IKEA's $159 inflatable armchair has taken Australia by storm, with shoppers going wild for the nostalgic '90s-inspired design. The Swedish retailer recently launched the tenth edition of its PS range, and the PS 2026 'Easy Chair' is already a standout favorite. This vibrant bright green inflatable seat has sent social media into overdrive, tapping into the colorful furniture era of the 1990s.
Design and Features
The chair features a sturdy chrome metal frame and two individually inflatable cushions. Despite only hitting Australian shores this week, it has already gained a massive following overseas. Content creators and design enthusiasts have shared their thoughts online, with one thrilled buyer calling it "the coolest chair in the universe." They added that everything about it is "loveable" and that people genuinely won't believe it is inflatable because it is so comfortable.
While some shoppers were initially skeptical about the longevity and practicality of sitting on pockets of air, those who tested the armchair in person quickly shut down doubts. One person noted that it looks "super cute" in their space, while another user confirmed it is significantly more comfortable than it looks. Many buyers have also fallen in love with the nostalgia, with one fan simply commenting on the "throwback" design.
Nostalgic Appeal
Inflatable chairs exploded in the '90s because they were cheap, portable, and futuristic. They perfectly captured the vibrant, pop-art aesthetic of the decade and offered people a way to decorate their bedrooms with inexpensive, stylish furniture. The chair is a nod to that era, and according to early reviewers, you can easily fill the cushions with air using the included pump. Designer Mikael Axelsson says it only takes about "five songs" to blow up.
Axelsson has been vocal about the lengthy design process, taking to Instagram to share the creative journey behind the viral product. He explained that the team was guided by the crucial question of how to make an inflatable chair as comfortable and durable as one made of foam. Axelsson admitted that if it didn't feel like proper furniture, the entire concept would just be a gimmick. "Most who test it are surprised by how comfortable it is and realise it's air for the first time when they lift it up," he said. "It ships flat. You can take it under your arm and walk home. That's probably the best summary of what we were going for."
Practical Design
The functional design also includes a machine-washable, easy-to-remove fabric cover made from a blend of cotton and recycled polyester, ensuring any household spills can be cleaned up without drama. People online have been loving the innovative design.
The IKEA PS Collection
The viral green chair is part of a much larger, 43-piece drop known as the IKEA PS collection. Standing for Post Scriptum, the PS line acts as IKEA's dedicated, design-forward laboratory, creating experimental, limited-edition, and playful pieces. Rather than an annual release, the PS line drops periodically, with 12 global designers tasked this year with pushing the boundaries of traditional Scandinavian design while keeping price points accessible. The 2026 drop marks the tenth edition of the collection since it debuted 30 years ago in 1995.
This year's range includes clever, interactive designs, such as a table with a hidden drawer that pulls out from both sides, a height-adjustable stool with a manual, oversized lever, and a periscope-like reimagining of the iconic 1995 PS clock. Other key furniture pieces include a sculptural lounge chair that unfolds into a guest bed and a unique rocking bench that moves the moment a person sits down. It's reportedly 'easy' to assemble, taking just '5 songs' to inflate.
Promotional Stunt
To celebrate the launch of the collection, IKEA has staged a disruptive stunt in Sydney's Inner West to prove that good design can still be cost-conscious during a cost-of-living crisis. The brand has opened the doors to the 'IKEA PS Staycation', offering five groups of Australians the chance to spend the night in a fully styled, architecturally designed residence in Camperdown for $19.95 per night. Running from June 3 to June 8, the lucky guests secured their spots on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing them to live inside the new collection.
The incredibly low price point – which costs less than two servings of IKEA's famous meatballs – is a deliberate nod to 1995, the year the very first PS collection launched. Patricia Routledge, Head of Communications at IKEA Australia and New Zealand, said a typical night away in Sydney over a long weekend can easily cost hundreds of dollars. "Opening an extraordinary designer home for $19.95 is intentionally disruptive and a big nod to our core values of affordability and cost-consciousness," Routledge said. "The IKEA PS 2026 collection delivers that 'wow, I didn't see that coming' moment, something surprising, optimistic, playful and brave, while always staying affordable."
