Discover Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura

Noboru Nakamura’s creative vision and philosophy have influenced generations of designers. His ability to simplify and focus on the essence through design shows in timeless pieces for IKEA, which have stayed relevant over many decades and will continue to inspire in the future.

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Noboru Nakamura moved to Europe in the late 1960s to attend the Carl Malmsten School for Furniture Studies in Sweden. Founded by master craftsman Carl Malmsten, the renowned institution taught artisanal furniture design based on local materials and traditions, making quality pieces accessible to a broad audience at a reasonable price.

In 1973, after also attending the Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, he joined IKEA as an in-house designer in Älmhult. Here, Nakamura designed several products while getting to know Swedish culture from the inside. Over the years he would create many popular and comfortable pieces including the KLIPPAN sofa, the BORE and BIRKA armchairs, rocking chair TELL and the sleek bedframe for teens, MUSSLA.

Noboru Nakamura’s POEM armchair was first launched in 1976 to immediate success and appeared on the cover of the 1977 IKEA catalogue. It was inspired by classic armchairs by the likes of Bruno Mathsson and Alvar Aalto in terms of style, but of course the price had to be lower at IKEA. His solution was to source the wooden parts, the cushions and the seating units from different factories to keep the price as low as possible.

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Noboru Nakamura returned to Japan in 1979 and founded his own company, Furniture Design Nacka. He continued working as a furniture designer while teaching design at Hokkaido University. Before leaving Sweden, however, he designed one of the most enduring classics IKEA has seen – the KLIPPAN sofa.

It all started when IKEA product developer Lars Engman asked Noboru Nakamura to make a sturdy sofa for young families with children. It needed to withstand everyday play, have soft corners and removable, washable covers. Using one of his previous designs for IKEA, the LAPPMON sofa, as a starting point, Nakamura first took away all unnecessary details. He then shortened the sofa design by 18 centimetres to fit the width of fabric reels at the time, also allowing the covers to fit into household washing machines. With a clean look and a steady stream of new interchangeable covers, KLIPPAN has remained much-loved and relevant.

1969

Japanese man with black hair, white shirt and blue sweater.

Noboru Nakamura moved to Europe and attended Carl Malmsten School in Stockholm.

1975

Beach style chair with blond wood and dark beige cushions.

Nakamura’s first design for IKEA, the NACKA chair, is launched.

1976

Cover of the 1977 IKEA catalogue with blond wood armchair in foreground of simple living room.

Nakamura’s award-winning POEM armchair was put on the cover of the 1977 IKEA catalogue (released in 1976).

1978

1970s style pine sofa with blue cushions.

PLANKTON, perhaps the pine sofa of all pine sofas, in Nakamura design.

1979

Simple sofa upholstered in bright coloured pattern with leaf motifs.

KLIPPAN sofa was launched in 1979, first seen on the cover of the 1980 IKEA catalogue, and went on to become a true IKEA classic.

1991

Beechwood armchair with cushions in light brown buffalo leather.

POÄNG, an updated and improved version of POEM, was launched, giving even better value for money.

2024

Red armchair and yellow sofa with puffy cover.

Reimagined designs of iconic bestsellers KLIPPAN sofa and POÄNG armchair are presented as the latest additions to the Nytillverkad collection.

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The successor to POEM was launched in 1991: POÄNG, a modernised version in which the then 15-year-old design had been updated. Discussing the chair in 2016, Nakamura explained that the U-shaped cantilever design made from moulded plywood created a flex that allowed the sitter to rock gently. It was part of his firm belief that furniture should fulfil more than just a functional need.

Sofas with puffy covers and simple armchairs, all in bright colours, seen from above. — Reimagined designs of Nakamura’s KLIPPAN sofa from 2024, inspired by the 1980s puffer covers in bright new colours.

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As one of the highlights of Milan Design Week 2024, IKEA presented reimagined designs of Nakamura’s KLIPPAN sofa and POÄNG armchair. They were part of the 2024 Nytillverkad collection, giving timeless designs a contemporary twist.

Noboru Nakamura crafted the update of POÄNG shortly before his passing in 2023. He removed the headrest, giving it a compact and modern look while changing the seating angle to ensure a more active posture. Incorporating new features to stay relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow, these pieces serve as a testament to Noboru Nakamura’s enduring legacy.