IKEA Just Gave This Classic Chair a Makeover, and It’s a Total Showstopper

When you’re searching for affordable modern home decor, IKEA is probably one of the first retailers that comes to mind. But in recent years, the brand is coming to the forefront of another conversation: Vintage and archival IKEA designs are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

With many vintage IKEA pieces going viral and becoming thrift “holy grails,” the brand has wisely begun to roll out rereleases of some classic designs from their archives as part of their Nytillverkad collection. The latest to hit the market? The super-stylish SOTENÄS accent chair.

The artist formerly known as PUCK was designed in 1969 by Gillis Lundgren. The low and wide armchair, which featured a tubular underframe, debuted in the IKEA catalog to great fanfare — originally described as “youthful and festive.” The PUCK armchair has been retired for quite some time, but IKEA reissued it in a bright sunny yellow last year and called it SOTENÄS. 

The only difference in design between PUCK and SOTENÄS is a matter of color. The original chair had a white underframe, whereas the new version’s frame matches its upholstery for a modern, monochrome look. Just recently, the chair has gotten yet another makeover, newly released in a gorgeous bright red color. It would make a perfect pop of color for those wishing to try out the “unexpected red” theory. 

SOTENÄS can be found at your local IKEA for just under $300, while original PUCK chairs are difficult to find online — and vintage IKEA can be expensive. SOTENÄS gives new life to a beloved design, and makes it much more attainable for people who love the style of vintage IKEA, but not the price tag. And if you like this, check out the rest of IKEA’s Nytillverkad collection for more iconic pieces (at iconic prices).

Whether you’re interested in vintage IKEA or not, SOTENÄS is a total showstopper. Your guests will love lounging in it when they visit, and it’s the perfect place to watch a movie, play video games, or sip tea while you read a book. As one reviewer says, “They make me smile just looking at them.” 

Buy: IKEA SOTENÄS Armchair, $299