I get questions every week about my Ikea Ektorp sectional. I normally just shoot them a quick message back and that’s that. Today I decided it was time for an honest review. We’ve had our sectional for a year and a half now and just this weekend we added a new chair. So grab your coffee and let’s talk!
Let me start off by saying this is in no way shape or form a sponsored post. I have not been paid or given anything from Ikea. These are just my honest opinions.
When we bought our house a year and a half ago I knew right away that I wanted a sectional. Our family room is fairly large and was the perfect shape for one. I had been eyeing the Ektorp for a few years. It was too large for our last home’s living room, so I was waiting patiently. When we finally moved into our current home, we sold the living room set we had and I was off to Ikea!
Ikea might not be the first place you think of when you think new couch. It wasn’t always for me either. Over the years I’ve discovered there are some great things to be had there. I did a lot of research on this sectional before I bought it. I also knew several people who have had them for years, so I felt comfortable enough to take the jump.
Here are my reason’s why I choose the Ektorp as well as why I love it so much-
-It’s a slipcover sofa.
This was a biggie for me. I have a four year old son and we entertain a lot. I wanted a couch that would be easy to clean when needed as well as one that I could recover without breaking the bank. The cover that we currently have only sells for $100. After a year we bought a second cover to have on hand. I can put on the second cover while I’m washing the other one. It has made life much easier!
-The price.
I have yet to find a quality sectional for the same price as this one. With the same cover we have, it sells for $799! You can’t beat it, I’ve looked. They do have different color covers and with those you pay $1000 at the most. For similar looking sectionals you can easily pay $2500-$3500.
-It’s comfy!
We love how comfortable it is. It’s not super deep (only 19 1/4″). If you’re looking for a really deep couch this may not be the one for you. It doesn’t bother us a bit. We love that we can all have our own space on it and it allows for several people to seat at the same time. The cushions are holding form perfectly and have yet to loose any of this cushion.
-It’s easy to clean.
You wash the whole cover in your washing machine. How awesome is that? There hasn’t been a stain I haven’t been able to get out yet. There’s a cover that comes in bright white as well. I’ve considered it because it could simply be bleached if need be. I have found that I typically need to wash mine every few months. We don’t have any pets so that may vary for you. I do have toddles at the house quite a bit and most of us know how grubby things can get with kids around. Being able to machine wash it has been a lifesaver!
-I’m not locked into one color.
I have a tendency to switch things up in our home on a regular. It’s fun for me to freshen things up with new pillow covers or decor. I love that I’m not stuck with one color with this sectional. They have several covers to choose from and I know when I get tired of this one, I can hop in my car and head to Ikea.
-It comes in a sectional, sofa and loveseat option.
If you’re living room wont accommodate a large sectional check out the sofa and loveseat.
Here’s some basic questions I get from readers-
-What color is my cover?
It is the basic Lofallet Beige cover. It’s a light beige, off-white color. I have found that it matches just about everything. I love that it’s light enough without having to worry about getting dirty too quickly.
-Does it come with a warranty?
Yes! A ten year warranty in fact. There’s not much to the sectional, so I can’t imagine what would possibly break. After ten years I maybe ready for a change anyways!
-If you had to do over, would you buy it again?
A thousand times yes! I really can’t say enough good things about it. It has been absolutely perfect for our family. I love the clean lines yet it has a laid back look to it. It’s super versatile and provides the perfect amount of space for our family and guests.
Is there anything I don’t like about it? I did say this was an honest review.
-The cover is a pain to wash!
It’s easy just annoying. You’re not supposed to put the covers into the dryer. They must air dry. I have put them in on low just to fluff them but never to dry them. I have read that they will in deed shrink!
-You have to iron the cover.
You do not want to put the covers on before ironing them. They will be wrinkled and super messy looking. As you can imagine, it can take some time. I typically pull out my iron and prop it up in the living room. I put on a movie and I’m good to go.
These are the only two complaints I have. I hate to even complain because I feel that the good far outweighs the negative. When I say we love it, we really do. So much so that I got the best mother’s day gift ever this past weekend! I got the matching Ektorp chair.
