IKEA’s 2026 PS Collection Sets a New Standard After 30 Years of R&D Regrets
Three pieces from the collection were recently unveiled: an inflatable chair, a rocking bench, and a three-way lamp
Amongst the three, Axelsson’s inflatable “Air Chair” embodies the Swedish manufacturer’s unrelenting persistence to rewrite the wrongs of one of IKEA’s most famous failures back in the 1990s, and start a new chapter of success.
Before its stunning debut, IKEA had long been experimenting with the idea of inflatable furniture for over 30 years. Back in the mid 90s, Swedish designer Jan Dranger presented IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad a radical proposal: substitute heavy wooden frames with air. To a company passionate about easily-assembled, packable furniture, this was the ultimate dream.
Seven years later, IKEA launched the “a.i.r” (air is a resource) series. A collection touted to usher in a new era of furniture that consumers could lift with one singular finger. However, that dream quickly vanished as these products faced ridicule from the public who saw the pieces as “swollen hippos” with electrostatic-prone surfaces that easily attracted dust. In fact, being extremely lightweight, shoppers would often prank IKEA staff and move them around the showrooms with ease. Other technical flaws cited ranged from unforeseen deflation when inflated with hot air due to thermal expansion, an unflattering ‘pffft’ sound when sat upon, and leaky valves. Although IKEA completely abandoned the project in 2013, it fuelled Axelsson’s determination to take on the challenge, sowing the seeds for the success of his new creation.
To verify whether air could truly provide the same comfort as “form”, Mikael Axelsson hand-welded 20 prototypes with designs drawing inspiration from tractor tires. The final piece’s main axis consists of two independent, adjustable air chambers, fixed within a tubular chrome frame, providing the chair with exceptional stability and a refined silhouette.
IKEA PS 2026 Inflatable Chair: 3 Major Evolutions
Ultimate assembly design
The entire chair (deflated) fits into a tiny box, reducing shipping volumes by 90% alone while utilizing only a sixth of materials traditional chairs require. An included foot pump allows for assembly to be completed in the same time it takes to listen to 5 songs. The design pays homage to IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad’s dream of flat packaging and presents a perfect answer to the environmental challenges of today.
Structural Stability
The days of inflatable chairs “moving” on their own are now in the past as Axelsson’s design incorporates an innovative carbon steel frame that functions as a sturdy mold, firmly locking the air chambers in place. This provides the piece a solid silhouette but also solves the problems of inflatable furniture being too light and lacking support.
Upgraded fabric and simulated foam seating
Addressing the issues of squeaking and static electricity associated with earlier models, the new generation of chairs is upholstered in a durable fabric cover. The cover’s lining contains a thin layer of foam-like material, eliminating the annoying “popping” sound and preventing static electricity buildup on the surface, leaving the chair with a dry, non-sticky feel, just like a traditional high-end chair. The chair features two independent, adjustable air chambers that support the seat and back respectively. This partitioned design ensures that air doesn’t shift under pressure, providing comfort and support.
