Ikea’s Brännboll Collection: Bridging the Gap Between Gaming and Living Spaces
Gaming has long been an activity that has adapted to existing living spaces, rather than having dedicated areas designed specifically for it. Game consoles are often found in living rooms, while PC gaming setups mimic the posture of a home office. However, Ikea‘s new Brännboll collection aims to change this by creating furniture that seamlessly blends gaming with traditional living spaces.
A Fresh Take on Gaming Furniture
At first glance, the Brännboll collection may not appear drastically different from Ikea’s standard offerings, featuring vibrant colors and minimalist designs. However, upon closer inspection, the furniture reveals unique features tailored to the specific needs of gamers, such as the Gaming Lounge Chair’s low seating and foldable cushions.
That was really a preference that we saw with people who are gaming. They want to sit low, they want to maybe sit closer to a TV or whatever device they’re using.
Philip Dilé, product design developer at Ikea, explains that the team found low seating to be a common request among gamers. This posture can be attributed to the natural tendency to focus on different parts of the screen when gaming compared to watching movies or shows.
Accommodating Immersive Gaming Experiences
The Gaming Easy Chair, another piece in the collection, features a low-to-the-ground design with a shaped mesh seat suspended in a metal frame. This unique design accommodates the natural swaying and bobbing that players often experience when immersed in a game, as Dilé describes it as a “novel take on a rocking chair, but instead you swing.”
Versatile Furniture for Occasional Gamers
For those who enjoy gaming as an occasional hobby, the Brännboll collection offers versatile pieces that can easily be adapted to non-gaming use. The Gaming Lounge Chair features castors that allow it to be moved closer to the TV for a more immersive experience or further back for relaxation.
The side table also incorporates this adaptability with two typical legs and two on castors, making it easy to move around the space as needed. Additionally, the table features a metal rim slightly elevated above the surface, preventing items from sliding off when moved and protecting against accidental spills during intense gaming sessions.
The Disappearing Gaming Station
For PC gamers, the Gaming Station offers a complete setup that can be easily hidden away when not in use. With space for a monitor, keyboard tray, desktop tower, and even a chair, this all-in-one solution provides a dedicated gaming area that can be closed off for a clutter-free living space.
Rethinking the Purpose of Living Spaces
Ikea’s approach to gaming furniture reflects a more task-focused way of thinking about the rooms in our homes. By designing furniture that accommodates long gaming sessions, anticipates potential messes, and adapts to non-gaming use, the Brännboll collection showcases design principles that could revolutionize the way we think about living spaces.
While the collection’s distinct Ikea style may not appeal to everyone, the idea of gaming furniture that seamlessly integrates into our homes is an exciting prospect for gamers and design enthusiasts alike.
3 Comments
Finally, a reason to tell everyone you’re furniture shopping without them knowing it’s actually for an epic gaming setup!
Ikea’s gaming furniture? Quietly turning living rooms into gamer havens, one sleek piece at a time.
Ikea’s really out here making it too easy for gamers to blend in with the stylish decor crowd.