You may remember that I did have two wicker chairs by the fireplace. I still love them, so I moved them to a new place in our home. I’ll share about that later. I just really wanted a big chair to curl up in. We’ve been so impressed with our sectional that after looking at several options we settled on the matching chair. It has all the great benefits that the sectional has.
It fills the space perfectly and I’ve claimed it as “mom’s chair.” I’ve got a perfect view of the window seat and into our back yard. Now, to keep my four year old from jumping in it first, ha!
We even picked up these adorable polka dot pillow covers while we were there this weekend. I thought they were perfect for summer and for only $6, why not?
If you’ve had the Ektorp series on your list I hope you’ve found this post helpful. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might still have in the comment section below. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week! With summer on it’s way we’re all getting out more. I hope to get two hydrangeas planted today in our yard. It will be the first plant we’ve planted since we’ve moved here, besides potted plants. I’ll be sure to share it with you all soon!
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Thanks for your thoughts on the Ektorp! I have had my sofa and loveseat for a year and I love it too! I have the older cover for one in my family room and it indeed comes out wrinkled when washed. However, the slightly more expensive covers don’t wrinkle at all!!! I just put in the dryer on low heat and remove when slightly damp. Put them on and perfect!!! You might want to think about the newer covers when replacing the next time. Your room is beautiful!
Oops–website link is incorrect! Homefrontthoughts.blogspot.com
Thank is so good to know, Jeanne! I’m really excited to try out a new cover now. The wrinkles drive my crazy, so anything to cut out a lot of the ironing would be worth it!
Hi! I stumbled across your blog when searching for reviews on the Ektorp couches! I had a thought about the wrinkles post-drying — do you think you could use a steamer on them while on the couch to help get rid of wrinkles instead of ironing them prior to putting them back on? I’d love to know if you think this would work and reduce ironing time!
Thanks!
You know, I actually haven’t thought about it but it would be worth a shot! I don’t personally have a steamer so I just hadn’t occurred to me but its a wonderful suggestion. I did recently put my chair cover in the dryer on the lowest heat setting and I can report that I did not have any shrinkage. The best part, no ironing was needed. I’m a bit hesitant to put the sectional cover in because it’s a little tighter than the chair cover already but I might get up the courage and try it soon. Thank you so much for the suggestion, Kelli! I’ll have to give it a try. 🙂
I live almost 4 hours from the nearest Ikea so my question is — does it come in sections when you buy it and you transport it home yourself or did you have it shipped to you? I’ve been wanting a sectional forever, but not sure how I can manage to get one in my house!
Beverly, It came in a couple different boxes. We live just an hour from an Ikea, so we went and picked it up in our mini van. If you go on their site they actually have the measurements of the boxes under the description. That might be able to to help you decide if you’d be able to get it home yourself. Putting it together was super easy!
We have the Ektorp sectional also with the same slipcover you do. However, I am not a bit fussy about wrinkles! To me, it’s just the wrinkled linen look, and I never iron anything. Ha! It really doesn’t look bad at all. I also have a red slipcover (this particular one is now discontinued) that I put on from Nov. to Feb. It’s very festive for the holidays. I also have the smaller Ektorp chair, the Jennylund, with two different slips. We are very happy with the chair and sectional.
I hadn’t thought about that Isabella! I bet it does look a lot like linen! They used to have a red and white stripes cover that I always thought would be super cute for the Christmas season. I love the Jennylund chairs! I’ve thought about getting a couple for my master bedroom. I’m so glad to know someone who has it and likes it!
Do the covers come in different fabrics? Or just a standard fabric for all? Would anyone mind telling what the feel of the fabric is? Is soft cotton or more tweed? Thank you!
Wow!!!! it’s amazing
I agree 100%! Have had my sofa and chair for a couple of years–wish I had room for the sectional. I wish they still carried the Bleiking White but maybe I will try another color to change it up a bit. I am lazy and do not iron the covers–put in dryer for a bit and put them back on when still damp and no shrinkage so far. The few wrinkles don’t bother me. Highly recommend!
What color is your sofa? I love the way your home is styled!
Where did you get your coffee table?
