It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at IKEA! This year, the Swedish home store has introduced new items to its holiday decor lines, STRÅLA and VINTERFINT, and one of the new paper lanterns, the STRÅLA lampshade, is already making waves. It’s nostalgic, colorful, and so festive, you’ll want one in every room in your home. And because it’s so affordable at just under $7, you can do just that without blowing through your shopping budget!
What Is the IKEA STRÅLA Lampshade?
Spotted by TikTok user @moneymaeee, this lantern is just one of many new IKEA holiday pieces, but it definitely stands out from the crowd. It’s a red-and-white checkerboard paper star lantern that you can use on a bunch of different IKEA lighting fixtures, meaning this one $7 lantern is incredibly versatile.
This STRÅLA star is meant to make a statement. It’s an impressive 28 inches wide and features seven points, each made from a sturdy yet lightweight checkerboard-printed cardboard. Assembly instructions differ depending on what kind of lighting fixture you want to attach it to, but the lantern comes with all the parts needed to turn it into either a pendant or a shade for a table or standing lamp.
Or, you can use battery-powered LED lights to illuminate your lamp like TikTok user Sasha did last year. LED cabinet puck lights stuck inside the lantern’s interior metal structure light the fixture from within. Sasha bought this pack of lights off of Amazon. They come in a warm white option and can be dimmed using the included remote control.
You could also just hang the STRÅLA lantern as is without adding a light to the inside. It’s just as impactful thanks to the fun and bold pattern!
If you don’t have an IKEA nearby or if this lantern sells out before you can snag it, consider this similar find from Urban Outfitters. This five-point lantern star is white, so it can last well beyond the holiday season. It’s a bit more expensive than the IKEA option, but the floral cutouts will illuminate a gorgeous pattern on your wall.
