13 Of The Most Iconic IKEA Designs
Founded in 1943, IKEA has been a major player in the affordable furniture game for the better part of a century. The Swedish retailer is beloved by both young adults just starting out with their first apartment (it's cheap!) and professional designers alike (it's super customizable!).
Now, if you've ever been to an IKEA store, you're probably aware that it sells a lot of products — around 12,000, in fact. While many come and go, there's a subset of IKEA pieces that will likely always be some of the brand's best sellers. Check out our list of some of IKEA's most iconic furniture. How many have you owned?
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Launched in 1979, the Billy bookcase is IKEA's most popular item, selling at an estimated rate of one every five seconds. It's not hard to see why — it's a quintessential shelving unit that can be used for everything from books to pantry items. IKEA offers the stackable product in a range of sizes and forms (the most basic models are open shelves, while more detailed ones may have panels or doors), and they all can be combined in a modular fashion.
IKEA
The Kallax shelf, formerly known as Expedit, comprises a series of stacked cubes arranged in different configurations, making them a perfect customizable organization tool that can serve any number of uses. IKEA even sells inserts (smaller shelves, drawers, doors, baskets, and even bottle organizers) that you can use to customize the piece even further. The shelves, understandably, are a cult favorite — when IKEA discontinued Expedit to be replaced by Kallax, a Facebook group 20,000-people strong protested the change.
3. Råskog cart
IKEA
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the three-tiered, wheeled Råskog cart. Need some extra storage space in your bathroom or your kitchen? Råskog is at the ready. Want a cute nightstand? Råskog can fill in there, too. How about a bar cart? You guessed it — Råskog is on the job. Its versatility is well documented on Instagram, where #raskog has amassed more than 13,000 images.
4. Poäng chair
IKEA
Designed by Noboru Nakamura, the Poäng is the brand's most famous armchair. It debuted in 1976 and recalls Alvar Aalto's seminal #401 chair. IKEA's late founder Ingvar Kamprad himself owned a Poäng — in fact, he used the same model for more than 30 years. "I've had it for 32 years. My wife thinks I should get another one because in the meantime the material has got dirty," Kamprad told The Guardian in 2006.
5. Frosta stool
IKEA
Another riff on an Aalto design — Stool #60 — the Frosta is a simple rounded stool that isn't just for seating. Savvy IKEA hackers have been known to repurpose it by flipping it upside down so that it becomes a storage unit for firewood or magazines. Unfortunately, the Frosta has been discontinued in the United States, though it is available in some markets abroad.
6. Malm bed
IKEA
The delightfully minimalist Malm bed is so simple, it could work in nearly any style bedroom, especially if you tweak it to make it your own. Some DIYers have added a rustic finish to pair with a farmhouse aesthetic, while others have upholstered the headboard (and even tufted it) for a more traditional look.
7. Lack table
IKEA
The Lack table might be the most basic table ever, but that's exactly what makes it so appealing. It makes for the perfect hackable piece of furniture, whether you want to create a vertical garden or even convert one into a standing desk. And as far as assembling IKEA furniture goes, the instructions are pretty straightforward on this one!
IKEA
The Docksta table is a pretty faithful imitation of Eero Saarinen's iconic tulip-shaped dining table, but it's just a fraction of the cost. It's a must for any lovers of midcentury-modern style.
9. Ektorp sofa
IKEA
Though IKEA's designs often skew Scandi-minimalist in nature — it is a Swedish company, after all — the Ektorp sofa has a much more traditional look to it, thanks to its rounded arms. The covers are removable, so you can buy a variety to change things up regularly.
10. Klippan loveseat
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If you do want a more modern-looking sofa, opt for the Klippan loveseat, which has a boxier silhouette. Want to change up its look? Try a slipcover.
11. Rens rug
IKEA
On the opposite end of the rug spectrum is the Rens, a fluffy white sheepskin model. It's an excellent accent piece, whether as a rug or a throw. IKEA also has some colorful variations of the Rens, branded as the Smidie.
12. Färgrik mug
IKEA
Costing less than a dollar, the Färgrik mug is one of the most economical (yet design-forward!) choices out there for your morning brew.
13. Frakta bag
IKEA
No, it's not a piece of furniture, but IKEA's Frakta bag is absolutely iconic. While most people use it as a reusable, washable catch-all tote, others have reworked it into articles of clothing and even face covers (which we don't advise).