Unless you’re an avid record collector (who for now are the most irate), you may not have heard the news.  Ikea may be discontinuing the EXPEDIT line (rumored here, here and here).  The whole thing.  For the time being, it’s said to only be relegated to Germany, but most things I’ve read speculate that it’s only a matter of time before it hits the rest of the world.  A petition on Facebook to save the favored shelving has already reached over 15K likes.

They are replacing it with another, similar style but I feel like this is an end of an era and possibly a huge misstep on Ikea’s part.  I don’t think they realize how widespread the use of that line really is – I’ve seen it used everywhere from a starter dorm room to high-end, luxury celebrity homes.

What are we going to do without this serious work horse piece of furniture?  I scoured and found the below image of it’s supposed replacement, the ‘Kallax’.  What do you think?

I’m not a huge fan and think it’s too similar to other styles.  The Expedit had that thick frame – very Parsons-like that so many people adored.

There have been many blogger odes to this marvelous wonder, but today is sadly more of an obituary.  So in honor of its final days, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite uses for the EXPEDIT.  Enjoy.

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Loving the stacked look from designer Meg Lonergan.  And the mirror hanging in front makes it look oh-so-chic and gives it a built-in quality.

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This entire wall was created with a combination of different Expedits.  It’s a bibliophile’s work of art.

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I’ved loved this photo for as long as I can remember.  It pairs with a Parsons desk perfectly and the lack of a backing lets the dark and moody paint color shine through.

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Everything Everygirl is perfection to me.  Alaina Kaczmarski styled this piece for her dining room – display storage for her beautiful plates and glassware with an added place to include a bar.

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An Expedit is a great way to display a collection.

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A perfect example of two of the most-used reasons for the Expedit – room divider and color-coordinated bookshelf.

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Elle Decor showcases how an Expedit fits in seamlessly when paired with more high-end furnishings in the home of Jayson Home’s Devin Kirk.

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Have too much closet space (is that an actual problem?!) without enough shelving?  Display those heels and handbags like the works of art they truly are.

I have had my Expedit since I moved to Los Angeles 6+ years ago (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) and don’t plan to get rid of it any time soon.  It’s a storage monster and an absolute necessity in our home.  So who would like to raise a glass and toast the amazing, incredible Expedit with me?!

*Update:  The Huffington Post has confirmed with an Ikea spokesperson that this is true.  It’s a sad, sad day.