This post was originally published in January 2019. Ikea discontinued their Ektorp series in the fall of 2020. I’m updating it today – June 11th, 2024 – because I think that there are still plenty of Ektorps around. And I think there are many for sale on places like Facebook Marketplace. So if you wan to know how an Ektorp holds up after more than 7 years of use, read on!
We have had our Ikea Ektorp couch for more than 7 years now. Here’s an honest review, of what we love about it, some of the cons, and several tips for how to enjoy your own Ikea Ektorp couch!
We Did Our Research
When we were originally in the market for a new couch, Dean and I shopped around quite a bit. Truthfully that’s not really normal for us (outside of appliance shopping). We’re kind of fly by the seat of our pants, impulse shoppers. But a couch is kind of a big purchase, so we definitely didn’t want to make a mistake.
While researching couches, we visited every furniture showroom near our home. On date nights, we’d sit on couch after couch. We’d lounge back like we were watching a movie and sit upright like we were reading a book. We’d feel all the fabrics and read the care instructions.
Dean really wanted a nice, grown up couch. Maybe something in leather. Surprisingly, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money (I tend to be the spender in our house). And we just happened to have a puppy in the house. So, leather was not going to work.
We both agreed a sectional would be best to replace the 2 smaller, two-seater couches we had at the time.
I was leaning toward the Ikea Ektorp Couch for most of the shopping around, but Dean wasn’t convinced right away.
4 Cons of the Ikea Ektorp Couch
1. It’s a wee bit on the small side
By that, I mean, that the backs are pretty low. But for us that’s okay. We’re on the short side – 5′ 1″ and 5′ 7.5″ and find it to be comfortable. I honestly couldn’t tell you, if you’re tall or short or tiny or bigger, if it’s a good couch for you. I recommend you go into Ikea and sit on one to see for yourself.
2. It comes flat-packed
Literally. The couch came in boxes and had to be assembled. I laughed out loud when it was delivered. I couldn’t believe Ikea actually figured out a way to get a couch into a box! Because we bought the sectional, it came in twice as many boxes as the regular couch (which we also bought, second-hand later for our basement family room).
3. The cushions get bent out of shape
Because they’re foam, the cushions of the couch tend to get bent out of shape easily. Like they form a curve after sitting on them for awhile. But that’s easily fixed by flipping the cushions around, or swapping their positions – especially on the sectional.
4. The fabric MIGHT pill
We’ve heard that some people found the Grey slipcover pilled (got little balls of fluff and lint). Honestly, we didn’t have that issue until very recently – and only VERY minorly. Like hardly noticeable.
We did notice much more pilling on the beige cover after several years.
An easy solution to that would be to get one of those sweater defuzzers and use it as necessary.
5 Pros of the Ikea Ektorp Couch
1. The price
No matter whether you purchase the Ikea Ektorp Couch, the sectional, or the arm chairs, the price point is excellent.
Dean and I talked about having big kids/teenagers (no more puke or sippee cup spills), and being well into our adulthood (no more random, mismatched furniture). And we thought maybe a really nice, more expensive couch was what we wanted.
But in the end, creating a relaxed vibe in our house is much more important to us than ‘grown-up’ furniture. We didn’t want our kids or our guests to feel like they were going to ruin something just by sitting on it. To me, an expensive couch meant that I’d be hovering and worrying about it more than necessary.
The Ikea Ektorp Sectional was about a third of the cost of comparable sectionals we looked at!
2. The cushions are loose
By that I just mean, they’re not affixed to the couch. Which means that they can be flipped around to prolong the life of the sofa. Which is a very good thing!
And no, the cushions don’t slide around or fall off. They fit the couch really well, unlike some other loose cushion couches we’ve owned!
3. The slipcovers can be replaced
The slipcovers are hands-down my absolute favorite part of the Ikea Ektorp line.
Truthfully I’d fallen in love with white couches when we were shopping for a couch. But I was simultaneously terrified of them! I figured that with the Ektorp if we tried them and didn’t like them, I could just buy new slipcovers. Which is what actually happened.
