The IKEA Bekant series and IKEA Rodulf series serve entirely different purposes in a home. The Bekant is a sleek, modern line of adjustable and fixed desks designed specifically for functional office workspaces, while the Rodulf is a rustic collection of solid wood benches and storage units intended for entryways and living areas.
Here’s a detailed look at both product lines from IKEA to help you understand which one is the right fit for your space and needs.
IKEA Bekant Desk Series
The Bekant series is one of IKEA's flagship office furniture lines, known for its minimalist Scandinavian design and focus on ergonomics. It's a popular choice for home offices and professional environments, offering a clean aesthetic with practical features like height adjustability and built-in cable management to keep workspaces tidy and functional.
- What it is: A series of office desks, available in fixed-height, adjustable-height, and corner configurations.
- Key features: Electric sit/stand options, a mesh cable management net underneath, generous desktop space, and multiple size options.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $150 for smaller, fixed models to over $400 for larger sit/stand desks.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and functional. Available in neutral finishes like white, black, and wood effects that fit into professional settings.
- Materials/Construction: The desktop is typically made of engineered wood (particleboard or fiberboard) with a durable melamine or veneer finish, paired with a sturdy powder-coated steel underframe and legs.
- Pros: Ergonomic sit/stand options promote better posture. Integrated cable management keeps cords organized. Durable and scratch-resistant surface holds up to daily use. Clean, versatile design fits most modern decor.
- Cons: Engineered wood lacks the premium feel of solid wood. The minimalist aesthetic may feel too sterile for some home styles. Higher price point than basic desks.
The Bekant desk is ideal for anyone setting up a dedicated home office, a student study area, or a professional workspace who prioritizes function, ergonomics, and a clean, modern look.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/bekant-desks/
IKEA Rodulf Furniture Series
The Rodulf series offers a completely different vibe, focusing on warm, rustic charm and multi-purpose functionality. This small collection, which centers around benches and storage chests, is crafted from solid wood and designed to bring a cozy, farmhouse feel to living spaces, entryways, or bedrooms rather than serving as a primary workspace.
- What it is: A collection of rustic seating and storage furniture, including benches and chests.
- Key features: Solid wood construction, natural or distressed finishes, classic and simple design. Often used in entryways for seating while putting on shoes.
- Price: Very affordable, typically ranging from $50 to $200.
- Style: Rustic, farmhouse, and vintage. The natural wood grain and simple form add a touch of timeless, handcrafted character.
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily from solid pine or other woods with a clear or tinted lacquer, highlighting the material's natural texture and durability.
- Pros: Made of durable and long-lasting solid wood. Very budget-friendly. Versatile for use as seating, a side table, or accent storage. The warm, rustic aesthetic adds character and coziness to a room.
- Cons: Not intended for office work. The rustic style is specific and won't fit a modern or minimalist aesthetic. Limited product range within the series.
This series is perfect for someone looking to add a functional accent piece with a charming, rustic style to their entryway, living room, or at the foot of their bed.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/rodulf-bench-70370394/
Bekant vs. Rodulf Comparison
Functionality & Use Case
This is the most critical difference between the two lines. The Bekant series is built with a single purpose in mind: creating an efficient and ergonomic workspace. Its features - like adjustable height for standing, deep surfaces for monitors and keyboards, and neat cable management - are all tailored to productivity and office tasks. These aren't just surfaces, they are highly functional pieces of office equipment.
In contrast, the Rodulf series is designed for casual utility and decor. A Rodulf bench serves as a place to sit briefly in an entryway, a spot to place a handbag, or as a decorative base for plants or books in a living room. It's multi-functional but not specialized. You would never choose a Rodulf bench for an 8-hour workday, just as a Bekant desk wouldn't fit socially in a cozy entryway.
Materials & Construction
The materials reflect their intended functions. Bekant desks pair engineered wood tops with heavy-duty steel frames. This combination is practical, stable, and cost-effective for a large work surface that needs to support monitors and computers. The powder-coated steel and melamine or veneer finishes are also easy to clean and resist scratches from daily use, prioritizing low-maintenance durability over natural aesthetics.
