The IKEA Poang and the Pello armchairs are similar in shape but differ significantly in comfort, materials, price, and durability. The Poang is IKEA's iconic, long-lasting armchair featuring a strong bentwood frame, ergonomic support for long-term sitting, and a wide variety of customizable cushion options. The Pello is the ultra-budget alternative, offering a softer, more casual seat with basic materials at a much lower price point.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right armchair for your home and budget.
IKEA Poang Armchair
The Poang is one of IKEA's most recognizable products, celebrated for its timeless Scandinavian design and comfort that has lasted over 40 years. Its signature feature is the gently bouncing cantilever frame made from layered and glued bentwood, which provides excellent back and neck support. It's a go-to choice for reading nooks, living rooms, and nurseries because of its mix of style, durability, and ergonomic design.
- What it is: A classic Scandinavian armchair known for its flexible bentwood frame, ergonomic comfort, and customizable design.
- Key features: Layered-glued bentwood frame provides a pleasant bounce, contoured back offers lumbar and neck support, a wide array of removable and machine-washable cushion covers available.
- Price: $79 - $299 depending on the frame finish and cushion material (fabric, leather, etc.).
- Dimensions: 26 3/4" W x 32 1/4" D x 39 3/8" H.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made from materials like birch, oak, or beech veneer. Cushions use foam padding with covers made from cotton, linen blends, polyester, or top-grain leather.
- Style: Timeless and versatile Scandinavian modern. Its clean lines work well in minimalist, mid-century modern, and eclectic spaces.
- Pros: Excellent ergonomic support for long periods of sitting, highly durable frame, extensive customization with many frame and cushion options, removable and washable covers make maintenance easy, and an ottoman is available for purchase separately.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to the Pello, assembly can be slightly more involved due to separate frame and cushion components.
The Poang is the ideal choice for anyone prioritizing everyday comfort, long-term durability, and the ability to customize its look to match their decor.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/poaeng-armchair-birch-veneer-knisa-light-beige-s49240823/
IKEA Pello Armchair
The Pello offers a similar aesthetic to the Poang but is designed primarily for affordability. It features a simplified frame made of tubular steel and simpler veneers and provides a softer, more plush sitting experience. While it sacrifices the Poang's advanced ergonomic support and customization, its incredibly low price makes it an accessible option for temporary situations, dorm rooms, or occasional seating.
- What it is: A budget-friendly casual armchair with a similar form to the Poang, built for comfort and value.
- Key features: Simplified frame construction, a single attached cushion for a softer sink-in feel, lightweight design makes it easy to move.
- Price: Around $69.99, one of IKEA's most affordable armchairs.
- Dimensions: 26 3/8" W x 33 1/2" D x 37 3/4" H.
- Materials/Construction: The frame uses a combination of tubular steel and layered glued wood veneer. The fixed cover is 100% cotton filled with polyurethane foam.
- Style: Simple and functional. Its casual look is suited for relaxed, informal spaces like playrooms, student dorms, or first apartments.
- Pros: Extremely affordable, very lightweight and easy to move around, a softer and more cushioned feel, and simpler and quicker assembly.
- Cons: Lacks significant lumbar and neck support, materials are less durable for long-term daily use, the cover is not removable or washable, and no customization options available.
The Pello is best for those whose primary decision-making factor is price and who need a casual, comfortable chair for infrequent or short-term use. ,
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/pello-armchair-holmby-natural-50078464/
Poang vs. Pello Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Surprisingly, the Poang and Pello have very similar footprints. Both are just over 26 inches wide, with the Pello being slightly deeper and the Poang slightly taller. Due to its similar size, both chairs will occupy a comparable amount of floor space in a room.
The main visual difference comes from their construction. The Poang's elegant, swooping wood frame feels visually lighter and more "designed." The Pello's frame, with its sharper angles and tubular steel base, appears more basic and functional. Despite similar dimensions, the Poang often has a more refined and substantial presence.
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is where the two chairs diverge most. The IKEA Poang is engineered for ergonomics. Its frame is designed to support the lower back and neck, making it comfortable to sit in for hours while reading a book or watching a movie. Its slight rocking is more of a gentle bounce that cradles, versus the Pello being more static.
The Pello prioritizes initial plushness over structured support. The cushion is softer, offering a "sink-in" feeling that can be cozy for short-term lounging. However, it lacks any real ergonomic contouring, so comfort may decrease over longer periods as it does not promote good posture. If you're looking for a chair you can get cozy in for a few minutes, the Pello might appeal, but the Poang truly wins for sustained comfort.
Materials & Construction
The differences in materials directly reflect the price points. The Poang uses high-quality, layered bentwood like beech or birch veneer that provides both outstanding strength and flexibility. The hardware is robust, and the option for genuine leather and heavy-duty fabric covers is meant for longevity. This durable construction is why some Poang chairs last for decades.
