IKEA High/Low: Designer on a budget
Alright, when reading the title I can hear you go so what? Of course IKEA is design on a budget. But we were struck yesterday by a few new products that really do bring the designs of classics, albeit slightly altered, into the homes of people who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford them. All it takes is a few comparative high and lows to really see the similarities of these familiar faces…
1. Jielde
Spotted at IKEA
In John’s post about getting the look of French Modern, he featured Jielde task lights so they were fresh in my mind. Imagine my surprise (or non-surprise, really, as IKEA tends to sell versions of design classics all the time) to see a similar looking light at IKEA – and you know what, they had a good quality look to them – I just wish they came in more colour choices (though black DOES look pretty sexy).
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
HIGH
Jielde Signal Desk Lamp $450 at Ministry of the Interior
LOW
Forsa Desk Lamp $24.99 at IKEA (comes in black and nikel plated)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Spotted at IKEA (is it just us or do these look like mushrooms?)
Spotted at IKEA
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
HIGH
Verner Panton’s Panthella Floor and Table Lamps
$610-$740USD at Hive Modern
LOW
365+ Brasa Floor & Table Lamp
$89.99-$139.00 at IKEA
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Verner Panton (again)
Spotted at IKEA
Yes, these are the pendant version of the table and floor versions above, but hanging from the ceiling, they do take on the appearance of Panton’s FlowerPot light, minus the exposed bulb.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
HIGH
Verner Panton FlowerPot Pendant Light
$201.06USD at Scandinavian Design Center
LOW
365+ Brasa Pendant Light $49.99 at IKEA
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Alvar Aalto
I’m including the follow stool and table because we recently purchased them for our office and really enjoy them! Every time we look at them we are reminded of Aalto’s designs, but in no way do we feel like we’re missing out for not having the “real deal.” [er…EDIT! Since being in the Aalto house, I totally reneg that statement. Now if only Artek would honor Aalto’s initial focus on affordable design].
HIGH
Artek Aalto Stool 60 in Natural Birch $250USD
Also comes with a red, black or white top.
at nestliving (online) or Ella & Elliott (in Toronto)
LOW
Frosta stool $12.99 at IKEA
It’s actually pretty sturdy – more so than a lot of their stools. [I reneg this too…our is wobbly already]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Alvar Aalto (again)
HIGH
Artek Aalto Dining Table 81, birch with white top
$1,210USD at nestliving
LOW
Vika Grevsta/Vika Oleby (table and legs come separate)
Birch with white top $129 (also comes in black top)
at IKEA
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I hope that this series of high/low inspired you to revisit IKEA for special pieces – it’s never good to ikeafy your home completely, but with some small smart choices, you can make very effective and budget friendly purchases. Of course, nothing really beats the real thing, but while we’re working on becoming millionairs, these will do…
– Juli –
