about the designers that inspired the knock offs. Please do more like this one.

[@secretminimalists]

I really like how humble and realistic you are to affordability. A few thousand pounds may be pocket change to some people but for most it’s not. Thanks for keeping us regular folk in mind :)

[@ellenhawkins128]

I came across the Ekenaset chair in the gray velvet when looking for something else in the warehouse. They weren’t on the showroom floor or on the website yet. I grabbed two of them after seeing how good the quality was. We use them every day, and the fabric shows no wear. Best deal I’ve ever gotten at ikea.

[@Metalblowing]

I went to a local guy that works with wood and does furniture. Gave him pinterest links to stuff I like and discussed some personal things & materials I like. Got it done in a month for 3rd of the price :D I mean, if you don't want to wait or have a reliable guy, defo go for IKEA. However, there are so many great craftsmen out there, you can literally get a complete replica of anything you want for a fraction of the price.

[@surronzak8154]

3rd of what price please ?

[@iamwooth1729]

@@surronzak8154 third of whatever designer furniture they wanted.

[@jnova3328]

You did well to find a local craftsman who gave you what you wanted at a lower price. I thought having furniture reupholstered or made from scratch would cost much more than buying it in a store.

[@sp33ctrum]

As a Swede I just love listening to people trying to pronounce the names of IKEA furniture 😂 IKEA loves choosing some of the hardest words to pronounce

[@PolitikEinBlick]

I was shocked when I visited Thailand, and heard their own pronunciation of IKEA 😂

[@tumthreethousand5933]

@@PolitikEinBlick LOL we call it "E-Kea"

[@marteskaugen2340]

Eipleirydd😂

[@jackieflynt995]

😂

[@tbray]

I love my Kivik sofa - i'm on my third cover (another fantastic IKEA feature) - i went from red to a slate grey to the current green courderouy. Best, most versitile *and* attractive sofa I've ever owned.

[@WorkerBeeSupply]

This is so funny... I watched this video a few months ago, but while watching your most recent video the thumbnail for this one was in the suggested videos to the right and immediately caught my eye. My partner and I came across the Äpplaryd sofa at IKEA last month and it REALLY caught our eye! We're currently torn between going with that couch or a more customized option from EQ3, except that one is a lot more basic looking (but comfortable.) We don't know what to do! But seeing that it's modelled after a high-end design is *pretty cool*!

[@mathi3933]

I really enjoyed this format, so well done! IKEA must be employing some very good designers - and some excellent lawyers, too! 😲

[@AlexBsSecret]

fun fact: I know of a real case where a student in Europe won a small prize for their lamp design, next season an almost identical design became one of Ikea's bestselling lamps worldwide. The student didn't know about it until much later. Ikea's people have their eyes everywhere and will "lift/borrow" ideas to sell them as their own.

[@dawthin]

@@AlexBsSecret That is unacceptable. If IKEA keep stealing ideas from others like this, one day they will get in trouble and it will be a downfall for them.

[@RL-fr4hf]

@@AlexBsSecret which one was it?

[@Muerte_S]

Lawyers on first positions xD

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

@@AlexBsSecret Happens in fashion too! Zara is known for this practice! I think it is unfair and to be rejected!

[@Chris-wz5zf]

Great video Daniel! I didn't even know that most of the furniture looks so similar to furniture I didn't even know were so expensive. i can see that a lot of work went into this video, amazing quality as usual. Can't wait for your new upcoming series! God Bless

[@eggiwuiz]

One of the best Ikea products that looks similar to a designer item is the Nymane pendant lamp. It features a bowl shape and top and bottom diffusers like Louis Poulsens AJ Royal by Arne Jacobsen. Sadly, it has been discontinued recently.

[@Yothlan]

Thanks 🙏 ! I actually found it interesting to hear about the originals as well - perhaps you could have a video on designer brands or items you like?

[@maxresdefault_]

You'd also be surprised at what you can find at a lot of charity shops. We managed to pick up an IKEA sofa and armchair for a fraction of a cost at a local charity furniture store

[@AugustERaven]

I bought my Kivik with Chaiste in early 2020 when I moved into my last place, decided to skip a bed and just use the couch and use the bedroom as an office. It's an amazing couch and it's entirely modular, I can change out so many aspects of it including the cover, the structure of it, without needing to get a new piece of $1,000 furniture.

[@Lazinoch]

The flash of the price is really jarring! It doesn’t seem like it’s a glitch. Love the other parts of the video though

[@i.t.t.]

I just watched a whole bunch of your videos and they were so helpful. Of course I subscribed! Looking forward to more!

