7 designer-approved IKEA finds for your living room

Whether you’re decorating your living room from scratch or simply looking to freshen it up with a few new pieces, it’s no secret that IKEA has a lot to offer for every taste and budget. But sifting through dozens of couches, chairs, rugs and tables to find the best living room pieces is no small feat. Fortunately, help is at hand from the professionals.

We asked two interior designers to weigh in on their favorite IKEA living room pieces – see their top picks below.

Soderhamn Sofa

IKEA offers customers a range of sectional sofas, but designers can’t pass up the Soderhamn sofa, says Andrea Pellerin, founder and lead designer at Studio ACP.

Pellerin is particularly partial to the open-ended version for its flexibility.

“I love the range of seating positions it offers. It works just as well against a wall as it does in the center of a room,” says Pellerin.

But there is more. Soderhamn comes in a variety of colors including a neutral beige tone and some beautiful dark green and blue hues. Pellerin explains how its timeless design will complement a wide range of interior styles.

Advice

If you like patterned covers or textured fabrics (or colors not offered at IKEA), there are several companies that produce a wide variety of covers for the Soderhamn sofa, allowing you to personalize it to your taste.

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Lommarp TV unit

IKEA

While IKEA may be better known for its Scandi-chic aesthetic, there are hidden gems in its catalog that work in more classic settings. The Lommarp TV unit is one piece that Kristin Kristensen, owner and lead designer at Mod-Earth Studio, favors for this reason.

“The Lommarp unit has a more traditional look with its warm, earthy tones, natural textures and subtle vintage-inspired details,” explains Christensen.

While looks are important, this piece also offers plenty of functionality. It’s perfect for displaying plants and personal treasures and will effortlessly blend functionality with style, says Christensen.

Dyvlinga swivel chair

A design classic that first debuted in 1967, the Dyvlinga swivel chair is back with an updated look and pros can’t get enough of it. Pellerin describes it as an exceptional piece, especially if you opt for the green fabric.

“The fresh, bold color gives it a twist, making it a true designer piece that stands out in any living room,” says Pellerin.

And the chair, with its thick cushioned seat and slightly inclined backrest, is also very comfortable to sit on.

Bronden Rugg

Rugs are a living room staple and while IKEA has plenty to choose from, it’s the Bronden rug that stands out for Christensen for its timeless appeal and versatile design.

“Whether you’re looking to define a seating area or add warmth to hardwood floors, this IKEA wool rug is a smart investment that offers aesthetic and functional benefits for years to come,” adds Christensen.

IKEA

Holmerud side table

IKEA’s Holmerud side table offers functionality and elegant looks at an incredible price, so designers can’t pass up this piece.

Pellerin especially appreciates the smart size, which means this piece can work alone or in more than two or more, making it perfectly adaptable to any living room, small or large.

“It fits perfectly against a wall or under a row of windows, but I especially like to use it as a structural element behind a sofa to subtly separate two areas within a room,” says Pellerin.

Advice

Holmerud tables can be used in countless ways in any room of the home. Line a few up to create a stylish media unit, or put one or two in the entryway instead of a console. Got a small room? Arrange L-shaped tables to fit your space.

Havberg swivel chair

The Havberg swivel chair may fall under the radar of IKEA shoppers, but not of professionals. Christensen describes this chair as an excellent choice for any living room because it is elegant and comfortable.

According to Christensen, the chair is also a practical purchase thanks to its cotton and polyester blend, which will offer a soft, breathable texture that’s durable and easy to clean. The swivel feature will also add versatility, allowing you to move around easily and comfortably without having to move or rearrange furniture, says Christensen.

Ivar wall cabinet

IKEA’s Ivar cabinet needs no introduction. This piece is loved by customers and designers alike. Besides the cheap price, Pellerin likes how customizable the IVAR is.

“You can easily paint it, add handles or attach legs to create different heights,” says Pellerin. “The final look of this piece is almost limitless.”

