That Time IKEA Invited a Bunch of People Over for a Sleepover
When you think of IKEA, you probably think of Swedish meatballs, the ultimate relationship test, and the feeling of new-furniture excitement immediately followed by the swell of panic when you think about putting everything together.
When you think of Airbnb, you probably think of a website that finds you alternatives to staying in a hotel. But when you think hotel alternatives, you’re probably not thinking about IKEA. Or rather, a sleepover at IKEA.
So, now is when we tell you to rethink everything you thought you knew. IKEA and Airbnb have joined forces in Australia as part of a promotional campaign, inviting users to spend the night in the furniture store. Airbnb and IKEA are kind of perfect together, as most of the time, Airbnb spots appear to be exclusively furnished by the furniture store. With that in mind, an IKEA sleepover doesn’t sound so far-fetched.
So why would you want to spend the night at IKEA? Cats did it that one time, and they seemed to have fun. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to have the whole maze of a store almost all to yourself? I’m guessing it would be like staying at a hotel, minus the room service and whole “closed-door” thing.
All you have to do to participate is be in Australia, have $11 to your name (more on that later) and choose from one of three showrooms: “Modern Elegance,” “Rustic Charm,” and “Inner City Living.” Oh, and then be selected to spend the night, by sending a message to Airbnb about what you love about one of the IKEA rooms.
These are the three show showrooms:
Three groups of no more than four guests will get to stay at each of these rooms overnight on August 31st. That begs the question: will this be filmed?
From what I’m seeing, no, but can you imagine that reality show? “Three families had nothing in common until now. . . they’re spending the night at an IKEA.
According to the lodging rental site, these showrooms are up for about $11 a night. Which is a steal. Once you get over the fact that you are sleeping in a furniture store.
The selected groups will also receive a “fancy dinner.” (Are frozen Swedish meatballs considered “fancy?” Unclear.) And guests will even get to keep their bed sheets. To quote the great Martha Stewart, “that’s a good thing.”
