In 1943, Ikea was established as a mail order company selling small items like fountain pens, lighters, and binders. The business operated from a kitchen and promoted its products through newsletters.

IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943 by 17-year-old carpenter Ingvar Kamprad. It has become the world's largest furniture retailer since at least 2008.

IKEA launches its first advertising campaigns to promote its products and brand.

In 1948, Ikea expanded its offerings by introducing furniture to its product line. This marked a significant shift in the company's focus and laid the foundation for its future success in the furniture industry.

In 1950, the first annual IKEA home furnishing catalog was released in Sweden, becoming a cornerstone of IKEA's marketing strategy until 2021.

In 1951, the first IKEA catalog was published, marking the beginning of a new era for the furniture company. The founder of IKEA recognized the potential of reaching a wider audience through a catalog, leading to the creation of the iconic IKEA catalog that is still popular today.

On January 1, 1953, IKEA opened its first furniture showroom in Älmhult, Sweden, showcasing its range of furniture products to customers.

On November 9, 1953, IKEA opened its first furniture showroom in Älmhult, Sweden. This marked a significant milestone in IKEA's history, as it allowed customers to experience the furniture in person and laid the foundation for IKEA's global success.

IKEA opens its showroom for the first time, allowing customers to see and touch home furnishings before ordering. This move is a response to a price war with a main competitor, showcasing the function and quality of IKEA's low-price products.

In 1956, IKEA introduced the concept of allowing customers to physically interact with home furnishings before making a purchase, marking a significant development in the IKEA business model.

In 1958, IKEA makes the decision to design its own furniture for flat packs and self-assembly. This choice is influenced by competitors pressuring suppliers to boycott IKEA, leading to IKEA taking control of its furniture design.

On November 9, 1960, the first IKEA restaurant was opened within the IKEA store in Älmhult, Sweden.

In 1963, IKEA expanded its presence by arriving in Norway.

On January 1, 1965, the first IKEA store opened in Sweden, marking the beginning of the iconic furniture retailer's journey.

In 1965, the first IKEA store outside Sweden opened in Oslo, marking a significant expansion for the furniture retailer.

In 1969, IKEA further expanded its presence by opening stores in Denmark, continuing its international growth.

On November 9, 1973, an IKEA store opened in Stockholm, Sweden, contributing to the company's growth and success.

In 1974, IKEA expanded its presence to Germany, further solidifying its position in the European market.

In 1980, IKEA expands its operations into Germany, which is considered the largest market for the company.

On January 1, 1982, the largest IKEA store opened in Stockholm, Sweden, featuring a unique circular design. This store's success led to the introduction of a self-serve warehouse, a key aspect of the IKEA concept.

The IKEA Group was formed in 1983 with its owner being the Stitchting INGKA Foundation based in the Netherlands. It was established by Ingvar Kamprad to create an ownership structure focused on independence and long-term goals.

In 1985, IKEA expanded its operations to the United States by opening a store in Philadelphia. This marked the beginning of IKEA's presence in the American market.

Anders Moberg assumed the roles of President and CEO of the IKEA Group on January 1, 1986.

In 1986, IKEA Group establishes an environmental policy to ensure environmental responsibility in all business activities.

Ingvar Kamprad steps down from his position in Group Management to take on an advisory role at the parent company INGKA Holding B.V.

In 1991, IKEA founded the industrial group Swedwood as part of its business expansion.

In 1996, IKEA introduced BoKlok, a range of flat-pack houses and apartments in Sweden in partnership with Skanska, aimed at providing affordable housing solutions for first-time buyers.

In 1999, IKEA acquires its own sawmills and production plants to establish the industrial group Swedwood, focusing on producing wood-based furniture and components.

In 2000, IKEA implemented a code of conduct for its suppliers, focusing on social, safety, and environmental aspects. This initiative involves around 60 auditors conducting numerous supplier audits annually to ensure compliance with laws, particularly in countries like China and India.

In 2001, IKEA Group initiates its own rail operations through IKEA Rail AB, as part of its strategy to promote sustainable transportation of IKEA materials and products.

