Our Top Picks
- The Aesthetic Choice: IKEA Ombonad Goblet – The definitive dupe for the smoke-grey Iittala Lempi. It offers a sophisticated, moody silhouette and thick, high-quality glass for just $3.25 per stem.
- The Practical Choice: IKEA 365+ Goblet – For those prioritizing function, this is the ultimate stackable alternative. At $2.99, it mimics the "short wine glass" profile while being durable enough for daily use.
- The Verdict: While the Iittala Lempi remains a design icon for collectors, the IKEA alternatives offer a nearly identical Scandi-chic look with an 87.9% cost saving, making them the superior choice for frequent hosts.
There is a quiet revolution happening on our dining tables. The era of the towering, fragile wine glass—the kind that makes you hold your breath every time someone reaches across the table—is slowly giving way to something more grounded. I’ve noticed a significant shift toward the "low-profile" goblet. It’s a look that feels more relaxed, more European, and infinitely more practical for the way we live now.
At the heart of this trend is a single, iconic piece of glassware: the Iittala Lempi. Designed by Matti Klenell, it’s the gold standard of Finnish minimalism. But as a design editor, the question I get asked most is: "How do I get that look without the Iittala price tag?" If you’ve been eyeing those squat, chic tumblers but can’t justify the splurge, I have some very good news. IKEA’s Ombonad and 365+ series aren't just similar; they are the definitive budget-friendly answers to the Lempi aesthetic.
The High-End Standard: Why Everyone Loves Iittala Lempi
To understand why the IKEA versions are such successful dupes, we have to look at what makes the Iittala Lempi so special. Launched in 2012, the Lempi was designed to be the "universal" glass—elegant enough for a vintage Bordeaux but casual enough for your morning orange juice.
Its design profile is distinctive: a generous, rounded bowl sitting atop a very short, sturdy stem and a wide base. This "squat" shape gives it a modern, architectural feel that long-stemmed glasses lack. Beyond the looks, it’s made of lead-free crystal and is famously stackable.
However, the hurdle for many is the price and availability. A set of two Iittala Lempi glasses typically retails for $26.90. If you’re hosting a dinner party for eight, you’re looking at over $100 just for glassware. Furthermore, Iittala’s signature colors—specifically the elusive grey tint—are frequently out of stock or carry a heavy premium on the secondary market. This is exactly where IKEA enters the chat.
The Contenders: IKEA’s Budget-Friendly Alternatives
IKEA has long been the master of the "inspired by" design, and their current glassware lineup features two specific models that capture the Lempi magic for a fraction of the cost.
The Minimalist Choice: IKEA 365+ Goblet
If your primary concern is the functional, stackable nature of the Lempi, the IKEA 365+ goblet is your best friend. Priced at just $2.99 per glass, it is a workhorse of modern design. It features the same low-profile stem that reduces the risk of tipping. Most importantly, it is specifically engineered to be stackable, allowing you to save precious vertical space in small kitchen cabinets—a feature that mirrors the original Iittala design intent perfectly.
The Aesthetic Choice: IKEA Ombonad Goblet in Grey
For those chasing the vibe of the Lempi, specifically the moody, sophisticated smoke-grey version, the IKEA Ombonad goblet is the winner. This glass is part of IKEA's more "elevated" dining collections. The glass is slightly thicker than the 365+ series, giving it a weighted, premium feel in the hand. While the Iittala grey can be hard to source, IKEA maintains consistent 4-pack availability of the Ombonad series for under $15.
High vs. Low: The Price and Performance Breakdown
When we look at the numbers, the "Save" option becomes incredibly compelling. A single IKEA Ombonad goblet costs approximately $3.25. Compared to the $13.45 price point of a single Iittala Lempi glass, you are looking at a staggering 87.9% cost saving.
| Feature | Iittala Lempi | IKEA Ombonad | IKEA 365+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per glass) | ~$13.45 | ~$3.25 | $2.99 |
| Material | Lead-free Crystal | Machine-made Glass | Tempered Glass |
| Stackable? | Yes | No (limited) | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For... | Gift-giving & Collectors | Aesthetic dinner parties | Daily use & Large crowds |
From a performance standpoint, there are subtle differences. The Iittala Lempi is made of crystal, meaning it has a slightly higher level of clarity and a more delicate "clink" when toasted. However, for a busy household or a high-traffic summer party, the IKEA versions often perform better. The 365+ series is made of tempered glass, which is remarkably durable and resistant to the thermal shock that can happen in a dishwasher.
Styling Tips: Elevating Your IKEA Glassware
The beauty of these low-profile glasses is their versatility. They have a way of making a table feel curated rather than "stiff." To make your IKEA dupes look like a million bucks, it’s all about the context you place them in.
Here are a few ways I love to style these goblets:
- The "Quiet Luxury" Look: Pair the grey Ombonad goblets with off-white linen napkins and matte stoneware. The contrast between the smoky glass and the organic textures of the linen creates a high-end, Scandi-minimalist feel.
- The Minimalist Breakfast: Use the 365+ goblet for more than just wine. They are the perfect size for a yogurt parfait or a fresh green juice. Their "short" nature makes a breakfast tray look modern and intentional.
- The Layered Table: If you’re hosting a multi-course dinner, use these as your water glasses alongside traditional stemmed wine glasses. The height variation adds visual interest to your tablescape and prevents the table from looking like a "forest of stems."
Final Verdict: Should You Splurge or Save?
As someone who appreciates the heritage of Finnish design, I will always have a soft spot for Iittala. If you are a collector or looking for a meaningful wedding gift, the Iittala Lempi is a beautiful investment. There is a certain soul in owning the "original" version of a design icon.
However, for the vast majority of us—the people who actually host dinner parties, have kids running around, or just want a chic kitchen on a budget—the IKEA Ombonad and 365+ goblets are the clear winners. You get 95% of the aesthetic for about 12% of the price.
If you want that moody, grey, designer look for your next gathering, run to the IKEA marketplace and grab a few boxes of the Ombonad. Your guests won't know the difference, and your wallet certainly will.
FAQ
Are the IKEA Ombonad glasses dishwasher safe? Yes, like most IKEA glassware, the Ombonad series is dishwasher safe. However, to maintain the clarity of the grey tint over several years, I recommend avoiding the highest heat settings which can sometimes cause etching over time.
Can you really stack the IKEA 365+ goblets? Absolutely. They are specifically designed with a tapered interior that allows them to nest inside one another without getting stuck. This makes them a dream for anyone with limited cabinet space.
How does the color of the IKEA grey compare to Iittala? The IKEA Ombonad grey is a slightly cooler, smokier tone, while the Iittala grey can sometimes have a very faint blue or charcoal undertone depending on the light. In most home lighting environments, they are virtually indistinguishable.
