If you’re on a budget but still love the look of modern design, IKEA is a popular place to find that affordable furniture fix. But could you imagine yourself going “vintage modern” by purchasing second-hand IKEA products? Just a few days ago IKEA launched a new program in Sweden that offers used IKEA pieces online, and they intend to extend this idea to other foreign outlets.

Peter Agnefäll, CEO of IKEA Sweden said: “It is about taking an environmental responsibility for how our products are used in the longer term and making it easier for our customers to do their part for their responsibility towards the environment.” We’re not too sure about the quality and life span of most IKEA furniture, but we do appreciate the gesture as the big-box company tries to reduce waste with a more sustainable business venture.

Shoppers eager to nab discounted furniture at cut-rate prices can now bypass Craigslist and head straight to the mother ship of cheap home furnishings: IKEA.
Cynics see the launch as the company's attempt to take control of the second-hand market. It's also a continuation of last year's naming conflict with retailer Iloveikea.se, a web site devoted to used IKEA goods. Following a court order, that site had to relocate to billyandfriends.se. Fortunately for Swedes, it's merely a case of different name, same cheap sofas.