Published 04 June 2019 • Inter IKEA newsroom
SYMFONISK is here!
Great sound doesn’t need a lot of physical space. With SYMFONISK bookshelf and table lamp speakers, IKEA and Sonos want to challenge the way we think about sound and light at home.
There’s no doubt about it, SYMFONISK table lamp is the loudest lamp by IKEA so far, designed to make it possible to furnish with sound. It is, as the new versatile bookshelf speaker, the result of close collaboration with Sonos, known for their wireless smart speakers. Learning from each other’s respective strengths, IKEA and Sonos have since the partnership started in 2016 focused on combining high-quality sound with a thoughtful design.
“At Sonos we have the sound expertise about speakers in people’s homes. We know that there’s never enough counter space, never enough power sockets, and always too many cords lying around. Together with IKEA, we can solve all these problems”, says Sara Morris, Product Manager at Sonos.
IKEA has contributed to combining the sound skills from Sonos with home furnishing and design knowledge.
“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”, says Iina Vuorivirta, IKEA designer.
The speakers are able to connect to other Sonos speakers and to be controlled over an app. Thanks to neutral colours and simplistic design, the aim has been to make them blend in in most peoples home. The bookshelf speaker is made to be as versatile as possible. There are several possibilities to mount it on the wall, hang it on a rail and to place it horizontally and vertically. It can also be paired with other SYMFONISK bookshelf speakers for stereo sound.
“There are so incredibly many considerations to take into account when working with sound. Our design had to be 100 percent true to the sound quality Sonos stands for, without any compromises. At the same time, we wanted to create something altogether new”, says Sara Morris.
For IKEA, collaborating with Sonos is part of a journey towards smarter home solutions to improve life at home.
“Creating atmosphere and convenience are central in the creation of the IKEA Home smart concept, and the SYMFONISK range are designed with that in mind. 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”, says Björn Block, Business Leader for IKEA Home smart at IKEA of Sweden.
SYMFONISK will be on sale at IKEA stores from August 2019.