Ikea's own designers and producers for the furniture company in the mid-20th century often turned to their contemporaries for inspiration. Here are some of the top Ikea designs that were clearly influenced by famous models:
Alvar Aalto's E60 and Frost
The original: E60 Launched: 1934 Designer: Alvar Aalto For: Artek
See also: Alvar Aalto: A Finnish Hero
Ikea's variant: Frosta Launched: Year unknown (but for obvious reasons not before 1934) Designer: Gillis Lundgren
Barnebys' comment: The stools are very similar in design, however the seat part on Ikea's version is thinner.
Arnold Madsen's Clam Chair and Åke
The original: The Clam Chair Launched: 1944 Designer: Arnold Madsen For: Henry Schubell (license sold to Norwegian Vik & Blindheim in 1953)
See also: The Curse of the Clam Chair
Ikea's variant: Åke Launched: 1950s, included in the catalog in 1954 Designer: Unknown furniture manufacturer for Ikea
Barnebys' comment: Ikea's variant Åke has sharper corners than the Clam Chair
Nanna Ditzel's Model 83 and Rondell
The original: Model 83 Launched: 1952 Designer: Nanna Ditzel For: Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik
Ikea's variant: Rondell Launched: 1963 Designer: Erik Wörts
Barnebys' comment: In Ikea's version, the screws are clearly visible on the high chair legs.
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Yngve Ekström's Arka and Eker
The original: Arka Launched: 1955 Designer: Yngve Ekström For: Stolab
See also: Swedish Design Classics
Ikea's variant: Eker Launched: 1961 Designer: Gillis Lundgren
Barnebys comment: The chairs are largely the same. Eker has a slightly higher back than Ekström's Arka.
Yngve Ekström's Rhythm and Lövet / Lövbacken
The original: Rhythm Launched: 1954 Designer: Yngve Ekström For: Westberg's furniture in Tranås
See also: Barnebys' Guide to Vintage Scandinavian Design
Ikea's version: Lövet (now Lövbacken ) Launched: 1955 Designer: Gillis Lundgren
Barnebys' comment: The table was the first Ikea sent in a flat package for the consumer to put it together themselves. The model is now manufactured again by Ikea under the name Lövbacken.
Børge Mogensen's Spanish Chair and Natura
The original: Spanish Chair Launched: 1958 Designer: Børge Mogensen For: Fredericia Stolfabrik
See also: Børge Mogensen: Simple and Functional Danish Design
Ikea's variant: Natura Launched: 1977 Designer: Karin Mobring
Barnebys' comment: The leather in Ikea's version does not extend beyond the frame.
Sonna Rosén's Solfjädern and Sierra
The original: Solfjädern Solfjädern Launched: 1948 Designer: Sonna Rosén For: Nässjö Stolfabrik
Ikea's variant: Sierra Launched: 1959 Designer: Bengt Ruda
Barnebys' comment: The Ikea version is narrower than the original.
See also: A New Auction Record for IKEA Furniture
Ilmari Tapiovaara's Mademoiselle and Din
The original: Mademoiselle Launched: 1956 Designer: Ilmari Tapiovaara For: Asko and licensed by Edsbyverken
Ikea's version: Din Launched: 1961 Designer: Gillis Lundgren
Barnebys' comment: The high back was significant for Tapiovaara and Lundgren replicated this, but added arms. It is also interesting that the Ikea model, just like Mademoiselle, was also available as a rocking chair.
Hans J. Wegner's CH20 and Danske
The original: CH20 / Elbow chair Launched: 1956 Designer: Hans J. Wegner For: Carl Hansen
See also: A Brief Guide to Danish Design
Ikea's variant: Danske Launched: 1960s Designer: Erik Wörts
Barnebys' comment: The backrest bend on the Wörts variant is on the upper side and on the Wegner variant on the lower side. The Wörts' seat is on top of the frame.
Hans J. Wegner's The Chair and Troy
The Original: The Chair / JH501 Launched: 1949 Designer: Hans J. Wegner For: Johannes Hansen
See also: 10 Reasons to Buy Vintage
Ikea's variant: Troy Launch date: 1959 Designer: Kai Kristiansen
Barnebys' comment: The chairs have the same construction, and lots of similar models have been made since.
See also: Ikea's Most Expensive Designs
When this furniture is sold at auction, the Ikea variant can sometimes cost as much as the original. In November 2022, a pair of Ikea's Natura armchairs were sold for just over SEK 22,000 (£1,640), i.e. SEK 11,000 (£820) each. A few years earlier, the Spanish Chair was sold for the same price. Ikea's variants can even sell for more than the original. This spring, Bengt Ruda's chairs Sierra were sold for SEK 3,800 (£280), a few months earlier Sonna Rosén's chairs Solfjädern had changed hands for SEK 2,400 (£180).
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This is an updated version of an article originally published on 16 July 2020.
