Dorm Room Chairs – Easy, Cheap AND Inflatable?

Why spend more money than you need to on back to school furniture?

Inflatable chairs, sofas, loungers and ottomans are not only cheap – but they are easy to transport and move around, cheap (or free) to ship and are designed for comfort while gaming, watching TV and, of course, let’s not forget studying!

Many people overlook inflatable furniture because it is not widely advertised after the summer season is over. However, it is super cheap, and items typically get marked down even more when summer is over – right in time for back to school deals.

Bestway Cruiser Chair and Ottoman Set
Bestway Comfort Cruiser in Orange or Green

What’s the Best?

One of my favorites (and probably the best deal) is the chair-and-ottoman set. It’s versatile, comfortable and can even double as 2 chairs if needed. It easily fits into the corner of a room, both pieces only weight 5 lbs and the entire set costs less than $25 (when on sale – like now). I’m not kidding.

The chair partially reclines (like a lounger), so it’s really comfortable. Plus, combined with the cushioned ottoman, this inflated chair becomes the hot spot in any college dorm room.

Well-Made & Multi-Use:

These inflatable chairs are great for college students because they can also be used outdoors. It’s essentially a chair whenever and wherever you need it. They are designed with 2 air chambers to increase their sturdiness and durability, and their flocked surface makes them less slippery.

  • Chair Dimensions: 48″ x 37″ x 32″
  • Footrest Dimensions: 21″ x 10″

Another Good Inflatable Chair…

Cheap (but Comfortable) Dorm ChairAnother lounge chair for dorm rooms is the Multi-Max Inflatable Chair by Intex. It does not include a separate ottoman cushion, but it does fold out to a comfortable chaise (and a possible bed, if you are in a pinch).

If you are looking for multi-functional dormroom furniture, this is a good affordable option. Cost is about $30 and sometimes varies by color for some reason.

This inflatable chair comes in green and orange as well. On top of that, you can get it as a folding sofa too for about $50 (multiple colors too). You’ll need more space for the couch (obviously), but it does come with a free air pump included.

Dimensions: 75″ x 38″ x 25″

Other Options for Dorm Room Chairs:

Some other cheap (but really cool) dorm furniture options are Bestway’s Inflate-a-Chair (like a bean bag chair – but filled with air instead) and Intex’s Inflatable Empire Chairs (similar to papasan lounge chairs and more structured arm rests). However, neither of these come with ottomans.

Note: You don’t have to be in college or live in a dorm to enjoy these cool lounge chairs. They work great at home, outside on a patio or by a pool – and you can save yourself a bunch of money while having plenty of spots for friends to sit!
 

Narhwal – My Favorite Inflatable Whale Chair?

Do you want a comfortable, one-of-a-kind chair for lounging and gaming (that doesn’t cost a lot of money)? The Narhwal Whale Chair looks super cool, and it costs under $40!


Narhwal Inflatable Whale Chair - or Pool Float

Most of us know about the giant inflatable pool swan. Not only does it look fun floating around a pool, it makes a comfortable lounging chair too.

Well, the Narhwal also makes a pretty entertaining-looking pool toy. But I think it makes an even better chair.

5 Reasons Why the Inflatable Narhwal Makes a Perfect Chair:

1. For one, it provides some hefty arm rests. Inflatable swans don’t have anything that resembles armrests, so they feel less like a chair.

Inflatable Narhwal Whale Chair for Gaming, Lounging or the Pool2. Second, the inflatable Narhwal chair has a higher backrest. Therefore, you can sit more upright in it if you want. Not to mention, it gives you some neck support if you want to lay your head back.

3. Third, you can get the Narhwal inflatable whale for under $40. And who can’t use a cheap blow up chair for gaming, watching TV, reading or talking on the phone.

4. Fourth, you can easily carry this 2-lb chair. Move it from room to room or take it outside on the patio. Not to mention, you can deflate it, pack it in a bag or your car and take it with you to the beach, a park or a friend’s house.

5. Fifth, the plastic construction makes this piece of furniture waterproof and easy to clean. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about spilling on it or getting it wet. (You may never want to go back to regular upholstered furniture!)

