The Michael's Lexington Cart and the rolling storage carts from IKEA (like the popular RÅSKOG) address the same need for mobile organization, but they cater to very different aesthetics and priorities. Michael's focuses on a vast array of bright, decorative colors perfect for crafters and hobbyists, while IKEA offers a more robust, minimalist design with a focus on durability and timeless Scandinavian style.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand's rolling cart is right for your space and needs.
Michael's Lexington Cart
The Lexington 3-Tier Rolling Cart is a hero product for Michael's, dominating the craft and home organization space with its incredible color variety and budget-friendly price point. It has become a go-to for artists, teachers, parents, and anyone looking to add a functional pop of color to a playroom, office, or creative corner.
- What it is: A versatile 3-tier rolling metal cart primarily designed for organizing craft supplies, but widely used for kitchen, bathroom, and office storage.
- Key features: Simple three-basket design on four caster wheels (two are lockable), compact footprint, and an extensive range of solid and metallic colors.
- Price: Typically around $30, but it is frequently on sale for a significant discount.
- Style: Utilitarian and simple, but with a highly decorative and playful appeal thanks to its wide color selection. It’s designed to be a colorful accent piece.
- Materials/Construction: The cart is made of powder-coated steel, which is easy to clean. Assembly is straightforward and requires minimal tools.
- Pros: Huge selection of vibrant and trendy colors. Extremely affordable, especially during Michael's frequent sales. Compact size is great for small spaces. Very easy to assemble.
- Cons: Lower weight capacity per shelf (~6.6 lbs) makes it less suitable for heavy items like books or appliances. The finish can be prone to scratching. Its simple construction feels lighter and less heavy-duty than some competitors.
The Lexington cart is the ideal choice for anyone prioritizing aesthetics and color coordination for light-to-medium-duty storage, especially crafters and organizers on a budget.
Shop this product: michaels.com/product/lexington-3tier-rolling-cart-by-simply-tidy-10445347
IKEA Carts (like the RÅSKOG)
IKEA offers several rolling carts, but its most iconic is the RÅSKOG utility cart. This cart embodies the brand’s philosophy of smart, durable, and functional design that fits into any home. Known for its robust build and minimalist aesthetic, it’s a favorite for kitchens, bathrooms, nurseries, and offices due to its versatility and strength.
- What it is: A range of multi-purpose rolling carts, with the RÅSKOG being the best-known model, featuring deep baskets and a sturdy steel frame for versatile home storage.
- Key features: Sturdy steel construction, deep basket design holds items securely, and a high weight capacity per shelf. The middle shelf is often adjustable to accommodate different item heights.
- Price: Around $40 for the classic RÅSKOG, with other models ranging from $20 to $60.
- Style: Signature Scandinavian minimalist design characterized by clean lines and neutral/muted color palettes (think white, black, beige, dark green).
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable steel and finished with a resilient epoxy/polyester powder coating. The cart feels substantial and is designed for long-term daily use.
- Pros: Excellent durability and a significantly higher weight capacity (22 lbs per shelf). A timeless and versatile aesthetic that fits almost any decor style. Often features adjustable components for customized storage. Generally feels more stable and robust.
- Cons: Limited color selection compared to Michael's. The industrial-chic look may be too plain for those wanting a decorative piece. Assembly, while simple, relies on IKEA's wordless diagrams which can be confusing for some.
An IKEA cart is the top choice for those who need durable, heavy-duty mobile storage and prefer a minimalist design that blends in rather than stands out.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/trolleys-trolley-carts-20651/
Michael's Lexington vs. IKEA Carts Comparison
Price &, Value
On paper, the IKEA RÅSKOG often has a slightly higher everyday price than the Michael's Lexington cart. However, the value proposition is different. The incredible sale prices at Michael's can make the Lexington the undeniable budget winner for low-cost organization. IKEA offers consistent value through superior durability and weight capacity, making it a better long-term investment for heavier use.
