Did you know IKEA sells one Billy bookcase every 10 seconds? Since its launch in 1979, over 60 million units have been sold–enough to circle the Earth if lined up. The company’s success comes from smart design, affordability, and a few surprising secrets.

IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow colors match Sweden’s national flag, but there’s more to the branding. The store layout forces you to walk through every section, increasing impulse buys. Research shows shoppers spend an average of two hours inside, even if they planned a quick trip.

Behind the scenes, IKEA owns forests to control wood supply and keeps costs low by letting customers assemble furniture themselves. The famous meatballs? They exist to keep shoppers fed–and browsing longer. Over 1 billion are eaten yearly in IKEA restaurants.

Next time you visit, check the product names. They follow a strict system: sofas take Swedish place names, beds use Norwegian ones, and bookcases borrow occupations. It’s a quirky touch that makes the brand unforgettable.

Hidden features of popular items

Flip the LACK side table upside down–its hollow legs create perfect hidden storage for small items like remotes or magazines.

The BESTÅ TV unit has pre-drilled holes on the back panel for cable management, keeping wires neatly tucked away without extra tools.

Adjust the POÄNG armchair’s lumbar support by sliding the cushion’s inner foam up or down for personalized comfort.

Remove the plastic caps on BILLY bookcase shelves to reveal extra holes–they let you reposition shelves at 1-inch intervals instead of the standard 2.

The RÅSKOG cart’s middle shelf slides out completely, transforming it into a serving tray for kitchen or bathroom use.

Twist the legs of the NISSAFORS step stool 180 degrees to switch between stable platform mode and compact storage mode.

Use the grooves on the FINTORP rail to hang utensils at different angles–they’re designed to keep items from sliding when tilted.

IKEA’s environmental impact

IKEA aims to become climate-positive by 2030, reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than its value chain emits. The company invests in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and circular design to minimize waste.

Renewable energy initiatives

• IKEA owns 575 wind turbines and 20 solar parks worldwide, producing more renewable energy than its stores consume.
• Over 90% of IKEA’s stores and warehouses use solar panels or geothermal heating.
• The company plans to phase out fossil fuels entirely from its operations by 2025.

Sustainable materials and waste reduction

IKEA designs products with recycled or renewable materials, like bamboo, recycled wood, and PET bottles. Here’s how:

• 60% of IKEA’s range uses renewable materials, and 10% contains recycled content.
• The "Buy Back & Resell" program lets customers return used furniture for store credit, extending product lifecycles.
• By 2025, all IKEA products will use only renewable or recycled materials.

Small changes matter–choosing energy-efficient LED bulbs or second-hand IKEA items helps reduce environmental strain.

Flat-pack history

IKEA didn’t invent flat-pack furniture–but it perfected the idea. The concept began in 1956 when designer Gillis Lundgren struggled to fit a large wooden table into his car. He removed the legs, sparking the idea of shipping furniture in compact, self-assembly kits.

From accident to global standard

By 1957, IKEA fully embraced flat-packs, reducing shipping costs by 75% and making furniture accessible to more customers. The first flat-pack item, the LÖVET side table, became a bestseller–its simple design and easy transport set the template for future products.

Why flat-packs changed everything

Flat-packs cut storage space, lowered prices, and minimized damage during transit. Customers could now transport large furniture in small cars, eliminating the need for expensive delivery services. The 1970s BILLY bookcase, still sold today, proved the system’s long-term success–over 60 million units shipped worldwide.

IKEA’s flat-pack method also reduced waste. Lightweight packaging used fewer materials, and efficient stacking allowed more items per shipment. The company estimates this approach saves 15,000 truck trips annually, lowering carbon emissions.

Why it’s so affordable

IKEA keeps prices low by designing products with cost-saving materials like particleboard and engineered wood instead of solid hardwood. These materials perform well for everyday use while reducing production expenses.

Flat-pack design saves money

Furniture ships disassembled in flat boxes, cutting storage and transportation costs by up to 80%. You assemble items at home, eliminating labor expenses that would otherwise increase retail prices.

Self-service shopping reduces overhead

Customers pick products directly from warehouse shelves, minimizing staff requirements. Stores use simple displays and standardized layouts to streamline operations, passing those savings to shoppers.

The company negotiates bulk material purchases years in advance, locking in lower prices. IKEA also recycles over 90% of production waste, turning scraps into new products to avoid material costs.

Limited customization options allow mass production of identical items, keeping per-unit costs down. You won’t find endless fabric choices, but you’ll get durable designs at prices competitors struggle to match.

Our insider tips for shopping and assembly

Check the IKEA website for real-time stock updates before visiting–many stores display live inventory to avoid wasted trips.

Bring a measuring tape and room dimensions. IKEA’s planning tools help, but verifying sizes in person prevents returns.

Look for discounted "As-Is" items near checkout. These are returned or display pieces, often in great condition for 30-50% off.

Assemble on a soft surface like carpet or a blanket–hard floors can scratch furniture finishes during construction.

Sort parts by type before starting. IKEA instructions rely on visual steps, and grouping identical pieces reduces errors.

If a piece seems misaligned, check for reversed panels. Symmetrical parts like cabinet sides are often flipped accidentally.

For large items like PAX wardrobes, anchor them to the wall immediately. IKEA includes free kits for stability.

FAQ:

Why does IKEA use Swedish names for its products?

IKEA names its products after Swedish words, places, and even proper names as part of its brand identity. The founder, Ingvar Kamprad, wanted to maintain a connection to the company’s Swedish roots. The naming system follows specific categories—for example, bookcases are named after professions, while beds are named after Norwegian places. This approach adds a unique touch and makes product names memorable.

How did IKEA become so popular worldwide?

IKEA’s success comes from its combination of affordable prices, functional designs, and a unique shopping experience. The company focuses on flat-pack furniture, which reduces shipping costs and makes products more accessible. Additionally, the in-store layout, with its showrooms and cafeteria serving Swedish meatballs, encourages customers to spend more time exploring. Over time, IKEA adapted its products to fit local tastes, helping it grow in different markets.