Are IKEA couches worth it? 10 popular IKEA sofas reviewed

ikea sofas

IKEA, the champion of affordability and style, but are their couches worth it?

Can you truly have both comfort and affordability or do you have to sacrifice one for the other? Let’s explore whether IKEA couches are actually worth the investment.

We picked 10 of IKEA’s most popular sofas, sifted through hundreds of user reviews, and even tested some ourselves to bring you the guide to the top 10 IKEA sofas.

Affordable IKEA Sofa – The KLIPPAN loveseat

ikea klippan sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 3.6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The KLIPPAN is a medium-sized loveseat couch with a single seating pad and high armrests on either side. Though not overly large, this would be a good fit for smaller rooms or those looking for temporary seating. The most common complaint in the reviews is that the upholstery quickly wears through, some owners going so far as to describe it as “papery.” Our suggestion? It might be okay if you’re using this as a visual piece to tie a room together. But if it will be the primary sofa set in the living room, you’ll probably need a new one (or a very nice slipcover) in a year or two.

The GLOSTAD

ikea glostad sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 4.6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It is a perfect addition to a child’s room or a gaming area for teenagers. The GLOSTAD is a simple couch with very few poor reviews. Perhaps one of the largest drawbacks is the lack of color variety, but you can always change that with a stylish and bright throw blanket or some interesting pillows. Will you need those pillows? Not so much. The cushions are soft and remain that way for a long time, especially at this price point. Our verdict? The GLOSTAD is fantastic for its low price point.

The LINANÄS

ikea Linanas sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 3.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Though once very popular, this model has recently seen a slump in satisfaction. Along with the KLIPPAN, this couch has problems with long-term wear and tear. Its upholstery will not hold up to daily use in most households. Though this can be quickly fixed with a slipcover or patches, most prefer that their couch hold up for over a year or two. We probably wouldn’t invest in one unless we were using it in a low-use area. If so, this is a comfortable and cheap accent piece for an otherwise empty room.

Sectional Sofas – The KIVIK

ikea kivik sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 4.3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This modular sofa comes in a wider variety of colors and has a number of setups, letting you take it from a sofa to a sectional. We’ll be looking at the sectional sofa only, which is recognized as one of the top cost-effective couches available at IKEA. Though the price point is slightly higher than the last few sofas, you get a solid modern sectional and plenty of comfortable options. We love the deep, firm seats, changeable covers, and wide armrests that almost double as a side table. (The RÖDEBY tray is made just for that!) Our vote? Absolutely take a chance on the KIVIK; you won’t be disappointed.

The ÄPPLARYD

ikea ÄPPLARYD
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 3.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Though difficult to spell, this sectional IKEA couch is easy on the eyes. We like bold statement furniture, and the ÄPPLARYD as a blue velvet sofa is divine. However, it is not without problems. Users comment that the cushions aren’t washable and seem to pile quickly. Secondly, over time, the metal frame starts to creak, making embarrassing noises, which is a pity because the sofa has a beautiful silhouette, and we really wanted to like this one.

The UPPLAND

ikea uppland
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 4.3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Most reviews adore the UPPLAND, the replacement for the beloved EKTORP range of sofas. The only issue lies with the cushions, but the jury is still out on this. Some reviewers found them hard and lumpy, while others found them comfortable, which may be a matter of personal preference. More and more modern sofas are moving toward a single cushion and flat seating area, but the UPPLAND maintains its traditional style. Besides, separate cushions have their advantages: they are reversible, giving you two different sides to wear down, are removable, and can be machine-washed. The UPPLAND is an excellent option for a classic look and an easy-care sofa.

Leather Sofas – The MORABO

ikea morabo
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 4.6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This sleek 70s-type couch with tufted cushions is a very comfortable investment, but it does sit higher on the IKEA price scale. The seats are covered in top-grain leather, while other less conspicuous areas are upholstered in a coated fabric with a similar look and feel to leather — a standard method by furniture manufacturers to get the price down. While this may dissuade some buyers, it’s a top choice for quality furniture at a lower cost. If you’re a big fan of IKEA leather couches, you won’t be disappointed in this one. Mix and match the MORABA three-seater with an ottoman or armchair to complete your living room furniture set.

The STOCKHOLM

ikea stockholm sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 4.2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This leather sofa is straight out of the middle of the last century, particularly its tapered armrests and legs. Utterly charming and extremely well-loved in the reviews, you’ll only find two primary drawbacks with this couch: the backrest and the back cushions are not fully covered with leather. The fabric can sometimes be visible from behind the sofa or from the front if the cushions have been disturbed. Secondly, there is a need to use a leather cleaner like Lexol to clean and protect the leather; otherwise, the leather discolored with stronger detergents. Like most leather sofas, the STOCKHOLM also requires care to last for years. That said, our money is on the STOCKHOLM.

