Blast from the past! IKEA relaunches famous armchair from 1967
IKEA has relaunched its iconic 'anti-stress' Mila swivel armchair, with an updated look and new name that remains true to Gillis Lundgren's original design.
Making its debut as an 'anti-stress armchair' in IKEA's 1967 catalogue, it has now been given a new lease of life under the name Dyvlinge, to tie in with the retailer's 80th anniversary-themed Nytillverkad collection.
Inspired by the lowriders of the 60s and boasting a slightly reclined seat, Mila was one of IKEA's biggest success stories. The colours and covers changed during its years in the range, but the basics remained the same.
The updated design has five legs instead of four to minimise the risk of tipping, while the padding has been replaced with foam waste. It comes in green and black, and features a smart new assembly so it can travel flat.
'The low-seated armchairs are finally back. And they work just as well today as they did in the 1960s,' says Karin Gustavsson, range identity leader at IKEA of Sweden.
The return of the chair invites shoppers to revisit a time when bold patterns, optimistic shapes and unconventional solutions characterised the furnishing style of the 60s and 70s. If you missed out on previous iterations of the Mila chair, now's your chance to buy this classic design for just under £200.
Visionary designer Gillis Lundgren joined IKEA in 1954, working closely with founder Ingvar Kamprad in steering IKEA to where it is today. Gillis helped to develop the IKEA logotype, illustrated catalogue covers, photographed products, and worked as a furniture designer. The Mila armchair was one of his most iconic designs and the original chair has become somewhat of a collector's item, with one selling on Etsy for over £1,400.
'Vintage furniture has made a big comeback lately, and there's been a growing demand for certain IKEA products that have become collectors' favourites,' says Johan Ejdemo, global design manager at IKEA of Sweden. 'That is why we decided to bring back a selection of our design icons, and we are excited to see interest coming from customers of all ages, especially young people who are discovering our design legacy and using these vibrant solutions to express themselves at home.
'To us, these products are the essence of democratic design: they are timeless, as they combine a beautiful form, a great function, sustainability, an affordable price, and quality that lasts long.'
Mila has even recently received a royal seal of approval. In September 2023, a specially designed blue chair embossed with the royal warrant was presented to the King of Sweden to recognise his 50 years on the throne.
'The design found inspiration in Sweden’s 1972 Olympic Games uniforms. However, we reimagined the characteristic gold crowns as hearts against the blue backdrop,' describes Johan. 'This particular and unique piece has been handcrafted by our amazing co-workers. The design has been fabricated, printed, and then applied by our master upholsterers at our workshop in Älmhult, Sweden.'
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