The IKEA Flisat and Latt tables are two of the most popular choices for children's play areas, but they cater to very different needs and budgets. The Flisat is a versatile, adjustable solid pine table with smart, built-in storage capabilities, whereas the Latt is an ultra-affordable, all-in-one table and two-chair set prized for its simplicity and potential for DIY customization.
This guide will help you decide which IKEA table is the right fit for your family and creative space.
IKEA Latt Children's Table and 2 Chairs
The Latt set is IKEA's classic, no-frills entry into children's furniture. Famous in parenting and DIY circles for its incredibly low price, it serves as a "blank canvas," offering a basic table and chair setup that many parents choose to paint, customize, and transform to fit their playroom's theme.
- What it is: A small-scale children's table packaged with two matching chairs.
- Key features: Comes as a complete set with one table and two chairs right in the box, its compact size is ideal for toddlers and small play corners.
- Price: Around $39.99 for the entire set.
- Dimensions: Table: 24 3/4" L x 18 7/8" W x 17 3/4" H. Chairs: 11" W x 11 3/8" D x 21 5/8" H.
- Materials/Construction: The frame and legs are made of solid pine, but the tabletop and chair seats are made of a less durable fiberboard with a plastic foil finish.
- Style: Unfinished, raw wood look with a clean white top. Highly minimalist and ready for personalization.
- Pros: Unbeatable price point for a three-piece set. Serves as the perfect base for popular "IKEA hacks" and DIY projects. Lightweight design makes it easy for parents to move around. Ships in one compact box.
- Cons: The fiberboard top is susceptible to water damage, scratches, and stains from art supplies. It's a very small scale that most children will outgrow by age 4 or 5. The raw pine frame can be rough and dents easily.
The Latt is the perfect choice for parents on a strict budget, DIY enthusiasts looking for their next project, or for anyone needing a simple "first table" for a young toddler.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/latt-childrens-table-and-2-chairs-white-pine-50178411/
IKEA Flisat Children's Table
The Flisat is a more thoughtfully designed play table built for longevity and function. Made entirely of solid pine, this table stands out with its adjustable legs and clever tabletop that lifts off to reveal space for storage bins underneath, making it ideal for sensory play, art projects, and toy organization.
- What it is: An adjustable solid wood children's play table with built-in storage potential. Note that chairs and storage bins are sold separately.
- Key features: Adjustable legs with three height settings to grow with your child. Two removable tabletop panels create a flat work surface or a recessed bin area. Designed to perfectly fit IKEA's TROFAST storage bins.
- Price: Approximately $59.99 for the table only.
- Dimensions: 32 5/8" L x 22 7/8" W. The height can be set to 18 7/8", 21 1/4", or 23 5/8".
- Materials/Construction: Solid, tinted pine with a clear acrylic lacquer finish, making it more durable than the Latt's fiberboard top.
- Style: Warm, natural wood with a classic Scandinavian aesthetic that looks great right out of the box.
- Pros: Solid wood construction is much more durable than Latt. Adjustable legs significantly extend the product's lifespan for your child. Integrated storage tidies up play areas by hiding LEGO bricks, kinetic sand, or art supplies. Larger surface area for multiple children to play at once.
- Cons: A significantly higher total cost, as chairs, stools, and storage bins (TROFAST) are all separate purchases. Requires more initial investment to become a complete play set.
This table is an excellent investment for parents who prioritize longevity, solid construction, and functional organization to keep playtime tidy.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/flisat-childrens-table-20298419/
Latt vs. Flisat Children's Tables Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is scale. The Latt table is fixed at a low height of just under 18 inches, making it perfect for toddlers but quickly outgrown. Its smaller surface (24" x 18") fits well in tight corners.
The Flisat table is substantially larger (32" x 22") and, more importantly, its height can be adjusted from around 19" up to nearly 24". This feature allows the table to remain comfortable and ergonomic for a child from their toddler years well into early elementary school, ensuring a much longer functional life.
Materials & Durability
Here, the Flisat is the clear winner. It is constructed entirely from solid pine with a protective clear lacquer. While pine is a soft wood prone to dings, the solid material can be sanded and refinished if needed, and it withstands activity much better over time.
The Latt uses solid pine for its frame but cuts costs with a paper-foil finished fiberboard for the tabletop and chair seats. This surface is highly vulnerable to moisture - a spilled cup of water can cause bubbling and permanent damage. It also scratches and stains easily from crayons and markers.
