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A dinner conversation about IKEA Food

Three IKEA Food veterans meet over hot dogs, plant balls and other yummy IKEA classics. Jan Kjellman, Miriam Swärdh and Michael La Cour talk about the past, present and future – sharing stories about everything from the first IKEA restaurant in 1960, to the Swedish food market and food becoming an integral part of the IKEA identity.

Always together

When IKEA describes its culture, the terms together and togetherness are virtually always front and centre. And it’s not just co-workers who are invited to be part of that togetherness, but also very much customers and suppliers. In fact, you could say that without togetherness, there would be no IKEA.

After more than 30 years in the IKEA range, it’s one of the most used bags in the world. It’s big and strong, and pretty much anything will fit inside, whether you’re shopping, moving, doing the laundry or going to the beach. An iconic tote bag that has also inspired new creations by everyone from keen DIYers to luxury fashion designers.

Children’s IKEA

Explore two stories about Children’s IKEA. Children and families with children have always been central to IKEA. But it was in the 1990s that things really took off. Find out about the early beginnings, how it works today, and what IKEA puts into making a range for the most important people in the world.

Glorious future

Things get wild when a group of children are let loose in the Museum and discover IKEA history. We ask them to tell the history of IKEA from the Ice Age to the day after tomorrow. Did IKEA really start in the 1700s? Does Ingmar, age four, actually have a sofa at home or not, and how many stuffed animals can fit in a room?

How did a self-described failure from Småland become one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs? In excerpts from our new Ingvar Kamprad exhibition, close co-workers share stories about his drive, curiosity, creativity, and the ability to see problems as opportunities. In the exhibition Hej Ingvar! at IKEA Museum, you can view and listen to many more stories.

A story of how IKEA uses home visits to get closer to what people want and dream about when it comes to creating a better life at home. After finding out how people live and what they think makes a good home, IKEA can create even better solutions to people’s need for privacy and security, comfort, ownership and belonging.

Who doesn’t want a perfect home? Magazines and social media bombard us with inspiring pictures of beautiful luxury interiors. But who can afford to live like that? Instead, IKEA wants to inspire people with smart solutions to everyday challenges.

Life at home 1950s

During the optimistic 1950s, the idea of the modern home is born in Sweden: light, comfortable and flexible, with space for the whole family. The TV makes its entrance at the end of the decade, while the furniture becomes increasingly airy, light and functional.

Life at home 1960s

This is the age of great change in Sweden. In the 1960s, most people have a better life, well-being and prosperity are on the up, and more and more people are becoming interested in the home and interior design. Increasing home-building in city suburbs, close to nature, means that a lot of people have a bigger home and a real boost in standard.

Life at home 1970s

In the progressive 1970s, the IKEA range becomes increasingly youthful. Colourful fabrics, bold shapes and practical solutions for a life on the move are hallmarks of the decade’s first years.

Life at home 1980s

For many, the 1980s is an optimistic, frivolous decade, with booming stock markets and broad shoulder pads signalling confidence. The colourful, kitschy postmodern style thrives side by side with elegant furniture in fancy materials. Outward appearance is everything, and it’s important to see and be seen.

Life at home 1990s

The 1990s begin with a severe recession, and the focus is once again on basic everyday needs. In home furnishing, the quite bombastic extravagance of the 1980s is replaced by a minimalist, functional ideal. The function and feel of the home are now more important (and less expensive) than the quest for status.

Life at home 2000s

In the new millennium’s first decade, the modern information society emerges. Mobile phones and video games change life at home for many people.

Life at home 2010s

During the 2010s, the traditional boundaries between the rooms in a home continue to change and disappear. People increasingly realise that there are many different ways to live and work, and that this often affects life at home.

More than a low price

IKEA is a balancing act between seemingly conflicting ambitions. Sales machine or inspiration? Business or people? For IKEA, it’s never been about choosing one or the other, it’s always both. Ingvar Kamprad’s original idea to offer products with both a low price and good quality has grown into a strong culture and identity. It is still a driving force at IKEA today.

Small space living

In the age of urbanisation, more and more people are living in less and less space. IKEA has been working with small space living for a long time, but now it’s more important than ever. Explore how IKEA works to create a better life at home for people living in small spaces. Also, find out how a furniture retailer thinks around doing the most with the least.

Social initiatives

Involvement in philanthropic causes at IKEA can be traced back to the 1950s, when Ingvar Kamprad’s mother Berta fell ill with cancer, and Ingvar started a fund for cancer research. Later on, more funds and foundations were set up for everything from good design and children’s rights, to the climate and well-being for the elderly. What all these things have in common is a vision to create a better everyday life for the many people.

Spinning new yarns

When IKEA asked Vivianne Sjölin to take care of textiles at IKEA, her first instinct was to say no. After a decade in the crisis-ridden Swedish textile industry, she was ready for a change.

Where should the sofa go?

Selling furniture is one thing. Helping people realise their dreams is quite another. For IKEA, good tips and advice are just as important as design and low prices.