After only a couple of weeks, I couldn’t deal with the way the edges of the white slipcovers got grungy from fingerprints. So, after a couple of months, we bought the Nordvalla Grey slipcovers.
We had the grey covers for a couple of years before we bought the Nordvalla Beige covers.
Even with the original price of the sectional and two additional slipcovers – we’ve still spent less than we would have on a sectional from anywhere else!
4. The slipcovers are washable
Because the Ektorp is slipcovered, the whole couch is basically washable. I mean, the covers cover the whole thing. So, they can be spot-cleaned or thoroughly washed.
And we have SPILLED on that couch! Gosh. Potato chips, spaghetti sauce, red wine. And those spills have all washed out!
Truthfully, even with the washability, I spot clean more than I actually run them all through the washer. But, it’s relaxing to know the option is there.
Just remember to follow the washing instructions for your particular cover (the different fabrics have different instructions).
5. The shape fits into a lot of decor styles
While some have said that the traditional rolled-arm shape is a negative, I disagree. It may not fit a modern vibe, true. But it definitely fits into styles like farmhouse, traditional, preppy, vintage, country, cottage, eclectic and shabby chic.
Where to Find Ektorp Slipcovers
Since Ikea discontinued the Ektorp line and sold out of all remaining slipcovers, you’ll have to find a third-party source for slipcovers.
I personally have not ordered from any of these but here are some options to check out if you need a new slipcover:
Tips for Enjoying Your Ikea Ektorp Couch
- Rotate and flip your cushions regularly to keep their shape and minimize wear.
- Buy Ikea’s feather throw pillows inserts and your favorite covers to use as decor and to prop you up for longer lounging sessions.
- Choose a color you can live with. But even if you change your mind, you can find off-market Ektorp covers made by third parties in several materials and finishes.
- If you have the sectional, make sure your laundry machines can handle something that large easily. At our old house, when I washed the white slipcovers I actually broke the washer because it wasn’t large enough for the big sectional cover. Take the covers to the laundromat if your home machines are not large capacity.
So, after all the pros and cons, we truly love our Ikea Ektorp Sectional. We even bought the Ektorp three-seater sofa second-hand for our basement – which is a great option if you want an Ektorp now that the Ektorp has been discontinued.
We also enjoyed two second-hand Ikea Ektorp chairs for over two years in our living room as well. (We swapped them out because we wanted slightly chairs by the fireplace.)
What About the Replacement – the Uppland?
For whatever reason, Ikea discontinued their Ektorp line in late 2020. It was replaced by a very similar looking Uppland line.
The Uppland is slightly larger and taller than the Ektorp, so the covers are not interchangeable. But, based on our experience with the Ektorp for the past 7 years, it may be worthwhile to try the Uppland if you’re in the market for a new couch. I know we’d consider it!
FAQs
Yes, Ikea phased out their Ektorp line in the fall of 2020.
Yes. Each color of slipcover has slightly different washing instructions though, so pay attention to those.
Some can and some can’t. It depends on the material.
The Ektorp was replaced by the Uppland.
They will – but they will be big and sloppy because the Uppland is slightly larger than the Ektorp.
Have you ever considered the Ikea Ektorp Couch for your house? What about another slipcovered Ikea couch, like the Uppland?
*This post is NOT sponsored! We purchased our Ikea Ektorp sectional, chairs and couch, as well as all of our slipcovers.
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Wow! Thanks for the review. Looking for a new couch as the kids have destroyed our sectional and have always loved the price point of ikea, but wasn’t sure of the quality. I think this one may work and love the idea of the slip covers! And you are right, I’m not sure I want to become the couch police of a pricier piece of furniture at this stage in our family’s life either. Lol
It’s so true! Home is supposed to be warm and welcoming. It’s just not worth it in my opinion to stress about the furniture!
