Love a shopping trip to IKEA? Who doesn’t? The next time you’re planning on shopping for some affordable furniture, make sure you’re doing it in the smartest way possible. These shopping secrets will not only save you time but they’ll also save you some of your hard-earned cash, too. We all know that IKEA can be a challenging store to navigate, but not anymore!

Here are IKEA shopping secrets to know the next time you shop.

Download the IKEA Mobile App

Of course, it’s a great time to walk around the IKEA marketplace, scoping out your next find, but when you want to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible, we have a tip for you. Use the IKEA Mobile App! It allows you to carry around your pre-curated shopping list, use the built-in barcode scanner to learn more details about products, check stock at other locations, and see all of the latest deals, including exclusive family member-only discounts.

Join the IKEA Family program for exclusive discounts

Joining the IKEA Family is probably one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Not only is joining the program completely free, but you’ll be rewarded with exclusive discounts on various items.

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Shop the As-Is section for even better discounts

If you’re looking for even sweeter deals, head to the as-is section. While you might have to do a little digging, everything in this section is full of new items in opened boxes, or barely-used product with minor scratches or dents. Insiders say to shop this section on a Monday as most people make returns over the weekend.

Keep an eye out for the bright yellow Price tags

Items marked with a yellow tag mean that the price is ultra-low, and you should probably snag them while inventory lasts! You can even shop the Low Price section online, where you’ll see the prices highlighted yellow.

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Weekday mornings are the best time to shop

This might go without saying but don’t expect IKEA to be quiet on a weekend. Sources say that weekday mornings, especially Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, are the best time to shop if you’re looking for a stress-free shopping experience.

Don’t forget about price protection

Bought some awesome home decor last week but now everything is on sale? IKEA Family members are able to get a refund on the price difference if the issue is brought to the stores attention within 90 days with a receipt.

Product tags tell you much more than just the price

Pay close attention to an item’s price tag. In addition to (obviously) telling you how much it costs, the tag will also tell you the product’s size, colour, material, measurements, features, and location in the warehouse.

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If you’re in a hurry, start your shopping at the exit

While strolling through the showroom is super fun, if you’re in a time crunch and know exactly what you need, start shopping at the store’s exit. This way, you not only avoid slow-walkers but also all the impulse buys that we all know IKEA is famous for.

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IKEA has free daycare

IKEA understands that a lot of its customers are parents and that shopping with a cranky toddler can be challenging. Drop off your kiddo at IKEA’s Småland, which is a free supervised play area where parents can drop their kids off for up to an hour, or for up to 1.5 hours if they’re an Ikea Family member.

Return items in the morning

At IKEA, some customers may be dealing with broken furniture pieces or even missing parts, so to avoid those long return lines, get to the store ASAP. If you can head over to your local IKEA as soon as it opens, then you’ve got a greater chance of making your return and getting out as quickly as possible.

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Take Pictures Of Item + Tag

As you walk through IKEA it’s a smart idea to take pictures of the items you’re interested in as well as the tag for it so you have all of the information you need when it comes time for purchasing decisions.

IKEA Has Maps At The Entrance

To ensure you don’t get lost, before you start your trip, check out the map location at IKEA’s entrance! The maps even showcase all the shortcuts that can be taken while you shop. Around this area, you can also find shopping lists, pencils, and measuring tape.

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If you find your home is constantly messy and disorganized, you probably just don’t have enough organizational and storage products to store your belongings. Once everything you own has a proper place to go, keeping your space tidy becomes much more effortless! Say goodbye to “junk drawers,” cluttered closets, and messy kitchen tables by investing in some essential organization pieces for your home. 

With these products, keeping your home organized will be a breeze!

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Get ready to save on all kinds of home goods; IKEA Canada is having a major warehouse sale this weekend, offering up to 50% off on select products!

The sale will take place in-store in IKEA’s self-serve furniture area on August 10th and 11th (that’s this weekend). Unfortunately, IKEA Toronto Downtown and IKEA Scarborough Town Centre will be excluded this time around.

