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IKEA STOCKHOLM Collections 1985-2025

Forty years ago, IKEA released its first STOCKHOLM collection. It was launched as a series of elegant classics, made of quality materials with a timeless design. In this exhibition, you can see how the collection has grown and evolved up to the present day. The focus, now as then, is on high quality at a low price. Congratulations, STOCKHOLM!

IKEA grows up

During the radical 1970s, IKEA had become famous with its poppy, youthful products in modern materials and bright colours. As the Eighties rolled around, the zeitgeist was one of optimism, strong finances and everyday glamour.

This increased the need for timeless, elegant furniture in high-quality materials. IKEA saw an opportunity, and in 1985 the first STOCKHOLM collection was launched – aimed at a slightly more mature target group.

The collection became one of founder Ingvar Kamprad’s favourites, and he had many products from the collection in his own home.

Quality – at a low price

The idea behind STOCKHOLM was to create premium furniture at low IKEA prices, in high-quality, durable materials that would age gracefully. Thomas Jelinek and Karin Mobring, two of the company’s most experienced designers, were asked to design the first collection.

When the collection was launched in 1985, it was an instant success. STOCKHOLM would appear in many different guises over the coming decades, with contributions from many different designers. The eighth STOCKHOLM collection is being released in spring 2025.

Although the collection has evolved and changed with the trends and needs of the times, the focus on high quality remains. In the exhibition you can see examples from all the collections – from glass, birch and cherry wood products in the first three collections, to velvet, walnut and rattan in the Noughties and 2010s.

Sustainable design history

The products in the first STOCKHOLM collection have become lasting, beloved classics. Made from high-quality, durable materials, they have stood the test of time and are often handed down from generation to generation.

Perhaps you have a STOCKHOLM product at home?

In the exhibition, you can revisit old favourites and learn about the stories behind the iconic products – from 1985 to the brand new collection, released in spring 2025. Welcome to 40 years of design history!