Since the Swedes launched IKEA in 1943, the cult flatpack furniture following has grown - all over the world. Ready-to-assemble furniture is an innovative game-changer as a stylish furniture alternative to make a house (or apartment) a home, as well as for functional and versatile shop and office décor options. For a long time, South Africans were green with envy as Pinterest boards boasted the beauty (and affordability) of interior flatpack transformations.
If you’re looking to up the design ante (and storage and display choices) in your space - as a homeowner or renter - as well as impress your friends and family with your DIY décor skills - then you’re going to love South Africa’s recently launched flatpack furniture online destination.
Me&co’s Karoo-inspired story and flatpack furniture collection are here to banish any ‘IKEA envy’ with 6 motivating reasons to get you on ‘board’ and celebrate the beauty of flatpack furniture in your own home.
#1 Stylish simplicity
Gone are the days when mass-produced/affordable furniture meant compromising on quality and style.
Flatpack furniture introduces a whole new paradigm, seamlessly blending chic aesthetics with functional simplicity.
The clean lines, modern (and often modular) designs, and diverse colour palettes and wood patinas, make these pieces a versatile canvas for curating your dream space. Whether you're a minimalist at heart or a lover of eclectic designs, ready-to-assemble furniture effortlessly adapts to your style, budget, space constraints and personality.
#2 Endless possibilities
One of the most exciting aspects of the flatpack revolution is the sheer variety of options available. From bookshelves and headboards to TV stands, chests of drawers and wardrobes, the selection is limitless.
This array of choices empowers you to design a space that resonates with your vision (and get your space Instagram-ready). You get to customise your furniture layout - and maximise your storage - to suit your taste and fit your space.
#3 DIY delight
Let’s not underplay the satisfaction of working with your hands and ‘building’ furniture.
With flatpack furniture, the term ‘DIY’ has never been more appealing.
Armed with a Phillips screwdriver, our logical and easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions - written and visualised by South Africans for South Africans - and pre-drilled holes (plus access to an assembly video on our me&co product page), you can embrace your inner craftsman. (Your grandpa would be proud). As you piece together your chosen furniture - with clear instructions and all the necessary screws, bolts and Allen key for a hassle-free experience - there's a sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something unique for your home.
(But if the idea seems too daunting - you can purchase our products pre-assembled from one of our nationwide retail stockists).
#4 Affordability redefined
Without compromising on quality me&co’s flatpack furniture collection speaks to the budget-conscious designer in you.
As each piece is ‘deconstructed’ - i.e. sold in pieces - and requires assembly by the buyer, the manufacturing, assembly, shipping and transportation costs are significantly reduced and these savings are passed on to you, the consumer. This affordability allows you to experiment with styles, swap pieces according to seasons, and keep your space on-trend without breaking the bank.
#5 Convenience at its core
Fast-paced urban living highlights the value of convenience. Not everyone has a Bakkie or large SUV, and many apartment blocks don’t have access to large delivery vehicles.
Flatpack furniture steps in with its compact packaging and ease of transportation (The flat boxes fit into most cars). No more worrying about narrow hallways, tight stairways and 3rd-floor apartments. The ready-to-assemble pieces can navigate even the trickiest corners, making the entire process of furniture acquisition a stress-free experience.
And when it comes to moving home, your flatpack pieces easily go with you. Simply disassemble the furniture (as long as you have kept the Allen key in a safe space) and move on.
#6 Eco-friendly elegance
The flatpack revolution isn't just about aesthetics and convenience; it's also a nod to sustainability and conscious consumerism.
With reduced packaging and transportation costs, the environmental impact is significantly diminished. Flatpack furniture is a win-win solution; allowing you to make a stylish statement while contributing to a greener planet.
me&co | Your space, your style
As you join the flatpack furniture revolution and embrace ‘flatpack chic,’ me&co’s collection is your proudly South African go-to. We only use superior 16mm MDF or particleboard with luxurious double PU lamination which is rigorously quality-controlled and tested to surpass European E1 certified particleboard standards. All our hardware is not only locally sourced but also features an anti-rust coating for lasting quality.
Our pledge to your well-being and our planet's preservation is cemented in our stringent commitment to low formaldehyde emissions, guaranteeing a healthier, more sustainable home environment for the long haul.
Flatpack furniture has undergone a major design shift and transformation with me&co joining the ‘pack’ by designing and manufacturing quality, stylish and affordable collections for your lounge, bedroom and office.
Shop our proudly South African flatpack furniture collection.