We Reviewed IKEA Sofas IRL. These Are the Most Comfortable

If you’re on the hunt for a new couch (or know you soon will be), the first thing you typically do before hitting the stores is to set a budget. Should that number come in at about $1,000 or less, IKEA is a great first (and possibly last) stop on your sofa shopping endeavors. With over 20 styles in dozens of configurations, we set out to review 13 of the retailer’s most popular models, rating the sit, depth, softness, height, napability and overall comfort, all of which were tallied and averaged across the board of our Sofa Squad testers. Read on to see which were the most comfortable.

Well, the Swedish behemoth hardly needs an introduction, but we thought we’d share a few logistical facts with you if you’re considering a major purchase from the retailer. First off, they have a very generous 365-day return window, with no questions asked (as long as the item being returning is in pristine shape). You’ll also get a built-in 10-year limited warranty that covers defects in the frame as well as the seat and back cushions. And as far as getting your new sofa home, you have a few options: pick it up in-store and leave with it in your own vehicle, arrange delivery (starting at $59) in store, or arrange delivery (starting at $99) for online orders.

• Price: $1,299
• Available size: 89.75″w x 44.125″d x 28.625″h
• Available colors: 3 upholstery options
• Additional notes: Style also available in ottoman

→ “The arms on this are a little too high and stiff, but overall, I love this sofa.” — Brittney Morgan, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

→ “I rated this a ‘4’ in comfort, only because of how low it is. But I love it! It’s attractive, the velvet fabric is beautiful, the seat is soft but firm enough to have some bounce, and so incredibly deep for napping.” — Allie H., Contributor

→ “This is a really large sofa with tons of throw pillows that is basically a bed in sofa form. I’d absolutely buy this sofa, but I also tend to like very deep sofas. This is not for sitting and chatting, this is for lounging and would be great for a media/TV room, or the one-bedroom apartment of someone with frequent overnight guests.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “In my store, this was layered with literally 10 throw pillows when I sat on it and the seat was still very deep. The velvet is killer. When asked if I’d buy it, I replied ‘Yes!! Yes!! Yes!!'” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

• Price(s): Starting at $379
• Available size: 85.875″w x 34.625″d x 34.625″h
• Available colors: 8 upholstery options / 2 leather options
• Additional notes: Style also available in 4-seat corner sectional, 3-seat sectional, armchair, loveseat, and ottoman

The Rating

Testers’ Thoughts

→ “Though the cushion feels a little thin and firm, the Ektorp in general seems like a nice conversation sofa. I also like that it has a slipcover for ease of cleaning and the arms are nice and cushy.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “Good armrest height, but seems very shallow for lounging.” — Charles S., Contributor

→ “The chaise option ups the napability of it, but overall it’s surprisingly firm and a little short.” — Dabney Frake, Projects Editor

→ “I sunk right into this couch, in a good way.” — Brittney Morgan, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

• Price(s): Starting at $499
• Available size: 89.75″w x 37.375″d x 32.625″h
• Available colors: 6 upholstery options / 2 leather options
• Additional notes: Style also available in 3-seat sectional, 4-seat sectional, chaise, 5-seat corner sectional, 5-seat sectional, 4-seat corner sectional, 6-seat corner sectional, loveseat, 3.5-seat sofa, and ottoman with storage

→ “The low arms are the perfect height to rest your head on for a nap, but probably too low to lean on while sitting. Also, it felt a little firm to me.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

→ “This is the perfect firmness level. I didn’t want to get up.” — Brittney Morgan, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

→ “The armrest has a nice width and the fabric options seem durable.” — Charles S., Contributor

→ “I’d consider buying this sofa. Though the arms are very low, they are super wide, so they’d be good for perching on, holding drinks (with a firm surface to support them) and resting your head on. A good amount of fabric options is a plus.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

• Price: $399
• Available size: 80.75″w x 36.625″d x 21.5″h
• Available colors: 1 upholstery option

→ “I love that it has two seat cushions, but it was too firm for me. I really want to like it, but not sure it’s for me.” — Allie H., Contributor

→ “Definitely the most neutral-looking sofa on the floor at IKEA with good dimensions and proportion. I feel like the fabric would show stains easily.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “This feels like it’s more about structure than comfort. Nice lines but not a sofa you sink into.” — Dabney Frake, Projects Editor

• Price(s): $699
• Available size: 85.875″w x 41.75″d x 35.625″h
• Available colors: 2 upholstery options
• Additional notes: Style also available in loveseat, 5-seat right sofa, 5-seat left sofa, ottoman with storage, and armchair

→ “This didn’t look or feel like a typical ‘IKEA’ sofa. It looks much more high end, though not sure how it will wear. I like the single bench cushion and silhouette. It feels firm but supportive but plush back cushions. I’m sold!” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “I don’t really like the low height of the armrests, but I do like the side cushions near the armrests. The single seat cushion scares me for spills…you can only turn it so many times to hide the stain.” — Charles S., Contributor

→ “So deep! My dorm mattress was about the size of this sofa. If you like a firm-ish, deep sofa, this is a contender.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

• Price(s): Starting at $599
• Available size: 78.375″w x 37.375d” x 35″h
• Available colors: 6 upholstery options / 2 leather options / 2 leg options
• Additional notes: Style also available in armchair, loveseat, and bench

→ “Given its relaxed lines, I thought it would be more comfortable than it actually was. Seated all the way back, my feet just barely touch the floor, so this is not one for shorter people.” — Dabney Frake, Projects Editor

