I have been dying to get my hands on the IKEA Alex drawer systems for a long time. There is only ONE problem. I don’t live close to an IKEA and the shipping is more expensive than the actual drawer unit that I want. I have been on the hunt for a dupe to these drawers for a long time. While I have found some pretty good drawer systems, nothing was exactly what I was looking for. Out of nowhere I stumbled across the Recollections™ 5 Drawer Cube at Michael’s and about tripped over my bottom lip because my jaw dropped. Finally, an IKEA Alex dupe.
So, I already knew that Michael’s carried a dupe for the IKEA Helmer drawers (lovingly called Melmers) that nail polish fans go crazy over, but nothing for the rest of the beauty fans that have their minds set on the Alex. I have no idea if this is a brand new item added to the Recollections line, but it is new to me so I found it noteworthy! So, can I name this one the Malex? haha
They come packaged basically the same way… in pieces for you to put together. I have always been the kinda person that likes assembling things like this, so it was no biggie.
Organization is key for putting these things together. Separate everything into piles of like pieces and assembly should be a snap. I started out screwing everything together with a regular screwdriver but QUICKLY realized that would take forever so I switched to a power tool.
The entire project tool me about 45 minutes, and it was 45 minutes well spent.
Simple in design and perfect for my beauty storage needs. For drawer height references, this comfortably fits most eyeshadow palettes standing up—spine facing the top. Urban Decay Naked palettes, LORAC Pro, IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty, The Balm Nude Tude… they all fit fine. The older cardboard Too Faced palettes are a smidge too tall to fit, but their new tin packaging does fit fine.
Some specifics that I was asked throughout various social media channels:
Dimensions:
15.7″ W x 15.7″ D x 26.2″ H
Each drawer allows items around 3 inches tall to stand.
The cost is regular price $89.99 but every week Michael’s has a coupon for 40-50% off of one full priced item, so I got this for less than $50. $50 is so much better than the $150-200 I would have spent on basically the same thing from IKEA. It feels so good to finally find an IKEA Alex dupe that I deem worthy!
If there is not a coupon code every week then it is every other. I don’t think I have ever walked into Micheael’s when there wasn’t a coupon available. This is the link for the discount —> Michael’s Coupon. I just pull it up right from my phone and they scan the barcode right in the store, but if you want to be prepared just print it out before you leave home. I hope this was helpful for you. If you have any questions whatsoever, just leave it in the comments below. YAY! Makeup storage you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on!
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