IKEA VÅRKUMLA chair-bed: the 70s comeback for modern homes

Soft contours, rich blue upholstery and a low-profile shape are making a subtle return to living rooms this season, albeit with a recognisable twist.

With the weather cooling and evenings becoming longer, people are increasingly looking for living areas that feel comfortable, spacious and simple to rearrange. In response, IKEA has revisited its archive to bring back a 1970s piece that design enthusiasts have followed for years. The relaunch is a confident answer to the current enthusiasm for modular furniture with nostalgic appeal.

IKEA’s 70s comeback: why the VÅRKUMLA chair-bed matters now

VÅRKUMLA is the current standout: a low, chunky chair-bed first created in 1973 as TAJT by Gillis Lundgren. It has returned through IKEA’s Nytillverkad collection, a limited range that reworks archive designs using contemporary materials, colours and comfort requirements.

VÅRKUMLA sits at the crossroads of three big trends: compact living, modular layouts and a renewed appetite for 70s design.

The design has already prompted discussion among collectors and younger renters on social media and design forums, particularly among those seeking more personality than a conventional sofa bed provides. VÅRKUMLA is a multifunctional piece: part lounge chair, part occasional bed and part visual focal point.

A denim-clad nod to the 1970s

Its cover is the immediate point of interest. Finished in deep-blue Vansta fabric with a denim-like appearance, it recalls the era when jeans shifted from practical workwear into an everyday staple; that easy-going aesthetic has now moved into the lounge.

Visually, the shade functions much like a neutral navy, while offering more character than grey. It works particularly well alongside:

• warm timbers including oak, walnut and teak
• terracotta or rust-coloured cushions
• cream rugs and off-white walls
• brass or black-steel metallic details

The closely woven blend of cotton and recycled polyester feels soft but lightly structured, more like well-made jeans than a delicate loose cover. This tactile quality ties directly into the 1970s atmosphere many people want: relaxed, touchable and not overly polished.

Why vintage fans care about this reissue

For followers of design, this is more than another product launch. IKEA’s archival designs trace the development of democratic design, from early flat-pack ideas to intelligent answers for smaller homes. The original TAJT version of VÅRKUMLA captured this approach through straightforward cushions, a steel structure and adaptable functionality.

Having VÅRKUMLA back in stores gives access to a piece of IKEA design history without the hunt for a worn second-hand model.

Collectors regularly search resale sites for comparable 1970s modular pieces, often finding inconsistent prices and worn-out foam. Through Nytillverkad, IKEA has effectively made this retro look more predictable, while adding modern foam, recycled materials and a lengthy guarantee. That makes it a more considered, less risky purchase for many people, with nostalgia included.

More than a sofa: modular comfort for real-world homes

VÅRKUMLA is particularly notable for the way it fulfils several functions in limited spaces. Rather than a weighty sofa taking control of the room, it offers a lightweight, low-level element that can be repositioned to suit the day.

From chair to bed: how the mechanism works

The design is made up of two primary cushions, which unfold into a single mattress measuring approximately 220 cm long. As a seat, it occupies around 91 × 90 cm; opened into a bed, it extends to 220 × 91 cm.

Configuration	Dimensions (approx.)	Main use
Seat	91 × 90 cm	Lounge chair, reading corner
Bed	220 × 91 cm	Single guest bed

Changing between the two positions takes just a few movements. There is no concealed metal mechanism and no cumbersome backrest to manoeuvre. For students and renters who regularly alter their layout, this practical detail can be as important as the appearance.

Ideal scenarios for VÅRKUMLA

This format is aimed at homes requiring adaptable seating as well as an occasional place to sleep. Common uses include:

• a studio flat, where it serves as a daytime sofa and guest bed
• a teenager’s bedroom needing an additional sleeping place for friends
• a home office that can also be used as a spare room
• a television corner where lounging close to the floor feels easier than sitting on a firm sofa

VÅRKUMLA suits people who want freedom to reconfigure a room without investing in oversized furniture.

