Millennials Are In Agreement: The Fun Furniture Trend That Deserves A Comeback

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Some interior design trends are better left in the past. Whether it's because they're impractical or simply old-fashioned, certain furniture types, paint colors, and patterns have drifted out of the mainstream for a reason. However, there is one quirky design trend that was popular with teens and young adults in the 1990s, which some millennials agree they would love to see brought back to center stage: inflatable furniture. It seems these millennials associate inflatable chairs and sofas with a sense of fun and nostalgia — a way to satisfy their unfulfilled teenage dreams. For example, @saraparkerdesign posted a video on Instagram about '90s trends, commenting, "The things I would have done for inflatable furniture."

Luckily, millennials like saraparkerdesign and @simplynailogical on TikTok — who stated in a reel, "in my blowup furniture era yet again" — might just be getting their wish. Companies like Airmann and even Ikea are bringing inflatable furniture back into the spotlight, though in a different way. Back in the '90s, inflatable chairs were made in bright, primary colors, were squeaky, and were prone to leaks. These modern versions, however, are focused on durability and a sleeker, less childish design — perhaps aging the trend alongside millennials themselves. 

Airmaan, for instance, aims to create inflatable furniture that's more versatile, a goal made possible by its lightweight design. While the simplistic Bauhaus-inspired style of Airmaan may not suit your taste, a variety of other companies are now jumping in, suggesting it could continue to grow and diversify. Let's explore how this '90s design trend has changed, and how it can be styled in a modern home as a result.

While '90s inflatable furniture was designed to look blown-up, the 2020s version is different. Target, for example, is offering an inflatable bean bag-style chair — without the beans, of course — which comes in a laid-back, slate gray color. This is more suited to the neutral color palettes that have been widely favored in interior design following the '90s, breaking away from inflatable furniture's neon-colored reputation. 

And the items in Ikea's new range take inflatable furniture to a whole new level. Rather than emphasizing the blow-up nature of the pieces, the company seems to hide it by making them look more like traditional furniture. The Ikea PS 2026 Easy Chair, for example, comes with a metal frame for structure, and the inflatable cushions are covered in thick fabric that gives the look of regular upholstery.

Overall, this trend seems to be growing, as shown by the fact that when Architectural Digest reported on inflatable furniture in 2021, only a few companies were experimenting with this type of product. Today, however, more companies are producing inflatable furniture, many of which have elegant, inconspicuous designs that blend in with other pieces. If you want to style inflatable furniture in your own home without bringing back the '90s, try adding plenty of soft furnishings, such as pillows or throw blankets. This could help to blend the inflatable piece into the room while also giving it a cozy look and feel. Remember to use complementary colors so the inflated furniture feels intentional and not out of place.