Friday, July 10, 2009

Ikea Sofa Review

Pin It Now!

I've been getting a lot of emails and comments lately asking if I'm pleased with my Ikea sofa that I bought last March. It's been 4 months and I still love it! I've washed the slipcovers numerous times and they look the same now as they did when I first bought them. I'm glad that I bought an extra set of slipcovers because you can't put them in the dryer and they take a least a day to air dry.

I'm still amazed at the quality of this sofa for the price. It's only $399 and the extra set of slipcovers is only $49.

If I had room I would buy the matching love seat but I think it would be too large for my room. I am considering buying a chair though. I have wicker chairs in my living room now and they really aren't that comfortable so I would like to replace one of them, maybe with one of these:


This chair above is $249 in white but if you want it in pink it's $349! I'm not sure why pink costs $100 more??? Pink wouldn't look right in my place so it doesn't really matter to me. I wish they had it in light blue though.



This chair above is only $199.

Which chair do you like better?

*****************************************

Don't forget, I'll be hosting my monthly giveaway party on Monday! I'll have Mr. Linky up sometime Sunday evening if you want to join in and have a giveaway on your blog.



84 comments:

just a little bit shabby said...

I like the loose cushion chair better. It looks roomier and more comfortable. It looks more expensive, also. The slip cover is such a nice thing to have. Keeps things clean and spills are not a big tragedy!
Have a good week end, Cindy
Sandy

sharonavinger said...

I like the first chair better. It looks much more comfortable and expensive. I think you'll be happy with it!

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

I bet your excited to get a chair- It will make everything look just a little bit different. I think what ever chair you pick will look great. I have two wing-back chairs and I like them because of the height it gives. So you might what to consider that if you need some height in an area. I myself don't like everything at one level.

Take Care-

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cindy,
I have the second chair you showed, I bought it cause whenever I have one of those larger chairs it always seems harder to fit in to small spaces, the little one you can tuck in anywhere I have even put it in my dining rm, now the downside, it isn't that comfy it's ok to sit in but to curl up and read a book in not so much but I do like the size of it and it should be more comfy than the wicker(;
Hugs~Kelly

Cindy said...

Cindy, I am glad to hear that you love your EKTORP sofa. I wish I had bought that instead of the sofa I did buy eight years ago. My favorite chair is the EKTORP chair. I would LoVe to have that chair. Maybe some day. I hear an IKEA is coming to Winnipeg in the next year some time!!! I am doing a happy dance! Hugs, ~cindy s~ PS Thank you for commenting on my blog. Funny, my little sister is named Susan. I had to laugh when I saw your comment. Cute!

Beverly said...

If you are limited on space, the second chair gives the appearance of a small scale. Of course, it might not be, but it looks smaller.

But, putting all of that aside, I like the first chair the best.

Now, I am laughing at my decisiveness.

Anonymous said...

I like the first chair and it matches your sofa. To me, it looks more comfortable than the second. I wish we had an Ikea here in Arkansas because I've heard great things about it.

Debbie V.

Glenda said...

I think you should go for the first chair. It looks far more comfortable. You'll never regret it. I'd rather have a cozy chair any day.

Isn't our weather just beautiful ?????


Ciao

Penny Sue said...

Hi Miss Cindy,

For the $50 difference, I think you should get the one you absolutely love. First one looks almost like a chair and a half.... and very comfortable. Second chair looks more sleek and tailored... but still comfy. You must choose, grasshopper! :) Have fun deciding. Does't IKEA deliver? Is shipping reasonable?
And... a pink chair? Hmmmm... very strange. Hugs, Penny Sue

Lilian Carvalho said...

Que aconchegante!!!!amei!!
parabéns Cindy!!!
bjos

Allysa said...

I too have the Ikea sofa in white and like you bought the extra slipcover...I'm looking to buy the first chair because it matches the sofa and looks so comfortable...love your blog, I don't comment often but look at it daily.

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

Hi!
I have the sofa and 2 of the first chair and I love them all!!!!!

Can't beat the price!!!!

I have them in our family room so we use them all the time!

Unknown said...

We ordered an Ikea chaise that we have been very happy with. We had purchased our chairs from Restoration Hardware and they really blend perfectly. No one would know the difference in price.
I Really like the $249 chair. It looks very similar to ours so maybe I'm not the one to ask> :)

I'll be back on Sunday. I have a giveaway for my 1 year blogaversary! :)
~Liz

Anonymous said...

