blcn and KITCHEN.GmbH Present an Elevated Take on the Inflatable Chair
Soft PVC forms contrast with brushed steel legs, creating a tactile and visually striking hybrid piece.
Summary
- blcn and KITCHEN.GmbH debuted the chAIR, blending furniture and inflatable toys
- It contrasts a soft, commercial-grade PVC body with a precise, brushed stainless steel frame
- The piece is made to order and is designed to create whimsy when grouped togethe
The chAIR project, a collaboration between Los Angeles–based design studio balcony (blcn) and Hong Kong–based creative studio KITCHEN.GmbH for their own pin on the inflatable chair. This hybrid piece is part of an ongoing collaborative series by balcony that reconsiders the traditional aesthetics and behaviors of domestic furniture.
Reimagined as a playful hybrid between furniture and toy, chAIR’s design integrates inflatable commercial‑grade PVC with a brushed stainless steel frame, creating a striking balance between softness and structural stability. Inspired by the durability, recyclability and lightness of inflatable toys, the piece challenges conventional ideas of materiality while offering a tactile, cushion‑like body supported by precise, minimal metal legs.
A defining feature of chAIR is its oversized zipper running along the base, a detail that underscores the duality between the inflatable form and the rigid frame. This playful yet functional element enhances the chair’s character, while the brushed steel lends elegance and permanence. When arranged in small groups, the chairs take on a creature‑like presence, animating interiors with whimsy and personality. Each piece is made to order and available upon request via blcn’s website.