Style &, Aesthetic
This is the biggest differentiator. The Michael's Lexington Cart is all about color. With an almost endless variety of shades, it's designed to be a statement piece in a craft room or kid's space. Its aesthetic is playful and decorative. IKEA's carts are the opposite, they are designed with a minimalist, Scandinavian philosophy to be unobtrusive and functional. Their neutral color palette ensures they blend seamlessly into kitchens, bathrooms, and modern living spaces.
Materials &, Construction
While both carts are made of powder-coated steel, there is a noticeable difference in their heft and stability. IKEA's carts feel more substantial and robust, an impression confirmed by the weight capacity specs: the RÅSKOG holds up to 22 pounds per shelf, while the Lexington is rated for just 6.6 pounds per shelf. For storing anything heavy - from pantry staples to small kitchen appliances or heavy books - IKEA is the clear winner in construction quality.
Fit &, Sizing
Standard models from both brands have a similar compact footprint, making them excellent for tucking into small corners. The main difference is in the product family. Michael's largely specializes in its one standard 3-tier Lexington design. IKEA, however, offers a family of rolling organizers, including the smaller RÅSHULT cart for tight spaces and other models like the NISSAFORS with different shelf configurations, giving shoppers more options to find the perfect fit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer fantastic rolling carts, but they are built for different users with different needs.
Choose the Michael's Lexington Cart if:
- You're a crafter, artist, or hobbyist looking for a cart to organize lightweight supplies.
- Your main goal is to find a cart in a specific, vibrant, or trendy color to match your decor.
- You are hunting for the absolute best deal and are willing to wait for a deep discount.
- You need a simple storage solution for things like yarn, pens, paperwork, or kids' toys.
Choose an IKEA Cart if:
- Durability and sturdiness are your primary concerns.
- You need to store heavier items like pantry jars, cookbooks, or bathroom bottles.
- You prefer a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic that will blend into your existing decor.
- You value features like adjustable shelving and want a cart built for long-term daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between a Michael's Lexington and an IKEA RÅSKOG cart?
The main difference comes down to aesthetics and strength. The Lexington comes in many bright colors but has a much lower weight capacity (6.6 lbs/shelf). The IKEA RÅSKOG has a neutral color palette but is significantly more durable, holding up to 22 lbs per shelf.
Which cart is cheaper?
Michael's Lexington cart has a lower list price and goes on sale much more frequently, often for under $30, making it cheaper to purchase outright. IKEA's RÅSKOG has a stable price around $40 and rarely sees deep discounts.
How much weight can these carts hold?
This is a critical difference. The Michael's Lexington Cart is rated to hold approximately 6.6 lbs (3 kg) per shelf. The IKEA RÅSKOG is rated for 22 lbs (10 kg) per shelf, making it more than three times stronger.
Which one is easier to assemble?
Both are designed for straightforward self-assembly and take about 15-20 minutes to build. Your preference will depend on your comfort with instructions, Michael's uses traditional illustrated steps, while IKEA uses its famous wordless diagrams.
Which cart is better for a kitchen?
Due to its high weight capacity and robust build, an IKEA cart is the better choice for kitchen use. It can safely hold jars, small appliances, oils, and other heavy pantry items that would exceed the Lexington's weight limit.
Which cart is better for craft supplies?
The Michael's Lexington Cart is perfect for craft supplies. Most supplies like yarn, paper, markers, and fabric are lightweight, and the wide array of colors lets crafters organize their space stylishly.
Are the standard carts from both brands the same size?
The standard 3-tier models like the Lexington and RÅSKOG are dimensionally very similar and have compact footprints. However, IKEA offers other carts in its family, like the smaller RÅSHULT, providing more size options overall.
Does the Michael's cart go on sale often?
Yes, very frequently. It is one of Michael's flagship organizational products and is almost always featured in seasonal sales, weekly circulars, or promotions associated with customer rewards and coupons.
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