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Ask an IKEA interior designer: choosing natural materials for the home

When picking the pieces for our homes, we all have different considerations from price, to look, to comfort. Perhaps you’ve become more conscious of what your furniture is made from. We chatted to an IKEA interior designer to learn more about the value of investing in different natural materials.

A BILD poster in a black RIBBA frame leaning against a wall on top of a pine PERJOHAN bench with storage.

Pine furniture in its many forms

Pine can be enjoyed untreated, like this IVAR cabinet, or painted, varnished or stained, like this HEMNES cabinet. One of the reasons to love pine is that every part can be used, including the sawdust. From big, solid pieces to veneer, plywood, particle board and more – it’s such a versatile material.

See the HEMNES living room series
A pine IVAR cabinet on a wall with vases on top of it, including a set of 3 clear glass CYLINDER vases and a BEGÄRLIG vase.
A red stain/light brown HEMNES glass-door cabinet with 3 drawers with one door open and a seagrass FLÅDIS basket on top.
See the HEMNES living room series

Mixing furniture materials for an interesting look

By their very nature, natural materials such as wood and certain textiles can make a space feel warmer. To create a feel with a bit more edge or interest, consider choosing pieces that mix materials, like the cool steel and warmer rattan of this armchair. The juxtaposition is both attractive and intriguing.

See all rattan armchairs
A plant in a glass BEGÄRLIG vase atop a pine IVAR shelving unit with doors behind a rattan/anthracite ULRIKSBERG armchair.
A white, wooden floor with a handmade/off-white HJORTSVANG rug and the corner of a rattan/anthracite ULRIKSBERG armchair.
See all rattan armchairs