Karin Mobring

Karin’s creative path began with ceramics studies at the University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm. However, her interest shifted, and under renowned furniture designer Carl Malmsten, she learned about craftsmanship, different materials, quality, comfort, and the importance of soft corners.

After graduating in 1951, Karin worked with her father, a construction engineer. He got her to design colours and styles for interiors and exteriors of apartment blocks, homes and offices. Karin also continued to design furniture, and in 1964 a wooden armchair by her was spotted by Ingvar Kamprad at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. He hired Karin to lead the IKEA design team in developing the brand’s own models and designs.

Karin made her debut in the 1966 IKEA catalogue with pieces rooted in classic, rustic Scandinavian style. Her designs were based on simple, geometric constructions without sharp edges, always with usability in mind. Her many IKEA products demonstrate a command of both traditional and modern styles.

In the mid-1970s, Karin inherited her native farm on Frösön island in Jämtland, and from then on she used it as her creative base. During this decade, she designed many iconic pieces for IKEA, including the basic but beautiful SMÅLAND sofa, and the STABIL chair and table with an untreated finish to be scrubbed with soap like in the old days. Ingvar Kamprad loved the STABIL table and used it as his work desk for 35 years.

Together with her coworker Tomas Jelinek, Karin Mobring created the STOCKHOLM collection, paying homage to the best of Swedish and Central European furniture traditions. The idea was to fill a gap in the IKEA range with timeless furniture and objects made of good quality materials that most people could still afford. Karin’s attention to detail and constant endeavour to make products functional came in handy, and in 1985 the first launch in the series of modern classics was released.

Karin Mobring went on to design around 100 IKEA products before retiring in 1993. Karin was a gifted and humble person who made an indelible impression on the IKEA range and identity. Her knowledge of craftsmanship, understanding of materials, and talent for creating stylish and comfortable furniture with a wide appeal continue to inspire IKEA designers to this day.