The IKEA PS series, first unveiled at Salone del Mobile in Milan in 1995, has long served as a platform for experimental and innovative home furnishing design. After a nine-year gap since the previous edition, IKEA is releasing "IKEA PS 2026" — the 10th collection in this storied series — starting May 28, 2026, at IKEA stores across Japan, followed by availability on the IKEA online store from June 1, 2026.
The "PS" in the series name stands for "plus" or "supplement," a nod to the collection's original intent to offer something beyond IKEA's standard product lineup. Over more than 30 years, each IKEA PS collection has served as an experimental space for exploring "democratic design — design for everyone" in its purest form, with a pioneering spirit of Nordic design as a common thread throughout.
For IKEA PS 2026, the theme is "playful functionality." Created by one creative leader and 12 designers, the collection introduces 44 new products that explore movement, transformation, and the smart use of space. Guided by the shared brief of "interpreting Nordic design in your own way," the products are simple without being boring, and functional while remaining full of character. Each piece is designed to stimulate human curiosity and the natural instinct to interact.
Maria O'Brian, Creative Leader at IKEA of Sweden, describes the concept:
"At the core of IKEA PS 2026 is the idea that simplicity is never boring — it can actually bring design to its most pure and appealing form. We want people to be surprised as they use it, and for that simplicity to lead to discovery. I hope products with multiple functions and unexpected details will bring joy to people."
Playful Details
The "playful details" woven throughout IKEA PS 2026 are designed to be discovered, not simply observed from a distance. A table, for example, features hidden drawers on both sides — it functions as a dining surface for two people facing each other, but can also transform into a game board for chess and similar games. A simply shaped chair invites users to sit upright, sideways, or lean back with their full weight. A height-adjustable pine stool features a large gear-style lever that practically begs to be turned the moment you notice it.
Living in Limited Spaces
The IKEA PS series has always focused on how people want to live and what they look for in the objects around them. With homes constantly changing and a single space often serving multiple roles, IKEA PS 2026 addresses the needs of people living in limited spaces.
When space is constrained, every object in the home needs to earn its keep. Several products in the collection do far more than they appear. A floor lamp can be manually rotated at its angled joint to switch between three lighting positions — spotlight, reading light, and uplight — each creating a completely different atmosphere. A lounge chair unfolds in three steps to become a guest bed. A folding chair, when not needed as furniture, can be hung on the wall as three-dimensional art. Functions are hidden until needed or seamlessly integrated into the design, allowing the pieces to blend naturally into daily life.
Material Innovation and Craftsmanship
IKEA has been experimenting with air as a material in furniture since the mid-1990s. With IKEA PS 2026, that long-running experiment reaches a successful conclusion: an inflatable chair featuring two independent air chambers built into a chrome-plated tubular frame. Delivered as a flat-pack with a foot pump included, the at-home assembly process is itself a unique experience.
Traditional craftsmanship is also a defining thread running through the entire collection. Designer and master furniture maker Friso Wiersma created two solid wood storage pieces drawing on techniques developed through shipbuilding. The cabinet fronts feature a structure inspired by wood-weaving techniques, with the craftsmanship and human touch clearly expressed. A wide-plank pine shelf features distinctive red-painted edges — a traditional technique used to prevent wood from cracking as it dries. Since the pine is left unfinished, it develops its own natural patina with use over time.
Designers' Perspectives
Johan Lagerström, Strategic Deputy Head of Design Direction at IKEA of Sweden, shares what drives the new collection:
"The IKEA PS series has always been an answer to how people want to live today and in the future. The new collection focuses on building emotional connections through play — through movement, interaction, color, and expression. The theme is 'playful functionality,' and this is something very important and needed right now. Playfulness and functionality reinforce each other. Function is clear, but playfulness makes objects more intuitive and appealing, and their charm grows over time. People want joy embedded in the things they use every day, and we believe these two elements make products more desirable and encourage people to keep and cherish them for longer."
