This Unique IKEA Collection is Filled With Handmade Home Goods—and Lots of Denim
The collection is a collaboration with businesses and artisans across Asia.
IKEA
When you think of the materials commonly used in home decor, things like denim and tree bark probably don't come to mind. However, those are just a couple of the unique materials used in IKEA's recent collection, which is comprised of 20 handcrafted items—including baskets, rugs, a lampshade, an apron, bags, cushion covers, and more—made by artisans across Asia. The MÄVINN collection is a collaboration between IKEA designers and businesses across Asia that provide long-term job opportunities for people in need.
"The social businesses we collaborate with are all working hard to create better opportunities for persons with disabilities, disadvantaged youth, tribal groups and women in rural areas," IKEA designer Paulin Machado says. "The pandemic has hit these groups hard, and creating jobs and empowering them is more important than ever." She adds that the collection also provides a platform for these communities to showcase their talents and earn a stable income.
Maria Vinka, another IKEA designer who worked on the MÄVINN collection, says the design process with the artisans was very collaborative, and the selection of items emphasize traditional forms of craftsmanship, like hand-weaving, embroidery, paper-making, and more. "Our goal was to create a diverse collection of handcrafted items that someone who enjoys walking at a local craftsmarket would appreciate," she says.
Another goal of the collection was to work with natural, locally sourced materials as well as recycled materials that would otherwise go to waste. The collection is comprised of cotton, over-run materials from denim production and natural fibers, such as banana fiber, jute, and paper made from the bark of mulberry trees. Most of the materials used in the collection were sourced locally in Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, where the social businesses are located. "The combination of materials and production techniques is based on the skills and expertise of the seven social business partners, resulting in diverse products while giving value to talented weavers and craftspeople in the local communities where they operate," the press release states.
Because all the items in the collection are handcrafted, no two pieces are exactly the same, meaning you can bring a one-of-a-kind piece into your home. Below shop some of our favorites from the the MÄVINN collection.
Related: IKEA's Latest Collection Is Perfect for Summer Entertaining
Pendant Lamp Shade
IKEA
Machado called out this pendant lampshade as her favorite product from the collection. "The lamp is made of thin threads of banana fiber that are braided together using traditional artisan techniques, creating an uneven and rustic structure that emits a soft, warm glow," she says. "It's impressive to see how the artisans weave the long strips of banana fiber, which are a byproduct that would otherwise go to waste, resulting in a durable and sturdy lamp shade."
Hanging Storage Baskets
IKEA
We're all about vertical storage and these hanging storage baskets are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. Like the lamp shade, these baskets are made from woven banana fiber and they hang from a rope made of jute.
Genealogy Poster
IKEA
Vinka's favorite pick from the MÄVINN collection is this wall poster—handmade from mulberry tree bark—that includes a blank family tree drawing. "It allows you to add personal meaning by filling it with your loved ones' names," she says. "It encourages creativity and interaction, inviting people to color and transform to make it their own. I think it’s a beautiful and meaningful addition to any home."
Denim Cushion Covers
IKEA
If you're a '90s baby at heart, these denim-on-denim pillows will feel like nostalgic comfort. The pillow cover is made from leftover denim material and features a striped design on the front and a solid back.
Macrame Pot Hanger
IKEA
Grab one of these macramé pot hangers to add a pop of color to your plant display. The design can accommodate a range of different sized pots so you can convert pretty much any of your greenery into a hanging plant.
Jute Runner
IKEA
This long, narrow runner is made from bleached and unbleached jute and features decorative cotton threads in yellow, pink, and blue.
Shop the rest of the collection, including a denim tote bag and colorful, embroidered basket, here.
Related: 10 Clever IKEA Storage Hacks That Will Totally Makeover Your Home
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