IVAR does not disappoint in adaptability either.

“It works just as well on the floor as it does on the wall, and for me the modularity of this product makes it a really successful design,” says Pellerin.

Advice

Love Ivar but not a DIY fan? Fortunately, there are retailers who make custom legs, handles and doors especially for Ivar. With or without DIY, Ivar is endlessly transformable into something unique for your home.

7 things that make your bedroom feel cramped, according to designers

There’s a fine line between cozy and cramped when choosing furniture and decor for a small bedroom. Comfort is key, but so is function, especially when you consider that you spend roughly a third of your day in the bedroom.

To help you overcome this design challenge, we asked design experts to share their tips on how to maximize your minimal bedroom and how to keep it from looking cramped.

Oversized furniture

Poppy Hollis / Getty Images

Bedroom design should focus on comfort and relaxation. But bigger is not better when it comes to furniture.

“The one thing I can’t stress enough is that it’s all about using space,” says Joyce Huston, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “I always recommend choosing furniture that really fits the room and doesn’t make it feel cluttered.”

While Huston understands the appeal of a king-size bed, it’s not a good choice for a small bedroom.

“I know it would just eat up so much space and leave so little room (to maneuver),” she says.

Allisa Jacobs, in-house stylist, agrees.

“Most rooms can’t handle a huge boxy platform bed with a four-poster design and a bulky headboard,” she says.

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Not Enough Light

Dark walls and drawn curtains can make a large space feel cozy, but the same thing in a small bedroom can look and feel too confined. Choose a lighter color and keep those blinds or curtains open during the day to brighten up the space and make it look bigger to the eye.

Not Enough Storage

Even the most organized people will have difficulty organizing a small bedroom when there is not enough storage space. Reorganizing your closet can help, but so can furniture with built-in storage and attractive bins that can serve as decor.

“I’m always on the lookout for the most functional yet stylish storage space to discreetly store essentials in my bedroom, such as beds that have built-in compartments to store extra pillows and duvet sets or baskets that can sit nicely on top of a wardrobe,” he says. Houston.

Advice

Floating wall shelves provide additional storage without sacrificing floor space.

Furniture and decor too below eye level

Low-profile platform beds can help make the most of cramped bedrooms by eliminating the need for box springs. But choosing everything low-profile furniture and decor can detract from the visual impact of the space.

To balance that out, Jacobs says to also look for furniture, decor, and accessories that will draw the eye upward.

“Tall plants, floor lamps and vertical artwork all work well,” she says.

Not enough free space

Vertical design is always ideal in small spaces, especially when large but necessary furniture can take up so much space. Remember, you’ll need some space to move around the room comfortably, but it’s also good for the eyes to see empty space.

“Resist the urge to include that unnecessary chair or bench if it’s not being used other than as a place to throw clothes,” says Jacobs.

Too much visual clutter

Maximalism is on trend, but you’ll want to make some—or a lot—decor changes in a small room. Even the most skillfully decorated gallery wall can overwhelm a room, and the same can apply to adding too many items to a shelf.

“If it’s smaller than a grapefruit, I wouldn’t necessarily display it unless it really had special sentimental value to me,” says Huston.

Mess isn’t always about being messy. Visual clutter is more about having too many things catching your eye, says Morgan Blinn, lead designer at Rumor Designs.

“The bedroom should be a peaceful haven, a place to escape at the end of the day,” she says. “Too often people try to put too many things in one place.”

It’s fine if you like to have books or other things that bring you joy, but try to limit them to avoid overwhelming a small space.

“Less is always more,” says Blinn.

Advice

Bookworms would never they find their books a mess. But for a more cohesive look on your bedroom bookshelf, you can turn the spines inward so you only see the edge of the pages to limit visual “clutter,” says Blinn.

