In late November, just before the madness of Christmas truly kicked in, I was invited by the lovely folks at IKEA to venture to Almhult, Sweden for the unique opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes of everyone’s favourite flatpack furniture store.

6 Surprising Facts You Never Knew About IKEA

There’s no doubt that I adore IKEA’s products. Some of the most popular posts on my blog centre around my favourite IKEA hacks in my home and more recently, how to paint IKEA furniture. It’s wide availability, low cost and surprisingly good quality make it a favourite amongst a wide range of people – from renters and students to homeowners and those with an eye on stylish design. They pretty much cover all the bases.

Being able to go behind the scenes to the place where IKEA was born was an incredible opportunity. A collection of impressive buildings in the middle of this small but bustling town includes the IKEA Hotel (which we were lucky enough to stay in), IKEA’s testing facilities, offices where they create and develop all the prototypes, the photography studios as well as the IKEA Museum which is now housed in what was the very first IKEA store.

IKEA Hotel in Almhult Sweden

The IKEA Hotel, filled, as you would expect, with IKEA’s designs.

IKEA Hotel Almhult Sweden

I loved these little peachy chairs in the waiting area in front of the restaurant.

IKEA Hotel Almhult Sweden

My hotel room, the picture of Swedish simplicity.

The combined facilities employ roughly around 3000 people and are this unassuming town’s biggest employer. I read this quote whilst there and appreciated the founder’s humour and humility so I thought I’d share it. There’s definitely a lesson in there for all of us!

When looking for co-workers, I look for people that are good at the things that I’m bad at. In the beginning when there was four or five or six of us – that worked. Then the gang grew and someone said to me: “Now there are 160,000 people making up for your shortcomings. Don’t you think that’s enough?” Letting other people’s strengths outweigh my weaknesses gives me a lot of satisfaction. ~ Ingvar Kamprad.

Ingvar Kamprad IKEA founder

This picture in the museum shows the founder, Ingvar Kamprad – look closely and it’s is made up of thousands of IKEA’s employees.

It was a fascinating look but rather than take you on a step-by-step minute-by-minute rundown of my trip, I thought it’d be more fun to talk about all the things I learned that I was surprised (and delighted) by. So, here are six surprising facts you probably didn’t know about your favourite Swedish megastore.

Everything Revolves Around Democratic Design

Ikea democratic design principals

Every product that is created by IKEA (and there are thousands) has to meet the five elements of what they call “Democratic Design”. It’s their ethos and a phrase we heard repeatedly throughout our visit. The five elements include: Function, Form, Quality, Low Price and Sustainability.

IKEA museum in Almhult Sweden

This strict ethos is reflected in the fact that it takes roughly 3 years for products to go from product brief to sketch concept to prototype to testing and finally production. Everything that comes out of their factory has to be well designed, good quality, sustainably-sourced and manufactured as well as truly affordable. It’s a high bar and thousands of products won’t make it to production if they fail at any stage of the Democratic Design so it’s back to the drawing board (repeatedly) until they do.

They work behind the scenes on new technology and initiatives

IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark

One of the most interesting things we explored was Space 10, IKEA’s research and innovation labs in the heart of what was once the meat-packing district in Copenhagen. Transformed by time, it is an unassuming building, surrounded by bars and restaurants but held within its walls is the future of, well, everything. Our hosts were quick to point out that Space 10 is not about product innovation. IKEA owns it, yes, but it is unrelated in any way to the products it sells. Instead, this is all about concept innovation. The research they do can touch on anything from advances in digital fabrication, sustainable food, artificial intelligence, open-sourced design and architecture and so much more.

IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark

They work on this open-source concept throughout everything they do. While there is a core team there, they will call in experts from all over the world to explore a vast number of ideas on collaborative projects. Whilst there, we were able to see what they are currently doing on sustainable farming.

IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark - The Farm

The focus is simple: Can we grow food without soil in cities? Exploring the concept of Hydroponic plant growth, they are currently growing plants in what they call The Farm where fresh, leafy microgreens and vegetables are grown within a couple of weeks – without sunlight and without soil.

IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark - The Farm

This is not about predicting or projecting what they think will happen. It’s about shaping what will happen – all in sustainable ways. It was truly remarkable and the passion of the staff was palatable. One thing that was perfectly clear was that IKEA’s business model of sustainability runs throughout the organisation. It is not just lip-service or something they do so they can tick some arbitrary box – it’s a passion that’s ingrained in every aspect of their projects, designs and every person on staff.

They support women and diversity

Space 10 Copenhagen - women in business

Within the organisation, I was delighted to hear that there are more woman (over 50%) in the top management positions than men. This may seem like a trivial fact but where women normally make up less than a quarter of top positions, this is remarkable. We were told that women (and men!) are not just encouraged but expected to take up to 2 years off to care for their children after birth. Childcare is free and for everyone and IKEA provide their workers total flexibility to balance work and family. Want to start late and finish early? Want to work different hours? These are the kinds of opportunities that allow women to rise up within the business, making for a powerful model to other large businesses and the world over.

On set at IKEA photoshoot

Not only that, but products they carry all come from sustainable sources. What does this have to do with women and diversity? They are currently working with women and smaller businesses in countries around the world, offering limited editions and working with local enterprises to support and develop designers which create small ranges – many of these women in poorer countries and developing nations. These are not just one offs – these are long-term partnerships where women are provided business training to give them the skills they need to succeed.

