IKEA customers no longer have to worry about a problem they've had for decades.
The Swedish furniture firm made a major change to its app to help customers pronounce the names of its items.
That's because it has always given its items Swedish product names, causing confusion for anyone in the UK and elsewhere who isn't familiar with the language.
For years, shoppers have stumbled over names such as POÄNG, KLIPPAN, KALLAX, and BLÅHAJ.
Now, it should get easier as IKEA has added an update to its app which allows users to hear the correct pronunciation of products directly from product pages, reports creatorzine.com.
It's available in all markets and languages except Swedish, where customers are presumed to already know how to pronounce the names.
Aiming to remove the guesswork, the feature makes it easier for customers to navigate the brand's product range.
Why does IKEA name its items using Swedish words?
The furniture retailer's unique naming system was introduced by founder Ingvar Kamprad, who opted for names instead of numerical codes due to his dyslexia.
This practical solution has since evolved into one of IKEA's most distinctive trademarks.
IKEA products follow a carefully structured naming system with different categories being linked to specific themes.
For instance, sofas and armchairs are named after places in Sweden, while bathroom products are inspired by lakes and seas.
Some products take their names from Swedish words, expressions, or elements of everyday life.
The BILLY bookcase, one of IKEA's most famous products, is believed to be named after former advertising manager Billy Liljedahl, who noted a lack of proper bookshelves in the range.
The OMTÄNKSAM collection is named after the Swedish word for being considerate and was developed with healthcare experts to make everyday life easier for more people.
STOLLE, a decorative ornament inspired by Sweden's famous Dala horse, is named after a Swedish word used to describe someone who is slightly silly or delightfully goofy.
BLÅHAJ, the popular blue shark soft toy, has developed an international fanbase despite many customers struggling to pronounce its name.
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The pronunciation tool was first conceived during an internal app hackathon after staff realised even some employees had difficulty saying certain product names.
Software engineer Filip Larsson said: "This started when we were working on the collection NYTILLVERKAD, and several people on our team had a really hard time pronouncing it."
The idea eventually became a winning project and was rolled out across the app earlier this year.
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Since its launch in February 2026, IKEA claims approximately 8,000 people globally have been using the feature every day.
The retailer said the tool helps customers interact more confidently with IKEA's Swedish heritage while preserving a naming tradition that has been part of the company's identity for decades.
The change is part of IKEA's ongoing efforts to modernise its digital shopping experience while maintaining the traditions that have helped make the brand instantly recognisable worldwide.
Do you shop at IKEA? Tell us your favourite home buys in the comments below.
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