An ode to IKEA
Last week I purchased a new mattress at IKEA, but I was really dreading it beforehand. Especially since I was going to execute this plan on Saturday, which is of course asking for trouble. Well, I decided to just completely surrender to the hustle and bustle. I hadn't been to IKEA in years (I had made online purchases) and therefore I went for the full experience, including a visit to the restaurant. To be honest, I had a mega day there. You just shouldn't think that you can quickly go to IKEA, because that's simply not possible. If you take all the time in the world, then IKEA is actually very nice.
Swedish meatballs
This is of course the main reason to go to IKEA: the Swedish meatballs are unbelievably delicious. They now also have a plant-based variant, so IKEA is keeping up with the times in that regard. The cinnamon rolls are my latest discovery, so tasty. Actually, all the food at IKEA is super and also incredibly cheap. Did you know you can really have breakfast here for a pittance? For two euros you get a full breakfast including coffee and a croissant, that's just not normal!
It's cheap
Besides the food in the restaurant, the items at IKEA are also very affordable. I recently went there just for that mattress, but because I chose the full experience, I ended up wandering through the entire store. Of course, I became very greedy with all the items that came my way, so besides the mattress, I bought some pillowcases, dishes, and scented candles. And I must say: you really don't have to be rich to give your home an IKEA makeover, quite nice.
Follow the arrows
There is only one route to follow in IKEA and it is completely predetermined for you. How wonderful is that? You can just wander around without having to think or being afraid that you might miss something. The arrows take you along.
Testing beds
Testing beds is quite a pleasant activity. They have such a wide range at IKEA, so an extensive bed test is of course very important. Nothing is better than lying on a bed during the day because it just has to be.
It's like a museum
It's amazing to walk through all those created rooms, IKEA is almost like a museum. I found the storage systems particularly fascinating, they do that so cleverly. I always have the feeling that I'm short on space, but even in the smallest rooms there, they can still store everything efficiently. So definitely stop by IKEA if you're looking for storage inspiration.
They have a lot in stock
IKEA has a gigantic warehouse, so the nice thing is that you can take almost everything home immediately. For example, I could pick up my mattress right away, that makes a person happy, right?
Assembling IKEA items is therapeutic
You don't have to be a pro at DIY to assemble IKEA items. I've often put together cabinets or beds from IKEA without any trouble. In fact: assembling things from IKEA is very therapeutic. It starts with sorting the screws by group, which is so calming. Somehow I always end up with leftover screws, but that doesn't seem to be a problem with IKEA products. And even if you accidentally skip a step, the end result is still steady.
Bargain corner
In IKEA, you will find a special bargain corner with all the showroom models or items that are leaving the assortment. In this corner, the products are even cheaper, definitely worth taking a look.
The salvation for every student
Did you even have a student room if there wasn't a Billy bookcase in it? Or a Malm drawer cabinet? And what about that white bed with the large storage drawers where you could throw everything in? All items that I actually miss from my student days.
Soft serve ice cream
Last but not least: the soft serve ice cream. When your endlessly long trip through IKEA is almost over, you are always tempted by the soft serve machine at the exit. Well, then there's only one thing to do: get an ice cream for the way back home. That old-fashioned soft serve is so good. Rolling home round as a barrel: a nice tradition if you ask me.
