Flimsy particle board and blood-boiling assembly are practically embedded in Ikea’s DNA. But if recent developments are any indication, the mecca of affordable Scandinavian-style furniture is making an effort to ditch its bad reputation. Earlier this year, Ikea introduced the Kungsbacka kitchen cabinets, which were made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. Word of wedge-shaped joinery and tool-free assembly (disassembly, too!) followed soon thereafter. And with the newly released Odger chair, Ikea combines sustainable materials with low-effort construction.
Available in brown, whitish beige and blue and retailing for $75, the Odger chair is made from 30 percent recycled wood and at least 55 percent recycled plastic. Its rounded edges and bowl-shaped seat are in keeping with contemporary Scandinavian minimalist design.
Design studio Form Us With Love spent years creating the chair, putting a great deal of consideration into its assembly. Inspired by springform cake pans and ski bindings, the result is a seat that clips into the chair’s base and locks in place with a set of latches — no hex key required.
