No screws loose: IKEA announces new easy-install product range in Czechia

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has announced it will launch a new style of ready-made products that require very little do-it-yourself installation in order to make life easier for consumers. Set to be introduced in Germany this month, the extensive range will debut in Czechia next year.

According to company boss Jesper Brodin, this is "a small revolution" that will make installation “a breeze” for customers. The basic version of the Pax wardrobe series can now be put together in just 20 minutes, compared to the previous hour-long (or more) process. This is made possible by the new mounting format, which also eliminates the need for two people to assemble the cabinet. 

The cabinet's new assembly method involves unfolding it like a sheet of paper and securing it in place using newly developed "plug" joints. This approach, which requires only 23 parts instead of the previous 105, not only saves time but also reduces the chances of losing screws, hinges, and other parts during assembly, the company says. "It's child's play, so it can definitely be done in 20 minutes," says Walter Kadnar, head of the German branch.

In addition, the cabinet can be easily folded back when moving, addressing the issue of potential damage during disassembly and the difficulty of reassembly.

IKEA says that its new products align with its philosophy of sustainability, as they extend the lifespan of the furniture and promote circularity.

"IKEA strives to bring innovation so that furniture can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reassembled. This extends its lifespan and supports re-use," explains Czech IKEA spokesperson Petr Šašek. "PLATSA cabinets, for example, already have a similar system that facilitates assembly and disassembly."

The Pax wardrobe is a popular product that will be pre-prepared. "BILLY bookcases, for example, have a new assembly version where the nails for attaching the back panel have been replaced with latches," adds Šašek.

In September 2023, the Czech division of IKEA announced that the Swedish furniture chain would reduce prices on more than a third of its product range in the country. 

This move, which saw an average price decrease of around 8 percent, applied to furniture, home accessories, and kitchen appliances. The decision was made possible due to a favorable Czech crown exchange rate and stable supply chains following the Covid-19 pandemic.