Clean air for all with Ikea’s newest domestic design

The new Ikea air purifier, Starkvind, is an indicator of which way the Swedish giant sees the wind blowing. Over the past few years, the company has dipped its toes into electronics and appliances, and Starkvind is its first foray into what’s now known as ‘Smart Air’.

We’ve seen a plethora of new air purifiers designed to direct and monitor the air quality in homes and small offices, so Ikea’s design team are bang on the mark. What’s interesting about this circular device is its multifunctional approach. 

You can get Starkvind in two different versions, a standalone disc that evokes the sculptural speakers of Bang & Olufsen, albeit using far more pragmatic materials and finishes, or integrated into a circular side table.

It can also be incorporated into Ikea’s burgeoning smart home ecosystem, which currently includes motorised blinds, bulbs, and loudspeakers. Both models are available in black or white, with matching dark and light wood legs on the side table. 

Home air purifiers don’t exactly tackle the source of the problem, but they make our living spaces much more agreeable. The twin filters within Ikea’s system captures both large and small particles, from dust to pollen. There’s the option of adding another carbon gas filter to strip away even more unwanted molecules, including cooking smells and the myriad volatile organic compounds that permeate the modern home. The fan has five speeds and can be switched into auto mode, which’ll set the fan speed according to the current pollution levels.

Like all of Ikea’s best ideas, Starkvind is a straightforward way of enhancing the quality of your space.

INFORMATION

STARKVIND by IKEA, standalone £129, side table model £165

IKEA.com