Dezeen Magazine

IKEA and Sonos unveil table lamp and bookshelf speakers

IKEA has collaborated with Sonos to create a pair of Symfonisk hybrid speakers that each double as a homeware item.

The Symfonisk table lamp and bookshelf speakers were launched at Milan design week 2019.

Both products, which have in-built Wi-Fi speakers that are compatible with Sonos' wireless sound system, are designed to blend effortlessly into the home.

IKEA and Sonos launch Symfonisk speakers
One of the speakers is also a lamp, while the other can be used as a shelf

"Creating atmosphere and convenience are central in the creation of the IKEA Home Smart concept, and the Symfonisk range is perfectly designed with that in mind," said Björn Block, business leader for IKEA Home Smart at IKEA Sweden.

"IKEA is always looking for ideas that improve life at home. By integrating technology with home furnishing products and solutions we can do that in an even better way," he said.

IKEA and Sonos launch Symfonisk speakers
The lamp speaker is designed to fit into the home

Described as "the loudest table lamp ever", the Symfonisk table lamp features a rounded form with a light diffuser at the top and a base that doubles as an in-built speaker.

It is available as either a light-grey speaker with a white light-diffuser or a black speaker with a gold light-diffuser.

IKEA and Sonos launch Symfonisk speakers
The lamp speak is available in two colours

"We knew from the start that we wanted to challenge the traditional high-tech aesthetics. The lamp-speaker partly springs from the idea of the fireplace – one single piece that spreads warm light as well as sound," said Iina Vuorivirta, a designer at IKEA Sweden.

"With Symfonisk table lamp, IKEA and Sonos have created a great sounding, great looking piece of furniture that blends into the home in a new way, making it easier to furnish with sound," said IKEA.

"It combines light and sound into one product in order to de-clutter the home with less devices and cords," explained the brand.

IKEA and Sonos launch Symfonisk speakers
The second speaker in the collection can be wall mounted and used as a shelf

Also in the collection is the Symfonisk bookshelf speaker, a wall-mounted, rectangular speaker that can be placed  horizontally and used as a bookshelf, or hung on a kitchen rail by its hook. Available in light grey or black, the speaker can also be placed on a shelf and used as a bookend.

"Sound is a powerful part of our identity – whether it's hearing your baby's laughter or listening to that 1980s hit your mum loved, it is a deeply emotional part of all our lives," said Tad Toulis, vice president of design at Sonos.

IKEA and Sonos launch Symfonisk speakers
The shelf speaker can also be used as a bookend

"IKEA and Sonos recognise the importance of great sound and its potential to positively affect life at home for the many people. We set out to create products neither of us would or could develop independently," he explained.

Founded by Ingvar Kamprad in 1943 IKEA has grown to be the world's largest furniture retailer and last year it released its first range of speakers. Last month it released a set of furniture hacks to make its products more usable by people with disabilities. The brand has also created a series of animal habitats repurposed from its used furniture.

American electronics company Sonos, which was established in 2002, is chiefly known for its speaker systems. The company previously collaborated with homeware brand Hay to create a range of colourful speakers.