When IKEA left Russia, I, like everyone else, was a bit sad. But then I looked at products on AliExpress and realized: half of what I’d been buying at IKEA for years was available there — and often cheaper. Seriously: the same organizers, lamps, textiles — just without the brand markup and trips to the hypermarket. I’m not saying everything is identical, but over the past year I’ve found about a dozen items that easily replaced their IKEA counterparts for me. Some even turned out better. Here’s what I got on AliExpress instead of IKEA and whether it was worth it.
We gathered products that used to shine at IKEA. Now they’re on Ali too!
Super Comfortable 3D Sleeping Pillow
A soft pillow is a must in every home!
Remember those IKEA pillows everyone used to snatch up for a good night’s sleep? Forget them. This double-sided pillow with a twisted 3D pattern looks about five times more expensive than it costs. The filling is feather, not synthetic padding that clumps up after a month. Dense, hefty, holds its shape. I bought two — guests always ask where they’re from. I say AliExpress, but they don’t believe me.
Price: 1,210 rubles
Affordable Magnetic Knife Holder
A magnetic knife holder is awesome. But finding a good one after IKEA left was tough
IKEA had a great magnetic knife strip at a fair price, but it was bare metal. This one is the same thing, only in acacia wood — looks warmer and more premium. The magnets hold even a heavy chef’s knife, wall mounting hardware is included. Knives are in plain sight, don’t get dull in a drawer, and countertop space stays free. Hung it up in 10 minutes, my only regret is not buying it sooner.
Price: 1,260 rubles
Stylish 30-Meter String Lights
Stylish string lights will be a great decoration for your room
IKEA sold indoor string lights seasonally and at crazy prices, but here you get 30 meters of warm white light for pennies. G40 bulbs give a soft glow, don’t blind you, and don’t flicker. I hung these at the dacha — they survived rain, wind, and even frost. Runs from mains power, no need to change batteries every two weeks. For a terrace, balcony, or bedroom — a top-notch item that instantly changes the atmosphere.
Price: 1,380 rubles
Reliable 20W iPhone Charger
The UGREEN charger impresses with its price and quality
People went to IKEA not just for furniture — they had decent chargers and cables too. But UGREEN clearly does it better. A compact 20W GaN adapter is proof of that: fast charging for iPhone and Android, sleek body, multiple ports. Smaller than the original, yet charges your phone to 50% in about 30 minutes. I tossed one on the nightstand, another in my backpack — problem solved.
Price: 810 rubles (with coupon)
Braided Baseus USB Cable Just Like IKEA’s
The same cables were available at IKEA, but cost more
IKEA cables were fine, but cost around 1,000 rubles. Pricey! The Baseus braided cable is a different story: reinforced connector, nylon braiding, doesn’t fray at the bend. Looks neat, doesn’t tangle in your bag. I buy three at a time — for the car, by the bed, and at work. Not a single one has died in a year, and they cost less than IKEA’s.
Price: 300 rubles
Rotating Food Tray
A rotating tray is a great help when guests come over
A direct analog of IKEA’s spinning tray, only cheaper and with more options. Spin it — and everything’s within reach: spices, sauces, oils. I put one in the kitchen to eat comfortably without reaching all over the place. The bearing is smooth, doesn’t squeak, and handles a decent amount of weight. One of those things you think “why would I need this,” and then you can’t understand how you ever lived without it.
Price: 4,170 rubles
