Ikea invites people to sleep over

IKEA stores have become something of a unique presence in the interior decor world, with their welcoming colours and charmingly baffling names drawing unsuspecting people into their impossibly complex layouts. Now, those who wish they could live in the company's alternate Swedish universe have the chance.

Yes, the company has teamed up with Airbnb to offer the chance to sleep in IKEA for the night - presuming, of course, that people haven't already gotten lost in the store for 24 hours in the first place.

The company added three new listings to its range of pads available to rent, all three of them located in IKEA Tempe in Sydney and available for one night only: Sunday 31st August. The cost to spend a night in IKEA? A highly competitive $11.

People were invited to enter a contest on Airbnb by giving a reason why their family would like the chance to stay in the store, along with their choice of the following three "homes":

Modern Elegance

"This elegantly styled room is co-ordinated perfectly for the family with kids who like to camp out, and parents who wish they could sleep in," says IKEA, neglecting to mention that they will all be indoors.

Rustic Charm

"This wonderfully spacious room is reminiscent of a Swedish summer cottage," says IKEA, "with its decorative embroidery, lightly antique-stained finishes, and use of natural materials throughout." The fact that it is in a giant, blue superstore is not mentioned.

Inner City Living

"This room isn’t a room—it’s a 55 sqm two- bedroom apartment that embodies urban efficiency," says IKEA. Whatever that means.

Winners will also get to "participate in an evening of activities", reports PSFK, including "a workshop of tricks and tips that show how they can maximize their homes both for themselves and for guests". If it involves putting together flatpack furniture, though, couples should perhaps beware - although the scariest part of the experience could well be the "remarkable way" IKEA promises to wake its guests up in the morning.

Not located in Australia? Missed the competition date? Don't worry: people in China have been sleeping in IKEA for years.