My first few flats were decorated in nothing but Ikea since I, like most people starting out, couldn’t afford anything else. I also had zero style and liked the pre-bought simplicity they offered. But having to put it all together, not having it withstand (all my) moves, plus seeing every piece I owned in every friend’s house turned me off for a while.

However, taking on a vacation rental for a couple of months left me without the built-in bookcases of my regular home and I needed something simple, white, and cheap to fill the space. Step in Ikea Expedit Shelving Unit.

This unit is everywhere from boutique shops to mansions and for good reason; the clean, sleek lines showcase whatever you put in it so friends will ask about your contents instead of “is that Ikea?”

It’s perfect in my living room for my very large coffee table books (and maybe a flat screen TV on top?) but I can see it being in a child’s room with the coordinated boxes for toys. The larger version would be the perfect room divider. And with multiple hacks for this unit (horizontal, vertical, stacked, black, white, with storage cubes or without) there are more options than most generic bookshelves from higher priced stores.

My adoration of this unit won’t be making Ikea and I BFF anytime soon but since the disassembled unit can fit into my car, installation is rather easy and cost isn’t an issue, I might just have reason to get a second unit for the office.