IKEA announces a 66,000-square-foot store at Gurnee Mills Mall in Gurnee, Illinois, set to open in 2026 as part of a nationwide rollout that includes additional new locations and makes it IKEA’s third Illinois store (joining Bolingbrook and Schaumburg); the store will offer about 3,000 take-home items, around 600 smaller pieces, and a full range of IKEA food.
IKEA says it will open its third Colorado store this year in Fort Collins as part of a broader U.S. expansion that includes 10 new stores in 2026; the Fort Collins location will join Centennial and Colorado Springs (which recently added a smaller-format store), and a planned Broomfield project was scrapped. The retailer also highlighted strong FY2025 results as it continues to invest in more affordable, accessible and sustainable shopping nationwide.
IKEA announced Oklahoma’s first store will open in Tulsa in 2026—a 51,000-square-foot, smaller-format outlet at the former Belk site in Tulsa Hills Shopping Center—with no exact opening date yet; the plan is part of a broader U.S. expansion that includes other cities, while IKEA reported $5.3 billion in 2025 sales and over 61 million store visits; local leaders welcomed the project and more details will be released closer to opening.
IKEA will open a 64,000-square-foot Fort Collins store in 2026 at Front Range Village, its third Colorado location, offering 3,200 items for immediate purchase and 250 small furniture items, plus food and an in-store planning area; the move is part of IKEA's 2026 U.S. expansion aiming for about 10 new stores.
A Tom’s Guide comparison notes Sabre’s premium 20-piece flatware is $479, while IKEA’s DOFTSKÖLD 20-piece set is $39; IKEA’s riveted cream handles evoke Sabre’s French-inspired design at a fraction of the price, with Sabre offering a more angular, high-end feel. The piece ends by inviting readers to vote on which they’d buy: Sabre or IKEA.
Ikea’s Matter-over-Thread smart home devices—including lights, a smart button, and sensors—are facing onboarding and connectivity problems for some users, with multiple devices failing to pair or stay connected across major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Ikea says it’s aware of the issues and is investigating with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance to fix the problems as Matter deployments continue.
Google Home’s February update adds support for programmable switches (buttons), enabling starter automations such as 'Switch or button pressed' with single/multi-press and long-press events, and aligning with Matter and Ikea’s affordable Bilresa buttons.
IKEA has quietly launched 21 new smart-home products, including temperature, humidity, air-quality sensors, motion lighting, and remotes, all designed to work with the Matter standard so they can interoperate with existing ecosystems. The range focuses on budget-friendly, stylish devices—such as the ALPSTUGA indoor air quality monitor (around $29.99) and KLIPPBOK water-leak sensors (about $7.99)—that pair with IKEA lighting and other brands. It emphasizes accessibility and interoperability, though some reviewers note variability in connectivity and readings. This marks a notable move by a mainstream retailer to make smart-home tech more affordable and interoperable.
Tom's Guide tests IKEA's GÅTEBO 3-in-1 microwave (priced at $199) and finds it surprisingly capable as a microwave, grill, and air fryer. It’s solidly built with a clear manual, handles reheating well (pasta and soup), and can grill sandwiches, but air frying is slower than dedicated models and may not fully replace a separate fryer. Overall, a strong space-saver for small kitchens, though not a complete substitute for multiple appliances; full hands-on results forthcoming.
Sponsored by Tom's Guide, this feature highlights five affordable IKEA accessories to upgrade a home office: RUNDHULT USB‑C cable, STÄNKREGN ring light, VÄSTMÄRKE wireless charger with lighting, ÖVNING footrest, and LÅNESPELARE monitor stand. Each item is priced under $30, with the total just over $100, offering improved lighting, cable management, ergonomics, and desk organization for a brighter, more comfortable workspace.
IKEA has released the Gatebo Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Function, a compact 900W countertop appliance that can grill, air-fry, and microwave with a dedicated air-fryer tray and 10 preset cooking times, all for about $199, making a versatile, space-saving kitchen upgrade available this January.
Ikea stole the CES spotlight with a Matter-compatible smart home lineup designed for affordability and local control, featuring updated Varmblixt lamps (donut and pendant) that work with the Ikea Home Smart app and Matter, plus a budget sensor family (Alpstuga air quality sensor, Timmerflotte temp/humidity, Myggspray IP67 outdoor motion, Klippbok water leak, Myggbett door/window) and new small plugs/bulbs (Grillplats, Kajplats, Tofsmygga) expected in April 2026. While many devices still lean on Ikea’s Dirigera hub for advanced features, some remotes function without a hub, and Samsung SmartThings interoperability is expanding. Ikea also showcased Bluetooth speakers (Solskydd, Kulglass, Kallsup) including a portable $10 Kallsup and a wall-mount friendly Solskydd, with the ability to link multiple speakers. Overall, Ikea emphasizes cozy design, affordability, and local control in a Matter-driven ecosystem, with CES 2026 as its first major foray into the show.
IKEA has released a smart version of one of its most iconic lamps, featuring seamless color transitions between hues rather than abrupt changes, signaling a stylish blend of design and smart lighting.
IKEA's MOSSLANDA picture ledge, known for its groove and rails, is explored for 14 DIY-friendly uses beyond displaying photos—ranging from a spice rack and drawer riser to vinyl display, children’s book wall, side table, entryway catch-all, toy storage, mug station, plant shelf, radiator shelf, floating vanity, and more—showing its versatility across kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and kids’ spaces.
Ikea is making a significant entry into the smart home market in 2026 with affordable and stylish lighting, security sensors, and smart plugs, expanding beyond its traditional furniture offerings. The new products, including app-controlled lights and budget-friendly security sensors, could position Ikea as a major player in home automation, especially for first-time buyers seeking cost-effective solutions.