IKEA Furniture Stores have been around the United States for many years. I remember we had one in Houston, where I grew up, but I don’t think I ever went in it. My wife and I were on a trip to Austin, Texas, a few weeks ago, when we decided the time was right.
If you have been in one of these Scandinavian furniture stores, then you already know where this question comes from. Did you know about the meatballs?
Yes, Meatballs… Swedish Meatballs
As it happens, we were headed to the IKEA in Round Rock, just a little north of Austin, and it was nearing lunchtime, so my wife said we could just get lunch there. I said, “At IKEA?” Yep, it’s true. IKEA has a full cafeteria-style kitchen and dining area. You might need it too, after your first hour of walking around the store, you’re famished.
So, What About The Store?
It’s huge! I mean, way bigger than I anticipated. We were there a total of 2’ish hours, found a lot of stuff that was pretty cool, other than the meatballs, of course.
The furniture is what I would call a retro/modern design and very functional. Stylish for sure, and pretty affordable, especially if you’re working within a tight budget. If you’re a younger person, you will most likely love it. I am not. The quirky colors and shapes might be considered retro to some, but if you grew up with those colors and shapes in the 60s and 70s, it doesn’t feel retro; it feels like grandma’s house. I would probably pass on most of it. I prefer my furniture like me, old and fluffy. But not all of it, there was some really nice-looking stuff in there that my wife and I liked a lot.
Gas Up, It’s A Texas-sized Roadtrip
If you live in Deep East Texas as we do, you’ll have to drive… a while. There are only 7 IKEA locations in the State of Texas, 3 in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, 3 between Austin and San Antonio, and 1 in Houston…