Ikea Just Made a Big Change to Its Most Famous Lounge Chair

The Scandinavian furniture maker just launched the Nytillverkad collection to celebrate its 80th anniversary. Translated to “newly made” in English, the collection revisits several of its iconic pieces from the ’70s and ’80s and reimagines them for 2024.

One of these reimagined pieces is the Poäng, Ikea’s iconic low-back wooden armchair. And while this refreshed version looks quite similar to its renowned namesake, it’s missing one signature design detail.

Ikea Poäng (2024)

Ikea

Ikea Poäng

• $99 at Ikea

An icon, revisited

Ikea released the original Poäng back in 1977. Developed by Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura, the low-back armchair was immediately recognizable for its cantilever design, curved back and rather high headrest — a silhouette similar to iconic Finnish designer Alvar Aalto’s Model 406 chair.

Over the years, the Poäng has proven to be a smash hit. According to Fast Company’s article from 2016, Ikea had sold over 30 million Poäng chairs — that averaged out to about 1.5 million every year.

Ikea

Since its original release, Ikea has slightly updated the design of the Poäng to stay modern. It made the jump from a tubular steel frame to an all-wooden frame in the early 90s. It’s updated the material of its upholstery and introduced new color options. And it’s even reduced its size — it’s a little smaller and narrower — which has actually helped Ikea reduce the price.

A “more social” redesign

The new “refreshed” Ikea Poäng armchair is different in quite a dramatic way. While it shares mostly the same look and feel as the Poäng that Ikea has been selling for years, the new model is significantly shorter. Yep, Ikea chopped off its signature long headrest.

According to the furniture maker, the new Poäng “lost its headrest to become more social.” That’s right, this new armchair is better equipped for “chatting, debating and collaborating.”

Ikea

For those frustrated that the refresh strays away from Nakamura’s original design — don’t. The new Poäng armchair was redesigned with the help of Nakamura himself who, sadly, passed away last year. Its release is a way of paying tribute to the legendary Japanese designer.

As far as what else is different — the price. Given that the new Poäng is a smaller armchair, Ikea has been able to significantly drop the price. The new chair costs $99 and is $50 cheaper.

Ikea

Price and availability

The new Ikea Poäng is available now for $99. The wooden frame and cushions are both available in three different colors/finishes: red, birch/beige and black. Customers can mix and match the frame and cushions as they like.

Still want the Poäng with the traditional headrest? No problem. Ikea is still selling it for $149. (Although since they have the exact same name, finding it on Ikea’s site can be a little problematic.)

Ikea

Ikea Poäng

• $99 at Ikea

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