The Product Testing is Hardcore

IKEA material library at the IKEA Museum in Almhult Sweden

IKEA’s Material Library

Ikea’s Test Lab performs approximately seventeen thousand test orders per year where products can be tested in any number of 500 different tests. However, the test lab we viewed isn’t their only one. In fact, there are 80-100 test labs worldwide with just one testing lab in Shanghai performing around SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND test orders per year with 800 different types of tests. The beauty is that everything is ‘open concept’ meaning they share their learnings and allow others to see the work they carry out. This allows for a more open discussion for improvements in product development and allows for the support and development of new demands and test methods which are growing exponentially year on year.

IKEA testing facilities in Almhult Sweden

A mattress is tested by using a wooden roller which simulates a person rolling over in bed. I’m sure the test where it bounces up and down was just around the corner! Ha!

They can test just about anything – from metal to wood to textiles and just about everything in between. While we were there, they were testing worktop surfaces, placing various items on the surface (wine, coffee, spices, etc) to see what effect it has and whether any staining or etching took place. We saw candles being tested for burn time, mattresses being sat on over and over by a wooden ‘bum’ and even a child’s lunchbox, being repeatedly opened and closed over and over again by a little robot arm. We were told that will be repeated up to a million times or until the little lunchbox is broken. I told you – hardcore.

testing LED lightbulbs at IKEA's testing facility in Almhult Sweden

Thousands of LED light bulbs are tested in IKEA’s testing facilities.

Once tested and manufactured, the product is not ‘off the hook’ as it were. Over the years, IKEA has phased out certain things that no longer fit current testing methods including things like flame retardents or the use of lead in metal fittings. They look then to innovate with new materials that meet their high standards.

They Have Mixed Feelings About IKEA Hacks

IKEA products

I had to ask this question while I was there. With so much popularity of ‘hacking’ IKEA products (there is an incredibly popular website as well as a book and the search term pulls up over 1.8 million results), how do they feel about people changing their products? Their main concern has to do with the rigorous testing each product goes through as I mentioned above. When people change the products, they can no longer guarantee the resulting item is safe which is an understandable cause for concern.

They Base Their Products Not on Trends But on Lifestyle

Photoshoot at IKEA's facilities in Almhult Sweden

IKEA carries out a huge survey called “Life at Home” where thousands of homes are both surveyed and visited. What frustrates them about where they live? Many people don’t even realise that something frustrates them and so these home visits are a huge part of how products are developed and decided on. Here, they find out not just what’s happening in the places we live but why.

Props at IKEA's shoot studios in Almhult Sweden

Shelves upon shelves upon shelves of props for IKEA’s photoshoots

There’s an incredible amount of cultural awareness across their global media and a real focus on relevant solutions to enable people to live the life that works best for their personal circumstances.

Solutions are often country-specific and room sets in one IKEA may differ from roomsets in another. For instance, in a city environment, you may have multi-generational small space living to contend with. The needs of these people will differ from those in other areas so there’s no point in putting a large 3 seater sofa in a room set where few would be able to fit that in their living space. In fact, we realised that of the 48 catalogues and 200 million copies that IKEA produces every year, each cover photo is specific to the country it’s distributed.

Recreating the IKEA catalogue shot

Me and my travel companions – Kate from Fabric of My Life and Lucinda from Nest Twenty Eight – recreating the IKEA catalogue cover photo!

So for instance, in the Chinese edition of the catalogue, the pencil was facing the opposite direction because it was viewed as distasteful in that country to have it pointed the other way. They also included a rabbit in the corner, as it is the year of the rabbit there. You may think that shooting each of the 48 different country covers must take ages when the attention to detail is so ccrucial but instead, they create 3D renderings of thousands of products so that they can easily change the look of a room with a few simple clicks of a mouse (okay, I’m simplifying things but it’s easier to do than recreating a room set 300 times).

My trip was really such an incredible look at an incredible company and I left with even more respect for it than I already had. Is there anything in this post you didn’t already know about IKEA? I’d love to know if you learned something new! The comment box awaits…

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post but did travel and stay for free as a guest of IKEA UK. As always, all images, words and opinions are my own. I only work with brands I really love and think you’ll like too! Thanks for supporting the brands that support Swoon Worthy.


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Swoon Worthy
6 Surprising Facts You Never Knew About IKEA
IKEA Hotel in Almhult Sweden
IKEA Hotel Almhult Sweden
IKEA Hotel Almhult Sweden
Ingvar Kamprad IKEA founder
Ikea democratic design principals
IKEA museum in Almhult Sweden
IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark
IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark
IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark - The Farm
IKEA Space 10 Offices in Copenhagen Denmark - The Farm
Space 10 Copenhagen - women in business
On set at IKEA photoshoot
IKEA material library at the IKEA Museum in Almhult Sweden
IKEA testing facilities in Almhult Sweden
testing LED lightbulbs at IKEA's testing facility in Almhult Sweden
IKEA products
Photoshoot at IKEA's facilities in Almhult Sweden
Props at IKEA's shoot studios in Almhult Sweden
Recreating the IKEA catalogue shot
Meet Kimberly
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Amara IBA19 Winner Home Styling
Vuelio Top 10 2020
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My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up 🥰

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My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares 😅

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I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!🎄💕

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me 🤗😅)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❤️

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On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband 🥰 We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❤️ 

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Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
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I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

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Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room 🪴

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

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I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma 😆

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

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San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection 😄

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

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A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share 🥰

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites ♥️

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Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ 🦩🍹😄

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

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So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday 😅🩷

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off 🙃🙃🙃 (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here 🥰 I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change ♥️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! 😅

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A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo 😄💕

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ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes 🥰

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Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! 😉🍋

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous 🥰

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Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

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Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together 🥰

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? 🤔

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✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen 🥰

Let me know if you like the new addition ❤️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks 🤦🏽‍♀️ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories 😄🙌🏽

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