“Join us from August 10-11, 2024 for our in-store Warehouse event and save even more this summer!” – IKEA Canada

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If you can’t make it out to an IKEA location, there are plenty of items online already marked down up to 50%, as the home furnishing brand is “cleaning house and cutting prices on hundreds of your favourite products.

Whether you’re getting ready for back-to-school or are simply craving a home upgrade, IKEA’s warehouse sale is the perfect opportunity to do so!

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It’s been rumoured that almost everything at IKEA Canada will be marked down during the event. Don’t walk, run!

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It’s finally officially summer, and as much as we would all love to be lounging in the backyard sun, living in the city, we’re lucky if we even have a balcony to work with. If you are one of the lucky ones with some outdoor space, no matter how small, you really should utilize it! We only get a few treasured months of warm weather here in Toronto, after all. There are plenty of ways you can make your balcony a place to relax, enjoy a coffee, read a book, or simply bask in the fresh air. We’ve curated a list of items that are sure to spruce up your balcony this summer!

These items belong on your balcony!

All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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With seemingly everything rising in price lately, it’s a welcome surprise to hear that IKEA Canada is actually dropping its prices on some of its most popular items! 

IKEA is reducing the price of well over a thousand items in Canada! Including its BILLY Bookcase, STRANDMON Armchair, and RANARP Work Lamp – to name a few. 

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To do so, IKEA has made a multi-million dollar investment (over $80 million). This will support reducing prices on everything from storage solutions to home furnishing accessories. 

Securing the lowest price has been a pillar of the IKEA brand’s Democratic Design philosophy for the past eight decades. The retailer is committed to lowering prices where possible and looks forward to making price reductions that make it even more attainable for many Canadians to shop with IKEA, as shared in a press release

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“We know that in Canada, the cost of living and affordability is more important than ever as many Canadians face rising living costs and increased inflation. Many are facing an affordability crisis and are struggling with fundamental costs such as housing, fuel, health, and food,” said Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA Canada.

You can conveniently shop IKEA’s ‘lower prices’ here!

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Enjoy A Dinner For 2 At IKEA This Valentine’s Day

Nothing says romance quite like an IKEA 3-course dinner in honour of Valentine’s Day.

If you haven’t made any Valentine’s Day plans yet, and happen to love IKEA’s cuisine then you’re in luck – the affordable Swedish Restaurant we all enjoy visiting while furniture shopping is hosting a V-Day celebration.

Participating IKEA locations across Canada are hosting a Valentine’s Day 3-course dinner for two on February 14th, and tickets are only $34.99! Bring your children along for just $5.99 each.

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If you want to snag tickets, visit a participating IKEA location, and tickets will be available in the IKEA Swedish Restaurant. 

What is included in this festive three-course dinner you ask? Each adult ticket includes a starter, main, dessert, and a mocktail – for two! 

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For the starter, you can choose from Tomato Feta Soup, Hungarian Mushroom Soup, Caesar Salad, or House Salad. The 3 main course options include Meatballs in a Demi-glace Sauce, Sundried Tomato Pesto Plant Balls or Veggie Balls, or Mediterranean Salmon. For Dessert, you can choose between Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, or Daim Cake.

There will be alcoholic beverages available to purchase separately at the event!

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The wait is almost over! It was reported back in November 2022 that a new IKEA location would be opening at Scarborough Town Centre, and now the opening date is finally approaching!

IKEA Canada has announced that the brand new location is set to open by the end of this month. On August 23rd, to be exact. Finally!

The spot where Sears once lived will now be home to IKEA and its 2500+ products, furniture displays, and a Swedish Deli.

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Customers will be able to shop a ton of products in-store and check out furniture on display, that can be ordered for home delivery or pick-up. 

“We are excited to welcome the community of Scarborough to our new store. Every detail was created with the unique needs of Scarborough residents in mind, from the proximity to public transportation and delivery and assembly options to the wide product range curated specifically to help them with solutions to live a better everyday life at home,” said Odette Walker, Market Manager at IKEA Scarborough Town Centre.

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The new STC IKEA is opening its doors at 9 AM on August 23rd, and those waiting in line for the opening will be entered for the chance to win gift card prizes! 