It's a toss up .....both are great
looking, but for me I like the first one. It looks so comfy !!!!
Have a good weekend......Mimi

FrenchGardenHouse said...

This is perfect timing for me. I have a great couch that I spent way too much money on. way. And to top it off, the cover shrunk...big time. So I'm pretty excited about your personal recommendation about the Ikea pieces. thanks!
xo

Sharla said...

Hi Cindy,
I have to say that after you bought your sofa, I bought one too. My brother found it on Craigslist though- it was only 3 months old and never used, it came with both a tan and white cover and I did buy another white one at ikea and a print one from their "as is bin" I got both covers for 17.00. The clerk said they have white ones all the time as some people buy another color and leave the white one.
I did have to dig a bit but found 2 complete covers and the clerk did check all the sku's so we knew they were the right pieces.
I have 3 black dogs and just love the white couch, vacums well, tide to go for touch ups and throw in wash as needed- love it, wish I had gotten it when the kids were small. Plus, it is long enough to sleep on. I just had knee surgery and have spent quite a lot of time on it!
Have a great weekend!
Oh, I like both chairs :)

CindyLou said...

I like the second chair. It's smaller scale would probably fit in the room better. Love your Blog!

Ms. Bake-it said...

Personally, I like the first chair. It gives the appearance of total comfort. The kind of chair you can curl up in with a good book and glass of wine. An Ikea recently opened near me and I have been looking for a legitimate excuse to go there. I believe I will check out that chair to see if it will fit and look good in my bedroom when I am done remodeling.

Unknown said...

I prefer the first chair, too. Looks more comfortable by far.

Marlis said...

chair one is my favorite, but chair two might fit the size of the space better...

okay so to white slip covers.. if you can wash them, you can dye them. not with ritz though it's not fade resistant.. but use dylon die. you can put it in the washing machine with cold water and it lasts.. have used it tons on clothes and stuff.. http://www.dritz.com/askus/faq/faq_02.php

Susan said...

I like the 2nd chair. I myself just got the Ektorp couch and chair. I have the tan slip cover and I got the red one (being discontinued so on sale) for winter. I love the idea of being able to change things up. So far it's comfortable and I'm glad to hear you still like it.

Mitten from Smitten said...

We went to Ikea and I sat on both chairs. The first one was awesome. Can curl up in it etc. the smaller one was WAY uncomfortable and you couldn't curl up into it like the other one.

Definitely get the first one!

cotedetexas said...

I think the second one is prettier with the higher back. but either one!

this sofa is my no.1 advice to people to buy when they want the white slipcover look but can't afford the shabby chic line. this sofa is awesome. it's so comfortable and great looking and cost what a few good meals would cost. it's amazing!!! glad to hear it realy holds up. why can't you put the slip in the dryer though? will you email me to let me know - I am really curious!

email: mrballbox329@aol.com

Lissu said...

I love that Ikea sofa! Do you know this shop:
http://www.bemz.com/

There's lots of covers for Ikea furniture...

Beneath the Eaves said...

I like the first chair. The extra cushion looks more comfortable. The second one is more sleek, too formal for me. Can't believe the great prices. Wow.

I am having a 100th blog giveaway until Monday of a crazy quilted heart if anyone wants fun until then. Hope to join you in the future on Mondays Cindy. I think you have such a great idea.I have to start working on it soon.
Debra

Melinda said...

I like the first chair better! Both are beautiful but the first seems to suit the rest of your decor, and looks more comfortable.

the undomesticated wife said...

I personally prefer the second chair, but I think the first one matches your style a bit better. But both are great!

I have an Ikea bed (footboard/headboard/mattress) and love it!

NicNacManiac said...

Love that sofa, I have actually sat in that first chair and it is so comfy. You just flip you legs over one side, it is really wide and you could stay there for hours!!
Hugs, Nerina :)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I have been considering the Ikea sofa like yours and I'm so glad to hear that you still like yours. I like the first chair also. It does look much more expensive and comfortable. Hugs, Marty

Cottage Lifestyle said...

I like both chairs. I have the first style listed (not Ikea brand) and I am ready for a change so I would probably go with the second one. I am guessing the second one wouldn't take up as much room or at least give the illusion that it isn't as large. You could always dye the slipcover blue.

Nancy said...

