Kate Middleton and Prince William's Surprising IKEA Finds at Kensington Palace
IKEA in the Royal Household: A Surprising Choice
IKEA daytrips have always been a favorite pastime of mine, almost as much as my love for their iconic furniture. I can't imagine my life without a BILLY bookcase, for example. It seems I'm not alone in this affection—Kate Middleton and Prince William have also shown a fondness for the brand’s clean, minimalist appeal. This preference has reportedly made its way into Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace.
During a 2018 visit to ArkDes, Sweden’s national museum for art and design, the couple shared with Marcus Engman, IKEA’s head of design, that they own furniture sets from the brand. While the exact pieces remain unconfirmed, Engman later mentioned that some of the furniture is part of Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s bedrooms. Despite their combined net worth in the tens of millions and multiple royal residences, the couple has embraced self-assembled furniture—at least in their children's rooms. This modest choice offers a rare glimpse into their lives, showing a side of the royal family that is surprisingly relatable.
A Glimpse into Their Home
The couple previously lived in Apartment 1A inside Kensington Palace, which gained attention when they moved in 2017, just a few months before their trip to Sweden. Although they no longer use it as their primary residence (it has since been replaced by Forest Lodge, a stately mansion in Windsor Great Park), the apartment remains their official London residence and the offices of the Prince and Princess.
This space has remained a point of fascination, especially after the palace released images during Michelle and Barack Obama’s state visit, giving the public a rare glimpse of their interiors. However, there were no visible IKEA pieces in those photos.
IKEA Bedroom Essentials
For those interested in incorporating IKEA into their own homes, here are some key bedroom staples:
- HAVSTA Cabinet with Base, White
This sturdy pine cabinet works perfectly on its own or as a base paired with a stackable unit, offering exceptional versatility.
- Solfibbla Duvet Cover and Pillowcases
Crafted from soft 100% cotton, this duvet cover set features crisp, timeless green and white yarn-dyed stripes. The thicker yarn adds a cozy, artisanal touch, bringing subtle vintage charm to your bedroom.
- Pax Wall-Mounted Storage Frame, White
Designed to fold open like a book, the PAX storage frame allows you to assemble it right where you want and avoid heavy lifting. It's a timeless bedroom essential.
- Lagerpoppel Off-White Cushion Cover
This neutral cushion cover features a textured, matte-sheen surface with elegant flange edging, adding both style and structure. It pairs effortlessly with throws and bedspreads for a layered, sophisticated look.
- BILLY Bookcase, White
The BILLY bookcase will always be an icon for a reason. Its versatile design lets you use it in countless ways at home, whether for books or everyday items.
- IKEA BRANÄS Basket, Rattan
Crafted from handwoven rattan, each basket boasts a unique, organic character. Thoughtfully sized to complement any shelving, it blends sculptural style with practical versatility, making it as functional as it is visually striking.
A Unique Connection
With the clothes, castles, and crowns, royals can often feel distant. However, anyone who has wrestled with self-assembled furniture can relate to this surprising similarity. Now, we'll await to see if we can catch any Swedish design staples in Forest Lodge—time can only tell.
