6 ‘Insta-Worthy’ Spots In IKEA Tampines To Prove That Meatballs Aren’t The Only Thing Attracting Millenials

Founded in 1953 by Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer with over 300 stores operating in more than 40 countries. Having spawned two mammoth outlets in Tampines and Alexandra, the Scandinavian chain, which designs and retails ready-to-assemble furniture, is no stranger to those living in Singapore.

What tends to happen for many of us though, is that we sometimes head to IKEA even if we don’t need any furniture. It’s usually for the delicious Swedish meatballs and crispy chicken wings but increasingly so, it’s because IKEA is actually a GREAT place for OOTDs and photos.

Don’t believe me? Here are six ‘Instagram-worthy’ spots in IKEA Tampines to up your Instagram game.

1. Carpark

Carpark #ootds never get old. But while we advocate taking nice pictures, we most definitely do not want you to risk your lives.

At IKEA Tampines, head to the second storey and you’ll find yourself face to face with an almost deserted carpark, which should provide ample room for your inner narcissist. And we hope this goes without saying – even though it’s empty, please do still keep a look out for cars!

Feel free to play around with the “props”, but please don’t be an inconsiderate little prick. Remember where you take them from and do return them to their rightful positions.

2. Showroom

IKEA breathes new life into its interior every now and then. Carefully sculpted showrooms quite often inspire many to perfect their living spaces.

What IKEA showrooms are also great for however, is in inspiring you to up your Instagram game.

Fun fact one: Did you know that IKEA’s founder is dyslexic? Kamprad had so much trouble arranging and managing his inventory that he eventually decided to name some of the products.

Thus the reason for certain hilarious names like Godis Skum (Marshmallow Candy), Dombås (Wardrobe) and Pysslingar (Wall Pockets).

3. IKEA Restaurant

Feeling hungry after navigating the extensive showrooms? Head over to IKEA’s Restaurant for that hunger fix. Indulge in Swedish-inspired dishes, such as the Swedish meatballs with cream sauce and lingonberry jam.

Food bonds people and IKEA acknowledges that. So it is all the more impressive to see IKEA’s respect for local taste incorporated in its menu. Besides the aforementioned meatballs, you can look forward to feasting on some local fare, such as Nasi Lemak.

IKEA takes design very seriously and so, even the dining area in the restaurant is pretty beaut. Some of you may not know that there’s even a part that’s al fresco, with excellent lighting for photos!

4. Stairs

Outside the IKEA Restaurant is a staircase that connects the Level Three Market Place to the Level Four Showrooms. Despite looking quite ordinary, these flights of stairs hold potential to be a worthy backdrop for your shoot.

Of course, there are other people using the same stairs as you do, so do leave some space for them to walk (and ignore their judgemental looks) while you are at it.

Fun fact two: Did you know that ‘IKEA’ is an acronym consisting of the founder’s initials, followed by the name of the farm where he grew up at (Elmtaryd) and the name of the town where his farm is situated (Agunnaryd)?

5. Warehouse Alleys

Ah, the most famous ‘Insta-worthy’ spot in IKEA, the humongous self-serve furniture area. There’s something about this space that never fails to attract youths (and adults too). Perhaps it is the symmetrical aesthetics, or the gorgeous lighting.

Work out some fun with your friends as you try out different embarrassing cool poses while gearing up for that one picture. Again, ignore the quiet snickering.

6. Ice Cream

I like ice cream. But I love cheap ice cream more. IKEA sells this yummy soft serve at only $0.50 per cone. While not technically an ‘Insta-Worthy’ spot, this iconic IKEA snack can also act as a handy prop.

The downside? Having to control the temptation to lick the melting ice cream before the shoot is done.

Fun fact three: Before it was cool to cast gay couples, IKEA actually rolled out a TV commercial back in 1994 doing just that. Also quite recently, IKEA released a new ad campaign that had an interracial gay couple snuggling up on the sofa together. The latter titled, “All homes are created equal.”

We can definitely get behind that, IKEA. But not all Instagram shots are created equal, so hopefully this little guide inspires you the next time you’re “furniture shopping”!

IKEA Tampines: 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764 | Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Daily) | Tel: +65 6786 6868 | Website | Facebook