The Ikea experience is more than just assembling furniture; it is a fascinating, engaging experience reshaping how we perceive DIY craftsmanship. No doubt IKEA is changing the furniture space one piece at a time.
DIY, short for Do It Yourself in furniture assembly is new to Indian customers. For us, fully assembled, no-nonsense furniture is the norm. And if they are to be made at the site, the seller must better send the carpenter to do it. Our apprehension and discomfort associated with assembling furniture stem from unfamiliarity, perceived complexity, and concerns about potential damage.
However, it is not so tough for a well-informed and slightly more confident – mainly from the new generation. Ikea had given wings to it.
So here is what happened when our family tried it out with a simple three-drawer cabinet during the weekend.
My daughter identified it (the three-drawer cabinet) on the Ikea site, saw it at the Ikea shop and then ordered it for delivery at home. We all thought that it should not be complicated.
The assembly was in a slim, minimalistic, safe, and robust packaging. Something that one did not associate with e-commerce. The unboxing ceremony was eventless, but soon all the elements were on the floor.
There was an immediate urge to start assembling it. How tough it could be?!
The initial optimism soon gave way to a realisation – the task was more intricate than anticipated. Different-sized panels with varied holes, grooves suggesting interlocking parts, and an assortment of screws confronted us. A 3D puzzle with eight different types of screws, locks, and holders was before us. The initial thought was to call professional help, and UrbanClap sounded the best option- till someone discovered the assembling booklet.
And the family decided that we would try it out and make the whole thing.
This booklet was the saviour of the situation. However, there were no words but pages after pages demonstrating some 38 steps to follow. Simple sign language of pointers and crosses and tick-marks. Instruction to match the dots on the board with the screw number that would go in there. I would call it idiot-proofed, ensuring that even beginners could navigate the assembly process effortlessly.
There was no way things could go wrong.
The challenge arose when our tools at home were far from Ikea’s specific requirements. There was no star-headed screws and even a hammer. So, the juggad tendency took over, and the innovative solutions of using a knife and spoon and such items from the kitchen took over. And as for the hammer, the back of the screwdriver and belan took over.
So, we started the family activity- the best part of the whole process.
Everyone joined in. What followed was a delightful family activity lasting about three-and-a-half hours, punctuated by a well-deserved 30-minute tea break. Each family member played a unique role. The daughter took the lead in understanding and reading the manual. I took the role of macro directing, and my wife, who is not so mechanically inclined, took charge of putting the pieces together. The process was not just about building furniture; it was a lesson in understanding structural connections, channels, and lock-ins.
The family members learned how things are held together, about channels and lock-ins. They truly admired the thought that has gone into designing every piece of DIY structure. More, so at the end, get up to say- not that harsh- not so bad- brilliant.
It was joyful and playful working together. The family had its first DIY Ikea three-chest drawer that worked, and there were wild cheers when the drawers actually worked. The smiles and satisfaction that accompanied the completion of our first DIY Ikea three-chest drawer were invaluable.
I believe such events help strengthen the family bond. And I suggest some offices take it as a bonding exercise.
I may use a somewhat complex DIY structure in my workshops. Ensure that teams get different pages of the manual so that, in the end, they can derive new learning of coordinated, cooperative teamwork. The client would also get a fresh piece of furniture in the process.
Our family thoroughly enjoyed the Ikea DIY adventure, and we’re eager to explore more projects in the future. So, try it out whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice contemplating furniture purchases.
Maine Ikea Kiya – Kya Tumney Kiya? Take the plunge into the DIY world, and you might discover not just furniture but a new way to bond and create memories with your loved ones.
