Is IKEA the new Urban Outfitters? I say, yes and these IKEA buys prove it

IKEA is pulling out all the stops with their quirky new range

IKEA BILLY bookcase in green in butter yellow living room and geometric sofa.
(Image credit: IKEA)

Recently, when I was browsing IKEA’s latest summer collection, I was struck by a sudden thought - ‘Is IKEA the new Urban Outfitters?’

When following the latest home decor trends, Urban Outfitters has always been one of my go-tos for finding statement pieces, but I have to say, I’ve not always been a fan of their prices. Now it seems IKEA is embracing bold swathes of colour, and I’ll admit these styles rival my beloved Urban Outfitters.

As a huge fan of dopamine decor, I love to see IKEA breaking away from minimalism and embracing quirky designs and colours - in fact, I think I’ll be swapping Urban Outfitters for IKEA when selecting summer decor this season.

IKEA's new fried egg collection.

IKEA's new bold bedding on display in the Oxford Street store

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rebecca Knight)

One of the best things about being a home journalist is visiting all the previews of our favourite brands, and it was at IKEA’s new Oxford Street store, that I spotted the fried egg bedding. In my book, quirky bedding has always been an Urban Outfitters staple - for example, this ‘grumpy frog’ set - but IKEA is also nailing it. The fried eggs have a charming look, which is not something I’ve ever said about eggs before.

IKEA’s storage is another area that caught my eye. While its white flat-packs have defined many rental properties I’ve lived in, I’m really happy to see them experimenting with colour, such as the new green BILLY bookcase.

Here are a few other IKEA buys that have me questioning my Urban Outfitters allegiance.

Bedding

Storage

Lighting

Home Decor

Soft furnishings

IKEA's latest collections have been playful and vibrant. Do you agree with me? Are they giving Urban Outfitters a run for their money?

Kezia Reynolds
News Writer

Kezia Reynolds joined the Ideal Home team as News Writer in September 2024. After graduating from City, University of London in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Kezia kicked off her career spending two years working on women’s weekly magazines. She is always on the lookout for the latest home news, finding you the best deals and trends - so you don’t miss a thing!

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