The 8 Best Inflatable Chairs
This wiki has been updated 37 times since it was first published in October of 2015. It's been a few decades since inflatable furniture had its moment, but that doesn't mean it's obsolete. These blow-up chairs will keep you sitting pretty just about anywhere and can shrink to a fraction of their size for storage when deflated. It's important to note though, these are designed for use on land and should never be used as flotation or lifesaving devices. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. CleverMade Original Lounger
2. Ritons Chaise Set
3. Intex Ultra Lounge 68564EP
Editor's Notes
October 27, 2020:
Our main focus in selecting these inflatable chairs was comfort. We didn't want users finding themselves with back pain or other ailments and missing more conventional furniture. Another feature we paid attention to was aesthetics. Just as we would on a list of traditional chairs, we wanted to make sure this collection contained a range of styles to suit a variety of environments. Durability was also a priority, due to the sometimes fragile nature of inflatables.
We had to remove some items we had previously recommended because they turned out to prone to leaking air over time. These included the Chillbo Shwaggins 2.0 and the Bestway Multi-Max II. In their place came the Ritons Chaise Set, which has a puncture-resistant PVC base, and the Intex Empire, which has a reinforced bottom. We also appreciated the Ritons Chaise Set for its ottoman, which is something the Intex Ultra Lounge 68564EP also offers.
Whether you're looking for something discreet or eye-catching, we wanted to make sure most buyers' styles were covered. For those who want a conversation starter, there is the Rhode Island Novelty Flame Print, with its fire motif, and the AirCandy BloChair, which comes in glittery models, as well as a gold choice. If you'd prefer something more minimalistic, there is the Intex 68585EP, which is a simple, all-black seat.
Understanding that many consumers use inflatable chairs at parks, on the beach, and in other natural environments, we wanted to add some picks that enhance comfort in the great outdoors. For that reason, we appreciate the CleverMade Original Lounger, with its mesh seat to keep you cool and convenient storage pouch. We also like the GoSports AirWedge 2-Pack, which folds up compactly to fit in a beach bag or backpack.
July 26, 2019:
Inflatable chairs can be a great way to stay comfortable when enjoying the great outdoors. They are also a smart item to have on hand when you have more guests than traditional seating areas. However, it is important to have realistic expectations from them if you want to be happy with your purchase. Considering that these are air-filled items designed to be used on the hard ground, which may even have some sharp rocks or sticks scattered about if being used outdoors, it shouldn't surprise you that they tend to pop more often than people would like. Luckily, they are rather affordable, so if you use yours often and need to replace it once or twice a year, it won't get too costly.
That being said, we have found some great models for you. If you won't have access to a pump, then your best option will be one that is inflated via the wind, like the CleverMade QuikFill, Chillbo Shwaggins 2.0, and Naria Blow Up. You may need a little practice to become proficient in inflating them, but once your are, you'll find the process simple. Of these three, the Chillbo Shwaggins 2.0 is your best bet if you want to have a friend or two sit next to you, since it is technically an inflatable lounger.
The Intex Empire, Bestway Multi-Max II, and Intex Ultra Lounge are more traditional models that you'll either to have to inflate with a pump or good old-fashioned lung strength. Each of these offers their own benefits that make them more ideal for certain uses. For example, the Intex Empire features an integrated water chamber that helps to anchor it in place, which makes it very handy when it gets a bit windy out by the pool; the Bestway Multi-Max II doubles as an air mattress, albeit a very tiny one, just in case that an unexpected guest decides to spend the night; and the Intex Ultra Lounge includes a matching ottoman to kick your feet up and really relax.
Special Honors
Hearthsong Inflatable Cafe Chair The Hearthsong Inflatable Cafe Chair can provide a comfortable place for the youngster in your home to enjoy a book or some gaming. It has built-in back support along with a detachable cushion to further prop the user up, and waterproof material to protect against spills. When you want it out of the way, it deflates quickly. hearthsong.com
Lakeside Color-Changing Inflatable Chair The Lakeside Color-Changing Inflatable Chair has remote-controlled LED lights that can be set to any of 120 modes that include different colors and flashing patterns. You can also choose to turn it off, for those times you prefer a subtler aesthetic. It's made of durable PVC and can support up to 250 pounds. lakeside.com
4. AirCandy BloChair
5. Intex 68585EP
6. Rhode Island Novelty Flame Print
7. Intex Empire
8. GoSports AirWedge 2-Pack
Inflatable Comfort For Any Style
Maybe you're traveling to the beach, going camping, or looking for a way to spruce up your kid's bedroom.
