1960

the first IKEA restaurant
The first IKEA restaurant opens in the IKEA store in Älmhult, Sweden.

1961

product testing begins
IKEA begins quality testing its products using Swedish testing standards.

ÖGLA chair is sold
The ÖGLA cafe chair is launched with the IKEA concepts of form, function and price in mind. Today it is made of composite plastic for a modern look.

1962

Marian Grabinski, consultant architect, designs the MTP bookcase
The MTP bookcase is a contemporary classic and will see numerous imitations over the years. Developing this and other wood products develops strong relationships between IKEA and Polish suppliers during the 1960s. These relationships continue today and are an important reason for IKEA maintaining prices so low that many people can afford them.

1963

IKEA arrives in Norway
The first IKEA store outside Sweden opens in Oslo.

1965

largest IKEA store opens in Stockholm, Sweden
Thousands of people queue for the opening of the 31,000 square meter flagship store, IKEA Kungens Kurva. The store has a circular design, inspired by New York's Guggenheim Museum. The store's success leads to the opening of a self-serve warehouse - an important part of the IKEA concept is born. Additionally, Accenten is opened, where customers can buy quality cooking items at a low price.

1968

particleboard makes its mark
This inexpensive, hard-wearing and easy-to-process material is a natural fit for IKEA. In 1969, the PRIVAT sofa is designed by architect Åke Fribryter. It has a particleboard base with a white lacquer finish and brown floral cretonne covers by textile artist Sven Fristedt. The straight lines, no-nonsense practicality and unbeatable low price create a tremendous success for the times.

1969

IKEA arrives in Denmark
The first IKEA store opens in Copenhagen.