Ikea is my go-to place for affordable and decently designed items. Although there are people who steer clear of this place, but the items that I have gotten from them have served me well so far! I guess you just have to know what to buy and what the item is suitable for.
From my experience, the expedit (judging from the thickness of the shelves) can withstand quite a bit. It acts as a TV console with storage in my own bedroom. The billy bookcases are not good for books, they start to sag after a while. Stainless steel items are also a nono; but one has to be careful with stainless steel items everywhere anyway.
Ikea has recently brought in some new items and really hope they bring in more! Oh and those who want a little bit more quirk in the items, checkout the PS collection!
Here are a list of items we are eyeing in the store.