IKEA CLASSICS
With 340 stores in 28 countries, Ikea is arguably the largest homefurnishings company in the world.
Best known for quality products (many of which need to be assembled at home) at affordable prices — as well as their köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs — the range consists of a mind-boggling 9,500 home and office-related products, with approximately 2,000 items being reimagined every year by the 20 or so in-house designers and up to 200 external designers that work on the line year-round.
Looking at the numbers, it’s not surprising that most of us — present company included — have at least one item of Ikea furniture at home, if not (ahem) a whole lot more.
The word Ikea is an acronym made up of the founder Ingvar Kamprad’s initials plus the name of the farm (Elmtaryd) and town (Agunnaryd) where he grew up, but it might as well be Swedish for coming of age. Let’s face it: buying your first piece of Ikea furniture is a bit of a rite of passage, especially when moving into your first home or condo.
To find out more about what continues to make Ikea omnipresent and to get the low-down on some of the company’s most popular, practical and lasting pieces, I spoke with company spokesperson Alicia Carroll.
What are some of IKEA’s most timeless pieces for the living room?
First of all there’s Kivik, which is a sofa seating series with a soft, deep seat and comfortable support for your back. The cushions have a layer of memory foam that follows the contours of your body and gives support where needed. It’s easy to combine the sofa with one or more chaise lounges since the armrests are removable. The cover is also removable and can be machine washed.
The Lack side table has been part of the Ikea product range since 1979. It’s easy to assemble, lift and move around.
What about the bedroom and dining room?
The Malm bed frame with four drawers in black-brown, and the two-drawer chest that goes with it, as well as the Jokkmokk table and four matching chairs in an antique stain.
And storage?
The Pax wardrobe with white Tyssedal doors. The Pax wardrobes are customizable and come in a variety of colours and door style options as well as a 10-year limited warranty that’s included in the price.
Why would those pieces work in a new home or condo?
When purchasing your first home or condo, it’s important to opt for timeless pieces of furniture that will last, and also work with existing furniture or items that you may already have within the space.
I have a Malm bed and it’s one of the pieces that people always ask me about. What is it about the line that makes it so popular, and classic?
All pieces within the Malm bedroom series — chests of drawers, desks, beds and dressing tables — have the same timeless style. They’re built to last and designed to work together so you can furnish your entire bedroom in the same style.
I see the Pax line everywhere, even designers use it. Can you tell me a little about it and what makes it so useful, especially for first-time homeowners?
Ikea Pax wardrobes are not only beautiful on the outside, but they’re smart on the inside too. Each wardrobe is completely customizable and can be built to suit your needs. The interior fitting solutions are also endless. From different rails, drawers and shelves to jewelry organizers and integrated lighting, there are many options that allow you to completely personalize your wardrobe.
There’s also a free 3D Pax planner that’s available online (http:// www.ikea.com/ms/en_CA/customer-service/about-our-products/planning-tools/index.html), which makes it super easy to plan.
What makes the Kivik series so versatile? Does the removable cover make it easier to adapt to changing styles and trends?
Every detail of the Kivik sofa series is adapted to offer maximum comfort. It has a generous seat size and the cushions contain memory foam, which moulds exactly to the contours of your body. You can create larger combinations or smaller ones to suit your space, and the chaise lounge can be used as an add-on unit to the sofa, or on its own. The sofa also has slipcovers which are removable and can be changed out for seasonal purposes.
What makes the Lack line stand out from all the others?
The Lack side table is iconic within the Ikea product range. Its modern style, simple assembly, low price and flat packaging make it an easy addition to a new home or condo.