A century after his birth, IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad’s ideas continue to shape how people live at home. Built on a simple belief that good design should be affordable for the many, his approach remains just as relevant today.
Born in 1926 in the small Swedish town of Älmhult, Kamprad grew up in the rural region of Småland, where thrift, hard work and practicality were a way of life. These values shaped his thinking early on. At just 17, he founded IKEA using money gifted by his father for his academic performance. Kamprad challenged traditional furniture retail by introducing flat-pack designs, reducing costs and enabling customers to assemble products themselves. This approach made well-designed furniture more accessible, while IKEA stores evolved into spaces where people could experience ideas for real homes.
Over the years, IKEA has become part of everyday life for millions, supporting moments that define how people live – from setting up a first home to adapting to new cities and making the most of small spaces. What began as a different way of thinking about furniture has grown into a global brand, with more than 500 stores enabling people to design homes that are functional, personal and within reach.
IKEA in India
The brand marked its India journey in 2018, and since then has focused on understanding local life at home, from compact living spaces to multifunctional needs, while building strong local sourcing capabilities. With a deep understanding of customer needs, IKEA offers over 6,400 thoughtfully designed, good quality, affordable and sustainable products. The brand is currently present across four markets with three large-format stores in Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru; three city stores in Worli, New Delhi and Pune; and a Plan and Order Point in Bengaluru.
Today, IKEA serves millions of customers globally with a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing solutions, supported by a strong omnichannel presence. A century later, Ingvar Kamprad’s belief that there is always a better way continues to shape the brand’s journey.
