If you've ever bought furniture only to come home and discover it doesn't fit the space or look the way you hoped, you will love the revolutionary new app from IKEA. The Swedish furniture store is effectively offering customers the chance to try before they buy, and see how an item will look in their own homes.
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IKEA Place uses augmented reality technology to allow prospective buyers to see how their chosen item will look in their home simply by pointing their camera at the space they want to put it. The app will then superimpose an image of the product into view. Sizing will be to scale, and shoppers will even be able to see where its shadow will fall. After examining how the furniture looks up close and from every angle, users can even share photos of the mocked-up room to get a second opinion from family and friends.
IKEA's app allows people to see what furniture will look like in their homes
The app is expected to be made available for iPhone and iPad users when Apple's upcoming iOS11 software update launches later this month. Up to 600 items should be ready to preview in 3D initially, with priority given to IKEA's newest products and furniture.
Michael Valdsgaard, IKEA's digital transformation manager, called IKEA Place a "complete game changer". Meanwhile IKEA Concept's communications business partner Caroline Hjertstrom said: "It bridges the imagination reality gap for you as it transforms your home and how you look at home furnishings — IKEA Place is the place where you go to find out the design possibilities for your home."
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The aim of the app is to allow customers to experiment with different designs and products more easily. "We wanted to break down the barriers for people imagining what is possible in your space, and make the possibilities real. Enable people to stop wondering and start doing," Caroline said. We can't wait to try this!
See more home inspiration here.