Prioritizing aesthetics over purpose

Whether you love thrifting or antiques or just enjoy clicking “add to cart” on home furnishings and decor websites, too much is a good thing way too much for a small bedroom. Huston recommends refraining from impulse buying those beautiful pieces.

“I think it’s really important to step back and think about the bigger picture,” Huston says. “How will this wardrobe work with my bed? Does this carpet make too much noise? Does this retro lamp really fit the cottage core look I’m going for?”

Asking relevant questions and answering them honestly will be key to preventing your design choices from cramping the style of a small bedroom.

“The little details really add so much, and if I’m putting together a random mix of things that don’t coordinate, I know the space is going to feel overwhelming and not somewhere I feel comfortable going down,” says Huston.

How to sort and organize toys, according to an organization expert

Between the holidays and birthdays, toys can pile up pretty quickly in your home, which is why it’s important to be mindful of toy clutter and organization. If your kids’ toy baskets seem to be overflowing, it might be time to do a little cleaning.

Wondering where to start? Follow these simple steps on how to clean toys and keep them that way.

Meet the expert

Carrie Ypma is an expert organizer and founder of the Clutter Keeper website organization.

Why you should throw away toys

A messy, cluttered space can create an overwhelming and overstimulating environment for adults and children. Too many toys make it difficult to maintain an organized space, which is why it is important to regularly put away excess items.

“A little decluttering can greatly enrich our children’s play and make our homes calmer and more comfortable,” says expert organizer Carrie Ypma.

She recommends involving your children in the process of cleaning things out to help them practice decision-making, organize their belongings, and learn the importance of giving and sharing with others.

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Observe the use of toys

Before you start tossing toys in the trash or donation bin, pay attention to how your kids are using their current toys. Are there certain toys that are used every day and others that are forgotten in the back of the closet? If the toys are not being used, is it because they are broken or need new batteries?

After about a week of observation, you’ll have a good idea of ​​which toys your kids can’t bear to part with and which ones they won’t miss.

Circle all the toys

vejaa / Getty Images

Then gather all the toys in your home into one big pile to go through. This will help you keep track of how many toys your family has. There may be a bigger crowd than you expected, but this will ensure that items are not forgotten.

Sort toys by category

Sort toys into categories according to purpose and purpose. This will help you visualize how many toys you have in each category and whether or not it seems excessive. Here are some example categories:

  • Stuffed animals and dolls
  • Crafting toys (crayons, stickers, art supplies, etc.)
  • Building toys (blocks, LEGO, etc.)
  • Games (board games, video games, etc.)
  • Baby toys (rattles, sensory toys, etc.)

Delutter by Category

Now that the toys are sorted, go through each category and determine which toys to get rid of and which to keep. Try to involve your children as much as you can in this process to teach them about letting go and remind them that their toys can bring joy to other children in their new home.

It can also help to set a limit for each category to set some boundaries for yourself. For example, just 10 dolls or stuffed animals or one bucket of building blocks.

Once you’ve determined which ones to keep in each category, go through the “get rid of” piles and determine which toys should be donated, sold, recycled, or thrown away. If you’re wondering where to donate your gently used toys, Ypma recommends local shelters, preschools, and church charities, along with Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

“Just make sure you’re only giving away toys in good condition—no one wants a one-armed teddy bear,” says Ypma.

Keep the Failsafe Box

If there are some toys that you are not sure your children will miss, pack them up and keep them for 1 to 2 months. If your kids don’t ask for the toys, they’re probably safe to give away.

Reorganize and store

Catherine McQueen / Getty Images

It’s time to reorganize the remaining toys that you and your children have decided to keep. Have the toys sorted by category, then place the toys from each category in a designated area, such as a basket, box or low shelf.

“Clear bins are a lifesaver,” says Ypma. “They let you and your kids see exactly what’s inside.”

Ypma also recommends creating zones in your child’s bedroom or playroom, such as a reading nook or art corner, to encourage the use of different spaces for different types of play.

