When IKEA The designers were set a brief of ‘playful functionality’, resulting in a 44-piece collection that not only fills homes with joy, but also perfectly complements small space living. As a home journalist who is design-obsessed and a proud renter of a small flat, these are the pieces I would choose for my small space.
After a 10-year hiatus, IKEA’s highly anticipated (thanks to Milan Design Week) PS collection lands in stores today and will be available online starting May 22. Since launching back in 1995, this is the 10th installment of PS, a collection dedicated to good design and function at low prices.
(Image credit: IKEA)
I traveled to Älmhult, Sweden, to see the 2026 PS collection for myself, and it wasn’t the bold colors and sleek shapes that caught my eye, but the way these products can bring playful design to small spaces.
While Scandi design is usually stereotyped by minimal, functional features, IKEA’s iconic PS collections combine these principles with colors and shapes that bring a smile to your face. PS 2026 is a return to the Swedish brand’s democratic design principles – of course, the idea that products should be high-quality and long-lasting at an affordable price.
‘I think with IKEA PS we really wanted to explore where we came from with the Scandinavian heritage, but without being nostalgic, so we really wanted to see where we came from and take inspiration from it, but to move it into the future and the way we did it by briefing 12 designers to do a version of it and see how it could surprise us’, OBKEA, creative brief of the creative Maria’s team. 2026 PS collection told me.
‘I think in the end the collection kind of speaks for itself that we’ve got these playful functional objects.’
And for Maria to describe the collection in just three words: ‘playful, functional and simple’.
This clever lamp snaps into three different positions, acting as a reading light, spotlight and uplight.
(Image credit: Future plc/ Kezia Reynolds)
From the 44-piece collection, it’s safe to say there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Are you looking for a practical Consider hallway storage Or statement home decor items – especially the Marta Krupinska rocking bench, which was inspired by Oktoberfest and designed to rock friends alongside.
But for my small flat, it was Lux Pot’s floor uplighter that caught my eye. Available in three colors – blue, yellow and red – this lamp has three-in-one functions. It is an uplighter, spotlight and reading lamp, which makes it excellent Consider lighting For small spaces.
I have always dreamed of making a corner of my flat cozy Reading nook. While I’m looking up Dawson Accent Chair from Habitat (£200) Squeezed into the space by my bookshelf, a space-saving lamp like this one offers multiple functions beyond being a handy reading lamp.
I was impressed with how stylish this storage footstool looked.
(Image credit: Future plc/ Kezia Reynolds)
Lux explained to me that he put the design together using broomsticks in his Rotterdam studio. Then he realized that he could combine three lamps into one by clicking and using a rotating head, so you could angle them to your liking.
He added, ‘I also gave a lamp to my 5-year-old son. I think within 30 seconds he realized he could move, twist and click. And in half a minute he had 3 options available to him.’
As well as the clever lamp, I was also drawn to Marta Krupinska’s footstool with storage. Made from two-tone wicker, this stunning design is large enough to act as both a stool, footstool and storage basket, with plenty of room to stash extra blankets and other living room essentials in its belly. The Ideal Home team strongly believes that storage options should always be beautiful, and this footstool embodies that sentiment.
After sitting in this viral chair, I can promise that it is very comfortable!
(Image credit: Future plc/ Kezia Reynolds)
I also can’t mention the green, inflatable easy chair, designed by Mikael Axelsson. While the chair went viral after its debut in Milan for its innovative design, I was really impressed by how light it is. Trust me, you can literally pick it up and throw it across the room – not that you want to, of course.
Weighing only 7 kg, this chair is perfect for small spaces as you can move it easily. If you have extra guests or need more floor space, this chair can be easily removed and deflated. Plus, sitting on it myself, it’s really comfortable and supportive.
Maria said, ‘We’ve tried to do everything possible for a home that lives in a small space. ‘For example, for an air chair, when you are younger, you may need to move yourself Furniture Move something else to make room for dinner and then sit and watch TV. It looks very generous and big, but if you really need space you can easily lift it up, even deflate it.’
I can’t wait for the collection to drop online, but if you’re feeling a little impatient, here are some more small spaces that the Ideal Home team loves.
The alternative is buying a clever little space
Dunelm
Yard Hayden Footstool
If like me you are fond of beautiful storage, this Dunelm pick is good. It has a stylish wood finish and a plush seat for comfort.
M&S
Rechargeable ribbed wall light
Even small flats and houses often lack plug space – this is where rechargeable lighting can be a simple yet stylish solution.
the evening
Bryony Accent Chair – Ecru
This stylish chair and footstool has a clever design that allows you to slot the stool under the chair when not in use. The stool also has a lid for extra storage.
The IKEA PS collection is truly impressive to behold. Marrying style and practicality, it’s a tiny house dream.
