Designed to help us relax in moments spent indoors (particularly important among this period of lockdown against the COVID-19 pandemic), IKEA’s new April drop features sustainable and handmade products, plus the brand’s long-awaited air-purifying curtains.
The Gunrid curtains, when activated by daylight, break down common indoor air pollutants. Unlike typical air purifying units, the Gunrid curtains do not require electricity and are self-cleaning, meaning you can save water, energy and money reducing the number of washes.
The innovative technology uses a mineral-based photocatalyst coating that is applied to the textile to give it air-purifying superpowers, plus, the curtains themselves are made from recycled PET bottles. A pair of curtains is priced at $59.
“Besides enabling people to breathe better air at home, we hope that Gunrid will increase people’s awareness of indoor air pollution, inspiring behavioural changes that contribute to a world of clean air,” says Lena Pripp-Kovac, head of sustainability at Inter IKEA Group.
“Gunrid is the first product to use the technology, but the development will give us opportunities for future applications on other textiles.”
![ikea-air-purifying-curtains](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ikea-air-purifying-curtains.jpg)
Other items in the April drop that has us excited include the Klarafina and Moakajsa cushion covers, $19.99 each.
The pastel covers with intricate stitching and delicate tassels are handmade by skilled artisans in the remote regions of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India as part of a social entrepreneur’s initiative that supports the livelihoods and local handicraft traditions.
Since 2013, IKEA has employed over 1070 people to work on several collections, including this one.
![ikea-cushions](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ikea-cushions.jpg)
Another item garnering excitement is the Tiphede rug, made of 100% recycled cotton with yarn scraps, and makes for a natural alternative to oil-based rugs.
“It uses no new raw materials and helps reduce climate impact,” says IKEA, adding that with the rugs beautiful off-white colour, it can comfortably sit anywhere in the house, no matter your home’s aesthetic.
What’s more, it’s an incredibly affordable piece at just $19.99.
![ikea-cotton-rug](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ikea-cotton-rug.jpg)
Take a scroll below for more of our fave pieces. You can browse the whole collection and shop from IKEA in stores and online from April 1.
![ikea-rug](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ikea-rug.jpg)
![ikea recliner chair](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Shantell-Martin0328-Recovered.jpg)
![ikea-lamp-april](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ikea-lamp-april.jpg)
![ikea-chair](https://thelatch.com.au//wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ikea-chair.jpg)