I’ve had my Ektorp couch for 24 years. It’s still very comfortable (the ability to flip and swap cushions, wash slipcover, plus the sturdy build are key). The back cushions where one of my dogs would rest on top got squished, but it did pop back up eventually after she passed and it wasn’t getting constantly squished. My original slipcover made it to about the 17 year mark before it needed to be replaced. It’s stood up to time and dogs very well. It’s the best furniture investment I’ve made.
A couple of our back cushions get squished too…I just put them on the floor periodically and walk on them to move the stuffing around! lol.
I have asked you previously about your sectional and have been waiting for our current sectional to be recycled so we can bite the bullet and purchase this. It’s only a matter of time and knowing there are specific slip covers make it even more reasonable. Nothing worse then trying to make a general slip cover fit your sofa! This review has convinced me to go ahead and “splurge”!
Yay! Have fun! It’s a great couch!
We bought ours over 15 years ago for basement rec room – it has been slept on and jumped on for many years and still is in awesome shape
Phillips Sue oh my gosh! I love to hear that! Furniture should be Ike that!
That’s great news , just bought mine , after having a leather sofa for 14 years I’m still not sure but glad i made the decision as i am only 4ft 11 and suit my height
Thanks for the info! How much of a chore do you find taking off and putting on the slipcovers? We have two dogs with a baby on the way and are trying to find something that we can easily wash on a regular basis (maybe once a month) and rotate through 2-3 slipcovers.
Hi Deirdre,
It’s a bit of a workout, but not too bad. Once a month shouldn’t be an issue at all! Congrats on the baby coming!
xo, Shannon
Thanks for your review of this couch, because I’ve been to IKEA & sat on their couches, like them & couldn’t decide. The turn-off is having to assemble it. Was it difficult? I’m widow so would have to do it by myself or enlist my son to help.
Hello Marilyn,
I’m glad the review helped! It’s not terribly difficult. But it is definitely a two-person job. So please do get help with it if you decide to get it!
xo, Shannon
Purchased the IKEA Ektorp sectional because I was drawn to the washability. Just built a coastal home and needed something beach proof. I’ve had it 10 months and just washed it this evening (no small children, dog doesn’t get on furniture and hubby works out of town M-F). I have the off white cover and it has been awesome, but a few areas were starting to look dingy. Tonight I finally decided to just do it. I was so nervous it would be such a chore and instead it was so easy! I took it out of the dryer slightly damp and stretched over the form and cushions, pulling taught so that the wrinkles disappeared. It now looks and smells even better than new. Might be my favorite sofa ever! And my others were high $ pieces, but this one has the ability to be better than new anytime I feel the need to wash the covers. Yay
2 counter points: Flat packing made a sectional possible for us. We are in an elevated coastal home and the turns on our stairs & porch are not kind to oversized items. So those in condo buildings with elevators will appreciate the flat packing. Also, my husband is 6’3″ and not small framed. I warned him about the negative comments on size and he had the attitude of “it’s an inexpensive sofa, we’ll try it and worse case scenario we have to get a different one if it doesn’t work”. He LOVES it and naps on it regularly. We have often lounged on it together. Size or depth of cushions has not been an issue for us at all.
I am SO glad to hear you love it!!! And yes, the flat packing seems funny…but totally works with small spaces and/or awkward corners and stairs!
12 years with heavy usage, and still going strong, not even replaced the covers.
THAT is awesome to hear! 🙂
Thanks so much for the super helpful review! Where did you get the cute pillows?
Hi, Shannon could you please let me know what is the weight bearing capacity of the Ektorp 3 seater sofa? My husband is a bit on the heavier side…
Hello Shabana,
Unfortunately, I don’t know that information. You would need to ask Ikea customer service! 😉
Shannon
We have the sectional and my husband and I are both on the heavier side. We’ve had it since 2017 and structurally, it’s held up. The cushions on the back of the couch have kind of squished down but we puff them up every so often with some pillow stuffing and it renews the shape.