→ “Really cute silhouette if you like English roll-arm style sofas, but I immediately noticed how floppy and worn in it looked on the floor, which makes me think it doesn’t wear well. The back cushion felt a little thin.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “I like the feet and shape of this. It’s on the smaller side yet still feels spacious. It’s a tad low and firm for me, but nothing I couldn’t get past.” — Allie M., Contributor

• Price(s): Starting at $799
• Available size: 98.875″w x 38.25″d x 31.25″h
• Available colors: 6 upholstery options / 2 leg options
• Additional notes: Style also available in loveseat, ottoman, 3-seat right sectional, and 3-seat left sectional

→ “You really sink into this sofa. The arms are firmer than the other cushions, so I’d expect them to hold up well.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

→ “Felt a little short for napping, but if you don’t mind the fetal position, it’s super comfortable. A little lower than I’d like, but it felt really cushy.” — Allie H., Contributor

→ “While the arms are very high—almost like a Chesterfield—they were nice and soft. I actually really like this sofa and consider buying it for my own home.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

• Price(s): Starting at $499
• Available size: 31.5″w x 94.875″d x 38.625″h
• Available colors: 5 upholstery options / 2 leather options
• Additional notes: Style also available in sofa with chaise, loveseat, ottoman with storage, 4-seat sectional, 5-seat corner sectional, 4-seat corner sectional, 3-seat corner sectional, and modular options

→ “I’m really into the ‘open end’ configuration of this sofa. It’s comfy, but not something you really sink into.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

→ “The Vimle is the perfect in-between of firm and soft, and definitely napable.” — Brittney Morgan, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

→ “Cushy but not in a way that feels supportive. It’s not bad, especially for the price, and it has a nice look and available colors, but I worry that it will sag quickly because the foam in the seat cushion seems questionable.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

• Price(s): Starting at $549
• Available size: 78″w x 38″d x 32.625″h
• Available colors: 4 upholstery options
• Additional notes: Style also available in 4-seat sectional, chaise, 4-seat corner sectional, ottoman, armchair, chaise, and modular options

→ “This is my favorite IKEA sofa by looks and comfort. It’s deep, low and sinkable.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

→ “Great fabric and modern look but the seat cushion is so thin…almost nonexistent!” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “I like the bounce on the cushion despite its thinness, as well as the overall depth. The arms are really thin and not great for napping (or sitting) against.” — Charles S., Contributor

• Price(s): Starting at $249
• Available size: 70.875″w x 34.625″d x 26″h
• Available colors: 6 upholstery options

→ “For the price, this is a great option for an office of a guest bedroom. The seat is very springy, though the back cushion is firm.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “The backrest is really low on this one and rigid to the point of discomfort.” — Charles S., Contributor

→ “Not great for a nap, but a nice little place to drape yourself for a while. The way the back is shaped, it’s easy to lean on and rest an arm over.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

• Price(s): Starting at $499
• Available size: 83.875″w x 34.625″d x 33.5″h
• Available colors: 4 upholstery options / leather options / 2 leg options
• Additional notes: Style also available in 3-seat sofa with chaise, 5-seat corner sectional, 4-seat sofa with chaise, loveseat, 4-seat corner sectional, 5-seat sectional, 5-seat corner sectional, 6-seat sectional, 7-seat sectional, 4-seat sofa with double chaise, 2-seat double chaise, and chaise

→ “Comfortable, but I just don’t love it personally because I don’t like the legs—they remind me of college furniture. For the price and overall aesthetics of it, I’d consider it though.” — Allie H., Contributor

→”If you want a firm sofa that doesn’t feel like a rock, I think you’ll be happy with this one.” — Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Editor

→ “The arm height is nice to nook into but the cushions feel too small and foamy.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

• Price(s): Pieces starting at $205
• Available size(s): Various depending on modular setup
• Available colors: 3 upholstery options / 2 leather options
• Additional notes: Style available in numerous modular configurations

→ “Certainly a little firm and the arms are quite high and stuff, but I still liked this one plenty.” — Brittney Morgan, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

→ “I’m sorry but this is not the sofa for me. I really like the way it looks…from afar. The modularity of it is amazing; you can basically create anything with the variety of pieces, but this is not a sofa to snuggle on.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “The cushions are firm and the armrests are thin and high. A nice showpiece, but doesn’t feel comfortable for everyday living.” — Charles S., Contributor

• Price(s): $799
• Available size: 80.375″w x 35″d x 30.75″h
• Available colors: 3 leather options / 2 leg options
• Additional notes: Style also available in loveseat, armchair, 4-seat sectional, 5-seat sectional, 5-seat corner sectional, 6-seat corner sectional, ottoman, and chaise add-on unit

→ “I’m not a huge fan of leather sofas because they always feel cold and slippery, but this is a great petite apartment sofa that I liked way more than I thought I would. Great price for what you’re getting, too.” — Arlyn Hernandez, Design Editor

→ “Given its modern look, I was surprised at the comfort! This is a great option if you have to weigh style and feel (especially as a sectional). The leather is soft.” ‑ Dabney Frake, Projects Editor

→ “Nice gender-neutral style sofa. It’s reminiscent of the classic Knoll in a buttery leather. I’d buy it!” — Charles S., Contributor

We’ve been sitting (and lying on) lots of sofas lately! Check out some of our other comfy picks from these retailers:

• The Most Comfortable Sofas at West Elm
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at Crate & Barrel
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at Room & Board
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at Blu Dot
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at CB2
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at Article
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at Interior Define
• The Most Comfortable Sofas at Joybird