A rocking bench, a lamp that folds, and … an inflatable chair. In what way? Just what you think, or rather, not how you think, but in an even more imaginative key. IKEA doesn’t think straight and is ready to launch its tenth collection, PS 2026, which will be released on May 14, 2026 with more than 35 products. Since 1995, when the brand launched its first IKEA PS collection, with the idea of making “design democratic” through cutting-edge pieces but most importantly with affordable prices for everyone, IKEA has never abandoned this idea and focuses on playful functionality: that is, simple and useful objects that bring joy to everyday life.
But already from the anticipations leaked on social media by the Swedish brand, inevitably the attention and curiosity of many have focused on one piece above all others. A designer armchair whose upholstery is inflatable. Despite the fact that this type of furniture in the 1990s was not as successful as IKEA expected, designer Mikael Axelsson was undeterred, relying on air as the material to pad the cushion of the armchair unveiled by the furniture giant. This time, after numerous attempts, the formula should be the perfect one, as IKEA’s own website explains. “With a foam cover and a carbon steel frame, this armchair is stable, durable and filled with our favorite material: air.”
“My initial idea was to create a metal structure with a balloon trapped inside. This not only makes the structure more solid and sturdy, but also gives it a more playful look, like a balloon inflating,” Axelsson explains. Right idea to share during Milan Design Week? Why not. In the days of the most anticipated week in Milan, in fact, IKEA as always participated by showing a preview of three pieces from the new collection, with the inflatable armchair inevitably at the forefront of visitors’ preferences, who are also talking about it on social media. The price of this design piece? Apparently 129 euros, according to videos of some lucky people who saw it. Would you take it?
[📸 ikea.com]
