After a ten-year hiatus, IKEA is officially back with the latest rendition of the iconic PS Collection, which I was lucky enough to preview ahead of the launch. And, while each of the 44 designs had its own unique appeal, there was one in particular I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
Designed by Lex Pott, the Floor Uplighter may appear simple upon first glance, but once you look a little closer, you’ll quickly realize it’s anything but. Thanks to two completely discreet hinges, this lamp can be twisted and turned, transforming from an uplighter to a spotlight to a reading lamp, all with a simple shift. It’s one of those products you can’t believe didn’t exist before, and you will want to add it to just about every room in your home.
Centered on the theme of playful functionality, the IKEA PS Collection is all about exploration, innovation, and excitement, and each design offers a unique take on the concept, blending a joyful visual language with forward-thinking, modern design solutions. “It’s a joint sort of feeling in the room when you see a product, where people are drawn in, and you see there’s an interaction and maybe even a smile on the face,” says Maria O’Brian, the creative lead behind this year’s collection. There’s an element of surprise in these designs, something that makes them different enough to catch your attention, while still being simple enough to work in any home — and that’s exactly what this product does so well.
IKEA
Ikea PS 2026 Floor Uplighter
A genuine feat of modern engineering, don’t let the seemingly simple design fool you. With discreet, hidden hinges, this lamp can be twisted and adjusted to various angles, giving you control over the direction of light. Style it fully upright as an uplighter, or twist it down to use as a reading lamp. The best part of this design is that you don’t have to choose; it’s a product that can adapt to your needs, switching purpose as you see fit. In home offices and living rooms alike, this is the type of addition that will seamlessly fit into your space. And, since it comes in multiple colorways, there’s no reason you can’t include one in every room in your home — particularly at this price point. The high-gloss, lacquer finish lends a modern, chic touch to all three of the on-trend shades: a classic IKEA blue, a zingy chartreuse lime, and, my personal favorite, a rich burgundy.
Lex Pott’s ‘Lamp That Bends’
The designer, Lex Pott, alongside his creation for this year’s IKEA PS Collection.
(Image credit: IKEA)
You know you’re onto a winner when your design actually sparks annoyance amongst your colleagues. And that was exactly the case with Lex Pott’s genius, bendable floor lamp. In fact, not one, but three other IKEA designers told me their biggest regret was not coming up with the Scandinavian lighting design themselves. And I can see why. Surprisingly simple, and yet undeniably original.
For Lex, the opportunity to design for IKEA’s PS Collection was a chance for real exploration and experimentation. “I literally grew up with it,” he says of the earlier collections, several of which were released while he was completing his studies. So, when it came to creating his own contribution, it only made sense to refer back to what had come before.
“The common denominator was explicit exploration and experimentation,” he tells me, a theme that is certainly present in his designs. “There are a lot of icons that came out of it, but at the same time, it provided me a lot of freedom to think openly and use that heritage and legacy towards new openings,” he explains.
“Each PS represents signs of the time,” notes Lex, and, with this collection, there is a certain element of optimism and playfulness that feels particularly prevalent. In its saturated tones and secretly flexible form, this lamp challenges your expectations, inviting an element of play into your home. Equally prevalent across the designs, though, is a focus on small-space solutions, but not as you may expect.
It was important for Maria that this collection didn’t simply miniaturize products, but offered new, creative ways to make the most of your available space — something this lamp does uniquely well. Describing their modern approach to small-space living, Maria says, “Lex’s lamp, for example, is three lamps in one. One sort of footprint which is also really smart for a small space living situation, but it doesn’t scream ‘I’m made for a tiny space’.”
Stylish Alternatives
habitat
Habitat Cone Adjustable Floor Lamp
Although not quite as modern and sleek, this design isn’t a million miles away from the new IKEA floor lamp. There’s a classic appeal to it, and the light pink shade would make it a perfect addition to a kid’s room. And, thanks to a flexible hinge around the conical head, it lamp can be adjusted freely, so you can control the direction of the light.
John Lewis
John Lewis Elliott Floor Lamp
A grown-up version of the Pixar lamp, this floor lamp would look just right in a modern loft conversion or an industrial-style living room. The smooth, sliding joints allow for easy adjustments, and the high-gloss finish and various colorways feel reminiscent of Lex’s shiny design.
GUBI
Adjustable Small Reading Lamp Gräshoppa
Designed in 1947 by pioneering female designer Greta M. Grossman, this three-legged design is known for its iconic tilted look, which appears as if it’s falling backwards. This, and its adjustable conical shade, have made this lamp a popular choice for several decades.
Anglepoise
Type 75 Floor Lamp Margaret Howell
Instantly recognizable, the Anglepoise lamp is one of the most iconic designs of the 20th century. This version sees the 1930s classic given a modern makeover. In a palette selected by designer Margaret Howell, this floor lamp maintains the iconic form, with a refreshed hue.
National Lighting
National Lighting Amalfi Standing Floor Lamp
With a super-flexible goose-neck design, this antiqued brass floor lamp brings this modern feature to a more classic design style. Finished in one of the most popular metallic finish trends, this lamp brings some burnished warmth into your home.
Betta Lighting
Betta Lighting Mother and Child Uplighter Floor Lamp With Reading Light
A genius two-in-one design, this overhead lighting alternative works as both an uplighter and a reading lamp at the same time. The mother-and-child design features a fully-adjustable reading light arm attached to a durable body, and, thanks to a dual switch system, both lights can be used independently.
If you ask me, this lamp would be a worthy addition to our list of the best IKEA products.
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