Designer Mikael Axelsson explains his approach:
"Far too much design is treated as precious and untouchable. I wanted to create the opposite reaction — something that sparks curiosity and interest. Playful furniture, used and lived with, brings joy to everyday life. The collaborative process with other designers was also memorable. Because this collection is about human interaction, it was crucial to actually touch and test things and observe reactions. Watching each other's responses and learning from each other's approaches to function, material, and play led to a more refined and unique collection."
Designer Friso Wiersma reflects on the creative process:
"What's distinctive about working at IKEA is that development happens close to the factory. Through dialogue with production, we adapt ideas into products that can be efficiently manufactured and scaled, while still preserving the essence of the original concept. The cabinet I worked on was born through hands-on construction, trial-and-error weaving, and close collaboration with craftspeople. The first idea sketch never becomes the final version — through ingenuity and cooperation, the warmth, authenticity, and connection of true craftsmanship can be realized at a low price."
Featured Products
IKEA PS 2026 Easy Chair – ¥21,990
Designed by Mikael Axelsson, this personal chair combines a sturdy, elegant chrome-plated metal frame with inflatable cushions for a comfortable, flexible seating experience. The firmness and feel can be adjusted to individual preferences using the included pump. The cover is machine washable for easy care.
IKEA PS 2026 Floor Uplight – ¥9,990
A versatile floor lamp that can be bent, twisted, and repositioned to illuminate wherever needed. It converts between mood lighting, uplight, reading lamp, and wall lamp — a perfect partner for the sofa.
IKEA PS 2026 Shelf Unit – ¥34,990
Designed by Friso Wiersma, this simple pine piece develops beautiful character over time with use. The red-painted wood edges reference a traditional timber-drying technique. Inspired by classic IKEA designs from the 1980s, the long shelves create a light and airy feel.
IKEA PS 2026 Bench – ¥24,990
Unlike an ordinary chair, this bench gently sways from side to side. Made from solid pine, each piece has its own unique grain and color, making it truly one of a kind. Multiple layers of lacquer enhance durability for daily use.
IKEA PS 2026 Cabinet – ¥54,990
Designed by Friso Wiersma, the hand-woven pine veneer doors of this cabinet express the care and skill of traditional craftsmanship, bringing a natural texture and warm atmosphere to any interior. The spacious interior, free of vertical dividers, accommodates bulky items. The piece grows more beautiful with time.
IKEA PS 2026 Stool – ¥14,990
Designed by Mikael Axelsson, this distinctive stool offers four height settings so users can find the perfect fit. Each stool has its own unique grain and coloring. Also ideal as a small side table, it adds personality to any space.
IKEA PS 2026 Chair Bed – ¥39,990
A chair bed that blends functionality and comfort. Use it for daytime naps or gaming sessions during the day, then convert it into a bed for guests at night — an ideal choice for smaller spaces. Colorful details add a modern accent. The removable, machine-washable covers make upkeep easy.
IKEA PS 2026 Side Table – ¥5,999
A convenient folding side table with a handle that makes it easy to carry and set up instantly anywhere for extra workspace or surface area.
IKEA PS 2026 Chair – ¥15,000
A colorful chair that welcomes any sitting style — face forward, face backward, or lean on the backrest as an armrest. The seat and backrest are softly padded regardless of which way you sit. Seat and backrest covers are easily removable and machine washable.
IKEA PS 2026 Wagon – ¥8,999
Keep essentials close at hand with this rolling wagon. The extra-large round wagon rotates as it rolls in, adding a playful style statement wherever it's placed.
IKEA PS 2026 Cushion Cover – ¥1,499
One side features a vivid ink-blot-style patterned design; the other is fresh white cotton — a playful accent for any room. Made from 100% cotton, soft and durable, and machine washable for easy care.
IKEA PS 2026 goes on sale at IKEA stores in Japan starting May 28, 2026, and on the IKEA online store from June 1, 2026. For the full collection, see the IKEA PS 2026 collection page.
