Ikea Unveils 2026 PS Collection: A Decade of Playful Functionality
From a ratchet-adjustable stool to a flexible floor lamp, the latest PS Collection marks a return to Scandinavian simplicity with a focus on durable, analog design innovations.
Ikea has officially released its 2026 PS Collection, a range of 44 furniture pieces centred on the theme of 'playful functionality'. The collection, which marks the tenth iteration of the PS line since its inception in 1995, is designed to bridge the gap between home-office utility and multi-functional living. Available in physical stores from 14 May and online from 22 May, the range follows a preview at Milan Design Week in April and features contributions from several notable designers.
Central to the launch is the PS 2026 Easy Chair, an inflatable design by Mikael Axelsson that recently gained viral attention. The chair underwent strength testing by Axelsson’s four daughters to ensure the lever system was robust enough for everyday use. Axelsson also contributed a ratchet-adjustable stool to the collection, utilising a low-tech height adjustment mechanism inspired by simple woodworking tools. The design prioritises an analog experience, avoiding complex electronics in favour of mechanical reliability.
For those requiring flexible sleeping arrangements, the collection introduces two new options. Matilda Lindstam Nilsson designed a convertible chair-bed featuring pocket springs for mattress-level support, while Ola Wihlborg created a two-person sofa-bed incorporating both pocket springs and mattress foam. These pieces aim to accommodate impromptu sleepovers without compromising on comfort or aesthetic cohesion with traditional Ikea interiors.
The 2026 edition places a strong emphasis on home-office solutions, reflecting shifting work patterns. Wihlborg designed a collapsible four-seater desk that folds flat via large red wing screws, alongside a pink metal mesh cabinet with integrated lighting and cable outlets. Lex Pott, marking his first collaboration with Ikea, introduced a flexible floor lamp with 45-degree swivel points, allowing the light to transform from an uplighter to a spotlight. Pott also designed a powder-coated metal organisation trolley with colour-matching wheels.
Notable engineering innovations define the collection’s durability and sustainability. Marta Krupińska’s rocking wooden bench utilises a unique wood-gluing technique where beams are split and re-glued with reversed grain. This method was chosen over metal reinforcements to ensure the rockers could support adults while maintaining the product’s recyclability. The collection also includes a periscope-style clock by Krupińska and a birdhouse-inspired bedside table by Wihlborg, continuing the PS line’s tradition of combining Scandinavian simplicity with experimental design flair.
