The IKEA Maximera and Exceptionell storage solutions serve different corners of the market, primarily distinguished by price, material quality, and design philosophy. Maximera is IKEA's highly affordable and functional drawer system made from engineered wood for everyday use, while Exceptionell is a premium brand offering sophisticated, long-lasting storage built from high-quality materials like solid wood.
Here's everything you need to know to decide whether budget-friendly function or premium form is the right choice for your home.
IKEA Maximera Drawer System
The Maximera is IKEA's standard-bearer for kitchen drawer systems, known for its soft-close mechanism and full-extension design at an unbeatable price point. As part of IKEA's modular SEKTION kitchen system, it prioritizes functionality and accessibility over premium materials, making it a go-to for countless DIY kitchen renovations and budget-conscious homeowners.
- What it is: A line of soft-closing, full-extension drawers designed for IKEA's SEKTION kitchen cabinetry.
- Key features: Smooth-running drawers with a built-in soft-close damper, full-extension design for easy access to contents, adjustable configurations.
- Price: Individual components range from $10 to $50, with complete setups typically costing between $50 and $200.
- Style: Utilitarian and minimalist, with a simple white or grey finish designed to be hidden behind cabinet fronts.
- Materials/Construction: Primarily made of steel, engineered wood (particleboard), and durable plastic-coated components for the mechanical parts.
- Pros: Extremely affordable, widely available, soft-closing dampers offer a premium feel at a low cost, highly modular within the IKEA ecosystem, reliable for everyday use.
- Cons: Basic materials can feel less substantial than premium options, aesthetic is purely functional, designed specifically for IKEA's own cabinet system which limits versatility.
It's the ideal choice for anyone prioritizing functional features like soft-closing and full extension on a tight budget within an IKEA kitchen framework.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/sektion-drawers-drawer-fronts-23596/
Exceptionell Storage Solutions
Exceptionell is a premium furniture brand that fabricates high-end, stylish storage and organization systems with a focus on superior craftsmanship. The brand targets consumers looking for durable, design-forward pieces that act as both functional storage and sophisticated decor, justifying a higher price with premium materials and a refined aesthetic.
- What it is: A range of high-end modular storage units, shelving, and cabinets from a design-focused furniture brand.
- Key features: Innovative engineering for durability, clean lines with premium finishes, bespoke or tailored sizing options.
- Price: Individual units start around $150, with complete systems often costing $500 or more.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and sophisticated with a minimalist Scandinavian influence, often available in natural wood grains or elegant matte finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Built using solid wood, high-quality plywood or MDF, and premium hardware engineered for longevity. Finishes typically include fine veneers or lacquers.
- Pros: Superior build quality and materials ensure long-term durability, beautiful designs meant to be a focal point, potential for customized sizes.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, sold primarily online and through select retailers, making them less accessible for viewing before purchase, may offer less modular flexibility than mass-market systems.
This brand is for homeowners who view furniture as a long-term investment and prioritize high-quality materials and aesthetic excellence in their storage solutions.
Shop this product: exceptionell.com
IKEA Maximera vs. Exceptionell Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant point of difference. The IKEA Maximera drawers are constructed for affordability, using steel for the slides and engineered wood like particleboard for other components. While completely sufficient for daily use in a modern kitchen, these materials do not have the inherent resilience or refined feel of high-end furniture. Over time, particleboard can be more susceptible to damage from moisture or heavy impacts.
Exceptionell, by contrast, builds its products to last using materials like solid wood, furniture-grade plywood, and high-density fiberboard with premium finishes. The hardware is also engineered for longevity and heavy use, offering superior durability and a more substantial feel. This focus on craftsmanship ensures the furniture not only looks better but withstands wear and tear far more effectively over decades.
Style & Aesthetic
The Maximera system is purely functional - it's designed to work perfectly inside a cabinet but isn't meant to be seen. Its simple, utilitarian look is defined by white or grey steel sides. All aesthetic considerations are left to the drawer front you choose from IKEA's extensive collection.