The single-bed arrangement is most appropriate for occasional overnight use, rather than as someone’s everyday bed. Its length is suitable for adults, although its width is nearer to that of a spacious single mattress than a small double. Buyers expecting regular guests may prefer to place two modules next to one another.

Materials, durability and the 10-year bet

Under its casual denim-style exterior, the construction reflects IKEA’s recent focus on sturdier, clearly specified materials. The frame is steel, and the high-density foam contains a substantial proportion of recycled material. Areas subject to key wear are finished with full-grain cow leather, which ages more effectively than synthetic substitutes.

Care is uncomplicated: vacuum it regularly and wipe it now and again using a damp cloth. As the cover cannot be machine washed, this could be a concern for households with pets or young children. In everyday use, many owners are likely to add a light throw or protective blanket.

A 10-year guarantee reinforces the intended long service life. At a price of about 279 euros in continental Europe, that period suggests a move away from disposable furnishings and towards slower, more deliberate buying decisions.

Who this retro chair-bed really targets

Although the reissue appeals to a broad group of buyers, it is especially suited to several types of household:

• urban renters who move regularly and do not want bulky corner sofas
• young professionals furnishing their first “adult” living room on a considered budget
• vintage enthusiasts seeking a 70s atmosphere without having to restore a delicate original
• hosts needing an extra bed a few times annually rather than every week

In larger houses, VÅRKUMLA may work best as additional seating: in a window-side reading spot, games room or relaxed landing outside bedrooms. In compact homes, it can take centre stage as the principal seating element around a low table.

Strengths and limits: what to weigh before buying

Its advantages are easy to identify:

• a recognisable 70s-influenced design that looks current rather than costume-like
• a fairly accessible price for a branded design based on an archive piece
• simple conversion from seating to a single bed
• a low height that keeps sightlines open in smaller rooms
• an appearance that works with both minimalist and maximalist décor

There are, however, a few limitations worth considering:

• space for one sleeper only, making it better for guests than daily use by a couple
• a fixed, non-machine-washable cover that requires careful daily use
• a striking denim shade that may not suit highly formal or ultra-minimal interiors

70s style, 2020s needs: how to work it into your home

VÅRKUMLA sits comfortably within the wider revival of 1970s interiors, alongside corduroy, curved lamps and low coffee tables. To prevent the room from looking overly themed, interior stylists generally offset strong vintage elements with quieter contemporary designs.

A few straightforward combinations include:

• match the blue denim-style seat with a neutral wool rug and a streamlined oak shelving unit
• introduce one or two patterned cushions in mustard, burnt orange or chocolate brown
• choose a simple rice-paper or mushroom-shaped lamp to soften the area
• keep technology understated, opting for a small speaker instead of a large sound system

The goal is a relaxed, layered room where the retro note feels natural, not theatrical.

In particularly small rooms, its low profile also alters the sense of space. Sightlines travel over the furniture, helping the room appear less congested. When arranging a 25 m² flat, this can be as significant as storage volume or seating capacity.

Beyond VÅRKUMLA: what this says about furniture trends

The reappearance of this chair-bed points to a broader change in mainstream furniture. Large retailers are now revisiting their own past in much the same way that fashion brands bring back archive trainers or handbags. For customers, this has two practical effects.

Firstly, the language of design becomes more recognisable. Forms previously seen as niche, including low modules and monobloc cushions, are now reaching mass-market shops. As a result, it is easier to combine second-hand finds with new purchases without creating visual clashes.

Secondly, modular furniture is moving beyond specialist retailers and into the everyday market. Products that work as a chair, lounger and bed directly address uncertain housing circumstances: shared homes, frequent moves and rooms with multiple purposes. Instead of buying separate guest beds, armchairs and daybeds, buyers can choose a single item that adapts as their lives change.

For anyone considering an update to a small living room, VÅRKUMLA provides a useful test case. It is possible to plan a room around two of these modules, a low table and a narrow shelving unit, then compare the result with a conventional sofa-and-armchair arrangement. Beyond appearance, the comparison often reveals different ways to use the room: more floor-level seating, more informal gatherings and simpler rearrangement for yoga, gaming or working from home.