IKEA Just Launched This “Scandi-Cool” Sleeper Sofa, and I Clocked It Before the Internet Did

It was a cold, gloomy weekend when I decided to treat myself to one of my favorite pick-me-up activities: a stroll through my local IKEA. Operating only on vibes, I had zero shopping strategy. I cover the Swedish home retailer semi-regularly as part of my role here at Apartment Therapy, so I know all the beloved heroes (the KALLAX shelf unit, the TROFAST storage system, the SOLVINDEN lamp, and so on). But the beauty of IKEA is that there’s always something new to discover. This time, it was the new GRUNNARP sleeper sofa.

The latest addition to the retailer’s sofa roster, IKEA’s GRUNNARP sofa immediately caught my attention with its outwardly curved arms, exposed birch base, and chunky, tubular legs. It’s available in three fabric covers: beige, medium gray, and a pretty tawny pink shade, which is the one I saw IRL.

Just like many of IKEA’s best finds, this new sofa has a sleek, Scandi-cool vibe that looks more expensive than its $899 price tag. It doesn’t even look like a sleeper sofa at first glance. That’s because it’s not a “regular” sleeper — the underframe lifts out, and the back rest folds down to create a full-size sleep surface for two in virtually no time at all. Plus, there’s a sneaky storage compartment under the seat for spare bedding and pillows. 

In terms of the GRUNNARP sofa’s overall sit, I found it to be comfier than expected (most of the sleeper sofas have very firm cushions due to the pull-out mechanisms underneath). I couldn’t help going full shopping-writer mode and spent about 20 minutes (maybe more) hanging out in IKEA’s showroom to get better acquainted with this new design. And I wasn’t the only one; the sofa was getting a lot of customer traffic! 

The sofa has a medium-firm seat and loose back cushions that felt bouncy and supportive when I plopped down on it. It strikes the perfect balance between a relaxed and an upright position, making it a great option for anyone who wants something suited to working and lounging on. The sofa’s polyester cover had a durable tweed-like texture that gave the sofa extra dimension. The pink, for example, wasn’t plain at all, and looked like it had tawny, brownish threads woven into it for a softer, grounded look. 

Because the sofa’s seat and backrests make up the sleep surface, it’s a touch firmer than a traditional mattress — but that’s nothing a mattress topper can’t fix. (It can live permanently in the sofa’s storage compartment, too.) 

Like all IKEA furniture, the GRUNNARP sofa does require a bit of assembly; it comes in two packages that make it easier to maneuver into small apartments. And according to early reviews, the sofa is fairly easy to assemble and even easier to convert into the sleeper position. 

“Sleeper is extremely easy to set up (our young children can do it),” wrote one reviewer. Once built, the GRUNNARP sofa measures 91x35x32 inches, which is pretty standard for a three-seat sofa. It’ll be the focal point of an exceptionally tiny living room, but it would fit right into apartments with a more open layout. 

I have a feeling that it’s only a matter of time before the GRUNNARP sofa takes off. It’s giving Scandi style, sleeper versatility, and everyday comfort — all for under $900? I’m sold! 

Buy: IKEA GRUNNARP Sleeper Sofa, $899