Cindy
I love both chairs. Although the top chair does look a little roomier. Someone might have already suggested it but do you think you could dye the slipcover a pale blue? Just a thought.

Shirley said...

I'm so glad to see this because I've been thinking about buying a new living room set from Ikea. I wondered about the quality because the prices are so cheap. You've set my mind at ease.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Ikea is such good value for money isn't it ? Your house looks lovely. XXXX

Anonymous said...

I still remember when you first got your couch and I E-mailed you about it -- you were so sweet to answer me right back! Well, I didn't get the couch, but my little mama did come to my casa made a slipcover out of dropcloths for my sofa, and now I love it!

And I think I like them both equally, but the $249 chair would probably accommodate my womanly self of abundance a little better! (Don't wanna be bustin' out of anybody's chair, don'cha know!)

Pamm

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy, love love LOVE The 1st one. It is a great classic style, the lower profile won't make your room looked crammed, I like that the seat is wider and it looks deeper too so it's easy to curl up in. It looks so much more comfortable than the 2nd one. Plus, I'm not one for sofa & love seat sutff, too old hat. I would do 2 love seats instead, or 2 sofas. Or my favorite for smaller spaces, sofa and 2 chairs. Get one chair now and you can get another later on, if you need it.

Just my 2 cents! Whatever you do it will always look so fabulous!

Good luck on your choice!

Tina

Ginger said...

I like the first chair, the one that costs more. lol. It just looks more comfortable.

Bambi said...

I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your sofa. I would love to have one but there's no Ikea nearby. And I think I would have to vote for the first chair!

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy,
I just discovered your blog about a week ago and I love it! I look forward to it everyday! I like the 1st chair better, Im sure you could dye the slipcover a nice blue. I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to blog, it really is a labor of love!
Michelle from Illinois

☼ Carolina ☼ said...

tu blog, es maravillosos, te felicito, te mando un abrazo, desde Santiago de Chile.
Visitame : www.carolinamaraboli.blogspot.com

Lisa said...

OH love it! I'm excited about the giveaway!! I'll have to see if I'm going to have one or just visit the lovely blogs!!
Hugs, Lisa

elmundodetrapito said...

HOLA SIN PALABRAS BELLISIMO TODO
DESDE EL COMIENZO HASTA EL FINAL
TE ENVITO SI PODES A QUE ME VISITES
A MI BLOGS SUEĂ‘OSCUMPLIDOS ESPERO QUE TE GUSTE SALUDOS

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I like both chairs but would have to sit in both of them to compare how comfortable they are. Your new sofa looks great!
~Patti

elma said...

I also love the first one:) I think it looks nicer than the second.

A Southern Rose said...

Hi Cindy,
I like the style of the first chair better. I think that it goes better with your sofa and it looks more comfortable too. I like loveseats also but I'm like you not enough space.
Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Anonymous said...

I do belive the first one is the winner!!!

Dream Mom said...

This is too funny! I was just getting ready to send you an e-mail to see how you liked the sofa when I saw your post. I am serious! That is scary. LOL!

Anyhoo, I am glad to hear you still like your sofa. Regarding the slip covers, you mentioned they need to air dry-will they shrink if you dry them? Just curious.

Personally, I like the first chair. The second chair looks too tailored for your room.

Charlene said...

I like the first chair the best. And... you could dye one set of slipcovers (for the chair) blue while having the second one white. That way you could switch up the looks. You know soft blue chairs & white sofa with blue pillows. What do you think?

Martha's Favorites said...

You always have a way of making the simplest things look so beautiful. I don't know how you do it. I am glad that you always share. I would like to know a little more about the swap. My blog only has 6 followers, I am very new to blogging. But I love to blog! Thanks always for being so helpful and sharing so much of your life. Martha

Tanya said...

I bought my Ikea sofa off of Craig's list and I love it. One of the chairs is also on my wish list. I think I like the first one better but the 199 price tag has me tempted!

Anonymous said...

I prefer Chair #1. I have known of 2 people who purchased that same Ikea sofa and it held up pretty well until the second year of use. The cushions sort of gave out, but everyone uses them differently. Maybe they had more people sitting on it? Hope yours lasts longer. It is a great price!

Karbee said...

I have the Ektorp single chair and love it. Very comfortable. So i'd go for that one. I also bought the footrest which has hidden storage inside where I keep my yarncrafts.

Alison said...

