Sonnet Chair Fuse an Inflatable Fabric Form with a Stainless Steel Frame
Amy Duong — August 21, 2026 — Art & Design
References: yankodesign
The Sonnet Chair combines the softness of a beanbag with the structure of an inflatable chair. Designed by Carlo Livaja, it uses an inflatable fabric ball shaped and restrained by a bent stainless steel pipe. The base forms a defined, tongue-shaped seating element, while the inflated back provides support for leaning. Rather than allowing the fabric to collapse freely like a traditional beanbag, the frame determines its final form as air fills the cover. The result is a chair that uses inflation as part of its structural system rather than simply as a way to create cushioning.
The design takes shape through its inflation process. The fabric begins as a loose form before expanding until it meets the stainless steel frame, which limits further movement and establishes the chair’s silhouette. This combination of a rigid structural element and flexible fabric allows the seating surface and backrest to retain their intended positions while remaining visually soft. The approach follows a broader exploration of inflatable furniture in which rigid components control expansion.
Image Credit: Carlo Livaja
The design takes shape through its inflation process. The fabric begins as a loose form before expanding until it meets the stainless steel frame, which limits further movement and establishes the chair’s silhouette. This combination of a rigid structural element and flexible fabric allows the seating surface and backrest to retain their intended positions while remaining visually soft. The approach follows a broader exploration of inflatable furniture in which rigid components control expansion.
Image Credit: Carlo Livaja
Trend Themes
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Hybrid Inflatable Furniture — Furniture designs that merge air-filled volumes with rigid frames create opportunities for lightweight seating that feels soft while maintaining precise ergonomic form.
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Controlled Expansion Design — Materials that expand into predefined structures introduce new possibilities for products that self-shape during assembly, shipping, or user setup.
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Soft-structured Seating — The blend of tactile comfort and architectural support points to disruptive formats for lounge, office, and hospitality furniture that balance casual aesthetics with functional stability.
Industry Implications
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Furniture Design — Inflatable structural systems broaden the category beyond foam and upholstery, enabling compact transport, modular construction, and distinctive silhouettes.
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Interior Design — Soft yet defined furniture forms support more flexible spatial planning in homes, hotels, and commercial environments where comfort and visual impact are both valued.
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Materials Innovation — Advanced fabrics paired with metal or composite restraints create room for durable, shape-controlled products across furniture, mobility, and temporary infrastructure.
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