Design for all: IKEA takes us into the world of “democratic design”

IKEA masterfully prioritises affordability without ever compromising on quality. Each piece of furniture and home accessory is crafted for durability, designed to adapt seamlessly to evolving trends, and thoughtfully suited for diverse global markets. Consider, for instance, the venerable Pöang chair. Its timeless aesthetic transcends generations, effectively translating into long-term savings for discerning homeowners. Similarly, the Lampan lamp, a bestseller since the early 2000s, is celebrated for its sleek appeal and sustainable attributes, having been made from shatter-resistant materials.

Beyond individual pieces, all products undergo rigorous quality control at the IKEA Test Lab to ensure unparalleled durability, safety and strict compliance with regulations across 63 markets. IKEA proudly operates two dedicated test labs—the IKEA Test Lab in Älmhult and ITCS in Shanghai—and collaborates with over 100 external accredited test facilities worldwide, a testament
to their unwavering commitment to excellence.

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One might ponder how IKEA consistently maintains these accessible price points while steadfastly upholding the principles of Democratic Design in every product. Beyond the intelligent utilisation of materials, packaging design emerges as another critical factor. “The designers must make sure that the products can be transported sustainably, meaning the possibility of fitting it in a flat pack, with no air space in a shipping pallet. This allows IKEA to transport more products, reducing costs and carbon footprint,” explains Pinheiro, revealing the ingenious efficiency embedded within their operations.

In terms of functionality, the Swedish furniture company seriously takes into account the varying needs of its global clientele through extensive home visits. In the Philippines, for example, the IKEA team devotes considerable time to understand the nuances of Filipino living and identify specific household needs. “We have an extensive use of our life at home insights in our store. Through the insights that we get from home visits, we can tailor fit the layout of our showroom to a home that is relevant to a Filipino family– size of the home, selection of furniture, suggestion of the furniture use that resonates to Filipino living,” Pinheiro says,  illustrating their deep commitment to localised relevance.

Senior designer Sarah Fager who is based in Älmhult–the birthplace of IKEA–finds that designing for the company offers a unique window into how people live across diverse cultures, continually challenging her to innovate and bridge observed gaps. “We want to be as inclusive as possible,” Fager, the visionary behind the Bäsingen product series designed with mobility concerns in mind, tells Tatler.

Read also: 6 popular Ikea products and what makes them iconic

Form is held in equally high regard as function at IKEA, beautifully exemplified by another popular series, the IKEA 365+. “The ambition behind the IKEA 365+ series was reminiscent of ‘more beautiful everyday items’, to create a series of simple basic products for the kitchen for use  all 365 days of the year,” Pinheiro recounts. While primary focus during development was indeed on food preparation, cooking and serving, the product team also ensured the series maintained an aesthetically cohesive appeal. The sleek design of IKEA 365+ products ensures they remain pleasing to the eye not only in the present but for years to come. Furthermore, Fager adds that the IKEA 365+ line was innovatively created to help minimise food waste in the kitchen—a feature that resonates with the company’s broader environmental goals.

Another exemplary illustration of IKEA’s intelligent synthesis of form and function is the IKEA PS, a vibrant keyhole-shaped wall clock meticulously designed by acclaimed architect and designer Thomas Eriksson in 1995. This distinctive piece holds a place in the permanent collections of Sweden’s Nationalmuseum, recognised as a seminal example of tone-setting Swedish design. Today, the IKEA PS series has expanded to encompass other coveted home items, including a striking lamp, a functional cabinet and an elegant swivel armchair.

Read also: 7 influential Scandinavian design trends

IKEA is deeply committed to making sustainable choices for the home more readily accessible. Pinheiro highlights that within IKEA stores, essential items such as energy-efficient LED light bulbs, durable reusable containers, practical grocery bags and efficient waste sorting bins are all so reasonably priced that they become attainable for a wider demographic. “We believe that a truly sustainable life at home can only be a reality when sustainable products are affordable to the many,” he states, further emphasising that sustainability is not merely embedded in their product lines but is a core corporate value, ingrained in the very DNA of every IKEA co-worker.

“We ensure that we also apply sustainable actions in our everyday business operations,” Pinheiro affirms. At IKEA Pasay City, the team diligently processes cardboard waste, plastic waste and even food waste for recycling, mirroring practices across all IKEA stores globally. “Our aim is that by the end of 2030, we will have zero waste to landfill. Also, aside from practicing simple CLAYGO [Clean As You Go] and selling almost 70 per cent sustainable products, we have an ongoing partnership with Rags to Riches and their local artisans who do sewing services in the IKEA Pasay City store,” he proudly adds.

While there are currently no immediate plans for a second store in the Philippines, Pinheiro warmly encourages more Filipinos to experience the immersive environment of IKEA Pasay City, the largest IKEA store globally. He also highlights the convenience of the brand’s online store, capable of reaching many islands across the archipelago. “Our team is making sure we have a lot of surprises in store for our Filipino consumers all year round—new products, new designs, limited collections, and even engaging store events,” he concludes, hinting at a future brimming with innovation and accessibility for the Filipino market.

Visit IKEA Pasay City or IKEA.ph to learn more about IKEA and its democratic design principles.

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