In terms of price and quality there is just a huge gap between IKEA and other furniture sources (at least in the Western countries I've lived in). Basically, it

In terms of price and quality there is just a huge gap between IKEA and other furniture sources (at least in the Western countries I've lived in). Basically, it's virtually impossible to find products of similar function at the same price, and even at double the price it's a toss-up whether the quality will be better than IKEA. Sure, if you can afford to spend a fortune on furniture you can obviously find better stuff, but most of us can't. For example, my 15-year-old IKEA leather couch has gone through three moves already, and is basically as good as new. I could afford it in my first job out of college. The Billy bookcases look a bit janky sagging under the weight, but are holding up even without extra support.