The unassuming multi-billionaire who revolutionised home furniture, IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad has died aged 91.
The Swedish company announced on Twitter that Kamprad died on Saturday (local time) at his home in Smaland, Sweden.
Kamprad founded IKEA on his family’s farm in 1943 when he was just 17, but didn’t make the big time until 1956, when the company pioneered flat-pack furniture. The innovator had the brainwave to create flat-pack furniture when he watched one of his staff remove the legs off a table to fit it in a customer’s car.
Despite appearing on lists of the world’s richest men, Kamprad remained humble; he dressed unassumingly and drove a modest Volvo.
The ABC reports that the retailer giant is on track to hit 50 billion euros ($76.6 billion) in annual revenue.
“One of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century, Ingvar Kamprad, has peacefully passed away, at his home in Smaland, Sweden, on the 27th of January,” the company said.
“Ingvar Kamprad was a great entrepreneur of the typical southern Swedish kind — hardworking and stubborn, with a lot of warmth and a playful twinkle in his eye.
“He worked until the very end of his life, staying true to his own motto that most things remain to be done.”
In memory of a great innovator, we take a look at IKEA’s most popular and revolutionary products.
The Poäng armchair
The Poäng armchair is over 40 years old and one of the most iconic Ikea products of all time.
The Billy bookcase
A Billy bookcase sells every 10 seconds somewhere in the world, according to the New York Times. The shelving system is simple, customisable, affordable – an embodiment of the Swedish brand.
The Sladda bicycle
Embodying the company’s commitment to sustainability, the IKEA Sladda bicycle has won multiple design awards for it’s lightweight design and smart accessories.
The Frakta carry bag
The durable IKEA shopping bag is a household stalemate. Copied by high-end fashion designers, the big blue reusable bag has been in the IKEA catalogue for 30 years and is possibly the company’s most hard-working products.
The Lack side table
What’s a first home without this $8 side table? This iconic piece has been in the IKEA family since 1979 and remains one of the most popular items today.