[@behnamanisi1]

Thank you so much for making this video. I just recently bought a house and I have a bit of money but cannot afford the real designer sofas like $5000 so this video has definitely helped me out. I hope you make more of these. Thank you

[@tokyodrifttt]

Out of all the home design videos and channels I watch, this is quickly becoming my top 2. Really appreciate your creative video ideas and content. Damnnnn Daniel!

[@SaraSmiles29]

What is your top 1? :p

[@tokyodrifttt]

@@SaraSmiles29 my top 1 is sarasmiles

[@SaraSmiles29]

@@tokyodrifttt smooth

[@tokyodrifttt]

@@SaraSmiles29 not as smooth as the new ikea applaryd couch fabric

[@maroockx]

Who are your favorites? I’m new to Interior Designing channels on KZbin and want to know similar channels to Daniel’s

[@kevjapan]

I picked up the Kivik sofa in charcoal and love it. Besides the looks it's a great sofa to take a nap on.

[@charpnatl]

This was SO VERY enjoyable to watch and listen to! Thank You Daniel!

[@vladimirdelima2519]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! I couldn't be happier watching this video, and will make so much difference in people's choices! thank you and more videos like this will be appreciated. I'm definitely subscribed!

[@7728abbott]

Your videos are so instructive Daniel. And so creative! Enjoy them so much!

[@bronwynhenry2785]

I work for an interior architect firm and this dude know what he’s talking about 🙌🏻

[@sungk3962]

Thank you for this video. This is very informative and helpful since I love IKEA furniture.

[@incacube]

im in love with this video. thanks for sharing affordable alternatives, this is the video we didn't know we need.

[@matthewdenckla6567]

Enjoyed this video! Good luck with new series! I'm in!

[@u1f98a]

Good video, however could you make the price tags not fill the screen for the first frame when thry appear

[@ayanotanabe5220]

Jasper Morrison is one of my favourite lamp designers. Guys check out the FLOS Glow ball lamp. It dims precisely at whatever level you want and also looks cool. It looks like the shape of the earth where the top and bottom look slightly compressed. Such a nice glow also.

[@drlessismore]

Like your Tshirt. Cuts? Great vid.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Just wanted to mention the slamming prices triggered a bit of a migraine aura. Maybe having them pop out from the back is better? Doesn't cause the mild strobing effect the slam seems to

[@BVoshol]

Yeah, the prices were just really difficult to deal with

[@shizzlecrystal5964]

So he should change his video for 5 people? 🤔

[@Chicago48]

Can you do floor lights? I'm looking for a floor lamp.

[@jc3drums916]

I tihnk the Fröset looks more like the Eames LCW, and bears no resemblance to the Hans Wegner CH07 shell chair aside from being made of bent plywood. The Docksta table may look like the tulip table, but like most IKEA tables, the cheaply laminated top will blister if you put something hot on it and forget to use a trivet. The base also has a noticeably cheap finish, as do most IKEA pieces colored white. IKEA used to make a $79 dining table that was made of solid birch. It was only big enough for two (of course IKEA claimed four), and it was nothing remarkable to look at, but it was robust. I ended up giving mine to my mom, but it was a great table. Too bad they don't make anything like it anymore.

[@ofelia972]

Im excited about the new series! Thanks, I cant wait!

[@remingtonm]

For me the issue with IKEA furniture isn't the design, it's the quality and durability. I wish there was a bit more of a middle ground between the high end furniture and IKEA quality of design.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

With IKEA it's hit or miss. Some furniture items are indestructible but not very aesthetic. The IKEA Melltorp table will outlive us all. The same can be said with the Theodores chair. Other items are high quality and command a high price, look at the Stockholm collection. IKEA dressers, end tables, bed frames and sideboards are low quality. There are so many furniture brands out there which command a higher price than IKEA with equal/better quality: Article, CB2, Made, La Redoute etc.. IKEA will always be the most affordable because of economy of scale.

[@Kev4Kev]

Some of Ikea's stuff is made out of solid wood its few and far between but its there. The biggest issue is hw is not naming the quality stuff but the stuff that looks highend.

[@Hiro_Trevelyan]

If you compare Ikea's durability with other cheap furniture store, the quality is on par. At least in France.

[@AlexBsSecret]

IKEA has a target market and it's similar to the one McDonalds caters too: worldwide affordable stuff for the average working family. Apart from that they do try to be more image concious and started a recyling project where you can give back their old furniture

[@sourcow56]

With care. IKEA furniture can last. It’s been great for us.

[@robinakermarck2529]

Love the vid thx!

[@ukasznadolny5873]

Daniel, I don't know who was the first but Ekenaset it's also kind of like the famous Poland chair 366. The Chair made Jozef Chierowski in 1962. It was most often bought chair in Poland in 60 and 70.

