The new IKEA Style Guide shows us how far its designs have come over 40 years — here are my favorites

News
By published

The evolution of IKEA design is here

IKEA MAMMUT chair in Rebel Pink!
(Image credit: IKEA)

IKEA is a popular brand widely known for its flat-packed furniture, savvy storage solutions for compact spaces, and, of course, budget-friendly prices. It’s almost hard to believe that IKEA has been providing us with design inspiration for 40 years and collaborating with some of the top names.

To celebrate this, the IKEA Style Guide has just launched to showcase the evolution of product designs and what the future has in store. Notably, this also includes IKEA’s Color of the Year 2026, Rebel Pink — a bold burst of color to add ‘energy’ to rooms. And while it seemed like a stark contrast to the usual neutral or earthy tones, the brand is keen to cater to all tastes and consumer.

“We believe designing a home is deeply personal. It should reduce stress, spark creativity, and support your everyday rituals,” states Abbey Stark, Home Furnishing Direction Leader at IKEA. “As we look to 2026, we’re entering a new era of authentic rebellion. It’s time to show up as your true self, in your home and your community.”

My favorite IKEA picks over the years

IKEA PS 1995 Clock, blue
IKEA PS 1995 Clock, blue: $49 at IKEA

Offering a modern twist, this striking clock was designed by Thomas Eriksson and released at the Milan furniture fair in 1995. With its bold color, I also love the fact that it comes with hidden storage spaces at the sides to keep small items such as keys. What’s more, its versatility allows it to be displayed on a shelf or table, or mounted on a wall.

View Deal
IKEA NATTBAD Bluetooth speaker
IKEA NATTBAD Bluetooth speaker: $49 at IKEA

More recently, IKEA has been making its mark on stylish smart home gadgets, and I've been impressed. And if you were after a Bluetooth speaker that sounds good and blends well with decor, this is a great choice. It comes with a clear and powerful sound that can easily be enhanced by adding more NATTBAD speakers. Plus, its compact size means it can be placed anywhere without taking much space.

View Deal
IKEA PS 2014 Pendant lamp
IKEA PS 2014 Pendant lamp: $79 at IKEA

If you're after a modern light pendant with a futuristic look, this pendant is a winner. In fact, I bought mine over 10 years ago for my hallway, and it still gets comments to this day. Designed by David Wahl (who was inspired by sci-fi visuals), this pendant lamp also won the international design competition Red Dot Award. What I love the most is that you can adjust from soft to bright light by simply pulling down the cords. And as it opens, it reflects light shapes on the walls, which look awesome. It's probably my best IKEA buy so far.

View Deal
IKEA Kallax shelf unit
IKEA Kallax shelf unit : $79 at IKEA

The Kallax has become a firm favorite in many homes, and this classic piece is ideal for maximizing small spaces. I have a few of these in our compact home office and son's bedroom, which have come in handy for storage. The unit comes with eight compartments measuring 30.125 x 57.625 inches. And you can either display items on open shelves or use stylish storage boxes, which is what I have done to hide away all my clutter. I also love how it's versatile enough to use in any room. You can't go wrong really.

View Deal
IKEA STOCKHOLM 2025 Chair, birch veneer
IKEA STOCKHOLM 2025 Chair, birch veneer: $449 at IKEA

A tribute to traditional Scandi style, this contemporary chair is made from birch veneer. I love how its solid bent birch veneer and woven linen seat brings a touch of nature indoors. What’s more, this design adds a beautiful touch in any room.

View Deal

The IKEA Style Guide is available to pick up in-store at IKEA right now.

Google News

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

Cynthia Lawrence
Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!


You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.