Yes! My favorite spot is in the corner and that one cushion gets squished down. But I just fluff it up again! Glad you’ve enjoyed yours too!
We just purchased the sectional. I love it!! My brother and sister in law have it as well as a sofa and love seat ( two homes ) they couldn’t say enough good things about them!! I did have to press the slip covers to get out wrinkles. My sister in law said to just wash them and put them on wet to air dry…no wrinkles!! I love my sectional and will buy a chair or love seat soon!!! I bought it for the cost and convenience of washing the covers. I was replacing a Pottery Barn sofa and love seat that was twice the price 13 years ago! I can switch out pillows seasonally which I love!!! Can’t say enough good things about it!!!
Thank you so much for this very thorough review. I have been pondering which sectional to purchase, and I was wary to purchase this couch from IKEA because I assumed, due to its low price, the quality may be lacking. Thanks to your review, I intend to purchase the white sectional and the ivory slipcover as backup.
Great! We really do love it. It works well for our family, didn’t cost an arm and a leg – which means I’m not anxious about actually living with it!
For a small fee, Ikea will assemble your furniture.
We are currently on our second Ektorp, they are great, we have the arm chairs too.
We recently had new domed foam seating cushions made for the chairs , they get more use than the couch, and with the covers back on the chairs are like brand new again. I love Ikea furniture.
Yes! We had the armchairs for a while too. They were too big for our space, so we switched them out after a while (we had gotten them second-hand for about $80 each, so it wasn’t a huge expense and we gave them to a friend for their nursery, so that was a win too). We love our sectional, and have an Ektorp couch in the basement too. Great purchase.
We have had loveseat and couch from Ikea. The ektorp brand. The are 12 years old and look as good as new.
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Thank you so much for this write up – it’s helped me decide between a long-delayed grown up sofa, and something that’ll be much more practical for my tweens, dog and cats. Looking forward to receiving my Ektorp
I finally got rid of my Ektorp couch after 10 years and I’m replacing it with another one! I’m single and not particularly hard on my furniture but to have a couch last that long at that price is exceptional. I ordered a cream colored, custom, French linen cover from Comfortly to give the new couch a more upscale vibe and to match the new chairs I got from Poly & Bark. Also, the original Ektorp three seat couch is being discontinued and replaced with the Upland series so it’s now only available in beige.
I’ve had an Ektorp 3 seater, 2 seater and armchair for about 20 years and still love them. The chair was perfect when nursing my baby – just the right height for the armrests. I’ve changed the slip covers twice not because they got worn out but just for the fun of it.
The only peeve I have is the thinness of the material of the back cushions. After replacing the covers about twice a year some of them now have holes in them.
Does anyone know if it is possible to buy the cushions separately?
The height, depth and sheer comfort are perfect.
I’m not sure about the cushions…but yes! Love the Ektorp line!
Bought this couch in February 2021 and it’s already worn out. The cushions sag and there is very little back support despite constantly rotating all of the cushions. They also slide off the couch very easily unlike in your review, but for me being a heavy person they do slide very easily. I would not recommend this couch to anyone unless they are very petite and don’t sit on it very often
I may have missed it, but where is the beige linen-look cover from at the beginning of your post?
Thanks! ❤️
Our sofa is from Ikea, thus our slipcovers are also. 🙂
Lovely reading. But where do you get that beautiful table? I ador it!
Hi Anna, which table? There are a few shown here.
I have had the lovesest for about 18 years. I also the couch for 10 years but sold it when moving to a smaller house. I think they were well worth the money.
Definitely!
I love your review on the IKEA EKTORP SOFA I just bought the 3 seater and have purchased extra slip covers too…you suggested to purchase the IKEA feather filled throw pillows with inserts is that the pillows that are in your pictures.? If not where are they from and or who made them..? I wanted to ask bc I absolutely adore them with the sofa the way you put them together the color too bc I also bought my in the beige and now after seeing and reading your reviews I’d like to also order the gray like yours! Looking forward to seeing more of your work & hearing from you soon! You have a new fan! Lol I’m super excited thank you for your honesty!
