A Woodworker Discovers This Thing Called Ikea

A modern dating axiom declares, “Don’t marry or move in with someone until you’ve built Ikea furniture together.” The idea, of course, is that during the trials of assembling predrilled plates of painted MDF from the hushed forests of the Vikings, a man will likely discover something about his beloved — some flaw in her character — and vice versa. It’s a trite little apothegm, which should match beautifully with this Millennial writer’s general musings about Ikea’s cultural power. But just because these observations are well-worn doesn’t make them wrong.

As best I can reckon, the pursuit of liberty is why young people gravitate to the brand.

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

A modern dating axiom declares, “Don’t marry or move in with someone until you’ve built Ikea furniture together.” The idea, of course, is that during the trials of assembling predrilled plates of painted MDF from the hushed forests of the Vikings, a man will likely discover something about his beloved — some flaw in her character — and vice versa. It’s a trite little apothegm, which should match beautifully with this Millennial writer’s general musings about Ikea’s cultural power. But just because these observations are well-worn doesn’t make them wrong.

As best I can reckon, the pursuit of liberty is why young people gravitate to the brand.