The $5 IKEA Staple I Stock Up on Every Time I’m in the Store (I’ve Been Using It for 10 Years!)

Kylie McConville
Kylie McConvilleEditor-in-Chief at Apartment Therapy
I didn't follow a straight line to jornalism. I went to college to be a teacher (because I loved books and helping people) but when I realized I didn't want to do that anymore, I did the next (best) thing: I started writing "on the internet." I stopped teaching, got an internship working for a college-centric site (hi, College Candy!), and never looked back. Since that first job, I've worked for countless other digital media sites for more than a decade, helping build, launch, relaunch, re-relaunch, and lead successful, smart brands aimed at helping young people at various life stages and moments. Once, Beyoncé sent flowers to a writer for a piece we'd worked on together after she dropped Lemonade. It's the most important thing that's ever happened to me. Now, I'm the Editor-in-Chief of Apartment Therapy, and I work with our incredible editors to create content that solves your biggest design, organizing, cleaning, and DIY problems so you can live stylish, functional, and creative lives at home. I also helped launch Dorm Therapy, an AT Media brand that helps young people feel at home at school. Have an idea or a problem you need help solving? Email me! I'd love to help.
Follow
published Aug 27, 2024
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Credit: Alex Millauer

I am always on the hunt for sneaky home finds that I can use again and again in my space, and these IKEA GLIMMA tea lights have become an everyday superhero in my home. I bought them on a whim for the first time about 10 years ago when I was walking through the store, trying to track down something else that I was actually there to buy, and they’ve become an absolute staple for me. I now feel like I’m a GLIMMA evangelist to anyone who’ll listen.

These GLIMMA tea lights work for any and every mood, and they transcend all seasonal decor style rules. I’ve used them when I have people over for dinner and on a random Tuesday night when takeout is the only meal prep I can handle. They’re good for weeknights, weekends, and any time I’m trying to create a self-care moment. I feel like Sam I Am if only he loved his green eggs and ham — except it’s me and my GLIMMA tea lights instead.

You might be thinking “all of this for tea lights?” and yeah, sure, you’re not wrong, but I think it’s pretty rare in the decor (and self-care) world to find something you love so much that you still sing its praises (and buy on repeat!) with the same gusto a decade later. To me, they are perfect.

GLIMMA Unscented tealights
$4.49
IKEA
Buy Now

When I first picked up the tea lights at IKEA, I didn’t really think I’d use 100 of them anytime soon, but I grabbed them because they felt like a find with tons of versatility, and that’s exactly what they offer. I kind of expected that I’d split them between my mom and my sister, but I’ve since found that I have plenty of reasons and ways to use them all over my apartment — both in vases and also just out on display in areas where I’m craving a little bit more coziness. They’re not the most gorgeous decor in my home, but I’d argue that they’re one of the most important items I use day in and day out. Plus, they last forever.

I’ve even gone so far as to travel with a few GLIMMA tea lights in hand for a surprise party I was throwing. I was worried the vibes might be thin in some places where we didn’t have outright decor, and I knew these tea lights would provide just enough ambiance to set the mood and make the space feel cozy. (And they absolutely did.)

They burn for four hours at a time, so that’s plenty of time to get through most of the night without having to swap them out. Even if I do catch myself swapping them out, I don’t worry about the turnover on them because they’re so budget-friendly. At a little more than $.22 each, what’s there to worry about? I can always buy more … and I do.

Because they’re unscented, I don’t ever worry about how these lights will play with (or against) other smells, or worry about guests who might have scent sensitivities. I know they’re a crowd pleaser, and I also love burning them when I’m alone or even if it’s just me and my boyfriend. 

I’ve picked up these GLIMMA tea lights every time I’ve gone to IKEA for 10 years straight, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop. I love grabbing them as housewarming gifts for friends who’ve recently moved, or as just-because gifts to give. 

Buy: GLIMMA Unscented Tea Lights, $4.49

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The $5 IKEA Staple I Stock Up on Every Time I’m in the Store (I’ve Been Using It for 10 Years!)

Filed in:
Product Review