We have the Jennylund chair, the second one. I would have preferred the other one but it was just too big for our corner. We are going to buy the Sofa sometime soon though but I'm waiting for fabric slipcover samples from a company that does them as they have a whole range which are nicer than the Ikea ones.
Have a lovely weekend
love
Alison
x

Unknown said...

I have the same couch for over 7 years, I just washed and DRIED (IN THE DRYER) my slipcovers last night! They look PERFECT!
I am moving soon and I will purchase the chair if I have the room - that couch is AMAZING!

Sandra said...

I like the bigger chair for your living room, but the smaller one is what I've been looking for to put in my bedroom. And I might even get one for my "studio."

As always, your place looks great and even though I didn't email you about this, I'm glad others did so we could get your opinion on the sofa. I'm also considering the loveseat for my living room.

Judi said...

Hi Cindy
I'm glad that sofa has worked out for you. Good idea to buy an extra cover also.
hmmmmmm...I think I like the 2nd chair more than the first...though they are both nice.

have a lovely day! Thank you for the info on the flea market in your area.

We will actually be driving to Reno for a couple of nights and Lake Tahoo a night and then staying at Monteray for a couple of nights as well. So we're really looking forward to the trip!!
Judi

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

I have that sofa too and have been really pleased with it! It's a bit firmer than the PB and Crate and Barrel look alikes, but I like that. I've washed my slipcover and was afraid it might come apart but nope, it's just fine. I think this is a great couch if you want a slipcovered look at a fantastic price!

Manuela

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

I own the first Chair from Ikea ..and have had it now for 3 years and it's held up beautifully. The bottom cushion could use a new piece after continual use in our living room.. but considering 3 years it's held up well and the foam is easily replaced at Jo-annes. We did by 2 slipcovers in the white when we got the chair ..and they have also held up wonderfully as they are made of a very sturdy canvas material ..We do actually put ours in the dryer ..on the AIR setting for about 30 minutes ..then while they are still damp and the material is stretchable we put them back on it seems to work better because they damp fabric is more pliable and stretchable to work with. Then we just let them dry the remainder of the day while they aren't in use. We did consider the 2nd chair ..but if you are looking for comfort and every day use go for the the 1st chair.

Well hope that helps everyone out ..and Yes IKEA has got some great items for Great prices ..I Love quality and I love Unique but when you are having to purchase a sofa or chair that is going to see a lot of use .. Slipcovered furniture is a great way to go ..and alot of companies don't offer it. So Ikea is the perfect option !

Sara of Sweet Magnolias Farm

Marilyn said...

Cindy,

My vote goes to the first chair, mostly because I have 2 chairs in a similar style that I absolutely love! To me, that style beckons people to stay and relax.

And, thanks for the beach pictures from the other day. What a spectacular area you are fortunate to live in! I really enjoy the day trips that you take us along on. Please, please continue. :-)

Marilyn (in Dallas)

Cheryl (Copper's Wife) said...

I've sat in both of those chairs at IKEA. The first one is definitely more comfy. You should take your time at IKEA and sit in both chairs as you would if they were in your lovely home. Curl up with your feet under you (if that's your style), or whatever. Have your daughter do the same, if you think she'll spend much time in the chair. Dhoose the one that feels the best to you.

Anonymous said...

Cindy,
Thank you so much for the EKTORP sofa update! I've been wondering the same. It cost over $700 total though if its delivered.
Chris

Anonymous said...

Hopefully you can sit in each one. After being bitten by a rattlesnake I have been confined to a chair (or bed)till the 17th and so realize how many of my chairs are not all that comfortable! I would say comfort above everything else! Thanks for your great blog-never miss it!

blessings
mary

Periwinkle Pass Studio said...

I have been thinking of getting the chair and sofa. I am glad to hear the slip covers wash well with out any the fabrics shrinking.

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I like them both! Can't decide which is best. I didn't know they were that cheap there. I need to check that place out online. We don't have one here.
Brenda

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi cindy,
I like the bigger overstuffed chair
cause it has a more cozy look. they are both nice chairs tho.
Am glad you reminded me about the Ikea sofa. We saw them over a year
ago and said if we ever needed a new sofa we might try one. It is nice to know someone who has one and that it is wearing so nicely.
Our living room sofa is getting old but it has a hid of bed in it,
so I would like to keep that, but
it really rarely gets used. So don't know if I need to have it recovered or just get a new one.
The sofa is part of a pit grouping I guess you would say, it was one of those groups that has a recliner, then a pie shape pc, sofa, and another recliner, but you can move the pcs around, so the sofa has no arms, and my kitty has been secretly working on it in one spot and the sun is doing it's damage shining in the windows as well. So thanks for the info, it may come in handy soon.
Have a great week ahead,
Blessings, Nellie

Dina said...

