Stylish and affordable solutions for first-time renters or dorm denizens can be found at the newly opened IKEA.

The 265,000-square-foot West Sacramento store, planted between two Sacramento college campuses, is sure to see high volumes of college students on the hunt for the retail chain’s affordable designs that don’t sacrifice quality.

“What I love about IKEA is that the furniture is cheap and functional, but the design is so modern-looking and suited for our age group,” said junior communications major Tori Murray. “It will be really cool to actually have a store nearby, instead of having to go online to shop.”

Indeed certain aspects of the new store, which opened March 1, are tailored to fit the needs of college life. One definite must-see is the “Living in 377 Square Feet” section that shows how to dismiss the limitations of a small living space.

“What’s great about this section for college students is it showcases how small attractive accents coupled with conventional pieces work together to open up a room with space restrictions and create an inviting living space without breaking your pocket books,” said John Cuthbert, an IKEA sales specialist.

The “Marketplace” is another definite point of interest for thrifty shoppers. Located on the lower level of the store, the “Marketplace” is stocked with steals like Motto designer plates for 50 cents that are sure to have college students saying “bye-bye” to paper plates. Other “Marketplace” deals include an 18-piece glass set and the ultimate student starter pack with all the kitchen essentials, each priced at around $10.

For students in the dorms, the new IKEA has $5 desk lamps and $4.99 floor mats that could warm up any dorm room while the “Oasis Room” has a full range of affordable artwork and household plants starting at 75 cents.

And forget hand me down furniture. The “As Is” section sells slightly worn display items to customers for a percentage of the market price.

“Here, you can expect to find dressers, dining sets and other items with maybe a scratch or two being sold for up to 50 percent off,” Cuthbert said. “The added incentive to shopping in the ‘As Is’ section of the store is that you would avoid the hassle of assembling the product.”

A.J. Reed, a Sutter Hall freshmen, said he was looking forward to the West Sacramento store opening.

“The new IKEA will help me a lot because I need to start getting things for when I will be moving into an apartment this summer,” Reed said. “Because of IKEA’s quality, I know I can buy items that I will carry with me through my college years and eventually help to furnish my first home in the future.”

With the West Sacramento store opening, the IKEA shopping experience expanded its conventional form to provide luxuries like dining services and a childcare facility complete with a ball pit. The new store has a variety of dining options, from IKEA’s signature 99 cent hot dog served from the “Cafe Bistro,” to the new 250 seat IKEA Restaurant that offers a variety of affordably priced Swedish foods as well as American dishes. Customers are even able to take a bit of IKEA’s cuisine home with them from the Swedish Foodmarket.

“I made it over to the grand opening and was able to fill up on a warm bacon and egg breakfast a half hour before the store even opened, which was really cool,” said senior fashion marketing major Heather Tworney.

Elaine Welteroth can be reached at [email protected]