Ikea to build TV and internet into its furniture

IKEA, which already ranks as the world’s largest furniture maker, has agreed a joint venture deal that will see it push into the consumer electronics arena.

The Swedish retail giant, which has 280 stores worldwide including vast warehouses in Edinburgh and Glasgow, plans to launch a range of furniture with built-in television, DVD, internet and sound systems.

While the electronics will be made by Chinese manufacturer TCL Multimedia, Ikea has built everything around them, hiding the masses of cables out of view and harm’s way.

Ikea’s living room chief Magnus Bondesson said: “This is a large step for us. We are launching a new concept where you in one place can buy your furniture and your electronics – designed for and matched with each other from the start.

Prices for the range, which will be rolled out between this June and summer 2013, will start at about £600 for the simplest combination bench unit, television and sound system.

SCOTT REID