Gustaf Westman gives the iconic IKEA meatball a new stage with first ever dedicated plate

IKEA meatballs just got a designer upgrade you didn't know you needed. In a first look at the upcoming collaboration, IKEA and Swedish designer Gustaf Westman announce their first new product: a porcelain plate that offers a new way of serving one of Sweden’s most beloved icons – the meatball. The full 12-piece collection, designed to reimagine modern celebrations, will be revealed on September 9th. 

The meatball is deeply rooted in Swedish food tradition and remains a symbol of IKEA. The dish has rolled with IKEA for decades, becoming a loved favourite worldwide with one billion sold annually. The range has evolved over the years to include the plant ball, vegetable ball, chicken ball, and salmon ball – all of which fit perfectly on the new plate. This new design collaboration gives the iconic meatball, in all its forms, the stage it deserves.

“We’ve always believed that the little things in life, like a perfectly round Swedish meatball, deserve big attention. This collaboration is about taking the traditions of gathering in the home and reimagining them through playful and unexpected designs. Together with Gustaf Westman, we’ve created a new design that is bold and expressive, using an unconventional shape and colour to give this Swedish staple a new stage.” says Maria O’Brian, Creative Leader at Ikea of Sweden. 

You will never see plates in the same way again

As part of the playful perspective that characterises the collaboration, the new porcelain serving plate was developed to make preparing and enjoying meatballs more enjoyable. Its shape is tailored so it could fit the perfectly-sized meatball, arranging them in a celebratory row. While the meatball was the inspiration, it’s perfect for serving anything — from olives and cheese to fruits and sweets. 

“I love designing objects for a specific function – it brings a touch of humour and makes them instantly easy to grasp. In Sweden, meatballs mean Christmas, and this plate is my way of honouring that tradition. The design is simple, lining up the meatballs so each one is visible, like they’re sitting on little thrones. And while it was created with meatballs in mind, it works just as well for many other dishes,” says Gustaf Westman.  

The meatball plate is the first piece revealed from the collaboration between IKEA and Gustaf Westman. The full collection of tableware and home objects will be revealed on 9 September. Sales start will vary between markets.