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Let’s face it, most of us Torontonians are living in less than 1,200 square foot studio apartments, and with such a small space, every single inch counts. Making the most of your space requires a lot of planning and browsing, and if you know where to go, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking to decorate or spruce up your space with affordable furniture, these Toronto stores have you covered.

Here are the best places to get trendy and affordable furniture in the city.

Elte MKT

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Located in the Castlefield Design District, Elte MKT is the lower-priced sister retailer of Elte, which is nearby. Here you’ll find more budget-friendly options that are definitely as chic as what you can find at Elte, but priced lower so you won’t jump when you see your total at the cash register.

Casalife Furniture

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Casalife Furniture is a modern and contemporary furniture store with products that are designed to maximize function as well as style. Explore the collection of modern and contemporary chairs, accent tables, day beds, media units, sofas, sectionals, and more. You can check out its selection online or in-store in Etobicoke.

Equilibrium Furnishings

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Equilibrium Furnishings always keeps its customers in mind when producing pieces that are chic yet affordable. The shop offers everything for every room in your home whether you’re looking for a modern, rustic, or even a vintage feel.

IKEA

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We couldn’t write this list and not include our worldwide fave, IKEA. Not only is IKEA fun to browse even if you’re not on the furniture hunt, but it’s filled with an array of affordable and unique pieces.

Stylegarage

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Style Garage designs and builds timeless furniture with locally sourced, sustainable materials. The shop has an expertly curated selection of tables, lounge chairs, chaises, and benches. This furniture is built to be timeless, but if you like a hint of retro-chic, you’ll like what you find here.

Parliament Furniture

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Parliament Furniture is a family-operated business featuring quality furniture and items for your home or business. It takes pride in the small town personal service which is what its customers love most. The company also delivers locally for free and always set-up the furniture that we deliver right in your home.

Design Republic

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This Toronto furniture is a must-visit shop for your furniture needs. DesignRepublic offers products and styles that can’t be found anywhere else. It offers a world of interesting and unusual designer furniture and home furnishings, most of which the company makes in Toronto.

Structube

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With prices being more affordable than you could ever believe, Structube is your budget’s best friend. The retailer’s style leans more modern and contemporary and you can find everything from the living room, bedroom, dining room, and office furniture all in-store.

Around The Block

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Located in the north end of Toronto, Around The Block is a consignment store that’s more than worth the travel. With everything from contemporary and vintage, to antique home furnishings, you’ll have a hard time choosing what vibe you want your space to give off.

A Changing Nest

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If your space is feeling a bit bland and in need of a little help, head to A Changing Nest. This consignment store’s eclectic adorable mix of used furniture includes everything from kitchen and dining items to couches and is staged so beautifully, that you’ll leave with some ideas for your own home.

The Singing Lady

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The Singing Lady is a consignment store that’s decked out with a variety of furniture ranging from modern to vintage. This 13,000 square foot space is one location with two spaces only 67 steps away from one another. Both are filled with fabulous finds and you never know what you’ll find here, but surely it will be at a good price.

Urban Barn

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Urban Barn is here to help you create a home that expresses who you are. Offering well-made furniture and accents, it curates home furnishings for design-conscious folks. Get inspired and find the pieces that make your vision become a reality.

Costco

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Costco has just about everything you could ever need, including furniture! Whether you’re looking for modern furniture for your home or even smaller condo-sized furniture, they have some really great options if you’re looking to change up your home on a budget.

Urban Mode

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Located at 145 Tecumseth Street in Toronto, this fun furniture shop has a ton of styles to browse through. You’ll find modern pieces, Scandinavian finds, and even European designs! The company also has a selection of curated lines from Italy and Denmark.

Our Furniture

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Our Furniture has a large selection of modern and unique styles of furniture for all rooms. Compared to other furniture stores – and we all know how expensive they can get, this store’s prices are extremely fair. If you’re local to Toronto you can even get free delivery if you spend over $1450.