How to organize toys

Decluttering isn’t a walk in the park, but here comes the hard part: maintaining your new toy organization system. Keep your toy storage organized and under control with these tips:

  • Build an organization system based on your lifestyle: Observe how your children play with certain toys and organize them according to the use of the toy. For example, keeping arts and crafts in kitchen drawers or a toy basket in your child’s living room and bedroom.
  • Change your shopping habits: Limit yourself to just one or two new toys for birthdays and holidays. Learn to embrace the gifts of experience and encourage your friends and family to follow suit.
  • Donate a toy for every new purchase: To keep the number of items reasonable, implement a one-in-one-out policy. For every new toy purchased or received, gift one of your child’s older toys.

5 Countertop Trends You’ll See in 2025, According to Designers

It’s no secret that worktops are an integral part of every kitchen. Given how often they are used, choosing the type of countertop involves considering factors such as durability, cost, style, and value.

However, just because you want countertops that will last and are affordable, doesn’t mean you want them to look dated. It’s a quick way to ensure your entire kitchen is stuck in the past (i.e no in a nostalgic way). So if you’re looking to replace or build new countertops this year, it’s a good idea to know what to look for.

We spoke to designers to get their insight on what countertop trends they hope to see more of in 2025.

Natural stone slabs

Alexandra Peck Design / Photo by Sarah Rossi

Stone slabs are popular for their style and durability, and designers agree they look forward to seeing more of them in 2025.

Tami O’Malley, owner and lead designer of Tami O’Malley Design, notes that more and more of her clients are gravitating to stones like marble, quartzite and soapstone.

“These materials bring warmth and character to a space—something that’s hard to replicate with engineered options,” she says.

Alexandra Peck, a Los Angeles-based interior designer and founder of Alexandra Peck Design, agrees that natural stone will continue, but she’d like to see more unique twists on the idea for next year.

“I think we’ll still see stone predominate because of its durability, but I’d like to see more precious and rare stone slabs, both in color and veining,” she says.

Semi-precious gemstones could be eye-catching without going the typical stone route – gems like amethyst and agate add vibrant color without compromising durability.

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Porcelain Counters

Design by Emily Henderson / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Trump

The idea of ​​porcelain as a countertop material might lead you to imagine something fragile or too delicate to hold up in a kitchen environment. However, porcelain countertops are in demand for their tremendous durability and heat-resistant surfaces, and they seem to be making a comeback, O’Malley says. She says porcelain has come a long way in providing marble-style counters that are surprisingly realistic.

“I love how porcelain brings the elegance of marble to kitchens while offering the durability and ease of care we all need in our busy lives,” says O’Malley.

For those with a more eco-conscious mindset, Alice Moszczynsk, an interior designer at Planner 5D, looks forward to seeing reclaimed china, among other recycled materials, incorporated into countertops.

“These materials combine sustainability with contemporary aesthetics and offer unique patterns that look fresh and modern,” she says.

If you’re worried that recycled material won’t hold up as well as traditional countertops, rest assured that these materials are often just as durable.

Counters made of natural wood

Alexandra Peck Design / Photo by Christian Harder

Stone isn’t the only material designers are excited about—wood panels are also at the top of the list.

“Besides the stone slabs, I want to see more wooden slabs. The walnut counters as well as the butcher block are beautiful and functional,” says Peck.

Butcher block countertops are attracting the attention of designers and homeowners because they are often more affordable than other countertop materials without compromising on style or durability. However, they can be sensitive to moisture and heat, so consideration should be given to sealing them after installation.

Movement by color

Studio Peake

Kitchens have moved away from the all-white color scheme in the past year, and many designers are hoping this trend will continue into 2025.

“I think we’re going to see beautiful marbles, quartzites and soapstones with different colors and interesting vein patterns,” explains Peck.

If you’re not crazy about the idea of ​​a brightly colored counter, Moszczynski notes that this year sees an increase in earthy color palettes, namely shades of terracotta, sage and deep taupe.