I have the same couch with the red slip cover. I actually have two of the second chair you showed. I got them because they were cheaper and it had the slip cover I wanted. I wish I got the bigger chairs though. They would be more comfortable.

Hopechest Bride said...

I have the IKEA loveseat and have to admit...I Love it! I think one of those chairs would look great in your room Cindy. By the way...thank's for the update on the lost man. Thank God he was found alive.
Blessings
Lisa

Its So Very Cheri said...

My vote is definitely for the first chair-looks more comfortable and just looks more expensive, as it is.
Cheri
http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/2009/07/2nd-week-of-give-away-new-rules.html

Trish said...

thanks for letting us know how the slipcovers are working! I have 2 loveseats (same pattern from ikea) and have not washed the covers yet because I've been afraid to. No more fear! thank you! :)
p.s. I am going to pick up the chair with storage ottomon for a "reading/needlework chair"

Decor To Adore said...

I have had the exact sofa for 4 years and just love it. It has really held up well with kids and dogs.

For you I like the second chair better. It is a bit smaller than the first chair. :)

Nancy said...

I have both chairs and I used to have the larger chair in the living room and the smaller in my bedroom. Right now they are both in the living room. I thought I would prefer the larger one, but I really like them equally. Have you had any problems with your slipcovers? I swear the first ones I bought - with my furniture - are smaller than the second set I bought. They are so much more difficult to put on and I have never dried them in the dryer.

Pam C. said...

I can not beleive the price of the sofa the room looks beautiful

Anonymous said...

I also like the first better. We have 2 of these ikea-ektorp chairs.
I love the color on the wall behind the sofa. I visited your blog for the first time today, but i'll be back!

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I hope that I am not too late to comment on the chairs. I really like the first chair much better. Looks more comfortable and more expensive. I have a white sofa similar to yours. I am pleased to hear that you have already washed it and that you are pleased with the results. I am afraid to wash my sofa cover, even though it is sorely in need of cleaning. Did your covers shrink? That is my greatest fear. Did you pop them into the washer and dryer? Thanks for your comments.
Francie M
West Chester PA
francinemonaghan@comcast.net

Lynn said...

Cindy,
Both are nice, but I favor the first one as it is the same style as mine. I love to snuggle up in mine with a cup of tea and a magazine after work. Please let us know which one you pick. Thank you and have a wonderful day! Lynn

Ananth Chelladurai said...

The first chair seems to be good.

heidi jo said...

definitely the first one - MUCH cozier! :)

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

I have the smaller chair in my hat room...it is just right for a quick ponder or visit with someone exploring my hat collection.

We got the sofa cheap-cheap-cheap in the IKEA clearance area for use while we were temporarily staying in an unfurnished apartment. Now it is on our outside deck, under an overhang. Luxury to sit outside on a summer evening on a real couch, knowing we can always wash the covers if needed later!

LOVE Ikea!

Isabelle said...

I like the first chair better : it seems to me more confortable .
Cheers,
Isa

Anonymous said...

Sofa Recliner can provides you comfortable seating options for your living room.

Unknown said...

I think we'll be getting the white ikea sofa this weekend--I hope they have some left in the store since white is unavailable online.

I have 2 kids & a dog too. My husband thinks I'm crazy getting white but I figure I'll get a spare slipcover.

Toughie on which chair to get. 1st one looks more comfy & similar style as the sofa. The 2nd one looks more tailored. Is it comfortable?

(more than likely we'll be doing similar set up--sofa with chair. Our home is small too!)

Anonymous said...

I loved your blog. Thank you.

Jeanine said...

Are you still happy with your sofa? My husband and I were thinking of purchasing the sofa and love seat and just wondered how it has held up after a few years.

Jeanine said...

Are you still happy with your Ikea sofa? My husband and I are thinking of purchasing the sofa and love seat. I just wondered how it has held up after a few years. Love your blog!

Cindy said...

Yes, I still like it. It's held up well. I do need to buy 2 more sets of slipcovers though. They are getting a little stained and dingy looking after 4 years.