[@rebeccaa3087]

Brilliant video ! Short to the point and full of loads of ideas ! Subscribed ! Please recommend a small outdoor table

[@luis_gv467]

Terrific video, as always. Thanks for your content!!

[@timo8604]

just wanted to say that i love your videos. theyre always so calming and the content is great. especially as im planing to move out for the first time :)

[@ellsme5942]

I bought a big Ikea Söderhamn sofa on ebay for 110€. The cover was a mess (kids skribbled on it) but the upholstery was in great condition, because it was only 2 years old and barely used. I bought a brown leather imitation cover for 500€ and new legs for 80€. It now looks like an expensive designer sofa.

[@aiangalang8452]

Thanks! I might have to check Ikea which recently opened here in the Philippines ☺️

[@asdf-e3d]

Thanks for your priceless curation!!!

[@evangelineisacsson1049]

LOVE the dining chairs.

[@jeremyelderfield2896]

Hey Daniel. Really interesting choice if furniture. Where do you get your wavy grey desktop wallpaper from. It’s looks great.

[@hellofath]

Glad I watched this. Enjoyed this one.

[@James-mk8jp]

When I first saw the Froset, I thought it was a knock off of the Eames LCW. Funny to see so many other similar chairs.

[@jamalan7417]

thank you, this is just the video i needed !

[@stefankroner746]

The sofa you are comparing at 1:22 to the Arflex Marechiaro is not an Ikea Kivik. The Kivik has much wider armrests than the sofa in the picture. The main visual difference is imho how the seat cushions look like. The Marechiaro has those massive high seat cushion, while the Kivik are split in two parts, the actual seat cushion and the structure below.

[@davidputter4558]

Gosh he’s so good looking

[@kuanhau4323]

Enjoyable watch! Thanks

[@gafakyusef6201]

This is a very well-done video! Your comparisons are enlightening.

[@donferch]

I bought two Evedal lamps, both are a perfect to my mid century style furniture. I love how looks radically different when are turned on and off.

[@JohnnyFD]

Great video! =)

[@lesleewatson4266]

Well done. Really spot on. Thanks

[@skullwidget6958]

I bought the Äpplaryd in the return section. The fabric underneath was torn in the middle and the foam wasnt stiff. I just flipped the foam back up and my mom repairded the fabric and its like new just half price for the 3-person sofa. And Im still thinking of pairing it up with an Ekenäset but Im not sure wich.

[@KumarPhx]

the screen shaking when the price tag was added was hard on the eyes Daniel

[@overspes]

I Think this is a VIMLE and not a KIVIK at 1:21 :)

[@ramonhynson9336]

I'd like to see some videos talking more about the industrial designers you mentioned!

[@geminireviews]

I gotta say, I love the video, great presentation - but the price tag animation is very jarring and quite annoying on my big monitor. I think pop in animations look cool, but dropping them in from the entire screen size is a little too much. Great video regardless, love the comparisons and room examples you showed!

[@x_Krios]

Sweet I’m definitely going to post my pics

[@alfonseal]

Very night video, thanks!

[@daniwest1370]

Hey Daniel, would love to see how you style your hair! Could be in IG, rather than on YT. Probably makes more sense

[@tadask3379]

Similar lounge chairs you can find in some old Soviet style apartments in Lithuania, those are discussing lounge chairs.

[@Martin82222]

Wow thank you very much

[@antwonefernandez7554]

Subscribed. Great work. 👍

[@alicetwain]

Mario Marenco who created the Marechiaro was also a fantastic comedian who worked especially on the radio but also sometimes on TV.

[@samual8299]

It takes some patience, but consignment shops are goated. Thrift stores are over saturated, you will spend years trying to outfit your home at thrift stores. Consignment shops are pricey enough to deter bargain hunters while still providing great prices. I actually just purchased a new condition muuto outline 3 seater at a local consignment shop for $750.

[@anatfalk81]

Love your videos!

[@woodconcept_ltd]

Thank you for the clear background of the original designers - it's very useful information 👍🔥

[@mockassi3838]

I bought the Applaryd sofa. Its very comfy and nice looking. Just a shame that you can't remove the slipcover to wash it so you have to be careful with stains

[@cherrycompot8968]

Same here. After just 1.5 years of use I am seriously considering reupholstering which is a shame

[@weil3318]

Like your taste and thanks for the tip!

[@pmishra8044]

Ikea's design language is just very aesthetic tbh

[@pmishra8044]

@Mithrandir well what do you recommend?

