The MÄVINN collection
Handmade gets a place at the table
The new MÄVINN collection brings artisan skills to the table. Woven, embroidered and fired by hand, these stunning pieces for the home are even nicer when you take a closer look.
MÄVINN is back! With a focus on cooking and eating, decorative baskets, table runners and a jazzy apron are just some of the new additions to the collection. Bold shades of pink, green, blue and purple enliven Scandinavian patterns, making this collection of handmade treasures for the home truly unique and unmistakably IKEA.
Working in partnership with the artisans of eight social businesses in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Jordan and Thailand, the 18-piece collection, designed by Maria Vinka, highlights the creativity, talent and craftsmanship in some of the most vulnerable communities. From the glazed stoneware vases of Doi Tung, made by the indigenous and tribal people of northern Thailand to the hypnotic woven wall decorations made by the women of ROPE (Responsibility Of People and Environment) in India, each item is as inspiring as it is beautiful.
Scandi-inspired handicrafts
A striped apron with jolly green strings and a decorative table runner are woven, embroidered and tasselled by hand. They provide livelihoods for more than 460 artisans at Rangsutra, a specialist in traditional embroidery, textiles and grass weaving, based in India. As for the beautifully colourful botanical prints of the cushion covers, they're courtesy of the women of the Jordan River Foundation. But what’s that? Look closely and you may see a little embroidered caterpillar edging along a flower stem. Can you believe that little fella provides work for more than 300 women? “I wanted to come up with a pattern that looks intriguing, but doesn’t have too much embroidery. I chose a botanical pattern because they are popular, but then I thought, ‘what can I make on the leaves? Maybe something small?’ Then I came up with the idea of a caterpillar because it’s just a little bit of embroidery on a printed cushion,” explains Maria.
Working for purpose
Woven, sewn and formed into every MÄVINN product is opportunity, confidence and purpose for those who need it most. Social entrepreneurs believe in changing the world for the better and through a social business, they can tackle social and environmental issues and support positive change.
“MÄVINN products are about more than home furnishing – they’re sources of empowerment. Every basket, rug and lampshade carries care and the pride of the artisans who are working toward not just financial independence, but also a more resilient future.”
Creating together
Visiting the factories and working closely with the craftspeople really fuels Maria’s creativity, “When you go there, you see what the women are wearing. They have a lot of embroidery on their clothing, or maybe there’s a nice tassel. Sometimes you may see them doing something that’s different, that’s not for our collection and so you ask ‘can you do something like that for our collection?’ It’s very inspiring,” explains Maria.
Responsibility Of People and Environment (ROPE), India
The production of ROPE’s decorative handwoven baskets offers safe and stable employment for women in rural India. Located in Tamil Nadu, ROPE provides training and safe, fair-paying jobs in a region that is notorious for its unsafe firecracker factories.
Ramesh Flowers, India
The talented artisans of Ramesh Flowers create hand-braided lampshades and baskets from banana fibres from discarded banana plants cut down after the harvest.
Based in Tamil Nadu, Ramesh Flowers creates jobs for rural women. Around 450 artisans are involved in creating pieces for the MÄVINN collection.
Classical Handmade Products, Bangladesh
The only thing that could possibly improve the jute pieces crafted by the artisans of Classical Handmade Products is the production process. This social business specialises in making handmade products using only garment waste and natural fibres such as jute and banana fibre, and using only solar power.
Jordan River Foundation, Jordan
IKEA began its partnership with the Jordan River Foundation in 2017, to create jobs for women refugees fleeing the Syrian war into neighbouring Jordan. This collaboration provides a sustainable income for more than 300 women and their families. The artisans work together, sharing valuable skills and techniques.
Du Anyam, Indonesia
The eye-catching hexagonal hand-weaving technique of this basket originates from the remote Indonesian island of Flores. Located on the island, Du Anyam provides mothers with employment and the flexibility to care for their families and local farms. The baskets are made from locally sourced palm fibre and provide work and a steady income for 300 locals.
Doi Tung, Thailand
A beautiful plate makes the perfect setting for our favourite foods. These ceramic plates are made by artisans from indigenous and tribal groups. One of our first social business partners, Doi Tung’s mission is to support artisans who are economically self-reliant, without compromising the environment or their cultural values.
Karupannya, Bangladesh
Bold details pop on jute handwoven rugs. Karupannya's mainly female workforce comes from rural areas, as well as transgender communities and disadvantaged youths.
Located in a region impacted by global warming, nature is key to Karupannya. Powered by biogas and solar power, products are made from natural materials.
Rangsutra, India
The upbeat pink and purple combo of the MÄVINN throw and matching cushion cover aren’t the only thing that’s joyful. All of the more than 460 Rangsutra embroiderers and weavers involved in making the MÄVINN collection are also proud shareholders in the company.
"My hope for the MÄVINN collection is that people will cherish them a little bit extra, because of the work that goes into each piece and because people from rural areas and those with difficulties will really benefit. It's an added bonus."
Co-creating with nature
Supporting social entrepreneurs is as much about caring for the planet as it is people. Sustainability is an important focus for the MÄVINN collection. We strive to use natural, renewable and biodegradable materials, such as banana bark, jute and palmyra leaves, whenever we can in the production. For example, India has thousands of acres dedicated to banana cultivation. However, since banana plants only bear fruit once, they are cut down after harvest. By using previously discarded banana bark, we can literally create wealth out of waste.
As many of the social businesses operate in rural areas, energy is a precious resource. Biogas and solar energy are just some of the ways our businesses are powering up.
Welcome the heart of craftsmanship into your home
The new MÄVINN collection is available online and in stores. Click on the big black button below to see the full range of inspiring handmade treasures.