IKEA: a guide for newlyweds

Splurge or save: a guide for newlyweds

Creating your first home as a couple is a lot of fun, but it could also end up as a financial millstone in your life together. 

There are no rules for smart spending when doing up a new home, and everyone has different priorities. Besides, with so many choices and price points for just about everything the two of you will need, how can you identify what is important and what is not? Where must you focus your efforts, and what can you consider later?   

A master plan for the process can help you gauge a budget, and guide you through what to splurge on, and where to save. 

Sleep = Splurge ✓

Bedding and bed linen     

We all sleep for a large portion of our lives, and great sleep quality equals good health. Both these are solid reasons why you must spend good money on your mattress, pillows, quilt and bed linen. Your mattress in particular, deserves particular attention. This is an item that is likely to last you for at least 10 years, so think of it an investment that will make a world of difference to your wellbeing.  

Best buy: HYLLESTAD

Pocket sprung mattress, firm, white.

Storage = Save ✗

Cabinets, wardrobes, shelves and stands 

Storage is considered lifestyle-specific furniture, which means its style can and will change, when you redecorate or move house. There is no real reason to go overboard with the spending. To make choices from the wide selections available in bookcases, cabinets, wardrobes and shelves and stands, consider all the practical aspects: what will you use it for, how long you are likely to use it, does it match any of your statement pieces, how likely are you to find extensions two years later. 

Best buy: KALLAX

Shelving unit, birch effect

Choose whether you want to place it vertically or horizontally and use it as a shelf or sideboard. 

Health = Splurge ✓

Essential and frequent use items 

Everything that falls under the purview of ‘everyday use’ is meant to endure, as it will be subject to more wear and tear. This list includes seemingly small items like your set of towels and much larger and obvious ones like your sofa. Many of these frequent use items, especially your cookware, are also likely to affect your overall health. As a guideline, remember that the places where you will spend the most time are where your purchases must last longer.  Do not skimp on quality.   

Best buy: OUMBÄRLIG 7-piece cookware set, SR 225 Made of stainless steel, which makes the pan durable and easy to clean. 

Trends = Save ✗

Frivolous or occasional items   

There are dozens of things – big and small – that look stunning in the pages of a magazine or seem to be trending on a website, but will not serve any real purpose in your room. There are several other items that are strictly not necessary for a new home - furniture which is not likely to be used often, extra sets of everything and companion pieces, among others. Save your money for now, and buy bargain substitutes instead. 

Best buy: KARMSUND table mirror with tray, SR 49 The tray underneath the mirror keeps smaller items like jewellery and makeup in place. 

Decor = Save ✗

Accessories and colour

Colour and accents will allow you to make or change a room with equal ease, and this should be the guiding principle for all purchases that fall under the category of décor. For instance, changing the look of your living room can be easily achieved by replacing curtains and sofa and cushion covers, while a bathroom can be made to look almost like new with a new set of accessories. Paint is a related feature: a colour will not look bad just because it was bought cheap, and you can play around. The best part is you can do all this, some months after you have moved in. Go easy on the first round of spending. 

Best buy: BRUNÖRT

Cushion cover, multicolour

The zipper makes the cover easy to remove.

Style = Splurge ✓

Statement pieces 

There are some pieces of furniture you will fall in love with at first sight – the armchair that may complete a room, the set of nesting tables that can fit anywhere, the hand carved screen that will serve multiple purposes. These will make your home feel like it truly belongs to the two of you, and later, they will become the pieces you take to your new, larger home. If you are smitten about something, compare its aesthetics and uniqueness against versatility and durability. If it weighs up well, just buy it. 

Best buy: VALLENTUNA

6-seat corner sofa, Orrsta orange

Lighting = Save ✗

Fixtures 

Lighting can become an expensive proposition, if you do not plan it well. After catering to all the essentials, you can either choose affordable options for the rest knowing that it is temporary, or wait a while for a sale or stock clearance event to invest in chandeliers, table lamps, and other more expensive items.        

Best buy: LYSBOJ ceiling lamp, SR 12

Diffused light that provides good general light in the room.