Retro Alert: IKEA's New Collection Reimagines the Swedish Retailer's Top Products From the Past 80 Years

If you can't remember a time before IKEA, that's understandable. In 2023, the Swedish giant celebrates 80 years of operation. The chain started by Ingvar Kamprad, aka the IK in IKEA's moniker, began in 1943 and moved into furniture in 1948. It then opened its first store in Sweden a decade later — and came to Australia in the 70s.

Now, a task: imagine all of the different items that the brand has made and sold over the years. Also, think of the huge array of pieces that it has had customers make at home themselves. The list is lengthy, as anyone that's ever walked several kilometres through IKEA's warehouse-style shops knows — but some pieces stand out.

To celebrate both the 80-year milestone and the retailer's top products over that period, IKEA is launching a new range that riffs on its past highlights. Available both in store and online from Thursday, June 29, the Nytillverkad collection showers love on everything from 50s side tables to 60s plant stands, and 70s stools and 80s quilt covers, too. Retro alert, clearly.

"We know Australians love to mix vintage pieces in their homes, so it is exciting to be able to offer this retro take on Scandinavian modern, defined by bold and playful graphic expressions that celebrate some of our most famous designs from the past 80 years," said Christine Gough, Interior Design Expert at IKEA Australia, announcing the new pieces.

"In new bright colours, timeless design and trademark simplicity, the Nytillverkad range is an array of carefully selected, reimagined IKEA classics ready to take on a new life in homes."

IKEA is dropping its Nytillverkad pieces in stages, starting with the LÖVBACKEN side table that was first known as LOVET back in 1956, the KULTURSKOG plant stand that initially launched as BALJA in 1962, and the BONDSKÄRET hat and coat stand that was called SMED in the 1978 — and more.

Items in the first release range start at $2, which covers two 30-piece paper napkin sets (HAVSKATT, using the ILEX print from 1983; and ROSTVINGE, from 1980's BLADHULT print). Also on offer: candle holders, cushion covers, trays and rugs.

IKEA's Nytillverkad collection goes on sale across Australia, in store and online, from Thursday, June 29 — until stocks last. Head to the IKEA website from 9am on launch day for further details.