We built it! Here’s the blog link for it – https://sincerelymariedesigns.com/diy-modern-farmhouse-square-coffee-table/
Your family room is just lovely. I have 100% decided the Ektorp loveseat will be joining our family room. Terrific review!
I am interested in the colors in the room…walls and your fireplace especially….can you share the brand of paint and color information?
Thank you so much, Jan! The walls are painted in Halo by Benjamin Moore and the fireplace mantel is painted in Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams. 🙂
Good morning! I have the Ektorp sectional and just ordered a new cover in your color. I found your blog through Pinterest and was curios to see what wall color you have with it. On this post you have Halo but in another post it says the wall color is Simply White… I am just curious because I haven’t see the Lofallet Beige color in person and we don’t move into our new home until the 18th. I just don’t want to go wrong 🙂 Help!
where is your jute rug from and is it comfy?
I purchased it from World Market over two years ago and sadly they don’t sell it anymore. It’s been the best rug. It’s actually soft which is not typical with jute rugs. I’ve looked for others similar bit haven’t had any luck.
What, is a sectional? Is it what we call a sofa, in Australia?
I stumbled across your blog while searching the Ektorp sectional on Pinterest. I have to say, I’ve been going back and forth with myself for so long on whether or not to get this sectional. But you have convinced me this is the one for me! Thank you for your honest review, I can’t wait to get mine! You also have a new blog follower here! Love your posts!
I have been on the hunt for a sofa for our new living room (we built and moved into a new house last summer). I have a La-Z-Boy that was not cheap and didn’t hold up like we had hoped. I can’t really explain how it didn’t hold up, it just started to seem slumpy after awhile. It’s now 10 years old and while not terrible, we need something new. Since buying higher end last time didn’t meet our expectations, I’m hesitant to shell out another 2k+ on a couch. I want to do grays and blues in my home but have struggled with finding a gray couch that isn’t modern. I’ve just about resigned myself to the fact that white is my best option for the look I want, but not the function I want…kids and dogs.
BUT, I’m also drawn to the beige colors but worry they’re too yellowish or brown to tie in with gray. I’m seeing your living room and feeling pretty good about your set up and color scheme. I came across your post when looking for reviews on this sofa. They recently came out with a 3.5 seat sofa that I’m interested in getting. So, this post is exciting. I would like to know though- what is your wall color? What color is around your fireplace? I have a shiplap wall above my firelplace that I had previously painted a blue gray. I want to do my walls a much lighter shade of the same color. But, that may not be an option for the style couch I’m looking for….Ah, so many decisions. I’m loving your living room though, and could go with the beige-is it a yellowy beige?? Sorry I have so many questions!
No problem at all Callie! I’m so sorry you’ve had trouble with your previous sofa. That’s so frustrating! The walls are painted Halo by Benjamin Moore. It’s an in-between if gray and beige, so it would work great with warm or cool colors. It def.has that warmer undertone. I would say it has more green undertones than yellow. The fireplace is painted in Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams. I hope that helps. 🙂
Have been looking at the Ektorp sectional for months trying to figure out the true deminsions right side and left side. I finally got ahold of customer service (I live 5 hours from a IKEA) and she said that it is 48 in on left and 48 on right side. Seems awfully small for a sectional, hopefully that’s incorrect. Thanks to your input and the correct dimensions I,be finally decided.
I’m so sorry I took me so long to answer your question, Cathy! That is not correct at all. I don’t know where they were get that number but it’s incorrect. The length of the sectional is 96″ from the arm to the corner on each side. So it’s fairly large. For my little family or three it’s more than enough seating. I hope that helps you in your decision.
I have a couple of Ektorp sofas that have lasted and worn great. Our oldest one 10 years could stand new bottom cushions. Ikea does not sell replacement cushions..
They have held up great . I dont know what I’d do if i couldnt change or wash the covers as i change colors and decor seasonally.
Your initial investment certainly pays off..
ENJOY
HI, I really like your coffee table. Where did you get this? I also have a Ektorp sectional 🙂
Thank you for your honest review! I love the layout and colors in your living room! We are currently remodeling a never-before remodeled 1978 raised ranch and I am going to try and replicate your living room. Can you t ell me what the artwork is to the left of your mantle? I can’t tell if it’s canvas or metal or what? I love them!
