Ode to IKEA Singapore

IKEA -- that mecca of affordable, easy-to-assemble (relatively) furniture and home accessories store hailing originally from Sweden.  They've got almost everything you need to turn your house into a well-loved and personalized home with furnishings that simply screams you.

At IKEA our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people.  Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.  (Source: Ikea Singapore website)

That is IKEA's vision and business idea which reflects well on their products and services.  It's no wonder that it's one of the most visited stores here in Singapore!

IKEA Tampines, Singapore

There are 2 IKEA branches here in the Lion City, one in Tampines and another located along Alexandra Road.  Both are housed in their own square, warehouse-like structures with almost similar layouts -- showrooms, IKEA restaurant and children's play area in the upper floors...

Showrooms make it easier to design your home in the IKEA style

Children's play area

... and small individual home items; boxed, disassembled furniture pieces, cashier and check-out counters, the Bistro and Swedish Food Market at the lower floor.

Boxed, disassembled furniture pieces arranged and stacked warehouse-style

WHAT TO SEE...

IKEA is further divided into various sections based on specific areas of the house (i.e. living room, bedroom, kitchen, children's IKEA, etc.) you wish to furnish, making it easier for their patrons to scour and browse through their offerings.

Here's a quick peek at what you can find in their stores (photos below are a combination of shots taken from both Singapore branches):

Sample showrooms

Some furniture pieces on display

Knick knacks (yes, they also sell live plants)

Children's IKEA showrooms

Toys and furniture pieces from the Children's IKEA line

TIPS!  TIPS!  TIPS!

IKEA may seem such an overwhelming structure, but not to worry.  Here are some tips to help you through:

1. For residents, arm yourselves with the exact measurements of the specific space where you will be placing your desired furniture piece to ensure that it fits perfectly.  Bring a measuring tape, pad and pen.

IKEA also provides paper-made measuring tapes, paper and pencils for use free-of-charge, located in various areas of the store.

Measuring tapes, papers and pencils for taking down notes

For tourists, talk to the store's sales agents to determine the weight and particulars of the piece's disassembled state (i.e. length and width as boxed, etc.).  Pieces are also displayed with the specific information you may need to take note of .

2. Double check items with removable pieces (i.e. peelers, spatulas with heat resistant handles, etc.)  I've twice bought items that did not last me after the first use.  And although IKEA has an excellent return policy, it's still quite a hassle to go back all the way to their store just to return an item.

3. Bring your own shopping bags.  IKEA charges an additional fee for plastic bags.  Very good policy, if you ask me.

So whether I am on a mission / in need of a statement piece for the home or simply wanting to pass the time away window shopping, IKEA is definitely the place to be.

But, wait!  That's not all folks!  Stayed tuned to my next post on the EATS!

***

Visit my IKEA Singapore series:

Ode to IKEA Singapore
Ode to IKEA Singapore -- The EATS Edition!

***

Planning to visit?  Drop by my "Getting Around Singapore" post (click here) for more details on how to get around the Lion City.