Exceptionell storage solutions are crafted with appearance as a primary feature. Their products feature sleek lines, impeccable finishes, and a modern, often Scandinavian, aesthetic. With options in natural wood grains and sophisticated lacquers, Exceptionell furniture is designed to stand on its own as a beautiful centerpiece that also happens to be a storage unit.
Modularity & Sizing
Both brands offer modularity, but in different ways. IKEA's system is highly modular within its own ecosystem. Maximera drawers are made in specific sizes intended to fit perfectly inside IKEA's standardized SEKTION cabinet frames. This makes planning a kitchen straightforward, but severely limits their use with non-IKEA cabinetry.
Exceptionell also offers modular units, but with a greater emphasis on fitting into your specific space, this may include a wider range of standard sizes or options for bespoke dimensions. Their goal is seamless integration into sophisticated interiors, which often requires more precise sizing than a mass-market system can offer.
Price & Value
There's no contest when it comes to the upfront cost. IKEA Maximera is the clear winner for anyone on a budget, delivering excellent features like soft-closing mechanisms for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. The value proposition is immediate and immense: high functionality for a very low price.
Exceptionell positions its products as a long-term investment. The high price tag reflects the cost of premium materials, detailed craftsmanship, and original design. The value here is in longevity - buying a piece of furniture that you won't need to replace for many years, which maintains its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over time.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both storage solutions are excellent in their own right, but they are built for fundamentally different customers and priorities.
Choose the IKEA Maximera if:
- You are on a strict budget for your kitchen renovation or storage project.
- You are using IKEA's SEKTION kitchen cabinetry.
- Functionality like soft-closing drawers is more important to you than the underlying materials.
- You need a practical, reliable solution for a rental property, first home, or a quick update.
Choose Exceptionell if:
- Build quality, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal are your highest priorities.
- You are making a long-term investment in furniture that will last for years.
- You have a larger budget and prefer materials like solid wood and premium finishes.
- You want your storage unit to be a stylish piece of statement furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Maximera and Exceptionell?
The primary difference is brand positioning and quality. Maximera is an affordable, functional kitchen drawer system from the mass-market brand IKEA, intended for use within their cabinets. Exceptionell is a premium furniture brand offering standalone, design-focused storage units made from higher-quality materials with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
Is IKEA Maximera good quality?
Yes, for its price point. Maximera drawers are known for being reliable in daily use and the soft-close, full-extension hardware provides a great user experience. However, the particleboard and plastic components are not as durable or robust as the solid wood and premium hardware used by high-end brands.
Why is Exceptionell so much more expensive?
Exceptionell's higher price is due to three main factors: materials (solid wood vs. particleboard), craftsmanship (precision engineering and hand-finishing vs. mass production), and design (original, style-forward aesthetic). You are paying for a more durable and beautiful piece of furniture that is intended to last much longer.
Can I use Maximera drawers in non-IKEA cabinets?
It is very difficult and not recommended. Maximera drawers are built specifically to match the dimensions and mounting systems of IKEA's SEKTION kitchen frames. Trying to fit them into custom or other branded cabinets would require significant modification and likely wouldn't work well.
Is Maximera durable enough for a busy family kitchen?
Absolutely. The steel drawer slides and robust mechanisms are designed to withstand the rigors of a standard family kitchen. As with any engineered wood products, you should protect them from excessive moisture or impact to maximize their lifespan, but they are built to be functional workhorses.
Which one is more sustainable?
Both brands prioritize sustainability through different approaches. IKEA focuses on volume, using responsibly sourced wood and recyclable materials to lower its footprint across millions of products. Exceptionell's sustainability is rooted in longevity - creating high-quality, timeless pieces that people won't need or want to replace, thereby reducing waste.
How difficult is it to assemble Maximera drawers?
Like most IKEA products, Maximera drawers require self-assembly. The instructions are primarily pictorial, and while assembly is straightforward, it requires careful attention to detail and a bit of patience. Building a kitchen's worth of drawers can be a time-consuming project.
Can you customize Exceptionell storage?
According to their brand focus on tailored solutions, Exceptionell likely offers more customization in terms of sizing, finish, and configuration than a mass-market system like IKEA's. This allows for better integration into specific architectural spaces or design schemes.
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.