Modular Sofas – The SÖDERHAMN

ikea soderhamn sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: 3.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The SÖDERHAMN is an extremely neat idea for a sofa, and we love its color range and modularity. The wide, deep seats offer a hopeful promise of relaxing movie nights in the living room. Our only issue with it? The quality overall for the price point isn’t quite hitting with us. The foam in the seat cushions feels a little too thin, and the wood is a little too pressboard-y. While these are all little things, they do add up. Should you get one of these modular couches? We suggest going and sitting on one to see if it fits what you’re after. If it does, it’s a good buy. If you’re on the fence, there are lots of other options.

The JÄTTEBO

ikea jattebo sofa
Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Rated: Not enough reviews

This intriguing and oversized couch is a fascinating choice. Though it has a limited color selection, the sofa has a very slim-line design and is easy to imagine in many rooms. Being modular, you can configure it to fit perfectly in space. Or use this stylish furniture piece to add a pop of color to a room, like placing an armless seat module with storage in a guest bedroom. Our only concern is how low the backrest is. Some large pillows may help to provide lumbar support, but that may detract from the clean lines of the JÄTTEBO. Should you get it? It’s a great buy, but we prefer a higher back. We’ll give it a pass, but it may fit you perfectly.

Tips & Maintenance for IKEA Couches

Photo Credit: serezniy/Depositphotos

While IKEA couches might be budget-friendly, extending their lifespan requires proactive care. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum the cushions and frame regularly to remove dust, debris, and pet hair, which can wear down the fabric and cushions over time. Use the upholstery attachment for optimal cleaning.
  • Spot Cleaning: Address spills and stains immediately using appropriate cleaning solutions. Check IKEA’s care instructions for specific recommendations based on the fabric type. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric.
  • Rotating Cushions: Regularly rotate and flip the cushions (if possible) to ensure even wear and tear, preventing uneven sagging and maintaining comfort levels.

Protecting the Fabric:

Photo Credit: eungsuwatnarin62@gmail.com/Depositphotos
  • Slipcovers: Invest in washable slipcovers to protect the original fabric from spills, stains, and everyday wear and tear. Slipcovers offer additional benefits like style customization and easier cleaning.
  • Throws and Blankets: When not in use (e.g. a long holiday), drape throws or blankets over the couch to protect the fabric from dust, dirt, and sunlight, which can fade color over time.

Addressing Minor Damage:

Photo Credit: belchonock/Depositphotos
  • Loose Threads: Address loose threads promptly with a needle and thread to prevent further unraveling.
  • Piling: If piling occurs, use a fabric shaver to gently remove the excess fabric without damaging the couch.
  • Minor Tears: Consider DIY repair options using fabric patches and appropriate adhesives for minor tears. However, seeking professional upholstery services might be necessary for larger tears or more complex repairs.

Reinforcing Structure:

Photo Credit: Artfully79/Depositphotos
  • Tighten Screws and Bolts: Over time, screws and bolts can loosen, causing the couch frame to become wobbly. Regularly check and tighten any loose hardware to maintain the couch’s structural integrity.
  • Adding Support: If the cushions feel particularly thin or uneven, consider adding additional support underneath them with furniture pads or cut-to-size foam inserts.

By following these tips and adopting a proactive maintenance approach, you can significantly increase the lifespan of your IKEA couch, allowing you to enjoy its comfort and affordability for years to come.

Is your IKEA Sofa a little underwhelming? Try a hack

Photo Credit: Jules Yap/IKEAhackers.net

Maybe the color doesn’t quite match your vision, or perhaps it sits a bit lower than you’d like. But before you resign yourself to living with it, consider a DIY refresh. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your sofa into a piece you truly love. Swap out the standard legs for something taller. Build a custom frame to give the sofa a totally new look.

Change the slipcovers

Photo Credit: Jules Yap/IKEAhackers.net

Transforming your IKEA sofa is easier than you think. For a hassle-free update, check out companies like Bemz and ComfortWorks—they specialize in stylish slipcovers designed specifically for IKEA sofas. Or roll up your sleeves and dye the slipcovers in a color you love.

What’s your experience with IKEA couches?

Photo Credit: IKEA.com

Are they worth the price? Let us know in the comments. See the whole range of IKEA sofas and sectionals here.