2 min readThere might be no place like home, but let’s be honest: IKEA is a close second. Since the Scandinavian retailer first opened its doors in 1943, it’s been the go-to spot for everyone, including interior designers, to find affordable, functional, and often-customizable pieces that don’t sacrifice an ounce of style. So it’s only fitting that IKEA would be the brand to make inflatable furniture cool again.
Yes, you read that correctly: Inflatable furniture. When most people think of inflatable furniture, they probably envision a blow-up chair that dominated children’s bedrooms in the 1990s or that pneumatic mattress that’s always limp and deflated by the time you wake up.
But kitschy and shoddy the PS 2026 Chair is not: IKEA has been fascinated by chic inflatable furniture—you know, the kind that can be just as comfortable as foam—since the 1990s and created 20, hand-welded prototypes to get it right. Turns out, the answer lies in two separate and adjustable air chambers that are joined together by a tubular chrome frame.
So, how does it work? We’re really happy you asked: House Beautiful got a look at the collection during Milan Design Week, and the whole setup is surprisingly simple—not to mention the chair ships in a flat package. Once you assemble the metal frame, stick the inflator’s hose into each cushion’s air chamber. Simply step on the easy-to-use foot pump and watch the cushions inflate in real time.
Not only does a clever zipper closure keep the air inside—no leaks here, people!—but a small amount of polyester wadding and polyurethane foam minimize those awkward squeaks most inflatable furniture makes. And best of all? Though this chair feels substantial when you sit down, it’s shockingly lightweight. Whether you want to keep the heavy lifting to a minimum or are chronically rearranging your furniture, this light-as-air modality will be a total game-changer.
Most design enthusiasts will agree that finding a great seat for under $500 can be a challenge, but the PS 2026 Chair’s $200 price tag makes this inflatable piece even more appealing.
Like the rest of the 2026 PS Collection, the inflatable chair is sold exclusively in IKEA’s United States stores from May 14 through May 27. Fortunately, the entire collection will be available online starting May 28. Translation: If you don’t want to venture out to your nearest IKEA, consider this your sign to mark yourself available. We mean, this is an inflatable chair that’s durable, comfortable, and affordable—it won’t stay in stock for long.
