Iconic designs by IKEA
Meet the IKEA designers whose ideas and skills have shaped IKEA designs over the years and explore the timeless icons that continue to inspire homes everywhere.
BILLY bookcase
Designer
Gillis Lundgren (1929-2016)
Designer thoughts
"When I got the assignment to design a simple, functional and smart storage for books, I couldn’t have imagined that BILLY bookcase would wind up in so many homes across the world. I remember being especially pleased with the adjustable shelves and the depth of the bookcase – perfect for books. We were also able to transport it in a flat pack - an idea I was actually first to develop.The bookcase is one of my favourites and I hope it will be around for many more years.“
POÄNG armchair
Designer
Noboru Nakamura (1938 – 2023)
Designer thoughts
"With POÄNG armchair I wanted to combine the Scandinavian and Japanese furniture traditions. It also felt important to make the most of the qualities of layer-glued wood. That’s why the frame is a little springy, which makes the armchair even more comfortable. When I first created the armchair in 1972 it was called POEM, and I hoped the design would feel timeless. I think we succeeded with that. Now, the armchair feels like a real classic.”
BURVIK side table
Designer
Mikael Axelsson
Designer thoughts
“If there’s one thing I’d want BURVIK side table to say, it’s: move me around! When I designed it I was inspired by how our lives and homes look today – fluid, flexible, active – and I wanted to make a piece of furniture that’s easy to lift and move so that it can be used for many different activities. The idea is quite simple. Whenever and wherever you need a space to put something on, BURVIK is there for you."
BURVIK won a Good Design Award in 2018.
LÖMSK swivel armchair
Designer
Monika Mulder
Designer thoughts
"As a child I was constantly doing handstands, and I loved rocking and spinning. My father's armchair was enticing, so as an adult I had the idea that there should be swivel armchairs adapted for children."
DOMSTEN stool
Designer
Karin Mobring
Designer thoughts
It was love at first sight when Ingvar Kamprad saw a wooden chair in 1964 by a designer named Karin Mobring. With an eye for materials and a talent for designing comfortable furniture, she became the first female designer at IKEA. An example of her many years of work is the stackable JERRY stool, which was presented in our 1973 catalogue. In the Nytillverkad collection it is back with new colours under the name DOMSTEN. A true icon, just like its creator.
HEMNES day bed
Designer
Karin Mobring
Designer thoughts
"Function and flexibility are high on the agenda where space is at a premium. That's why I designed HEMNES day-bed to fulfil four functions. A single bed, double bed, sofa and storage drawers solve four of the key needs in every home. The simple lines make sure it's at home in almost any setting. I've heard people say this is an all-round item of furniture - with room for all the family in the double bed and the cat in the pull-out drawer! That makes a designer like me feel that I've achieved my aim.“
IKEA PS 2014 pendant lamp
Designer
David Wahl
Designer thoughts
"I've always been a big fan of science fiction, which is easy to guess when you see IKEA PS 2014 pendant lamp. When it's closed, only a little light finds its way through the small gaps and transparent plastic of the globe, but a pull of the strings creates a distance between the parts and light flows out. The shape looks like a spaceship, but this lamp is much easier to assemble. You just click the parts together and it’s ready to float over the dining area or coffee table.“
IKEA PS 2014 pendant lamp
Designer
Carl Öjerstam and Magnus Elebäck
Designer thoughts
"It was an exciting challenge to create the world's inexpensive table lamp - LAMPAN. We started by analysing all stages in the process: logistics, packaging, assembly, components, tools and materials. As a result, we decided to get rid of the box and instead adapt the dimensions so that the lamp foot fits in the lampshade during transport. The whole lamp can then be packed in a transparent plastic film so that it can be picked right from the pallet.“
ÄRTBUSKE vase
Designer
Bruno Adrien Aguirre
Designer thoughts
“The cactus is a natural water reservoir, so I thought it was fun to play around with this shape when designing ÄRTBUSKE. The idea is that it can be used either as a watering can or a vase – and be a playful element with a bold and different expression and a happy green colour. I like the dual function that makes the vase/watering can really useful. Hopefully it also adds a nice touch of positive energy to your home.“
IKEA PS 1995 clock
Designer
Thomas Eriksson
Designer thoughts
"IKEA PS 1995 clock has a shape that looks like an old Swedish Mora clock from the province of Dalarna or a guitar. I like the combination of convex and concave lines. The biggest challenge was in creating a soft curvy body that still had a clear, graphic shape. The final result is like an icon for clocks, which also works as a practical storage place for small things. It's very recognizable. I hope you find the clock both fun and useful.“
IKEA PS 2002 watering can
Designer
Monika Mulder
Designer thoughts
"The shape was extra important when I designed IKEA PS 2002 water can. I wanted to give it an organic, fluid shape so it would harmonise with plants and running water. By using different templates I was able to sculpt a prototype that felt completely perfect. The final water can has both a shape and colour that make you want to have it out on display, instead of hidden away. And if you like, you can also use it as a vase.“
FÄRGRIK mug
Designer
Maria Vinka
Designer thoughts
"When I designed the FÄRGRIK series I wanted to make simple, functional dinnerware that would suit all situations and all occasions. That's why I gave the series shapes, functions and colours that are easy to combine and vary in many different ways. It doesn't matter if it's morning or evening, a party or everyday - FÄRGRIK always works just as well."