Dateline 1995: Thirteen-year-old me walks out of the local shopping mall novelty gift shop with an inflatable ottoman, in burgundy velour, only to take it home and find out there's a hole in it. I convince my older sister to take me back a few days later, and the clerk, in super '90s gold framed glasses, tells me "Sorry, we no longer carry those. They're outta style." So, I was pretty sure I'd never see any again...I mean, the lady at the mall said they weren't cool, right?

Turns out, it's not true at all. With this crazy thing popping up on Google ads everywhere, I took a look around to see what else was out there.

Polish design firm Malafor showcased the "Blow Sofa" at IMM Cologne a few weeks ago. It's made from 100% recycled paper bags, then attached with giant rubber bands to a collapsible metal frame. See more at bookofjoe.

From Oliver Gregoire, the Eclosion, below, features an adjustable backrest angle, depending on how inflated it is.

The Recycool series features several designs, all created from recycled inner tubes:

And on the consumer end of the spectrum, the Ozone Lounger takes a cue from the rec room bean bag, and includes built-in speakers, all for £9.99:

What do you think? Is the return of inflatable furniture a welcome trend, or is the stuff better off if it stays in the dorm rooms of the world?

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