Before You Buy an Inflatable Whale Chair, Take Note…

Plastic Inflatable Whale ChairSimilar to a swan or unicorn float though, the Narhwal’s pointy tusk requires you to have adequate space. In other words, it may not fit well in smaller rooms, as it may overtake the space.

That said, such an impressive horned whale demands attention, and you probably don’t want a lot of other furniture around it anyway. I mean, competing furnishings will just take away from its impressiveness, right?

Tips for Inflating the Whale Chair:

This inflatable comes with “quick release” valves, meaning you can inflate or deflate it fast. I recommend using a cheap $15 electric air pump. However, you can also use a hair dryer if you don’t have a pump.

Inflatable Narhwal Whale with Unicorn-Like Tusk/Horn. Use as a Chair or a Pool Float

Nahrwal Inflatable Whale Chair Specs:

What is a Narhwal Anyways?

This real-life animal is known as the unicorn of the sea. In fact, the ivory tusk is actually a tooth. It can grow up to 10 feet in length.

Many people don’t even know that this unique sea creature exists. In addition to providing a comfortable place to sit, the Narhwal whale chair can be a great conversation starter at parties!


Intex Inflatable Empire Chairs VS Bean Bags…

Inflatable Empire Chair Set
Inflatable Empire Chairs Come in 3 Colors: Lime, Orange and Pink

If you like bean bag chairs – but you don’t want to keep buying refill beans because your chair goes flat – you’ll really like the Intex Empire Inflatable Chair. Not only do you not need to continually buy more beans to “plump it up”, but inflatable furniture keeps its shape better due to the structural design that’s built in.

What is a Beanless Bag Chair?

This Empire Chair is almost a mix between a bean bag lounger and a round papasan chair. It provides the perfect amount of coziness for reading a book, playing video games or watching movies – yet it has enough support that you don’t feel like you’ve fallen on the floor in a heap.

How do They Look?

I also think it looks cool. Although not expensive-looking, it’s got a clean, modern appeal that is more sophisticated that traditional bean bags. Don’t get me wrong, I love bean bags and they have their place and purpose, but they can tend to look a little sloppy in a living room.

Colors: Orange | Green | Pink

What About Cleaning Them?

A big advantage that inflatable chairs and sofa have is that they are easy to clean. Simply wipe them down and you’re done. And don’t be tricked by the soft top-flocked surface. That’s waterproof too, so you don’t have to worry so much about spills.

1 Big Difference…

Just like bean bag chairs, these inflatables are very lightweight and easy to move. A big difference, however, is that they are portable, so you can them with you on vacations, sporting events or camping trips. Deflating and inflating them is quick and easy, whether you use a manual hand pump or an electric or battery operated air pump.

Fully-inflated size: Approximate inflated size 44″ x 43″ x 27″
Weight: only 6.6 lbs (pick it up with one hand!)

3 Inflatable Empire Chairs

3 More Beanless Bag Chair Features I Like:

1. A really big advantage to having inflatable chairs is that they can act as temporary seating when you need it. Of course, when deflated, they take up virtually no space at all in a closet, box or underneath a bed.

Empire Chair on Patio2. They are significantly cheaper than buying regular upholstered furniture and way more comfortable than sitting in regular folding chairs.

3. Plus, your guests will comfortably happy during movie night, card games or your next backyard patio cocktail party.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that they will take up more space than folding chairs. You need to consider the comfort-space trade-off.

Note: These chairs have a durable 2-ply vinyl bottom, so go ahead and take them outside – just don’t drag them around.

Beanless Bag Chair
courtesy of Houzz

Something I Didn’t Like:

One thing I didn’t like about these inflatables is their shiny exterior. However, when I evaluated their overall comfort, versatility, low cost and value, I quickly got over my dislike. I have to give something up if I want it for cheap, right?

Plus, I figure if it really bothers me that much I can throw a blanket on it or create a furniture cover with a furry piece of fabric.

I’ve done that with other round chairs before, and it’s surprising how fur can totally transform a chair  – and if you don’t need a fitted upholstered look, you don’t need much skill either. =)