“Paired with natural wood elements or matte black accents, these countertops look modern and timeless,” she says.

Textured Surfaces

Laura Brophy Interiors

Glossy countertops certainly aren’t going anywhere, but designers are hoping to see more textured surfaces with a matte finish in 2025.

“I’m seeing a shift toward countertops with tactile, textured finishes like thick leather stone or brushed quartzite,” says Moszczynski. “These finishes add depth and sophistication to both hospitality and residential spaces, while being less reflective and more forgiving in high-traffic areas.”

O’Malley agrees that her clients are also wildly drawn to these finishes, as they bring a natural, raw feel that’s inviting and full of texture. She notes that these finishes require more maintenance than other countertops, but the benefits make the investment worthwhile.

Top 5 Organizational Hacks I Learned From My Mom

When I was younger, I never understood the true value of a tidy room – it was always easier to keep a messy one than a tidy one. But as I got older, I started to really understand the importance of organizing my space. I noticed the benefits of being able to find what I was looking for in seconds instead of rummaging through piles of clutter – who knew?

Although this transformation didn’t happen overnight, I really have one person to thank: my mom. My mom has never had a messy room in her life because she can’t stand clutter, which is why I turned to her when I needed easy but effective organizational hacks.

And I thought I’d pass on these words of wisdom. Here are five organizational tricks that have allowed me to maintain a tidy space and give me a sense of peace on a daily basis.

Categorize all your items

When it comes to starting work in a messy room, it can become overwhelming when you look at how much clutter you have. However, it is important to take a deep breath and not panic. My mom stresses the importance of targeting your clutter piles, but also categorizing them.

For example, start categorizing your clothes by tops, bottoms, and accessories. Then separate them into their individual colors. Keep dividing them into long sleeve types, t-shirts, tank tops and more. This will help you really reset your closet and allow you to organize it properly, making finding everything much easier.

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Create a donation box

As you sort through your belongings, try to identify items you haven’t worn or used in the last two to three years, my mom says.

“Don’t try to find a reason or an excuse to keep these pieces,” my mom says. “If you haven’t bothered to wear or use them in a few years, just pass it on to someone who will.”

Create a designated donation pile or find a box to store these items until you have time to dispose of them. You can also check local donation centers in your area to see if pickups are available if you have a few bags or boxes.

Group all small items and accessories

Use an organizer—or mom’s favorites: some strong hair ties, rubber bands, or even zip ties—to keep all your smaller items organized. If you have piles of electrical cords or accessories, tie them up so they’re easily accessible when you actually need them.

If you’re dealing with long cords that stick out like an eyesore, my mom recommends using a zip tie to shorten it if you can and tie it in place. In this way, it will not take up more space than necessary.

Hang and store everything now

When you’re out and about and finally get home, it can be easy to throw all your clothes on a chair or the floor, but that can cause a domino effect and quickly result in a messy space, my mom explains.

She recommends that you always make an extra effort to hang everything up and put it back where it was when you get home and make it a consistent habit. My mom explains how this will help reduce clutter because you don’t let piles build up over time.

“If you do it the first time, it won’t stop you from doing it again,” she says.

Make room for new items

As new trends emerge and new items come out all the time, it’s only natural to buy new clothes or decor and bring them home with you, my mom explains. However, if you’re constantly putting new items back in without making real space for them, you’ll end up with a messy home.

“Saving more and more clutter will overwhelm your space,” she says. “Hold on to past objects that no longer serve you.”

5 ingenious ways to reuse old pillowcases

While you’re cleaning out your home and sorting unused items for the new year, it might actually be worth saving some old items to tackle chores or reuse for everyday storage.

One such thing? Old pillowcases. Using old pillowcases is not only cost-effective, but you’ll be surprised how useful they are for cleaning or DIY.

Below, we’ve tapped a professional cleaner to share all the best ways to repurpose old pillowcases.