The Pello is built to a price. It uses a combination of basic wood veneers and a tubular steel base, which is sturdy enough but lacks the flex and premium feel of the Poang's all-wood frame. The single cushion is attached, and the 100% cotton fabric is fairly basic. It is a well-constructed chair for its cost but not intended to be a lifetime piece of furniture.
Price & Value
At around $70, the Pello is a fantastic bargain for a full-size armchair. Its value is front-loaded, you get a functional, comfortable chair for a very low upfront cost. However, its shorter lifespan and lack of replaceable parts mean it has a lower long-term value.
The Poang starts at $79 and can go up to $299+. While it costs more initially, its superior construction and the ability to replace cushions mean it can last for many years. Many consumers see it as a better investment because you might otherwise need to replace a full Pello armchair once the fixed cushion becomes stained or worn, whereas with a Poang you would just switch out the cushion.
Style & Versatility
Both chairs have a distinct Scandinavian look, but the Poang is far more versatile. Its simple shape has become a true design icon that fits seamlessly into modern, mid-century, and even some traditional homes. The numerous options for frame finishes (birch, black, white oak) and dozens of covers allow you to tailor it perfectly to your room's style.
The Pello has a more singular, understated look. With only one available color (light beige and blonde woods) - its styling is more informal. It works very well in areas like dorms, sunrooms, or kid's rooms where functionality and comfort at an affordable cost is the goal.
Who Each One Works Best For
The IKEA Poang is perfect for those seeking everyday comfort in key living areas of your home. Its support will hold you comfortably through many reading sessions, late night TV watching, or simply relaxing with friends over coffee. Its durability and customization also suit homes with pets or kids, because spills and accidents happen, the covers can easily be changed to be cleaned or entirely replaced with a new color or fabric choice.
The Pello armchair is better tailored for low traffic and low maintenance situations where budget is a crucial part of the decision. Think first-time home furnishing such as a dorm for a student, a vacation home, or simply an accent seating in a bedroom or office. It is also suitable for areas where comfort comes first, like a children's play area or nursery.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are solid IKEA armchairs at excellent prices, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.
Choose the Poang if:
- You plan to use the chair frequently for long periods of reading or watching TV.
- Ergonomic neck and back support are important to you.
- You want more choices of frame colors and cushion materials to match your decor.
- You value durability and prefer to buy furniture that will last for many years.
- You have pets or kids and need an easy-to-clean solution with washable covers.
Choose the Pello if:
- Your top priority is keeping the cost as low as possible.
- The chair is for a low-traffic area like a spare bedroom or dorm room.
- You need a lightweight chair that's easy to move.
- You prefer a softer, plusher cushion to sink into for short periods of lounging.
- You need a temporary seating solution and don't expect it to last for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Poang and Pello?
The main differences are in materials, comfort, and price. The Poang uses a stronger bentwood frame with an ergonomic design for supported sitting and has many customization options. The Pello uses cheaper materials like tubular steel, focuses on soft comfort at a very low price, and has no customization.
Which chair is more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective. For long-term sitting, the Poang is more comfortable thanks to its ergonomic support. For short-term lounging where you want to sink into a soft cushion, some may prefer the initial plush feel of the Pello. For most people, the Poang provides more sustainable comfort.
Do the Poang or Pello chairs rock?
Neither is a traditional rocking chair. However, both offer a slight, gentle bounce due to their cantilevered frame design. The Poang's all-wood frame provides a more noticeable and pleasant "flex" or bounce than the more rigid Pello frame.
Can you wash the Pello chair cover?
No, the cover on the Pello armchair is not removable and cannot be machine washed. This is a significant drawback compared to the Poang, where nearly all fabric cushion covers are removable and machine washable, making them much easier to maintain.
Which is a better long-term investment?
The Poang is undeniably the better long-term investment. Its superior materials, durable construction, and the ability to replace the cushions mean it can easily last decades. A Pello chair will likely need to be replaced entirely once its single, fixed cushion wears out or gets damaged.
How much weight can the IKEA Poang hold?
The IKEA website indicates a weight capacity for the Poang of about 270 lbs. IKEA doesn't specifically provide a weight limit for the Pello, but due to its simpler construction, it can be assumed the amount is lower than that of the Poang armchair.
Which one is easier to assemble?
Both chairs require self-assembly, but the Pello is generally faster to put together. Its simpler design with a non-separate cushion assembly results in a quicker and easier project. The Poang isn't challenging, but it does have more steps due to the cushion/frame/separate headrest in the assembly process.
Which chair is better for a nursery?
Many parents choose the Poang for a nursery because its gentle bouncing motion can be soothing for a baby, and its tall back supports are helpful for comfort during nighttime feedings. The Poang also wins thanks to its easy-to-clean, washable covers, making any messy situation less stressful.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
