Swedish furniture giant IKEA has introduced a fresh take on one of its most iconic designs, the POÄNG armchair, as part of its Nytillverkad collection celebrating the company’s 80th anniversary. The new low-back version of the beloved chair aims to blend nostalgia with modern sensibilities, offering a more social seating option for today’s homes.
The Nytillverkad collection, which means “newly made” in Swedish, revisits and updates some of IKEA’s favorite designs from the past. While many classics have disappeared from IKEA production lines, the POÄNG armchair, along with the KLIPPAN sofa, has remained a constant presence in IKEA stores for decades, proof of their enduring appeal.
Originally designed by Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura over 40 years ago during his three-year stint with IKEA in the late 1970s, the POÄNG has now been reimagined without its signature headrest. This modification transforms the chair into a more conversation-friendly piece, ideal for “chatting, debating and collaborating,” according to IKEA.
The low-back POÄNG maintains the chair’s distinctive curved wood frame but offers a new silhouette that fits seamlessly into contemporary interiors. IKEA is offering the updated design with frames and cushions available in a variety of colors including red, birch/beige, and black, allowing customers to either match or mix styles to suit their preferences.
This refresh of the POÄNG is not just a nod to IKEA’s history but also a tribute to Nakamura, who passed away in 2023. His designs, particularly the POÄNG (originally named POEM) and the KLIPPAN sofa, have become synonymous with IKEA’s commitment to functional, accessible design.
The reason for its longevity, according to Nakamura, was its simplicity in design. “You know the Japanese flag,” he explains in a 2022 interview. “It’s just a round circle. It’s so simple. I like to approach my design in a similar way. If it has too much individuality, there will inevitably be two sides to it: the people who like it and the ones who don’t.”
As IKEA continues to evolve and adapt to changing lifestyles, the introduction of the low-back POÄNG demonstrates the company’s ability to honor its heritage while meeting the needs of a new generation of furniture buyers.
IKEA sells the new low-back POÄNG at $99, in stores and online, alongside its classic high-back counterpart which costs upwards of $129. While the new version represents a refreshing addition to IKEA’s lineup, the company hasn’t specified how long it will remain in production, so get it while you can.
How we’ve hacked the POÄNG armchair over the years
Low-back POÄNG armchair hack
You have an old high-back POÄNG but love the new low-back version? Well, we’ve got you covered. All you need to do is saw off the top of the POÄNG high-back armchair to shorten it and eliminate the headrest. And voilà, you got yourself a “brand new” POÄNG low-back armchair.
Want a three-seater POÄNG?
What’s better than a POÄNG armchair? Apparently, three POÄNG armchairs in one. If you want a 3-seater bouncy sofa, see this 3-seater POÄNG tutorial for the details.
3 POÄNG armrest hacks for work and play
The POÄNG’s bentwood armrests are its most striking feature but they can do with a wee bit of improvement for more comfort and function. See our POÄNG’s armrest hacks.
Custom POÄNG cushion cover
Not feeling the fabric options for your POÄNG armchair? If you can sew a pencil case, you can sew a new cover for your favorite armchair.
Lean back on your POÄNG recliner
Bret turns his POÄNG armchair into a gravity recliner in this ambitious IKEA hack. He has a bad back and this was to help relieve pressure on his spine. So far it works exactly as planned and he has plans to add a heated seat massager to really unwind after a long day.