Ikea’s Colorful New Bluetooth Speakers Are Made to Be Seen
▼ Summary
– Ikea is launching two new Bluetooth speakers (Solskydd and Kulglass) next month as part of a larger collection, following the end of its partnership with Sonos.
– Both speakers are designed to blend technology and decor, with Ikea treating them as part of home atmosphere through form, color, and character.
– The Solskydd is a family of round speakers in three sizes, with the smallest being portable and offering up to 25 hours of battery life, while all models can be wall-mounted or placed on stands.
– The Kulglass speaker lamp combines a whimsical, ice cream-inspired lamp shade with a Bluetooth speaker in its base and includes a volume knob for control.
– Ikea’s speakers support Bluetooth, Spotify Tap, and multi-speaker connectivity, allowing stereo pairing or syncing up to 100 units, with US availability expected on January 1, 2026.
Ikea is set to launch two new Bluetooth speaker models next month, marking a fresh direction following the conclusion of its collaboration with Sonos. These additions, named Solskydd and Kulglass, are designed to serve as stylish home accents that deliver audio without the typical tech-centric appearance. Blending seamlessly into room decor, each piece emphasizes form and color as much as sound quality, reflecting Ikea’s commitment to products that enhance a living space visually and acoustically.
According to Ikea product developer Sara Ottosson, the company approached these speakers with the same design philosophy applied to furniture and home accessories. “We treat speakers with the same care as the rest of the home,” Ottosson explains, “so they contribute to a room’s atmosphere and personality not only through sound but also through form, color, and character.” To achieve this, Ikea worked alongside designer and color specialist Tekla Evelina Severin, resulting in speakers that defy conventional expectations.
The Solskydd series includes round speakers offered in three distinct sizes, with designs that could easily be mistaken for decorative trays or wall art. The smallest model, measuring eight inches and priced at $79.99, conceals a 2.5-inch driver behind a fabric cover featuring a vibrant orange checkerboard pattern. Despite its compact build, this version can produce sound levels up to 80.5 decibels and includes a rechargeable battery capable of up to 25 hours of playback, making it the only portable option in the lineup.
A mid-sized 11-inch Solskydd speaker retails for $99.99 and combines a 1-inch tweeter with a 4-inch woofer, reaching up to 83.6dB. Its fabric surface displays green, brown, and beige diagonal stripes, and like the smaller version, it can be hung on a wall or placed on an included stand. The largest 18-inch model, priced at $139.99, is equipped with a 1-inch tweeter and dual 4-inch woofers, delivering up to 93.6dB of sound behind an orange textured finish. This version is intended exclusively for wall mounting. Both larger Solskydd models offer three equalizer settings, and all three sizes are also available in simple white for a more understated look.
Beyond standard Bluetooth pairing, these speakers support Spotify Tap, allowing users to resume music directly from the streaming app. They also feature multi-speaker connectivity, enabling stereo pairing for television audio or linking up to 100 units to play in sync across large areas.
For those seeking a multifunctional device, the Kulglass model merges a playful lamp with a capable speaker. Priced at $129.99, its shade resembles a soft-serve ice cream swirl, while the base houses a 1-inch tweeter and 3.5-inch woofer capable of 82.6dB output. Available in green or red color options, the Kulglass includes a physical volume knob, offering tactile control compared to the button-based adjustment on Solskydd models.
While specific release dates will differ by country in December 2025, US customers can expect the new Ikea speakers to arrive in stores starting January 1, 2026.
(Source: The Verge)
