Trip to IKEA ... WooHoo!

[PodunkUSA]

I am planning a trip to IKEA in September. My question is this:

In Chicago there are 2 stores ... Schaumburg and Bolingbrook. Which one is larger or better. Don't necessarily feel the need to visit both. So I thought I would ask you The Experts.

Thanks,
Patti

[psbdd]

I haven't been yet but I've heard that the Schaumburg one is bigger. Hoping to make a trip there myself in the next couple weeks.

[scrapbearz]

Hi - I live in the area of the one in Bolingbrook. The one in Schaumburg is bigger but also twice as busy. If you do go to the one in Schaumburg, stop by Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. That is just yummy.

[PodunkUSA]

Thanks Ladies! I am being told that Bolingbrook has the same things as Schaumburg and is much less busy. I think I am going to venture there and see what kind of trouble I can get in to.

Patti

[AimeeInOhio]

The Schaumburg store is FANTASTIC and I LOVE going there!!!!

[cdjkssss]

I'm not anywhere near either of those two stores, but my best IKEA advice is to go during the day on a weekday. Weekend crowds at IKEA make me insane, but weekday mornings are wonderful. And I avoid the month of August completely. Too many college-bound students there outfitting entire dorm rooms and apartments.

[dgstamper]

I live 15 mins. from the Bolingbrook store. When they first openned I was told that they were 50% the size. Same stuff, most of the time. Schaumburg has more inspirational displays and also a larger inventory. The Clearance area is always a fun spot, be sure to check that area out.

[sdscrapper]

OK. I have an Ikea question. I saw the shelving unit - squares, comes in about 3 finishes,, can be used verticle or upright. Will this shelf hold a 12 x 12 album?
EXPEDIT Bookcase - birch effect - IKEA

[inkerbelle2000]

Hi sdscrapper! I have the expedite wall unit and yes, it will hold a 12x12 album with a bit of clearance. Ok...just measured mine and the inside of the shelf is 13x13. HTH...

If you decide to get one, I'm sure you'll love it. I do!!

[DLS881]

For all you ikea lovers. Take a look at ikeahackers.net. It has a ton of ideas for taking an ikea piece and repurposing it. Great ideas

[sdscrapper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkerbelle2000

Hi sdscrapper! I have the expedite wall unit and yes, it will hold a 12x12 album with a bit of clearance. Ok...just measured mine and the inside of the shelf is 13x13. HTH...

If you decide to get one, I'm sure you'll love it. I do!!

Thanks. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm putting a few of them on my shoping list!!

[lharnish]

I got to Ikea in Stoughton, MA on the weekend after a 13 hour drive from Nova Scotia!

It was absolutely massive, at least in comparison to the one I visited in Burlington, Ontario a few years back. One of the display rooms was a crafting space and I was absolutely drooling over it. I did get two sizes of the Bygel rails, hooks to hang off it, a medal basket and some plastic baskets that hang off them.

I fell in love with the Expedit options and the Norden Gateleg Table which would be perfect in a makeshift studio. The catalogue and online pictures don't do the real thing justice!

I also loved the Billy bookcases at $49! And the Alex cabinets/drawers that would fit 12X12 papers or wooden stamps perfectly. If I get back there I'd have to take a u-haul!