Ikea for Great Accent Pillow Inserts AND Other Things!

My Ikea Shopping Cart!

I have been buying my insert pillows from Ikea for about six years - the pillows are a feather/down combination and compare to others I've seen for two or three times the amount Ikea charges - $6.99.  Unfortunately, they do not sell them online so I travel to the downtown Atlanta store at Atlantic Station about every 30-45 days to get a cart-full.   I buy 20 at a time, sometimes sharing my haul with my upholsterer's wife - Mrs. Lee.  She loves these pillows, as did her predecessor Mrs. Song, because they have a very tight seam (no loose feathers) and are easy to cover.  

Close-ups of Square and Lumbar Ikea Pillows.

I must admit that I do like visiting this huge and interesting store.  They do a wonderful job of staging their many items for sale and have prices that are very budget-conscious.  I have liked most of the things that I've bought there although you definitely need to know you are not getting absolutely top quality for these prices - but for some items, the quality is just fine.  On this week's trip, I was particularly impressed with the mirrors - both the variety and the prices.  I love mirrors although I'm not sure I need any more.

Ikea Mirrors - Wish I had Room for the Huge One!

Here are some of the images that delighted me on this trip!  Happy virtual shopping!

Ikea is Very Proud of their Green Design Practices

Loved these Butterfly Pillow Covers

Ikea Sells Fabrics !

Buying Accent Pillow Inserts

I go through a lot of accent pillow inserts each year - including them on almost all pieces of furniture.   As with all aspects of my refurbishing process (to be able to provide a good price/value to clients), I look for the best deals.  I am currently using two primary sources:

1. Ikea stores sell 20" square 90% feather - 10% down inserts as well as comparable sized lumbar pillows for $6.99.  This is by far the BEST price I have found anywhere and the construction is top-notch - my upholsterer loves them because they have tight broad seams and do not shed feathers as many do.  Unfortunately, they are not available online - Link to Ikea.
2. Goodwill stores (and sometimes garage sales) often sell gently used accent pillows with perfectly clean inserts for prices ranging from $2.19 to 5.79.  Before buying, I always unzip the cover and thoroughly check the insert.  As I've mentioned in my earlier Goodwill blog, Tuesdays are senior discount (25% off) days so that is when I scout 2-3 stores. This week's haul was 1 - 18",  2 - 20", and 2 - 24" inserts!!  

IF anyone has another source that provides these kinds of deals (or better), please share!