One must acknowledge that having nice furniture in one's living room is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to entertaining guests and giving a home that inviting feel to it. Perhaps you're a fan of high-quality leather chairs and couches or maybe you're a fabric person who wants a chair to feel as though you're sitting on a cloud. In such cases, comfort and style certainly matter, but what do you do if you need to take that comfort and style with you on the go? Maybe you're traveling to the beach, going camping, or looking for a way to spruce up your kid's bedroom. Whatever the reason, the inflatable chair, sofa, or lounger is a practical solution for maintaining the convenience of furniture whether you're at home or not. It is also a relatively inexpensive solution to decorate, particularly when you're on a tight budget.
Inflatable chairs are multifunctional in the sense that they come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes, while also being able to accommodate a variety of lifestyles. Most inflatable chairs are lightweight and made from durable Polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) materials, making them a hassle-free option for your guest rooms or children's bedrooms as they require very little maintenance. No waxing, polishing, or bug repellent sprays are needed as they can simply be inflated with air and deflated at will. Inflatable chairs are often equipped with a 2-in-1 air valve for quick pumping and deflation. This means you can set them up almost anywhere or conveniently store them away in a closet or bag for safekeeping and travel.
These types of chairs are also eco-friendly since there are no harmful chemicals needed to keep them looking good nor do they need special gases to keep their shape. Inflatable furniture is also practical for both indoor and outdoor use, so if you're planning a camping trip with the whole family, you can still bring the convenience of sitting down and relaxing with you as you venture into the wilderness. Additionally, you won't have to worry about the chair getting dirty.
Most inflatables come with a weight rating, but they generally accommodate up to a few hundred pounds, depending on their size. Finally, because they have no sharp edges or points, they're a safe option for little ones and pets who may be more accident prone than adults.
Versatility Of Air Takes Shape
Filling your chair with air is no reason to fill yourself with a lot of hot air on the subject. As our list demonstrates, inflatable furniture is a personal choice and there are several qualities to keep in mind when investing in this type of solution.
Chairs of this fashion also liven up most any bedroom, so you should always pick an inflatable option to match your kid's bedroom decor.
Let's consider children first. Inflatable chairs and ottomans are an excellent way to keep track of a child's safety. Having inflatable furniture means that your kids won't bang themselves into corners during playtime. You also don't have to worry about getting the furniture dirty or damaging expensive woods if all you have to do is inflate your little one's favorite reading chair. Chairs of this fashion also liven up most any bedroom, so you should always pick an inflatable option to match your kid's bedroom decor. For a child's room, bright colors always work well. Many inflatable chairs also include interesting patterns with cartoon characters, sports themes, animals, and symbols to make their room fun and pleasant to live in.
Shapes are also important as they help to both personalize your space and they can offer therapeutic qualities. Finding the right chair that conforms to your body shape, for example, can be beneficial if you suffer from arthritis or are recuperating from an injury.
The method and speed of inflation and deflation is a big selling point for many consumers. Some inflatable chairs benefit from the use of an electric or manual air pump, while others are inflated by simply shaking them as you would a piece of laundry.
Some inflatable chairs can also double as air beds, thanks to their convenient folding designs and extra cushions.
Inflatable Furniture As An Art Form
The concept of inflatable furniture has been around for quite a while, even as early as the 1950s. However, its popularity didn't really take off until the experimental enlightenment of the 1960s took hold, thanks to French-Vietnamese designer and engineer Quasar Khanh (Nguyen Manh Khanh). A year before Khanh manufactured his 1964 Quasar-Unipower car (also called the Cube), he began to design an 11-piece inflatable furniture collection called Aerospace.
The invention of inflatable chairs has its roots in a form of style and artistic expression.
By 1970, Khanh's inflatable furniture was on display at both the New York Museum of Modern Art and the Louvre in Paris.
Also around the same time, Italian designer Gaetano Pesce created his own collection of furniture made primarily from vacuum-packed foam, which was capable of self inflation when released from its box.
The invention of inflatable chairs has its roots in a form of style and artistic expression. That being said, the idea has continued to develop over time, hence the popularity and convenience of inflatable beach chairs, sofas, and beds today that can even include modern upholstery. What started out as a fad has turned into a functional form of modern comfort. There will always be a place for classic furniture, but the inflatable type is definitely here to stay.
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.