The IKEA Husvika, Minnesund, and Meistervik are often looked at together, but they serve entirely different functions: the Husvika and Meistervik are compact storage units, while the Minnesund is a solid wood bed frame. The Husvika is a mobile, low-profile storage unit on wheels, the Meistervik is a slim, vertical storage tower for tight spaces, and the Minnesund is a traditional bed frame built for durability.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these popular IKEA pieces is the right fit for your home.
IKEA Husvika Rolling Storage Unit
The Husvika is a compact and movable two-drawer storage unit designed for convenience and small-space living. Its simple, clean look and integrated casters make it a versatile piece that can slide under desks, serve as a mobile nightstand, or add a bit of organization wherever needed. It's a pragmatic choice for anyone needing flexible, low-profile storage on a small budget.
- What it is: A two-drawer rolling storage cart with a simple Scandinavian design.
- Key features: Compact size, two storage drawers, four rolling casters for easy mobility.
- Price: Around $60 - $80.
- Materials/Construction: Made from engineered fiberboard with a laminate finish.
- Style: Minimalist and functional, blending easily with modern or contemporary decor.
- Pros: Very affordable, casters provide great mobility, small footprint is ideal for apartments and dorm rooms, easy to assemble.
- Cons: Laminate finish is less durable than solid wood and can be prone to chipping, limited drawer space, basic materials reflect the low price point.
This rolling unit is the ideal solution for renters, students, or anyone needing a simple, movable storage drawer to tuck away clutter in a small space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/husvika-2-drawer-rolling-storage-unit-40487233/
IKEA Minnesund Bed Frame
Standing apart from the other two, the Minnesund is a classic bed frame constructed from solid wood. Valued for its sturdiness and timeless Scandinavian look, it provides a durable foundation for a bedroom centerpiece. Available in standard bed sizes, its natural wood grain offers warmth and a level of quality that sets it apart from typical engineered-wood furniture.
- What it is: A solid wood platform bed frame.
- Key features: Made from natural pine or oak, sturdy construction, available in multiple sizes (twin, full, queen, king), can be stained or painted.
- Price: $200 - $400, depending on size.
- Materials/Construction: Solid pine or oak, often FSC-certified for responsible sourcing.
- Style: Timeless Scandinavian with a natural wood aesthetic that suits rustic, modern, and traditional decor.
- Pros: Excellent durability and longevity due to solid wood construction, simple and elegant design, offers better sustainability credentials, provides a stable, long-term furniture investment.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point than the storage units, requires more time and effort to assemble, natural wood may show scratches or dings more easily if not cared for.
The Minnesund bed frame is for someone looking to invest in a durable, long-lasting bedroom staple with a natural, timeless look.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/minnesund-bed-frame-70387345/
IKEA Meistervik Vertical Storage Unit
The Meistervik is a smart, space-saving solution designed to maximize storage in narrow spaces. This slim, vertical two-drawer unit fits perfectly in hallways, small bathrooms, or squeezed between other furniture. Its modern, minimalist design and simple form make it an understated yet highly functional piece for adding organization without taking over a room.
- What it is: A narrow, two-drawer vertical storage tower.
- Key features: Slim, space-efficient design, functional top surface for display, two deep drawers.
- Price: Around $70 - $100.
- Materials/Construction: Engineered wood or fiberboard with a laminate or veneer finish.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a focus on maximizing storage in a compact footprint.
- Pros: Exceptional for exploiting tight or awkward spaces, clean and unobtrusive look, affordable price point, straightforward assembly.
- Cons: Engineered wood construction is less robust than solid wood, stationary design offers less flexibility than the Husvika, drawers may not be suitable for very heavy items.
This unit is perfect for tidy organization in small or narrow areas where a traditional chest of drawers simply won't fit.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/meistervik-2-drawer-vertical-storage-unit-40487234/
Husvika vs. Minnesund vs. Meistervik Comparison
Function & Use Case
The most important distinction is function. The Minnesund is a bed frame, designed for sleeping and serving as the focal point of a bedroom. It is a large, foundational piece of furniture.
In contrast, the Husvika and Meistervik are small, supplementary storage solutions. The Husvika offers mobile storage thanks to its wheels, making it great as a rolling office cart or flexible nightstand. The Meistervik is a fixed storage tower, designed to fit into narrow, unused spaces and add organization vertically.