April
The throw pillows are ikea feather inserts. The covers are from various places depending on which image you’re looking at. 😉 My favorites can be found here: https://homemadelovely.com/fall-throw-pillows-and-blankets-roundup/
I bought ektorp sofas 2/3 seater about 14 years ago those 2sofas are still being used today having been passed on to 2other family’s they have got to be the best value ever I have now in the last weeks bought another ektorp set I love them
They are so great, aren’t they!?
The first settee was spot on but my second one very disappointed with it. The material has changed and very cheap looking compared to my first one. Also the backing on the seat covers makes it impossible to turn the cushions over because it’s different. I have also purchased a armchair but because the material and colour has changed it doesn’t match, so all in all very disappointed.
Hi Shannon, where did you get the beautiful pillows?
There are so many! Which ones are you asking about specifically?
I’ve had mine for three years. I am not very tall and find modern couches uncomfortable. With the ektorp my feet touch the ground perfectly and it’s very easy to get up.
I like the couch. There is something that I really don’t like and regret having… The chaise long part. As I like to read I loved that feature as my relaxing corner. But the long cushion keeps sliding. I constantly have to pull it back. Also it is starting to sag because you can’t turn it over.. So it’s always in the same place. I would buy another ektorp bit never the chaise longue, unless they have improved it.
Could you tell me where I can get pillow covers .? Love your style!
I Bought my Ektorp Two, two seater sofas 12 years ago, in Nordvalla Grey, along with a spare cover for each, which by the way haven’t yet been used! No sign of wear and tear at all, but just put the Beautiful Deep Turquoise colour covers on them, and added an armchair and footstool, looks ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!pity I could only get the Nordvilka grey cover, desperately would love to get the Deep Turquoise cover which will be totally discontinued in January and NO MORE coming into WA!
My Whole house is furnished in Ikea furniture all assembled by me, a 77 years young lady!!!!
They really are great sofas! 🙂 And good job assembling your furniture yourself!
Hi we have the sofa in the red design looks great. It’s nice to see the other colours
Old, traditional sofas I notice can last decades, but of course are much more expensive. The ikea ones are cheap and comfortable and good quality compared to other sofas in similar price range. But in my experience you’ll be lucky if you get 5-10 years out of them; after 6 years the metal spring base collapsed on one side where I sit.
Yes, true. Old quality sofas used to last a LONG time. However, I think for their money the Ikea ones are good. For example, we looked at several similar looking couches when we bought this sectional and they were at least 3x the price of the Ikea one everywhere else – and who knows how long they’d last. So I’m comfortable having spent what we did on this one.
We have 2 Ektorp couches. One is more than 10 years old. The other is 6. The couches have been well- used by us, our 4 children, and 3 of our grandchildren. In addition, they have served as extra beds for visitors and us and are extremely comfortable. I love these couches!!!!!
They really are handy and comfy and cost-effective, aren’t they?!
Idon’t understand this post.The Ektorp series was discontinued a few years ago. The replacement is the Uppland series. The Uppland covers do not fit Ektorp,way too big.I bought one and had to practically remake it to fit. I want people to know Ektorp no longer is available….so why this post ?
Hello Glynis. Yes, the Ektorp was discontinued in 2020. My original blog post was written in early 2019, at which point we’d had the Ektorp for 3 years. The replacement for the Ektorp is the Uppland, yes. And yes, it is bigger than the Ektorp, so the Uppland slipcovers won’t fit the Ektorp. This post was on my list to update, but I moved it to the top of the list after your comment. It has now been updated! It includes our experience with the Ektorp after more than 7 years, as well as ideas for where to get used Ektorps and also new slipcovers from third-party shops. I hope that helps to clarify!
I just came across this text and would like to warn everyone about the company Light in the Box, which is recommended here. The quality of their covers is terrible; they are completely unusable. The color fades quickly. It’s a disaster. On top of that, there’s no way to return the product, and they don’t accept any complaints. This is cheap, mass-produced merchandise. Consider this a warning.
