IKEA's Viral Matchstick Lamp Strikes Controversy—why Some People Are On The Fence

Swedish retailer IKEA is renowned for its affordable price tags and innovative, trendy furniture designs. So, it's no surprise when a new IKEA product makes waves across social media. From viral rotating shelves that revolutionize the way you organize your refrigerator to highly sought-after curtains, the retail giant has mastered the art of drawing attention with nifty products that can elevate your home without breaking the bank. One IKEA product that has recently gained popularity on social media apps like TikTok is the STRÅLA LED floor lamp — though it has also sparked controversy for its jarring white cord. 

Priced at $39.99, this lamp features a distinctive shape that resembles a bundle of wooden matchsticks. When you plug the STRÅLA lamp in, the cherry red tips emit a warm glow, reminiscent of a real glowing flame. Content creators have taken to making videos of themselves styling the STRÅLA lamp around the house for a unique aesthetic that sparks intrigue and serves as a focal point in the room. However, not everyone in the comment section of these viral videos is a fan of IKEA's STRÅLA lamp. One video posted by TikTok user @kevinconcepts received a large number of comments regarding its cord. But other similar videos didn't garner the same negative reaction, suggesting that there are ways you can style the controversial lamp to make the cord less noticeable and less distracting from your home's interior design. 

The main gripe with IKEA's STRÅLA lamp is that the cord is not aesthetically appealing. Not to mention, it extends right from the middle of the matchsticks. To some, the cord is a distraction from the lamp itself and doesn't fit cohesively with the rest of the design. In the TikTok by @kevinconcepts, the DIY creator styles the lamp in the center of his coffee table, with the cord draping over the edge of the table and extending all the way to a wall outlet. "The cord is criminal," one TikTok user complained in the comment section. Another commenter agreed, saying, "The cord ruins it." Other users noted that they wished the retailer had made a cordless or battery-operated version of the lamp instead. 

Another thing to consider before purchasing the matchstick lamp from IKEA is that it has a relatively low customer satisfaction rating. The STRÅLA lamp is rated 2.7 out of 5 stars on IKEA's Swedish website, with buyers reporting that it was difficult to assemble or stopped working after just a couple of days. "The design of this light is really cool, but unfortunately, it stopped working after only three days of use. It wasn't left on for long periods, and we even tried multiple outlets, but it just won't turn on," one buyer explained in a 2-star review, adding, "It's disappointing since the style is great, and it's no longer available at my local IKEA or for shipping." Overall, the lamp has some design issues that might land it on the list of IKEA products that aren't worth buying.

Don't want your STRÅLA lamp's cord to be so distracting? Follow the cue of @andrefourthousand, who styled their lamp next to a desk just inches away from the outlet. Then, wrap the cord once around one of the matchsticks to shorten its length. Another option is to tuck the lamp next to a couch, TV, or other large piece of furniture and plug it in behind that to obstruct the view of the cord. Placing the lamp close to a wall or on top of a media cabinet also helps, since the cord doesn't have to extend as far to reach an outlet.

For additional cable management, consider using a cord protector or cable organizer so that the white cord isn't as noticeable or jarring.  If you have a knack for crafts, you can also hide the unsightly cord with a simple and stylish DIY, like macrame covers that make the wire look more appealing. Or, try using tape or another adhesive to attach it flush against one of the matchsticks, so it doesn't stick out straight from the center of the bundle. All this to say, if you're intentional with your placement and the way you incorporate the STRÅLA lamp into your interior design, you can avoid the cord becoming an eyesore.