Materials & Construction
The Minnesund leads in quality with its solid pine or oak construction. This makes it substantially more durable, sturdy, and long-lasting than the other two. It has the look and feel of real wood because it is.
Both the Husvika and Meistervik are made from engineered fiberboard with a laminate or foil finish. This material makes them lightweight and affordable but sacrifices long-term durability. They are perfectly functional for light to moderate use but won't have the heirloom quality of solid wood.
Price & Value
There's a significant price gap based on function and materials. The Husvika and Meistervik are budget-friendly storage options, typically costing under $100. They provide high utility for a very low investment. The Husvika usually comes in as the cheapest option of the three.
The Minnesund costs between $200 and $400, reflecting its use as a primary piece of furniture and its superior solid wood materials. The value is in its longevity and role as a sturdy, reliable bed frame that you will use every day.
Style & Aesthetic
All three items share IKEA's signature Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic, but with subtle differences. The Minnesund has a warm, natural appeal due to its wood grain, fitting well with everything from modern to rustic farmhouse styles. Its simplicity is classic and timeless.
The Husvika and Meistervik have a more contemporary, functional look. Their clean lines and simple finishes are designed to be unobtrusive and blend into modern spaces without calling much attention to themselves. They prioritize function over statement-making design.
Which One Should You Choose?
While these products serve different needs, choosing between them depends entirely on your goal.
Choose the Husvika if:
- You need flexible, mobile storage that can be easily moved from room to room.
- You're looking for an affordable under-desk cart or a small, rolling bedside table.
- You live in a dorm or small apartment and need storage you can tuck away.
- Your budget is your absolute top priority.
Choose the Minnesund if:
- You need a durable, sturdy, and long-lasting bed frame.
- You appreciate the quality and timeless look of solid pine or oak wood.
- You are furnishing a primary bedroom and require a foundational furniture piece.
- Your budget allows for a mid-range investment in a quality frame.
Choose the Meistervik if:
- You need to add drawer space to a narrow area like a hallway, bathroom, or closet.
- Maximizing storage in a small footprint is your main goal.
- You want a stationary organizer with a sleek, vertical design.
- You need a budget-friendly storage solution for a specific, tight spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Husvika, Minnesund, and Meistervik?
The Minnesund is a solid wood bed frame for sleeping. The Husvika is a low, rolling storage unit on wheels. The Meistervik is a tall, narrow storage tower. They serve unrelated functions: one is for a bed, and the other two are for small-scale organization.
Which is better for small apartment storage, Husvika or Meistervik?
It depends on your space. For a narrow, tight space next to a desk or in a bathroom, the Meistervik is superior due to its vertical design. If you need storage that can be moved around or hidden under a table, the rolling Husvika is the better choice.
Are Husvika and Meistervik made of real wood?
No, both the Husvika and Meistervik are made from engineered panels like particleboard or fiberboard with a plastic or paper laminate finish. This keeps them affordable and lightweight but makes them less durable than solid wood furniture.
Is the Minnesund bed frame sturdy?
Yes, the Minnesund's solid wood construction makes it a very sturdy and reliable bed frame for daily use, which is a major reason for its popularity.
What kind of assembly is required for these products?
All three pieces come flat-packed and require full assembly. The Husvika and Meistervik are relatively simple builds that can be done quickly. The Minnesund bed frame involves more steps and larger pieces, likely requiring two people for easier assembly.
Can you paint or stain the Minnesund bed frame?
Yes, since the Minnesund is made of unfinished or lightly treated solid pine, it's easy to customize. You can sand it and then paint, stain, or wax it to match your decor, offering a level of personalization not possible with the laminate Husvika and Meistervik.
Do the wheels on the Husvika lock in place?
Typically, small IKEA casters like the ones on the Husvika do not have locking mechanisms. They are designed for easy movement on flat surfaces but will not lock firmly in one position.
Which piece offers more storage space?
The Husvika and Meistervik both have two drawers and offer similar internal storage volume. The key difference is the orientation - the Meistervik's drawers are stacked vertically in a tower, while the Husvika's are positioned side-by-side in a low, cart-like unit.
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