With the challenges and frustrations of exercising at home, IKEA set out to explore how to enable better and more accessible workouts in our living space. The result is the DAJLIEN collection, developed through the belief that if we can make it easier for people to exercise wherever they like,we can ensure that even a bit of activity is within reach for everyone – every day. This is also reflected in the collection name: DAJLIEN is the word for “daily” in the accent of Småland, the birthplace of IKEA.
The collection is built on insights from visits to homes in New York, Chicago, London and Shanghai where IKEA has learned about experiences linked to working out at home. The findings highlight common challenges connected to motivation, limited space, time constraints, and the discomfort many feel when working out at a gym. At the same time, exercise products are seen as bulky and can clash with home decor. The products in the DAJLIEN collection features smart, adaptable products that can be used in different ways to overcome those challenges, enabling people to stay active.
Inspired by the need for multi-functional solutions that seamlessly fit into the home, the DAJLIEN collection is part training equipment, part storage. Many of the collection’s products serve not only as training equipment but also as stylish and practical design pieces.
“Not everyone feels safe or comfortable going to a gym and at home we often deal with small space and time constraints. DAJLIEN was born from the desire to find smart solutions that address these limitations and help people create a convenient and motivating place for exercise”, says Sarah Fager, Designer at IKEA of Sweden. “We wanted to create smart, beautiful products to inspire and redefine training as a fun, easy and natural everyday activity.”
Making the home a more active place
The products in DAJLIEN are designed with subtle colours and details, supporting the collection’s focus on products that blend into the home and naturally become part of the everyday environment. The collection features a variety of products to help make the home an easier place to work out, including exercise mats, a step-up board and a set of ring-shaped dumbbells – all designed to be easy to use, store, and bring along on the go.
The equally sturdy and versatile DAJLIEN bench with storage is inspired by old-school gym equipment and stands as the collection’s focal point of multi-functional design. Coming with a non-slip mat, it invites different bodyweight exercises, while doubling as storage for your gear, or as a practical coffee table around the home.
DAJLIEN extends beyond fitness gear to include recovery and stress relief products, including an air purifier, yoga straps, kneepads, a massage ball, and a portable Bluetooth speaker, all in soft and soothing shades. It also offers several wearable pieces, like slippers and two distinct ponchos, for post-workout relaxation and wellness.
“DAJLIEN is all about supporting movement and helping people live more active lives at home. We have designed a collection that helps bridge the gap between home and active life, that recognizes that training can take many shapes and forms and that you don’t need a lot of space to do a simple workout”, says Akanksha Deo, Designer at IKEA of Sweden.
The global launch of the DAJLIEN collection is scheduled for January 2024 and will be available for six months or until supplies last. Contact your local market for product availability.