My main issue with upgrading out of Ikea is that I have no idea where to go. Last time I walked into a "real" furniture store, I got a very sleazy feeling from all the salesmen in suits standing by the door ready to pounce.

I don't think I've ever seen (or at least noticed) any of Ikea's higher quality options. The price differences just seem like normal price variation between models to me. Is there any way to tell that a particular item is from their better line?

That said, I think I paid something like $150 for my Jerker desk and it's still going strong seven years and five moves later.