With the new AFTONSPARV collection, IKEA invites children to the largest playground ever: space

This October, the new AFTONSPARV collection will come to IKEA stores globally. Inspired by children's knowledge and curiosity about space, the collection features products that support creativity, imagination, and role play.

Based on the belief that children are the experts in what they like and need, the ideas behind the new AFTONSPARV collection were developed in collaboration with a group of young space enthusiasts between the ages of 3 and 7. They were invited to participate in a series of workshops, culminating in the space-themed range. The collection offers lots of room for creativity and play, just like the exciting and mystical world of outer space itself.

“We were surprised by how much knowledge the children had about our solar system and space,” says Marta Krupińska, designer at IKEA of Sweden. “But since science hasn’t discovered everything there is to know about the universe, there’s also lots of room for fantasy and own thoughts. There’s no limit to where play can take you.”

With this in mind, AFTONSPARV has been designed to incorporate all types of play.

“At IKEA, we believe that children are the most important people in the world and home is a great playground," says Maria Thörn, Range Area Manager for Children’s IKEA, IKEA of Sweden. “We believe children have the right to play because it’s the best way for them to learn, develop and grow. I hope that the AFTONSPARV collection can fuel children’s creativity and inspire them to pursue their curiosity about outer space.”

Amongst other products, the collection features soft-toy astronauts and aliens, finger puppets and a cushion – all made from 100% recycled polyester – as well as a cardboard rocket play tent, lamps, bed textiles and a glow-in-the-dark curtain.

AFTONSPARV will be available in IKEA stores globally starting from October 2023.