As an apartment dweller I love that i can buy a piece for not too much money and then after a few years if it doesn't work anymore or I want a new look, that I haven't invested so much that i feel bad about leaving it on the curb for someone else. i also, admittedly love that I have a project of putting things together. In my opinion avoid the soft furnishings unless you understand the will only last a few years. Great for book shelves, tv stands, cheap barstools, cheap curtains, inexpensive duvets and pillow slips. The housewares are hit and miss. The candles are OK but I always get stuffed up in that section because they are scented. And sometimes they have interesting christmas wrapping and ornaments. What we need to get them to work on is options for delivering items under $200 for less as their standard shipping rate is $60 within Toronto and for those of us without cars this can be an issue.

Ikea is great for that funky and unique item you need to have in every room. Their furniture is usually pretty affordable and they have a great marketplace where you can fill your cart with things like picture frames, candles, dishes, posters, artwork, etc. Their website is also pretty amazing and has almost everything listed for viewing before you make the venture to your local store.

Oh yeah, and their commercials are pretty funny too :P