On a recent trip to Chicago, one of the stops I wanted to make while we were there was to the IKEA store located in Chicago’s Northwest suburb of Schaumburg, one of my favorite shopping areas.

If you’ve never been to an IKEA store, just imagine a multi-level warehouse type building that includes everything from household items like dishes and silverware, curtains, bedding and towels to a furniture showroom to kitchen displays, closet organizer displays; it’s own cafeteria where they serve Swedish meatballs to a nursery/kid’s center so you can shop without a screaming kid (because, believe me, that is what will happen if you drag your child through the massiveness that is this store).

Anyway, I have been to IKEA stores before, so I knew what I was in for. When I lived in Connecticut, I would travel an hour to get to my nearest IKEA store located in New Haven. It was well worth the trip. Items in this store are so reasonably priced.

This visit to IKEA was specifically to look for bedroom lamps and new handles for my cabinets. Unfortunately, I did not find anything I liked. But I did find decorative lanterns for my mantle. I had been eyeing these types of lanterns for a while. I had seen them at Pottery Barn for $50-plus. At IKEA –$14.99. What a deal!

The thing at IKEA is that assembly is required, but the lanterns were very simple to put together.

A few years ago, another IKEA trip garnered us a wall unit. My husband and son put it together, and I am happy to say it is still standing. This was my first furniture purchase from IKEA and was very pleased with the quality. So if you are willing to assemble, the prices are worth the effort. Also, with these larger items, you go down to the stock area of the store, locate the item, pay and load it into your vehicle. It’s self-serve. There are employees throughout the store to help you locate items, and, of course, if you need help getting the larger items to your car.

If you get to an IKEA store, be prepared to spend lots of time there. It is not one of those places you can just quickly get in and out of. It is definitely a destination store. Also, on the weekends, this place is jammed with shoppers.

Since moving to Lawrence, I’ve wondered why there isn’t an IKEA store in the Kansas City area. I think it would do really well. But then, after my last trip, I wonder if it wouldn’t be easier to just shop IKEA online. I’m sure the prices will still be cheaper even after adding in the shipping.