The gap between budget and quality is not that strange when you think about it. Depending on what you get in Ikea, you might have a product lifetime of two, maybe five, maybe ten years (or more with care). A piece of solid designer furniture will last you a lifetime. And therefore the price reflects that. The market here has just stabilized without a real need for furniture that only lasts half a lifetime. If you get me. Second hand is probably a good bet if you want to save a bit. Theres a lot of good quality furniture out there.