Meet the expert

Rhonda Wilson is a quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning.

Wipe dirty vents

If you haven’t cleaned your vents in a while, it might be time to wipe down those tight, dusty spaces before the new year hits, says Rhonda Wilson, a quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning.

She recommends wrapping a pillowcase around a butter knife and lightly spritzing it with your favorite cleaner to get into those tough, tight spaces.

“Suddenly you have the perfect tool to get into those nooks and crannies,” says Wilson.

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Turn them into dust bags

If you have a collection of treasured bags or everyday bags, consider storing them in an old pillowcase so they stay in good condition and dusty over time, says Wilson.

Wilson recommends putting your bags in a pillowcase and tying it shut so debris can’t get inside.

Dry your hair

If you’ve ever heard of the handy trick of drying your hair with a cotton T-shirt to prevent frizz and damage, you might want to try an old pillowcase, says Wilson.

“Cotton is smooth, won’t harshly damage your hair’s cuticle, and helps keep curls or waves intact,” says Wilson.

DIY Dog Bed Blanket

If you have dogs that like to lounge around, consider reusing an old pillowcase to create a cozy bed for them.

Wilson explains how you can fill a pillowcase with soft materials you already have at home, like a towel, an old pillow or even an extra blanket. Then, when everything is packed, tie or sew.

You’ll have the most comfortable space for them to relax during the day—and you won’t have to spend a fortune on a brand new dog bed, says Wilson.

Color filter strainers

Over time, the old paint can end up with dried pieces floating in it. The solution? Use old pillowcases to soak up the paint, so you can get on with those painting and DIY projects in the New Year.

Simply cover the opening of the paint can and secure it with a rubber band, says Wilson. When you spill paint, the pillowcase will act as a fine mesh strainer.

How to decorate Millennial Pink like a designer

There’s no denying that pink was the a shade of the 2010s. From rose gold iPhones to Drake and Harry Styles album covers, and even popular drinks of the time (rosé, anyone?) — soft, dusty shades of pink were everywhere. One shade in particular rose above the rest: a muted, peachy, salmon shade of pink that eventually became known as millennial pink.

In the decade since the hue reached its peak in popularity, one thing has become clear—millennial pink isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It may no longer be on every runway and interior, but the fashion and design industry still favors this timeless shade.

Meet the expert

Katie Gutierrez is the co-founder and principal interior designer of Errez Design, an interior design firm based in Miami, Florida.

What is Millennial Pink?

Millennial pink is a soft, muted shade of pink with warm undertones. Often described as salmon, dusty rose, pale pink and soft pink. Officially, it has hex code #F3CFC6, with RGB values ​​of 243, 207 and 198.

It is made of almost equal parts magenta and yellow. Millennial pink was chosen as Pantone Color of the Year 2016 (13-1520 ‘Rose Quartz’), along with the cool-toned mauve 15-3919 ‘Serenity.’

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The history of Millennial Pink

The color of the decade was officially coined in 2016 by fashion journalist Véronique Hyland as ‘Millennium Pink’. article for The Cuta tribute to the generation that adored him the most. Additionally, it was also known as ‘Tumblr pink’ for a while due to the number of times the shade was uploaded, shared and reposted on the platform.

The collective love of millennial pink signaled the beginning of the maximalism movement – ​​the first steps away from the stark white and neutral minimalism we saw in the early 2000s, especially in interior design.

However, it also signaled a cultural shift among millennials raised to shun the color pink. Pink was associated with girlishness, vanity and weakness in a time when femininity was not as accepted as it is today. Millennial pink offered a soft, not neutral, neutral option that was in stark contrast to the Barbie and bubblegum options the world was used to.

Desiree Burns Interiors

“Millennial pink isn’t just trendy,” says Katie Gutierrez, chief interior designer Rez Design. “It resonated. It reflected a collective longing for something softer, more inclusive, more human.”

