Blade & Soul
An Insight Into The Unique IKEA Names

2024-06-20 16:48

Blade & Soul

Visit U7Buy to buy Ikea gift cards at cheap prices! IKEA names are a brilliant blend of practicality and cultural storytelling. The designation system simplifies product identification, enhances the shopping experience, and subtly educates customers about Swedish geography and culture.


IKEA's naming convention was established by its founder, Ingvar Kamprad, a dyslexic. To simplify inventory management and avoid the confusion of numerical codes, he opted for a naming system that used Swedish words and names. This system also imbues each product with a unique identity, often evoking certain qualities or characteristics.


IKEA Names - Categories and Themes


The names of IKEA products are not arbitrary. Each category of items follows a specific theme, making it easier for customers and employees to navigate the extensive product catalog. For example:


Beds, wardrobes, and hall furniture: Named after places in Norway.

Chairs, desks, and bookcases: Named after male names, often Swedish.

Sofas and armchairs: Often named after places in Sweden.

Dining tables and chairs: Often named after Finnish places.

Bathroom articles: Named after Swedish lakes and rivers.

Kitchens: Named after grammatical terms, spices, herbs, and fish.

Garden furniture: Named after Swedish islands.


These themes not only help in organizing products but also provide a subtle geographical and cultural education to customers.


Challenges and Criticisms of IKEA Names


While the naming system is generally admired for its creativity and organization, it has faced challenges. One issue is that some names might have unintended meanings or connotations in other languages. For example, the FARTFULL workbench amused English-speaking customers because of its unfortunate translation.


Additionally, the pronunciation of these names can be difficult for non-Swedish speakers. This can sometimes hinder communication between customers and staff. Despite these minor issues, IKEA's naming convention largely remains a beloved aspect of the brand.


Funny IKEA Names


LYCKHEM - This name means "happy home" in Swedish. However, when pronounced, it sounds like "lick him" in English, which can be quite funny.


SÖDERHAMN: A line of sofas that sounds somewhat like "sodder ham" to English ears, which can seem quite odd.


FÖRSTÅ: These storage boxes might cause a chuckle as "förstå" means "understand" in Swedish, but sounds like "first" in English, making it seem like IKEA is teaching us to prioritize organization.


LUSTIFIK: This plant pot's name sounds like "lusty" in English, which can lead to some amusing misinterpretations.


JERKER: This desk name can be quite amusing to English speakers due to its phonetic similarity to a slang term.


GRUNDTAL: This name is used for a series of kitchen rails and accessories, but to English speakers, it might sound like "grunt tall," evoking a rather humorous image.


KALAS: In Swedish, this word means "party," but in English, it can be read as "callous," leading to a bit of confusion and amusement.

IKEA continues to innovate within its naming system. New products regularly receive names that adhere to the established themes, ensuring continuity while keeping the catalog fresh. This systematic yet dynamic approach helps maintain brand identity and customer engagement.


You are one click away from finding out How to redeem Ikea gift card online!

Blade & Soul