Ikea says it designed its upcoming KOMPISHÄNG collection for city-dwelling twenty-somethings bouncing between apartments. Still, at least one piece has the potential to take on a life of its own among another target consumer group.
As the name suggests, the KOMPISHÄNG desk was developed as a work-and-socializing table that’s easy to set up, break down, and move around town.
But those are the same design details that might make it feel right at home on well-appointed camp sites.
An elevated camp table for half the price?
Ikea early press materials state that the desk deploys in seconds — two pulls and two clicks, and it stands.
It measures 39 3/8 inches wide, 21 5/8 inches deep and 29 1/2 inches tall, which puts it solidly in medium-format camp table territory and big enough for people to surround.
The surface is clear-lacquered solid pine, giving it a warmth that aluminum competitors also simply can’t match.
There are two caveats worth flagging though that may only be answered through hands on experience.
The tabletop doesn’t fold — meaning you’re fitting a rigid 39-inch panel through a hatch or cargo door, which rules out smaller vehicles entirely. And while the collection is designed for life in motion, it’s unclear whether the lacquer finish is robust enough to shrug off morning dew, spilled coffee or genuine outdoor abuse.
Ikea’s own SOLUPPGANG folding camp table uses a eucalyptus top — a harder, more weather-resistant wood — for exactly that reason. Pine, even lacquered pine, is softer and more porous.
