The IKEA Lack furniture series, which includes multiple sized coffee tables and end tables, is one of the more popular lines of furniture in the IKEA lineup. The Lack series is generally regarded as the least expensive furniture that Ikea provides, with end tables that retail for as low as $8 and coffee tables in the $30 to $40 range. It is aesthetically similar to the IKEA Malm series, but is made from substantially less expensive materials than the Malm line. Here is a summary of some of the pros and cons of Lack furniture.
Pros:
Price. It’s no secret that the greatest virtue of Lack furniture is the price. At roughly $10 to $40 per item, one would be hard pressed to find a more budget friendly line of furniture. The only real alternative at such a low price point are second hand items from thrift stores or sites like craigslist.
Portability. IKEA Lack furniture is exceptionally easy to move because of its method of assembly. For these coffee and end tables, no screws or other hardware are needed. The legs come with a single screw embedded in them that feeds in to a pre-drilled hole on the underside of the table top. The legs can be unscrewed in a manner of seconds, making the table very easy to move. Lack furniture is also exceptionally light, and bulky items can easily be carried around by a single person.
Variety. Coffee tables in the Lack series are typically available in black, white, and birch finishes. However, the side/end tables come in a myriad of colors, so it’s easy to find an accent table that matches one’s existing style motif.
Decorative flexibility. The IKEA Lack series is extremely minimalist and plain, which is both a positive and a negative. It is a negative in so far as the pieces are bland and uninspired. However, it is a positive in the sense that Lack items are easy to match to preexisting decor. The minimalist design gives Lack furniture an ability to adapt to almost any style.
Cons:
Durability. Lack furniture is made from particle board that is encased by a very thin veneer. Given the particle board core, it is extremely easy to dent and scratch these tables. You can assemble and disassemble the tables numerous times without losing any integrity, but it will likely become fairly beat up if moved frequently.
Susceptibility to water damage. This is also a durability issue, but it is such a singular problem with the Lack furniture line that it deserves special attention. Lack tables show water damage very easily. Hot or cold drinks that are set on the table without coasters will definitely create rings, and any significant moisture that is left on the table for an extended time may cause the veneer to peel away from the particle board beneath it.
The general conclusion about IKEA’s Lack furniture is that it is excellent for kids, college students, and young adults who are budget conscious and/or frequently on the move. But if you have moved past this stage and you are looking for furniture of greater quality, there are other product lines in the IKEA catalog that you will be happier with. If you like the minimalist look of the Lack furniture but are looking for something heavier and more durable, the Malm series may be the right choice.