Thanks for your comment, Joanna. I’m so sorry if you had a bad experience with a company I mentioned here. As I said in the blog post, I did not try all of the places on the list’s slipcovers – I was listing options. (I wish I could but it would cost me a small fortune to try all of them!) Always, check reviews online, friends.
I got an Ektorp in fall 2020, and ended up having to get a cover off an online marketplace because the shop only had white left and I couldn’t see it lasting. I’m now considering getting an aftermarket slipcover because the one I have is looking a little worn, probably because I’ve washed it quite a few times. Otherwise, it is holding up very well.
As far as I’m concerned, the single best thing about the Ektorp is its height. I’m short, and I went to half a dozen specialty shops looking for a couch that would provide back support and let my feet touch the ground, and I couldn’t find anything, even at four times the price. I read about Ektorp online and tried it – it was literally the only comfortable couch I found. It’s very disappointing that it was discontinued, because short people need furniture too!
That’s true! I’m pretty short too honestly. And I do love that I don’t feel swallowed up in the Ektorp! And that my feet can touch the ground lol. 🙂
For people who still want (or need to match) original Ektorp slipcovers, brand new genuine ones can still be found from various vendors on ebay, ecrater and similar sites. Sponsored ads dominate G***le search returns, and make them hard to find, but they are out there.
I bought the Ektorp sofa, loveseat, chair, and ottoman when I lived in China. Loved it! It got lots of use (6 kids and did lots of hosting) for 10 years and 3 moved and still had lots of life when I had to leave it behind (d*** COVID). The couch moved again and is still in use with friends. I had the dark brown covers which held up great with no pilling.
About to buy the Uppland chair and ottoman because I miss my Ektorp so much. Fingers crossed I like it as well.
I bought the ektorp corner couch recently after Wishing for it 22years…
And I am in TEARS!!
Brought it back 3 times because off broken things
And now I am calling for the new one i received .
The pillows and springs are totally bad and soft as if the couch is a 30 year old thing ready to throw away to the dump!
My partner got a similar one from second hand and that one is perfect! For 50€!! 7years of age and sits like it used to be what i longed for an ektorp!!
I paid almost 1500€ for my new ektorp hoekbank with 2 covers, a cheaper kind colour grey and the expenses one colour like green/blue ..
And I hate my new type
Last time the expert gave a kind of extra plate to put under al pillows to make the seats more firm, but he also agreed… The springs are bad.
New couch may be worse he warnd..
Later a leg broke so i did get a New couch but also so more worse springs..
Hope so to have more luck this time…
Or money pay back and i will buy a second hand also.
Fuck ikea . (Ordering ikea HEERLEN, nl)
I’m very sorry you had a bad experience. Ikea stopped selling the Ektorp a couple years ago and replaced it with a different couch. Perhaps you bought that one?
Have you measured the sectional width? I am wondering what the size difference is between that and the uppland. Thank you!
Hi there,
Since I don’t have the UPPLAND I can’t compare specifics. But there’s a great comparison here: Ikea Uppland vs Ektorp
I bought a enterprises 3 seater sett onl4 months ago, that was what it was called, and because I had an ektorp two seater before I assumed tit would be the same ,but it is not as comfy as the one I have previously, this i do not understand because it says that ikea dos not sell this sofa anymore,
I was looking buy some extra cushions so as to make the three seater the same as the 2 seater. Not impressed at the moment, because the new one doesn’t seem so firm to sit on, couit because it is not tge same quality of padding insides??
Hi Leslie,
I’m not sure which couch you’re referring to when you say “enterprise”, but maybe autocorrect did something weird and you mean the Ektorp replacement, called the Uppland.
Ikea does not sell the Ektorp any more, and while the Uppland replacement looks similar in shape, it’s not the same dimensions as the Ektorp. And yes, I believe they changed the cushion filling too.