Functionality & Features
The Latt is a simple, straightforward surface to draw on or eat a snack at. Its sole feature is being a table with two chairs. Its customizability and role as a blank slate for hacking have elevated its role as a basic playset for young toddlers on a tight budget. The Flisat, however, focuses its design on versatility, playing two critical functional roles - as a normal flat surface for reading and school homework and as a storage area when its panels are removed. This is ideal for art or LEGO projects, keeping things organized and contained for hours of focused fun.
Price & Value
This is where the decision gets tough. The Latt offers incredible upfront value: a table and two chairs for under $50 is hard to beat. It serves its purpose for a year or two and is great for families hesitant to invest much in furniture for young toddlers.
The Flisat represents better long-term value but with a steeper initial cost. A complete Flisat setup, including the table (~$60), two Flisat stools (~$25 each), and two TROFAST bins (~$5 each), can easily total around $120. That's three times the price of the Latt, but it provides a more durable, functional, and longer-lasting play station, which can be more economical in the long run.
Style & Customization
Visually, the Flisat Table has a warmer, more finished Scandinavian appearance that looks great right out of the box. Its natural pine aesthetic fits into many decor schemes effortlessly.
The Latt, on the other hand, is a famous "blank canvas." A quick search for "Latt hack" shows thousands of creative parents who have painted it, added new tabletops like LEGO baseplates or chalkboards, and completely transformed its basic appearance. If you love DIY, the Latt is less a purchase and more the start of a project.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA tables are excellent choices for kids, but they are built for entirely different priorities.
Choose the Latt if:
- You are decorating on a very tight budget.
- You need a complete ready-to-go set with chairs included in one package.
- You are an avid DIY fan planning to fully customize and paint the table.
- You are looking for a short-term solution for a young toddler that you expect to upgrade in a few years.
Choose the Flisat if:
- You want furniture that will grow with your child, lasting from ages 2 to 7+.
- Integrated storage for corralling art supplies and small toys is a top priority.
- You prefer the durability and look of solid wood over fiberboard.
- Your budget is higher, and you view the table as a long-term investment for the playroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Latt and Flisat tables?
The key differences are in materials, features, and price. The Flisat is a solid wood, adjustable-height table with integrated storage for bins, while the Latt is a fixed-height entry-level choice composed of a pine frame with fiberboard tabletops. The Latt is more affordable and includes chairs, appealing to those interested in DIY customization, while the Flisat is a versatile sensory playset ideal for children's learning needs.
Are there chairs available as part of the FLISAT line?
Yes, but they are sold separately with matching pine and color-coordinated pastel color choices. These FLISAT chairs come in standard and wider profile seat options to suit both toddlers and older children at different stages of their growth.
How durable is the FLISAT Tabletop?
The pine construction is more durable than fiberboard, withstanding moisture from water-based or acrylic paints better. While it can dent, it can be sanded if necessary. Applying a sealant or topcoat helps maintain its appearance and protects against watermarks.
How durable is the fiberboard tabletop used in a LATT children's table?
The Latt's fiberboard tabletop is prone to water damage and scratches, a concern for first-time shoppers. However, its affordability has made it popular among DIY enthusiasts who customize it with paint and other enhancements to address its limitations, creating a personalized piece that fits their decor.
What storage bins can be used as part of the FLISAT Children's table?
The FLISAT is designed to accommodate IKEA's TROFAST storage bins available in various colors. These bins fit neatly under the table, and the panels can be closed when not in use, maintaining a tidy environment.
What materials are used for the legs of the chairs and tables?
Both Latt and Flisat use solid pine for their structure, making them lightweight yet stable. This natural material ensures safety and ease of movement within play areas, unlike some furniture with metal parts that might necessitate adult assistance to move.
What safety ratings do these products meet?
All IKEA children's products adhere to global safety standards. In North America, they meet ASTM F2613 and ASTM F1004 specifications and comply with CARB regulations for formaldehyde emissions, ensuring they are safe for families.
What can extend the longevity of the FLISAT as children grow from baby to toddler?
Adjustable height settings ensure comfort as children grow. Adding cushions can enhance comfort, and passing the playsets down as children outgrow them upholds their value and utility.
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.
