Ikea’s new furniture line is inspired by 19th-Century Swedish

Ommjänge is a furniture and home accessory line born from a clear intention: to demonstrate that folkloric tradition remains relevant to contemporary living. It turns out Sweden holds even more untold stories than we might have guessed—even after years of Ikea products. This time, the furniture giant has created a collection inspired by… its own roots. The starting point is the rural culture of Småland, the region where Ikea was founded and where, two centuries ago, local communities learned the value of collaboration and togetherness. The dialect word ommjänge (which evokes the idea of sharing) gives its name to a collection that celebrates Swedish folklore through playful, colorful furniture, developed after in-depth research into 19th-century local interiors.

What came as a surprise was the vibrant use of color and decorative patterns in these historical interiors—elements rarely studied or widely shared until now. A portrait of a bride from 1846, brimming with color and embellishments, inspired designer Maria Vinka, who led the collection: “That image became my canvas, on which I painted a new story with intricate patterns and vibrant colors to spark curiosity and bring history into contemporary design. I hope people embrace this connection to the past and value the roots of our Swedish heritage.” Designer Matilda Hunyadi joined Vinka in taking on the challenge of rethinking the past and rural culture, which are often—wrongly—associated with a poor aesthetic. Nothing could be further from the truth.

But how can a way of living from 200 years ago inspire how we live today? We tend to think that flexible spaces and space-saving solutions are modern responses to overcrowded cities and unaffordable rents. Yet history often reveals clever tools and furniture designed to organize shared homes that housed much larger families than today—spaces that served not only domestic life but also everyday work.

What inspired the designers, beyond bright colors and patterns, were the materials—solid pine wood, wool, glazed terracotta, glass—and traditional artisanal techniques (a seemingly paradoxical approach for a company that produces millions of items in mass). The result includes woven poplar baskets, lamps, a foldable table, seating, tableware, accessories, and utensils.

Perhaps the contemporary home is closer to folklore than we ever imagined. Within the constraints of limited space and temporary living, our idea of comfort is redefined, and creativity is put to the test. Design thus becomes not only a way to celebrate cultural heritage but also a tool to promote wellbeing and inspire shared moments and collective action.

Opening image: OMMJÄNGE table with flaps. Courtesy of Ikea