The Rodulf series prioritizes feel and aesthetics, using solid wood like pine. This gives each piece a unique grain, a warm texture, and a sturdy, traditional feel. Solid wood is durable and can be sanded or refinished over time, but it requires more gentle care than the manufactured surfaces of the Bekant.
Style & Versatility
Stylistically, they exist in different design worlds. The Bekant has a clean, professional aesthetic rooted in modern Scandinavian principles. Its neutral colors (white, black, gray) and simple, straight lines allow it to blend seamlessly into a business or contemporary home office environment without causing distraction. It's versatile enough to fit with other modern furniture but doesn't make a strong decorative statement.
The Rodulf is all about making a specific stylistic statement. Its rustic, farmhouse design is meant to be a feature that adds warmth, texture, and character. It pairs well with traditional, vintage, or eclectic decor but would look out of place in a strictly modern or minimalist space. Its versatility is in its placement - an entryway, a living room, a bedroom - rather than its stylistic flexibility.
Price & Value
While Bekant is more expensive, its value comes from its ergonomic features and specialization as a piece of office furniture. An adjustable-height desk for a few hundred dollars is a strong value proposition for anyone spending significant time working from home. You're paying for functional technology and design created for health and comfort.
The Rodulf series offers a different kind of value. For under $200, you can get a durable piece of solid wood furniture that serves multiple purposes and adds significant decorative appeal. Its value lies in its material quality, charm, and low price point for what it is.
Which One Should You Choose?
Since these products serve completely different functions, the choice is simple and depends entirely on what you need to furnish.
Choose the Bekant series if:
- You are building a dedicated home office or study space.
- You need an ergonomic desk with sit/stand capabilities for work or gaming.
- You value practical features like built-in cable management.
- Your home has a modern, minimalist, or contemporary aesthetic.
Choose the Rodulf series if:
- You need a functional bench for an entryway, mudroom, or at the end of a bed.
- You are looking for affordable, decorative storage with character.
- You want furniture made from solid wood.
- Your home decor leans toward a rustic, farmhouse, or traditional style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the IKEA Bekant and Rodulf?
The main difference is their function. The Bekant is a modern office desk series designed for workstations, while the Rodulf is a rustic series of benches and storage chests designed for casual seating and decoration in living spaces.
Is the IKEA Bekant desk good for daily work-from-home use?
Yes, the Bekant is an excellent choice for a work-from-home setup. Its sturdy build, large work surface, ergonomic features like height adjustability, and integrated cable management make it a practical and comfortable desk for daily, long-term use.
What is the IKEA Rodulf bench typically used for?
The Rodulf bench is most commonly used in entryways as a place to sit down to put on or take off shoes. It's also popular at the foot of a bed, as a plant stand, or as extra casual seating in a living room due to its sturdy construction and charming style.
Which series is made from better materials?
Neither is "better," they are just different. The Rodulf uses solid wood, which many people prefer for its natural look, feel, and durability. The Bekant uses engineered wood and steel, which are highly practical, stable, and easy to maintain for an office environment.
Can you stand at an IKEA Bekant desk?
Yes, many models in the Bekant series are sit/stand desks. They feature an electronic motor that allows you to easily adjust the height from a sitting to a standing position with the push of a button.
Is the Rodulf bench comfortable to sit on?
The Rodulf bench is a hard, flat wood surface, so it's not designed for long-term comfortable sitting. It's perfectly fine for brief moments, like in an entryway, but you would likely want to add a cushion for any extended seating.
How much weight can the Bekant desk hold?
The IKEA Bekant desk frames are tested to hold up to 154 lbs (70 kg), which is more than enough for multiple monitors, a laptop, and other typical desk accessories.
Which one is more difficult to assemble?
Both follow IKEA's standard assembly process with picture-based instructions. The Rodulf bench is a much simpler structure and will likely be quicker to assemble. A sit/stand Bekant desk has more parts, including the motor and frame, so it will take more time and attention to build correctly.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
