No Shame in the Poäng Chair

Now that I spend about 95% of my life in my apartment, I’ve been thinking more and more about my seating choices. My typical routine goes from a stool at the kitchen counter (aka my desk), to a wooden bench at the dining table for meals, to a love seat for lounging and TV time (I’m going through a heavy rotation of Cheers and Jeopardy right now). What I’m missing is a good reading chair.

On a hunt for an option that I could sit back and relax in, I found there to be three main categories. First, there’s the investment piece. The price of a solid reading chair can easily cost at least a thousand dollars. It makes sense, though, since the craftsmanship and materials for these pieces typically match the price. Second, there’s the very inexpensive but potentially uncomfortable option. Amazon and similar retailers have a slew of less-than-$100 chairs, but it’s hard to believe these have the care and consideration for good ergonomics—or the ability to last more than a couple of novels’ worth of sitting. Finally, there’s the Poäng chair.

IKEA’s highly recognizable piece, with its bentwood frame, curved backrest, and cantilevered seat, is sold by the millions annually. I resisted it for years, feeling like it was too basic or boring, but then I came to realize it’s just a perfect chair. I already know it’s comfortable, having gravitated toward it every time I’m at my parents’ house. I came to love it even more when I learned about the idea behind the chair, which was originally called the Poem. The creator, Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura, who collaborated with IKEA’s director of design Lars Engman in the 1970s, wanted the Poäng to swing in an elegant way. Noboru didn’t want the chair to be a static seat; he wanted it to be for “emotional richness,” for swinging to let off steam. Now that’s a chair I need!

Even better, the Poäng has so many great color and upholstery options these days. I like that I can evolve with the chair, but no matter what, I can keep swinging in it.