All-new: Ikea’s modular Svalnas Scandinavian-modern style shelving. This is sure to be a big hit: It’s very much in the style of famed Poul Cadovius Royal System / Cado modular shelving — but at a fraction of the cost.
The Idea Svalnas shelves and standards are bamboo; the Cados still made today in Denmark have veneer on the MDF shelves, and solid walnut or oak standards. The Svalnas brackets are powder-coated steel, which sounds good to me. I’m not gonna try to assess quality differences.
One of my dream jobs: Professional Ikea Hacker. I got on Ikea Hackers once with this project. *so proud*.
Links:
- Ikea Svalnas new for 2018
- Poul Cadovius Royal Systems modular shelving at Design Within Reach
- Nom nom, see this story from our archives on vintage Barzilay Multispan
- And, see all my research on retro and vintage shelving solutions here.
CategoriesStorage & Shelving
The difference between IKEA and most furniture stores is that at IKEA, cost is usually a decent guide to quality. The trick is that we’re used to design being factored into the price. At IKEA, the idea is that everyone should be able to afford attractive, functional pieces. So if you only have $20 to spend on a table, you can buy one at IKEA, if you have $2,000 to spend on a table and chairs for your dining room, IKEA has that as well. Both tables will be functional, and attractive, the difference is that your grandchildren won’t be fighting over the $20 table in 50 years.
And yes, this means that some people will buy cheap furniture and toss it out instead of selling it, donating it or moving it. But it also means that someone who has limited means can afford something decent, and won’t be charged more than it is worth.
I just wish it came in white or a medium wood grain color. Dislike the bamboo bc it looks cheaper to me.