Uppgradera, inspired by IKEA products, opens new perspectives in product development

Who hasn’t bought any of their furniture, decorative objects or accessories from IKEA? Based on a concept of self-service and ready-to-install kit furniture, the brand surfs on the notion of ease and speed. And yet it can be a real headache to assemble a piece of furniture, or to buy an accessory that fulfils 100% of its primary purpose. With this in mind, Hungarian designer Adam Miklosi has created a collection of 3D printed accessories to enhance existing IKEA products. Entirely open-source, the range is called Uppgradera and enhances everyday objects such as soap dishes and clothes hangers.

“Hacking” IKEA furniture with 3D printing is not a new idea: many designers have started creating 3D models to give furniture a new look, change the original purpose of an object or customise an accessory to suit different needs. We wanted to share Adam Miklosi’s collection during these strange times: why not take advantage of confinement to print the collection and make your life easier?

These 3D printed accessories make it easy to use some IKEA items | Photo Credits: Adam Miklosi

In Swedish, Uppgradera is a verb that means to level, improve, perfect, which led the designer to choose this term for his collection. This one is composed of 6 accessories to be 3D printed, entirely open-source. Take the KLIPSK bed tray from IKEA for example: although it is practical for eating breakfast in bed, its surface is very slippery, which is not ideal for a cup or glass. Adam Miklosi’s KL01 accessory is a glass holder that can be attached to the tray along the groove to prevent accidents.