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

@@pmishra8044 Don't listen to the naysayers! It's absolutely fine to have several IKEA furnitures in your home. Soulful design comes from personal touches. You can achieve that with drapes, rugs, books, pillows & throws, candles, moody lighting, glassware, plants etc... Just look at the IKEA catalog or showroom. Every picture is filled with stuff. Now, that doesn't mean you should furnish your home with IKEA furniture exclusively. It won't feel personal.

[@pmishra8044]

@@user-xg6zz8qs3q thanks a lot friend!

[@koenignero]

Ikea's design language is the work of others. They stealing everything

[@KD-_-]

Their lighting is the best part once you get off the bargain bin imho

[@arnemcradu6499]

Really enjoy your videos. Some excellent and well thought out design solutions. Regarding these ikea furniture recommendations - looks are one thing but you would do everyone a big favour if you also added extremely important things like comfortability and build quality . Cheers!

[@Warlockjw]

Minute 2:25 LOVE that black mug ^^ is there any chance, you still got a link to where you got that from?

[@chonger]

i had the kivik sofa so good, but i think im going to getting a rove concepts sofa for my new condo

[@Chereese0808]

I became disabled before I could decorate and buy new furniture for our Marina front home. I need help!! Hopefully someday I can get some advice from you. Looking forward to see how this new project goes. ~New subscriber in Hawaii

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

I haven’t watched your videos before but it looks like I subbed in the past. I don’t know when I subscribed but I’m glad I did

[@mitchellwiisanen6609]

Video Was Great! Where do you get your T-Shirts? Thanks!

[@lukrezialaval2406]

I agree with the light situation. We just moved in our new home and it's so hard to find modern but affordable light that does not look totaly generic here in Europe.

[@Nomad-bi6su]

I own the Kivik. Been 3 years and it’s one of the best buys I ever made

[@Studio39DesignStudio]

Wow epic stuff, wish Ikea was available is South Africa

[@TheNerdistheWord]

Love it, but…is it comfortable? I was surprised at the comfort of the Strandmon and matching foot stool in the store and will likely buy a set soon. But the couches I sat on were so bad. Don’t know if I sat on this particular one you’ve mentioned. Luckily a lot of brands have caught on to the minimalist style people are enjoying from IKEA and our local furniture store has had several options around the $1k mark including La-Z-Boys “new” designer line that’s been out for the last several years offering a more appealing form and comfort.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Agreed. IKEA armchairs and sofas are pretty uncomfortable. Good upholstery is expensive. You get what you pay for with IKEA.

[@jia3353]

just bought Kivik without having seen this video haha, I love it

[@chaoticsynthesis6565]

Nice fade Daniel. 10/10 your barber is the real MVP

[@simongamez]

This is such a useful video!

[@LostStylus]

0:34 - how's ÄPPLARYD quality? The reviews on IKEA site say that the base connection is very fragile and that springs loose tension very quickly, people compain that the lifetime of the sofa is only like half a year. How's your's been doing?

[@ethanhale6040]

I am curious as to where you got your floor lamp in your background. Looks really good with how minimalistic if looks. Is it from Ikea too?

[@hoot2416]

While it might not be high end, my favorite and, IMO, one of the best things from IKEA is the Poang Chair and ottoman. This is a hill I will die on.

[@tchiksguitars]

Just discovered your channel and loving it ! just a quick question though, I'm about to release a video where I use Ikea furniture to transform them into a guitar, did you have any problem with Ikea regarding your usage of their pictures and names ? thanks a bunch for the answer and the content !

[@TommmmmyP]

Completely unrelated to the furniture but where do you get your t-shirts from? 😂

[@97kemo]

I like the lamp you have in the background, from where?

[@BG-br7ob]

Nice keycaps! What are they?

[@elladekross641]

Among the lounge chairs I also loved the design and how comfortable is RÅDVIKEN.

[@yourfriendlycook]

The lamp Nymån translates into New Moon!

[@Mearsy101]

I’m late to the party but as someone from this field here is a few things to take in consideration that can be factored into these prices the type of foam they are using or the type of Dacron being used, where they source their fabric from (most like India or China) and the quality of timber. Plus, where are they getting it made and if they are not paying slave labours to make the suites. There is also the fact a lot of manufactures do sell their products at wholesale to stores and the store put a really healthy mark up on top normally 50-100% of what they have purchased it for.

[@johannygilnina5050]

De dag dat ik trouw word dit ons lied het is de mooiste en beste romantische vlaamse song allertijden!!

[@lisadefries6718]

I think the design is part of the reason why ikea furniture I have bought has lasted decades. For example my poang chair (think that the name) 28 years old and still going strong.

[@AJGress]

Are we getting an updated minimalist wardrobe video anytime soon?

[@annigard8]

It really gets my back up when someone says 'I dont like IKEA'. What I hear is 'You don't have any taste', lol.