Thank you so much, Laura! Those were metal wall tiles from Pottery Barn. They were gifted to me a number of years ago. I know that PB was selling some others that were almost identical to the ones I have. There’s a direct link to them under my “Shop” tab at the top of the blog. I know they do have some other wall decor that is very similar. I hope that helps. 🙂 Good luck on your renovation. It’s hard work but so rewarding!
So happy to find this blog. Love your style of decorating and it is so helpful as I try to decide what color slipcover to purchase as a replacement. Could you tell me whether the Lafallet Beige would go with gray tones or is it more a yellow beige. I’m a fan gray or greige, white, blue tones right now and trying to make sure what I order isn’t a yellow beige. Many thanks for any help you can provide.
Thank you so much, Penny! I’m so glad you found my little corner in blog land. You know, it’s a great mix of gray and yellow. Honestly, I do think there maybe a little more yellow than gray though. I do think it would work with either color scheme, however they do make a charcoal and a solid white which might work better for you. I hope that helps. 🙂
Hi Marie,
So happy to report that I went to an IKEA an hour away and of course got lost in the maze there, LOL, but did see the slipcover fabric Lafallet Beige and thought it just might work so purchased it and brought it home. I have to say I am quite pleased. It fits my sofa really well considering that it is not actually an IKEA sofa, but an older PB one. I had read somewhere that the measurements are close and it did work. Now for the color…..I love it!!!!! Its a mix of both gray and yellow tones as you said and I find it therefore is a good neutral to go with for most any decor.. I’m enjoying your blog and look forward to getting more great ideas and sharing as well.
Thanks so much. Penny
Yay! I’m so glad it worked out! Sometimes it’s hard to describe colors online because lighting can really make a difference. I was worried I’d recommend it and it would be a train wreck for you. I’m so glad you shared that the cover works with your PB sofa. I’ve always thought they looked similar, so good to know! I’m sure that’ll help some other readers. Enjoy your new cover, friend!
Curious if the slip stays in place well, or if you find yourself constantly adjusting it. Thinking about moderately misbehaving 4 and 8 year old in my house…
Great question! In the three and half years we’ve had the sofa now we’ve never once had to adjust the cover. It fits the sofa very snug and that’s with our 6 year old son running and jumping all over it most of the time. I have three covers in all and haven’t had that issue with any of them. I hope that helps! 🙂
Love it! Where did you get those pillow covers?
Thanks Katy! The printed pillows I made myself from a tablecloth from TJ Maxx and the solid pillow covers were from Target. 🙂
Hi!
Do you spray your IKEA slip covers with a Scotch Guard Stain resistant spray ? I am waiting on my order from IKEA!
Thank you for your help.
Cindy
Hi Cindy! I have not used Scotch Guard on them, however I don’t see why you couldn’t. So far I haven’t had any stains that I haven’t been able to get out with Oxiclean. I think Scotch Guard would be a great idea though!
Thank you for the comprehensive review. I am ordering a regular ektorp sofa for my small apartment. (Love the sectional, but it’ll never fit.)
Are the blue throw and white rectangular pillow in the “mom” chair also from ikea?
Can the covers be dyed? I would like to have one for Spring/Summer (Robins Egg Blue) and one for fall (Navy) and perhaps one for Christmas (Red.)
Thank you.
I keep reading reviews that the cushions have changed and are not as comfortable. Any thoughts? Anyone out there bought one this year? I’m wanting to order the couch and two chairs, but I’m scared. I love to far away to return. Btw your blog is great!
Thank you so much, Kim! I’ve had our sectional for a number of years and I haven’t sat on a newer one, so I can’t speak to the comfort of the newest ones. Our’s has always been very comfortable. One thing that I wish I could change is the depth. They do not have the deepest seats. Aside from that we’ve been very pleased with ours. I know that they used to use down back cushions. That might be the change people are talking about. I’ve never sat in any with the down so I can’t compare. I’m sorry I’m not more help than that.