Alternatives to IKEA?

[ATV]

A few years ago there was a store called ILVA that was marketing themselves as an upmarket alternative to IKEA. I went in a couple of times and really liked their stuff. Top notch designs but very well priced.

As I'm in the process of furnishing a flat which I'm doing up to let out, I'd like to know if there's any furniture stores out there that does affordable high-design stuff.

Otherwise it looks like it's a trip down to IKEA again

(PS, based in Manchester)

[Shay HTFC]

Habitat isn't bad if it's still around.

I know there's a couple in Birmingham and Leeds.

[mgtony]

Check out Dwell, their stuff is decent looking and pretty well priced.
They have a branch on Deansgate, just on the corner by Peter Street.

[10JH]

Habitat is ok, there's one in central Manchester.

[Hugo a Gogo]

Habitat was owned by IKEA up until the end of last year

[whirligig]

Ilva went into receivership a couple of years ago.

I really rate John Lewis, Habitat, Marks, Oka and Ikea is fine too. Read recently that 10% of all furniture bought in Britain is from Ikea and found that a bit off-putting.

[KenBlocksPants]

For furnishing a flat to rent, your best going to ikea to be honest.

Cheap, sturdy and hard wearing (most of it) which is perfect for a rental IMO.

Nicer stuff in your own house

[3sixty]

There is a Habitat 'warehouse' in Wythenshawe with all the ex display stuff. Can have some good bargains there, I've had one or two recently as we are moving house.

[zcacogp]

Interesting. Someone else who remembers Ilva. They were very good ... such a shame they folded.


Oli.

[hadenough!]

Shay HTFC said:

Habitat isn't bad if it's still around.

I know there's a couple in Birmingham and Leeds.

Owned by Ikea but a lot more expensive.

[m3jappa]

Ilva lakeside had some amazing stuff, but were very very expensive from what i can remember.