In 2002, IKEA's television component of the 'Unböring' campaign titled Lamp, received multiple awards including the Grand Clio and Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.

In 2004, Inter IKEA Systems collected €631 million in franchise fees but reported pre-tax profits of only €225 million. There were significant undisclosed operating charges, and payments were made to I.I. Holding, likely controlled by the Kamprad family.

After the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, IKEA donated 500,000 blankets to aid the relief efforts in the region.

In 2006, IKEA introduced its own food label, covering 30 percent of its food products. The label focused on high-quality food based on Swedish recipes, available at affordable prices in IKEA stores and restaurants.

In December 2007, IKEA opened a store in Coventry with seven floors. However, this store closed down in 2020 due to unsuitability for future business.

In 2008, IKEA collaborated with The Sims 2 to release a stuff pack called IKEA Home Stuff, featuring various IKEA products.

On 8 August 2008, IKEA UK launched IKEA Family Mobile, a virtual mobile phone network, offering affordable pay-as-you-go services.

On January 1, 2009, Mikael Ohlsson took on the roles of Chairman and CEO at IKEA, leading the company's strategic direction and operations.

At the ECOSOC event in New York on 23 February 2009, UNICEF declared IKEA Social Initiative as its biggest corporate partner, with commitments exceeding US$180 million.

The first IKEA store in Latin America opened on 17 February 2010 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, marking IKEA's expansion into the region.

On 17 February 2011, IKEA announced plans to develop a wind farm in Dalarna County, Sweden, aligning with its goal of using renewable energy.

IKEA formed a partnership with TCL to offer integrated HDTV and entertainment system products.

In February 2013, IKEA faced a controversy when traces of horsemeat were found in Swedish meatballs, leading to a product recall.

The 2014 horror comedy novel Horrorstör is set in a haunted store called ORSK, which is modeled after IKEA. The novel mimics the IKEA catalogue's design.

Since 2015, IKEA has been reported to be the largest private landowner in Romania, showcasing its significant land ownership in the country.

In February 2016, the Greens / EFA group in the European Parliament issued a report on IKEA's tax planning strategies and their possible use to avoid tax in several European countries, sending it to European Commissioners Moscovici and Vestager to advance the fight for tax justice in Europe.

In June 2016, IKEA recalled all Malm dressers due to safety concerns after several incidents of tipping dangers.

On 12 September 2017, IKEA introduced the IKEA Place augmented reality app, allowing consumers to visualize IKEA products in real environments.

Founder Ingvar Kamprad passed away on 27 January 2018, marking the end of an era for IKEA.

In August 2019, IKEA and Sonos launched the SYMFONISK wireless speakers, including a lamp speaker and a bookshelf speaker, as part of their collaboration, along with accessories for mounting the bookshelf speakers.

In March 2020, IKEA announced a partnership with Pizza Hut Hong Kong for a joint venture. They launched a new side table called SÄVA, designed to resemble a pizza saver, with packaging resembling a pizza box.

In April 2020, IKEA acquired the AI imaging startup Geomagical Labs.

In July 2020, IKEA opened a concept store in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, Japan, where it launched its first ever apparel line.

On 14 January 2021, IKEA's Ingka Investments acquired approximately 10,840 acres near the Altamaha River Basin in Georgia, USA, with the aim to protect the land, restore the longleaf pine forest, and safeguard the habitat of the gopher tortoise.

On 8 April 2021, IKEA expanded its presence in Latin America by opening a store in Mexico City, catering to the growing market in the region.

On 3 March 2022, IKEA announced a €20 million donation to UNHCR to support Ukrainians affected by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In 2022, IKEA opened a store at Mall Taman Anggrek in Jakarta on April 7th. This store covered an area of 9,400 m2 (101,000 sq ft), providing a new IKEA location in the city.

On 10 August 2022, IKEA opened its first store in Chile, marking its entry into the South American market.

In September 2023, IKEA opened a store in Bogotá, Colombia, expanding its presence in South America.