West Elm

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If you’re looking to add a contemporary flare to your home, West Elm has you covered. The store has every piece of furniture you can think of, and it all has a chic and designer-style aesthetic. If you’re looking to snag a deal, check out its sale section.

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We love supporting small businesses, especially those run by women. We found these businesses on The Pink Pages Directory for Run The World Summit, a women’s networking event held monthly at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto (Check out our page on it here!)

Run The World Summit helps to empower and bring together women by helping them network. Having (other female) connections can help when it comes to business advice or “knowing someone in the industry” that you can rely on.  We’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of these women and/or trying their products, and here are some of our faves!

Here are Some of our fave women-run small businesses

HoneyLux

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Oana Badiceanu is the founder of HoneyLux, an environmentally conscious and Canadian female-run business. She sells luxury silk as well as other goodies at an affordable price. We love the leopard premium silk scrunchie available here.

Nipsey Daisy

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Nipsey Daisy is run by two Canadian sisters – we’ve actually tried their body tape and we love it. It’s hard to find tape that can actually provide support, but their 4” wide tape does the trick. We also love their silicone nipple covers that are totally invisible through your shirt.

Ula

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Oge Ahanotu is a mom to a daughter and a dog, and she’s an entrepreneur. Her Jewelry is cool and glamorous, and won’t break the bank. We love the double-sided pendant necklace found here.

Arkaeology Studio

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Arkaeology Studio is a new brand and currently has a limited run of beautiful hand-made bags to shop! Its Toppa Bag is perfect for travel (and could even double as a pillow on the go thanks to its puffer-quilting)! We also love its Mini Puffer Handbags for day-to-day. We can’t wait to watch this brand flourish and grow!

1day Beauty

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Corinne Haddad created this brand that focuses on inclusivity and diversity – she uses her visually impaired mother Amal as one of her models. We love her skin dew highlighters for that glowy summer look.

Silk & Twine Gift Co

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Not sure what to get your teacher or mother-in-law for their birthday? Ilona Spirina at Silk & Twine creates the most gorgeous gift boxes. Every product inside is high quality and thoughtfully sourced, and the company itself is women-run and self-funded. We think the Birthday Box is adorable.

Natalie Czerwinski Illustration

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Toronto-based Natalie Czerwinski offers a ton of beautiful prints on her Etsy, including illustrations of familiar Toronto spots! She also offers custom illustrations if you want something more personalized – like an illustration of your home for example.

Olaeda

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Olaeda is a Toronto jewellery brand in which its jewellery is hand-made with 14k gold-filled or solid gold. The pieces are never plated and are made to last. Its pricing is also extremely fair, for high-end jewellery! We are loving this Diamond Heart Locket.

THIC

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Last but not least, you may have heard of this one as it’s another Toronto local brand, THIC. THIC Studio is a hair salon that also has a limited product line, THIC. The brand recently came out with its own shampoo and conditioner (which we’ve tried and loved), and its Daily Hair Perfecting Oil is a crowd favourite totally worth trying.

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Nothing says romance quite like an IKEA 3-course dinner in honour of Valentine’s Day.

If you haven’t made any Valentine’s Day plans yet, and happen to love IKEA’s cuisine then you’re in luck – the affordable Swedish Restaurant we all enjoy visiting while furniture shopping is hosting a V-Day celebration.

Participating IKEA locations across Canada are hosting a Valentine’s Day 3-course dinner for two on February 14th, and tickets are only $39.99!

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If you want to snag tickets, visit a participating IKEA location and tickets will be available in the IKEA Swedish Restaurant. 

What is included in this festive three-course dinner you ask? Each adult ticket includes a starter, main, dessert, and a mocktail – for two! 

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The starter, dessert, and mocktail options may vary by location and for the main, you can choose between these three options:

  • Meatballs with spiced potatoes served with fresh herbs, arugula, and pea salad with turmeric sour cream sauce.
  • Plant balls with curry cauliflower, lime & coconut sauce, served with green beans and red pepper salsa.
  • Salmon served with vegetable vermicelli, Sichuan vegetables, and sauteed sesame coriander sauce.

There will be alcoholic beverages available to purchase separately at the event!

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