Catalogue classics
As the IKEA Catalogue celebrates its 70th birthday, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at some of the most-loved products to have graced its pages over the years. The good news? A few of them are still in the range today!
DANSKE chair (1960–1965)
Teak was the material à la mode when it came to mid-century furniture: an idea which Ingvar Kamprad challenged by importing more affordable oak instead. With its combination of Polish oak and Danish design (thanks to the architect Arne Wahl Iversen) the DANSKE chair is one of the greatest IKEA success stories from the 60´s.
SPECTUM hallway bench (1959–1968)
If you’re lucky, you might still find SPECTUM hallway bench going under the hammer at an auction. Designed in the late 50´s, it mixed teak veneer with solid oak – for an up-to-date look that was more affordable at the time.
TROFAST storage series
We couldn’t leave out the kids, now, could we? Good storage, that could stimulate a child’s imagination and encourage play, was the starting point for the TROFAST storage series, designed back in 1997 by Mia Lagerman. After consulting all her friends with children, she came up with a versatile design that would make it possible to create playful storage combinations with different forms, heights and levels. A great idea then, still a great idea now; which is why the TROFAST storage series is more or less the same today as it was two decades ago.
IKEA PS candlestick/vase (1999)
Made of glass with an internal spiral tube, the unusual design of this candlestick vase was brought to life by Ehlén Johansson: one of the most well-known IKEA designers, who worked for the company for over 30 years. She contributed heavily towards the IKEA PS series, with her designs drawing inspiration from contemporary art.
POÄNG armchair
It is known as POÄNG armchair today, but this true IKEA classic first went by the name POEM. Launched in 1976, it was designed by Naboro Nakamora of Japan. Ingvar Kamprad was initially sceptical of the chair, finding the design too sophisticated. Once he saw it in person and took a seat, however, he quickly changed his mind!
Classics that are still going strong
Thank you to the IKEA Museum in Älmhult, Sweden, for supplying the archive products featured in this piece. You can read all about the museum and the work they do here:
