Inflatable Furniture Takes Center Stage
The 1990s are calling, and the decade wants its bubble chair back. Once associated with novelty and children’s interiors, air-filled design is experiencing a revival. Production designer Jabez Bartlett’s ‘Inflatable Table’ series, with its cushioned PVC base and pearly, translucent resin tops, got lots of airtime this year, as it popped up at Milan and Copenhagen’s respective design festivals.
Meanwhile, Ikea launched its first inflatable chair since 1997, complete with a foot pump and a metal frame that anchors it in place. The Swedish furniture giant’s latest ‘PS’ collection marks a milestone for the brand as it’s the first time they’ve released inflatable furniture since the 1990s.
Ikea’s ‘PS 2026’ easy chair, designed by Mikael Axelsson, features two inflatable cushions set within a tubular steel frame. The chair is available for £129 on Ikea‘s website. This is not the only example of the trend, as other designers are also experimenting with air-filled design, such as kitchen leaders who incorporate innovative materials into their work.
Campeggi’s ‘Bienvenue’ inflatable bed is a world away from the tired blow-up mattresses of festivals past. Designed by Thélonious Goupil, it is part of a whole bedroom furniture kit that springs out of one compact box. The kit also includes a stool, headboard, duvet, pillow, and privacy screen, and is available for approximately £605.
The ‘Float’ pouf by Studio About pays homage to traditional doughnut-shaped swimming pool floats and will brighten any corner. There are four colored options available, as well as matching bolster cushions, for £309.
Jabez Bartlett’s ‘Table 002’ is another example of the trend, with a rounded form and translucent materials that give each table its own unique character, available for £5,700. It is part of a larger movement towards resilient design that prioritizes functionality and creativity.
Studio Ololoo’s ‘Bubble’ stool uses TPU airbags to create a cushioned seat, while the legs are made from ash wood in a small factory in Ningbo, China. The stool is available for approximately £685.
As the trend continues to grow, designers balance functionality with the unique aesthetic of air-filled design, potentially leading to more innovative and practical applications in the future. This shift towards air-filled design is likely to continue, offering consumers a wide range of options to add a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to their homes.
Minnidip’s ‘Cloud Chair’ by Emily Vaca is an actual swimming inflatable, with an undulating shape and rattan-inspired pattern, available for approximately £35.
They can expect to see even more unique and functional pieces in the future, with the combination of innovative materials and creative designs driving the trend’s growth in popularity.
It is a trend that will continue to evolve, with designers pushing the boundaries of what is possible with air-filled design.