Maybe that’s why this timeless shade of pink is still popular today. In interiors, it can act as an accent color or a versatile neutral in various decorating styles. Additionally, it is widely considered a more gender-neutral shade than the stereotypical bright magenta.

However, today pink is accepted in interiors of all kinds, not only in children’s and children’s rooms.

“Trends fade, but Millennial Pink has staying power,” says Gutierrez. “It’s not ‘hot’ anymore, and that’s what makes it timeless.”

Design by Whitney Parkinson

How to decorate Millennial Pink

So how can you embrace this soft, timeless shade in your home decor?

Start by using it as an accent color in your space, says Gutierrez. This will give you a taste of shade without too much diving. It’s easy to love the idea of ​​a color, but seeing it in your space in real time is a different ball game—a throw pillow here, a vase there.

Gutierrez recommends pairing millennial pink with neutrals like beige and taupe to complement the shade’s warm undertones and let it shine.

Gutierrez adds that textured pieces are another great way to bring this pink shade into your home. Think velvet accent chairs, frosted ceramics and worn linen sheets or curtains.

“Millennial pink loves texture—it keeps color grounded, tactile, and anything but precious,” she says.

This soft pink also works well with moodier shades like navy blue, emerald green, warm gray and even black. These pairings give millennial pink an edgier, more modern feel. It can also be used as a soft neutral against these bolder tones.

As for finishes that pair well with millennial pink, Gutierrez says brass, copper and rose gold are natural allies for the hue. Black lamps can also work well in modern spaces or high-contrast designs.

If you love color and are willing to go all out, why not try soaking colors? For this look, it’s best to stick to more muted shades so you don’t flood your space with vibrant color, which can make rooms feel overwhelming and visually cluttered.

Magnus Movie Review | Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media Review

Brian Costello

By Brian Costello

,
based on child development research. How do we rate?


age 10+







Inspirational document about “Mozart of Chess”; some bullying.

There are no parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What is the story?

Even as a child, Magnus Carlsen seemed lost in deep thought, possessed of an incredible memory and a gift for finding patterns and relationships between the flags of the world. Noticing this, Magnus’ father introduced him to chess at the age of 5. In no time he proved to be a chess prodigy, playing obsessively and eventually becoming a ranked player. While still severely withdrawn and bullied as a teenager and early teenager, Carlsen was also gaining worldwide recognition for his incredibly unique and intuitive style of play, even playing to a draw against legendary chess master Gary Kasparov. This documentary chronicles the growth and development of the “Mozart of Chess”, from a chess-obsessed boy chosen by his peers to his current celebrity status as the world’s top-ranked chess player.

Is it good?

Our review:







Parents say :
Not rated yet

children say:
Not rated yet

Like its subject, this documentary is unique. Magnus it stands out from many other niche documentaries because it is about much more than chess or even the chess miracle. Ultimately, it’s about what can happen when someone who is “different” from those around them is given the space and freedom to develop their skills to their full potential. This makes the film interesting not only for chess fans, but also for those who don’t know their rooks from their bishops.

And that’s what makes this documentary special. It not only traces the growth of Magnus Carlsen, the chess player, but also Magnus Carlsen, the human being. From an introverted chess-playing teenager who was an easy target for bullies to an internationally known media star (even giving Homer some pointers in The Simpsons episode), Magnus is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a chronicle of an extraordinarily gifted young man’s dizzying rise to the highest rank of chess in the world.

Talk to your kids about…

  • Families can discuss documentaries focusing on a particular activity, such as chess, football or cooking. How do documentaries like this try to attract all viewers, not just fans of a certain sport, hobby or profession?

  • How were home movies used to tell this story? What would be lost if these home movies were not part of the documentary?

  • How does this film deal with bullying between teenagers and teenagers towards those who are considered “different”? Who are some other examples of talented people who were chosen by their peers growing up?

Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children