A Review of Four Japandi-Inspired Furniture Finds Under $40 from IKEA: GULLSUDARE Pendant, STRANDAD Lamp, KUDDLAVA Lamp, and GRIMSARBO Side Table

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Summary:

This video reviews four Japandi-inspired IKEA finds under $40, assessing their design, inspiration, and value. The GULLSUDARE paper pendant, priced at $4.99 CAD, is praised as an affordable alternative to the expensive Akari light sculptures.

The STRANDAD table lamp, designed by Frederik Boman and costing $7.99 CAD, is noted for its clean, cylindrical design and potential for customization, though its paper quality is fragile during assembly.

The KUDDLAVA table lamp, made from recycled plastic at $23.99 CAD, stands out for its unique pleated mushroom design, offering a beautiful translucent glow but requiring careful assembly due to its unforgiving material.

Lastly, the GRIMSARBO side table, priced at $39.99 CAD, is highlighted for its playful design, light portability, and hidden storage, reminiscent of 80s Memphis style.

The video discusses the irony of mid-century modern designs, originally meant to be affordable, now being high-end, making IKEA's accessible designs valuable.

Introduction [00:00]

The video introduces IKEA's recent push towards Japandi-inspired designs, characterized by clean lines, soft textures, and gentle lighting, which aims for a sense of calmness. The host aims to review four affordable items under $40, discussing their design, designers, and personal opinions on their value and quality.

GULLSUDARE Pendant: Mid-Century Modern Discussion [00:38]

This paper pendant is the cheapest item reviewed, priced at $4.99 CAD.

• It is a new variant of an older item from the NYTILLVERKAD collection.
• Inspiration from Akari Light Sculptures:
  • The GULLSUDARE is an affordable alternative to the expensive Akari light sculptures designed by Isamu Noguchi.

    

  • Isamu Noguchi, an important sculptor, architect, and landscape artist, was inspired by traditional Japanese Chochin (paper lanterns) during a 1950s visit to Japan, leading to the creation of his Akari light sculptures.

    

    

  • In Japanese, Akari means "light" and carries an idea of lightness.
  • Original Akari sculptures are handcrafted from bamboo ribbings and washi paper, which creates a unique light diffusion.
  • Comparison to Akari: While the IKEA pendant uses regular rice paper and lacks the handcrafted heritage, it effectively replicates the soft, ambient glow of the Akari lamps.

    

  • The price difference is significant, with an Akari table lamp shown priced at $195.00 compared to IKEA's pendant.

    

• Mid-Century Modern Design Philosophy:
  • The host highlights the irony that many mid-century modern furniture designs were originally intended to be affordable and accessible to the average middle-class household.

    

  • Designers like Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson purposely used industrial materials to allow for cheaper manufacturing.
  • The reason these designs are so expensive today is due to a "huge tax" for their design legacy and the rarity of the items.

    

• Personal Review and Score:
  • The host personally loves the soft glow the GULLSUDARE lamp gives off and notes its simple installation.
  • It's available in different diameters, with the larger one preferred, though the smaller one works well in compact living spaces.
  • At $4.99 Canadian, its affordability allows for buying multiple units in case the delicate rice paper rips easily.

    

  • The GULLSUDARE pendant receives an 8 out of 10.

STRANDAD Lamp [04:14]

This cylindrical lamp is also made of rice paper and is priced at $7.99 CAD.

• Design and Designer:
  • It is explicitly inspired by Isamu Noguchi's Akari light sculptures.
  • The designer behind this piece is Frederik Boman, who is also known for designing various items including chairs and sustainable furniture.

    

    

• Features and Personal Thoughts:
  • The STRANDAD lamp comes in two sizes, with the smaller one preferred for its cuteness and stability (the larger one was a bit wobbly).
  • The lamp's paper shade can be painted over for a personalized and different look.

    

  • The stand on the bottom is removable, allowing for a "bottomless" aesthetic.

    

• Assembly and Quality:
  • Users need to be very careful when assembling this lamp because the glue on the paper can come off if held for too long, potentially ruining the piece.

    

• Review and Score:
  • The lamp is considered a nice accessory to add to a home.

    

  • The STRANDAD lamp receives a 6.5 out of 10, primarily due to the delicate quality of its paper during assembly.

KUDDLAVA Lamp [06:39]

This table lamp is made of plastic, with IKEA stating at least 50% recycled content, and features a wooden knob on top. It costs $23.99 CAD.

• Assembly Challenge:
  • The assembly process is described as very confusing and unforgiving; if the plastic shade or base is accidentally crumpled, the marks will be permanent.

    

• Popularity and Design Aesthetics:
  • This lamp has recently become very popular, likely due to its unique mushroom-like shape and pleated pattern.
  • The design is compared to higher-end items like Hay's Matten table lamp and the pleated works of Issey Miyake.

    

    

  • A key detail is that the translucent material allows light to shine through the entire lamp, creating an "opal shine effect."

    

• Designer and Other Works:
  • The KUDDLAVA lamp was designed by Lukas Buol.

    

  • His notable IKEA designs include a pendant and a clock.
  • Buol has previously used pleated patterns in his work, including a pendant for the brand New Works (priced at $900), made of polyester textile.
  • He has also created other interesting designs, such as a "lunar eclipse lamp" that mimics the different shapes and brightnesses of the moon cycle.

    

• Long-term Value and Score:
  • The host believes this lamp is very unique and will "age very well," potentially becoming a sought-after vintage IKEA item in the future.
  • It's considered an affordable way to enhance a space.
  • The KUDDLAVA lamp receives a 9 out of 10, with one point deducted due to the unforgiving nature of its materials during assembly.

GRIMSARBO Side Table [09:22]

This side table is priced at $39.99 CAD and is highlighted as a playful and necessary addition for a creative space.

• Features and Versatility:
  • It is described as the perfect item to place next to a sofa or armchair for books and drinks.
  • A notable feature is its removable top, which conceals a mini storage compartment ideal for small items like a TV remote.

    

  • The table is very light, weighing only a couple of pounds, making it easy to move around.

    

• Design and Aesthetics:
  • It comes in two colors; the red one is particularly favored for how well it pairs with the host's chair.
  • The red color and circular elements remind the host of 80s Memphis style, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

    

• Designer and Construction:
  • This table was designed by the same person as the KUDDLAVA lamp, Lukas Buol.
  • It features a very simple build, and the compact packaging for a table is a positive, especially for people living in smaller spaces.
  • The hidden organization and storage option on the table are appreciated.
• Review and Score:
  • The GRIMSARBO side table receives an 8 out of 10. While $39.99 CAD is pricier compared to some items, it is considered good value relative to other side tables offered at IKEA.

    

    

Farewell and Thank You [11:08]

The host expresses gratitude to viewers for watching and for helping the channel reach 10,000 subscribers, affirming a commitment to creating more videos featuring personal interests, including making things.