IKEA Catalogue

IKEA is a multinational furniture retailer whose annual catalogue became one of the most widely distributed publications in the world, showcasing the company's affordable, modern home furnishings to customers across the globe.

The Story Behind IKEA

IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad. The company's name is an acronym, with the letters standing for Ingvar Kamprad (the founder's name), Elmtaryd (the farm where he grew up) and Agunnaryd (the village where the farm is located).

At its inception, the company primarily sold small items such as pens and picture frames door-to-door. Recognising a demand for affordable furniture, Kamprad began incorporating it into the company's offerings, and in 1948 IKEA opened its first store in Almhult, Sweden. The company later expanded throughout Europe, opening its first store outside Europe in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1973, before reaching Asia, Australia and the United States.

A Distinctive Business Model

IKEA's success is built on a model that emphasises low prices and self-assembly furniture. By designing and manufacturing its own products, the company keeps costs low, while its large, warehouse-like stores encourage customers to explore and browse. Over time IKEA has also focused increasingly on sustainability.

• In-house design and manufacturing to keep prices affordable
• Self-assembly flat-pack furniture
• Use of renewable energy and sustainable materials
• Support for the circular economy
• Growing online presence, including e-commerce and augmented reality apps

Today IKEA operates over 400 stores in 52 countries and is considered one of the largest furniture retailers in the world.

About the IKEA Catalogue

The IKEA catalogue was a publication released annually, featuring a wide range of products from the company's furniture and home decor lines. The first catalogue appeared in 1951 and was published every year thereafter, typically released in the summer ahead of the new fiscal year.

Distributed globally in both print and online formats, the catalogue showcased the latest products and collections, organised by room and theme. It featured furniture, textiles, lighting and home accessories, alongside photographs that helped customers visualise the products in their own homes, plus details on prices, dimensions, materials and assembly instructions. The catalogue also shared information about IKEA's design philosophy and sustainability initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was IKEA founded and by whom?

IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, who opened the first store in Almhult, Sweden, in 1948.

What does the name IKEA stand for?

The name is an acronym made from Ingvar Kamprad (the founder's name), Elmtaryd (the farm where he grew up) and Agunnaryd (the village where the farm is located).

When was the first IKEA catalogue published?

The first IKEA catalogue was released in 1951 and was published annually thereafter, usually in the summer ahead of the new fiscal year.

What products did the catalogue feature?

The catalogue featured a wide range of products including furniture, textiles, lighting and home accessories, organised by room and theme, along with prices, dimensions, materials and assembly instructions.

How does IKEA keep its prices low?

IKEA designs and manufactures its own furniture and emphasises self-assembly, which helps keep costs low, while its large warehouse-style stores encourage customers to browse the full range.

Was the catalogue available in digital format?

Yes, in recent years the catalogue was also available digitally, including through a mobile app and website, as the company increased its online presence.

This catalogue is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes IKEA. For current details, visit the company's official website.