It's playful, bold, and likely to sell out – IKEA's new collab with Swedish designer, Gustaf Westman, makes every day a celebration

Get your hands on the designer's pieces with his brand new collection of home and tableware for the Swedish superstore

Gustaf Westman x IKEA collection
(Image credit: IKEA)

My first impression of this exciting new designer collab was that it gives more 'modern art gallery' than typical Scandi aesthetic, with its vibrant hues and sculptural forms. While the Gustaf Westman x IKEA collection couldn't be more of a far cry from traditional Christmas table decor ideas, although it's part of the Swedish superstore's annual festive offering, VINTERFINT. To my mind, that's what makes it so interesting and appealing, as these are pieces that will last well into the New Year and beyond.

The collection of home and tableware does include pieces in colors synonymous with the holiday, like red and green, but these have been interspersed with pops of bubblegum pink and baby blue, challenging perceptions of the traditions typically associated with fall and winter. And it really works for a festive set up.

There are 12 pieces, including porcelain plates and cups, candleholders, and lighting, to feast your eyes on, all featuring the designer's signature curvy silhouettes, and they'll be in stores from 1 October.

festive table featuring Gustaf Westman's collection for IKEA

(Image credit: IKEA)

Designed to be used and enjoyed every day, the Gustaf Westman x IKEA collection embraces the idea that you don't need an excuse to celebrate and brings a new and unexpected twist to festive season hosting.

Westman explains: 'For me, this was an opportunity to take traditional holiday decor aesthetics and turn it on its head, instead, introducing a sense of playfulness and boldness. This is my interpretation of the holidays; it's a new design for a new generation.'

And he's really applied that element of fun to every piece – from the way that the dining plates combine the traditional circular form in the center, while featuring a square rim, so they match up mosaic-like on a dining table, to the spiral vase, which bounces playfully, whilst also supporting drooping flowers.

Gustaf Westman x IKEA pink spiral vase holding red flowers

(Image credit: IKEA)

A personal favourite is the 'glogg' (mulled wine) cup and intentionally oversized saucer, designed for accommodating a sweet treat, like traditional Swedish Fika. We've got Gustaf's grandmother to thank for that inspired piece of design. Then there's the architectural candelabra and portable, rechargeable lamp, which has an orbital form created from concentric rings – both stand-out design pieces

Westman has even included an IKEA meatball plate in the collection to mark the 40th anniversary of the store's famous dish – and Swedish Christmas tradition – so you can pick up your favorite snack in store and the perfect piece to serve it on, while you're there.

pale blue meatball plate from Gustaf Westman x IKEA

(Image credit: IKEA)

In all, the collection creates a really striking look for a festive table that will undoubtedly set your gatherings apart from the rest. But be sure to mark 1 October in your calendar if you want to be the first to buy, as I've no doubt these pieces will fly off the shelves quicker than hot meatballs, the moment they drop.

red candelabra light by Gustaf Westman x IKEA

(Image credit: IKEA)

Don't live near an IKEA? Get the look with these pieces


If dopamine-inducing homeware is your thing, take a look at our edit of maximalist tableware for more bold, colorful buys.

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Katrina Harper-Lewis
Head of Living

Katrina is Head of Living at Homes & Gardens, covering hosting and entertaining, seasonal styling ideas, sleep and wellbeing, along with a highly experienced team of writers and reviewers. With more than 15 years' experience in lifestyle content, Katrina was previously an editor at luxury lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos, has been a features writer at Sainsbury's magazine and has also written for a wealth of other food and lifestyle titles including Ideal Home, Waitrose Food, John Lewis' Edition and The Home Page. Katrina is passionate about heritage style and lives in a 100-year old cottage in rural Hertfordshire, where she enjoys finding creative ways to live and host stylishly.

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