The Story of Flat Pack Furniture: Convenience Over Craft?

Flat pack furniture — we’ve all wrestled with it. You open a box with 38 screws, an Allen key and a hope that you’ll have a usable shelf by the end of the afternoon. But where did this flat-pack phenomenon come from?

Although ready-to-assemble furniture exploded in popularity thanks to IKEA in the 20th century, the concept goes back further. In 1859, the Thonet No.14 bentwood chair was designed to be disassembled and shipped worldwide. A smart idea, especially for shipping across Europe.

Vintage Danish Lounge Chair Brown Leather Bentwood Farstrup Retro EB8885a MBEN - UKDK FURNITURE

Vintage Farstrup Bentwood Chair

Item Information

£300.00 GBP

Fast forward to the 1950s, when a Swedish technician named Gillis Lundgren couldn’t fit a table into his car. So he sawed the legs off. He later pitched the idea to his boss at IKEA, and the rest is history. Flat-pack furniture allowed retailers to save on shipping and warehouse space while offering lower prices to customers.

But cheaper doesn’t always mean better.

The Pros:

  • Lower cost

  • Easier to transport

  • Ideal for quick setups or student flats

The Cons:

  • Often made from MDF or chipboard, which isn’t as durable as solid wood

  • Assembly can be time-consuming and confusing

  • Frequent disassembly can weaken the piece

  • Not always built to last — especially when compared to vintage furniture

Today, flat pack furniture is everywhere — but its limitations are clear. Compared to solid wood pieces or mid-century furniture made from quality materials, flat-pack doesn’t always hold up. Flat-pack doesn’t last forever — but a vintage teak table might. 

If you’re looking for sustainable furniture that lasts, it might be time to shop secondhand. Discover timeless craftsmanship and Shop All Products here.

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