If you have ever assembled IKEA furniture or any furniture for that matter, you probably know that there is one tool that you couldn’t do without. Named after Allen Manufacturing Company, which patented it in 1910, a simple L-shaped tool with two hexagonal heads is used to screw bolts with recesses of a matching shape. With a longer side for greater reach and a shorter one for more stubborn screws, the Allen key is essential for everything from furniture assembly to the automotive industry.
Also known as the Allen wrench, the tool that shaped many homes is now reshaped into a piece of furniture of its own. Inspired by the wrench, Swedish furniture conglomerate IKEA has designed a sheperic pendant luminaire fit for every household. Created from what looks like a series of Allen keys bolted together, the lamp emanates soft sombre light. The mastermind behind ÖDLEBLAD, designer David Wahl, called it one of the “most quietly influential objects in our history.” But what is it about this tool that’s so fascinating?
The versatility of light design
According to Wahl, “the Allen key shape is brilliant, because with its specific form, we get precision-cut parts with minimal waste. The entire sphere is held together by its own geometry. There’s no need for extra fittings, which is a smarter way to use materials and a really satisfying way to build something.“
ÖDLEBLAD therefore joins the impressive portfolio of objects Wahl has created for the famed furniture behemoth. Previously, he had won the Red Dot Awards for STARKVIND, a smart air purifier. It is a small, useful device that resembles a coffee table. The appliance can be attached to an app for full control or left in auto mode. His other achievements include an honorary mention at the same event for the PS 2014 space ship-inspired luminaire. PS 2014 features a spherical shape that can be modified with a pull of a string. It features a moving mechanism that allows the user to control the lamp’s intensity. Fully opening its mobile parts allows abundant light into the room and creates a mesmerizing light effect in the surrounding area. For a more intimate atmosphere, close the parts, which will significantly reduce the amount of light that comes out.
Coming soon to a store near you
From science fiction to wrenches and keys, IKEA designs show us that inspiration lies everywhere. You just have to find it. Allen key might have been used as an inspiration, but ironically, you will not need one to construct the ÖDLEBLAD. The light fixture consists of 60 parts, but it will come flat-packed. This is possible thanks to an ingenious design that preassembles 12 lamp parts into 5 modules. By clicking together these five preassembled pieces, all made of birch veneer, the user can easily set up the lamp without any additional tools. ÖDLEBLAD will be made available from October onwards, both in IKEA stores and online.
