Inside IKEA Oxford street: 7 reasons why Londoners are obsessed

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since Londoners celebrated the long-anticipated opening of IKEA Oxford Street. And 12 months on there is still so much to love in this iconic Grade II listed building, with the store more than living up to the hype.

Since its launch, over 4 million people have visited (enough to fill Wembley Stadium almost 45 times over) – and to celebrate, over the anniversary weekend (1-4 May), customers can enjoy exclusive in-store events and offers.

Matt Gould, IKEA’s London City Market Manager, says: “The phrase time flies when you’re having fun certainly rings true as we approach the first anniversary of IKEA Oxford Street. We’ve been absolutely blown away by the positive response to the store since we first opened our doors on London’s iconic shopping street a year ago, and we can’t wait to celebrate our birthday with a limited-time delivery discount and special pop-up for customers this weekend.”

Here are just some of the reasons IKEA Oxford Street is a must-visit for every Londoner.

There is something so unique about how Londoners create their spaces: always bold, often eclectic and incredibly design savvy. IKEA understands that more than most, and on the ground floor you can find three Curated Shops – exclusive edits created by Londoners to reflect the character and diversity of the city’s residents, updated throughout the year.

In a global first, the Oxford Street store features the ultra-cool Live Studio which boasts broadcasting capabilities, interactive experiences, music and exhibitions. An incredibly varied calendar of events for adults and families is on offer, with a macrame class, pottery corner, little growers plant workshop and wildlife-themed craft session all coming up.

Book online for a space and join in the fun.

If there’s one thing London shoppers need, it’s a great delivery service: our Tube system may be speedy, but it’s not the best for getting large furniture home. Happily, IKEA Oxford Street offers just this: you can buy smaller items, while others can be ordered in store for home delivery, with same-day options if you’re on a tight timeline.

Over the anniversary weekend, IKEA is offering a £1 delivery fee for Family members (T&Cs apply) – so it’s the perfect time to head in store for an update.

All things being equal, IKEA’s FRAKTA bags are arguably their best-known product. Rooted in IKEA’s five democratic design principles (function, form, quality, sustainability and affordability), they cost just 75p each, and almost half of UK households own one, with nearly a third keeping theirs for over five years.

Adding to the fun, the anniversary weekend sees the return of the Hus of FRAKTA. At a new in-store pop-up, you’ll be able to personalise your own FRAKTA bag with your initials for a one-of-a-kind look.

This stylish central London store reflects IKEA’s long-standing commitment to sustainable living, from responsible construction to in-store initiatives. Nearly all building waste was diverted from landfill, including more than 1,000 reused timber pallets and 20 tonnes of plasterboard recycled into new materials.

Inside, the compact Re-Shop and Re-Use section offers second-life, second-hand and discontinued pieces, for a more planet-friendly approach to design. These pre-loved items are also available to reserve online through IKEA’s website, for collection in store. Get ahead of the curve, as these might just be the collectables of the future, with classic IKEA pieces through the decades now highly sought after.

IKEA has long had its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest colour palettes, innovative furniture design and fashion-forward accessories. As summer arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home with vibrant fabrics and trend-led pieces – from earthy neutrals (like the MARKBLÅMME rug) to pops of colour (such as the DYVLINGE chair).

You can also book a free consultation, online or in store, for bespoke interior design services including kitchen, bedroom and living room planning.

In its first year, IKEA Oxford Street has sold 2 million meatballs (enough to cover the distance between London and Brighton if lined up), and with their stylish in-house restaurant, it’s easy to see why. Serving hot and cold traditional bites, the Swedish Deli also offers takeaway options if you’re on the go. Or stock up on everything from cult snacks to lingonberry spread in the Swedish Food Market.

IKEA Oxford Street is where flatpack fabulousness meets creative flair; a Scandinavian sanctuary in the heart of London bustle. Come for the furniture, stay for a Swedish snack and leave with a gorgeous lamp you didn’t know you needed.

It’s equal parts design playground and domestic daydream, which is proof enough that good taste doesn’t require a postcode upgrade.

To find out more about what’s on at the Oxford Street store, visit IKEA, and follow @IKEAUK on Instagram and TikTok