5 New Ikea Products We Love From the Holiday Collection

Fall is about feeling warm and comforted. As I write this, it’s 90°F in New York, and it’s the wrong kind of warm, and decidedly not comfortable. So, I’m happy for any reminders that my favorite season is indeed lurking right around the corner.

Which is why IKEA’s new collection is so well-timed, with its special range of holiday homeware. Aptly named Värmer, which means “warming” in Swedish (add that to your glossary of Scandinavian buzzwords), the collection hopes to embody everything that we love about the holidays: inviting interiors, cozy gatherings, great conversation (and cakes and casseroles).

Aesthetically, the collection achieves a vibe that’s both warm and cozy and super Scandi and chill, which is interesting, but not surprising, given that it's been designed by two husband-wife designer teams from two different parts of the world—one from Sweden, the other from Kenya (which goes to prove holiday season is holiday season, snow or sunshine). That the designers “used their own families as the starting point for a truly personal collection” makes things even more, well … värmer.

Here are five products that we’d love to own ourselves:

1. Extra-wide chair

This chair is the physical embodiment of a warm and cozy hug. And that’s because that’s exactly what it’s intended for. It’s no coincidence that this easy chair is slightly wider—the idea is that two people should be able to sit together and enjoy being close, with or without a warming beverage in hand.

2. Ash Veneer Basket

Can anyone have too many baskets? Nope. Never. This beautifully minimal basket is the perfect addition to any collection, to store and to organize things: books you want to binge read, fluffy throws, wood for the fireplace … I could think of a million uses for it.

3. Chandelier with candles

A good chandelier does more than just brighten up a room—it can totally transform a space. And when it comes with candles, farmhouse-style, it creates an even more inviting glow to bask under.

4. Blue stoneware Bowls

The Kenyan design duo were inspired by Swahili porcelain and Kenyan Kanga fabrics when they designed these snack bowls. “During the winter festive season, it’s hot in Kenya and it’s the harvest season for avocados, which gave us the idea for the shape,” they said of the design. We think these are ripe for a Netflix-marathon party as receptacles for a selection of fall-perfect snacks and appetizers.

5. Spinning tops, set of three

When holiday dinner conversations get touchy, as they sometimes can (because, family!), distract your guests with a colorful spinning top (or three). Or you could challenge them to compete to see who does the dishes.

What's your favorite product from this collection? Let us know in the comments below!