# Pre-Fab Furnished Stages IKEA Set Design Creates a Contemporary Atmosphere for Historical Operas By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-12-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-set-design References: [notcot.org](http://www.notcot.org/post/44832/) & [architizer](http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/35032/ikea-opera/) Planning the stage scenery for a production is an extraordinary undertaking, requiring an expansive creative imagination along with a mind for innovative engineering. It may hence surprise many to behold this [IKEA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-revealed) set design strategy. Indeed, the [Teatro Carlo Felice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/room-partition-system) in Genoa, Italy, furnished the sets of two performances, Gianni Schicchi and The Bell, with boxed built-it-yourself beds, tables, chairs and shelves. The [inexpensive Scandinavian pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fogias-collection) communicate a distinct sense of mass production, contrasting to the unique quality of objects with which theater scenes are generally treated. However, the IKEA set design has its advantages, for in its simplicity it showcases the magnificent costumes and the careful thought that went into the many tiny props. It acts as the white walls do in an art gallery, and subtly references the contemporary relevance of the historical subject matter. Photo Credits: [Designboom](http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/17940/ikea-goes-to-the-opera.html) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **IKEA Set Design:** Using IKEA furniture to create stage sets for productions. - **Mass Production Aesthetic:** Incorporating inexpensive furniture with a distinct sense of mass production into theatrical design. - **Contemporary References:** Using minimalist set design to highlight the contemporary relevance of historical subject matter. ### Where This Applies - **Theater and Performing Arts:** Opportunities for incorporating affordable and innovative set design elements in theater productions. - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Exploring partnerships with theater companies to provide pre-fabricated furniture for stage designs. - **Design and Decor:** Incorporating the mass production aesthetic into interior design trends for homes and public spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modern Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-revealed.md) - [Inflatable-Orb Stage Set Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whomadewho.md) - [Theatrical Curtain-Inspired Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sipario.md) - [Immersive Furniture Company Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/future-together.md) - [Harbor Opera Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hamburg-state-opera.md) - [Mountainous Repurposed Crate Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crate-installation.md) - [Experimental Furniture Design Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mise-en-abymes.md) - [Flexible Room Partition Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/room-partition-system.md) - [Festive Showroom Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seasons-eatings-at-ikea.md)