Ektorp Sofa Review with Video: Shopping for an Ikea Sofa

Get the ins and outs of shopping for an Ikea Ektorp sofa. Learn about the entire Ikea Ektorp line, including cleaning your Ikea Ektorp slipcovers and more.

The Ikea Ektorp is a traditional, simple, and comfortable sofa at a great price point. However, it might not be for everyone – read on to see why!

This post was originally published on October 3, 2019 and updated September 15, 2021 with fresh content and details.

This classic, clean-lined and comfortable sofa is an enduring Ikea favorite, and with good reason. It’s comfortable and works in a variety of home styles… from traditional, to farmhouse, to more modern homes, the Ektorp can work for anyone!

Because the Ikea Ektorp line is also incredibly affordable (at last check, just $399 for a 3-seat sofa and $699 for the sleeper version), it’s a very popular purchase. There are love seats, chairs, sectionals and even an Ektorp pouffe in this line-up, too!

Whether you’re just getting started with your first apartment, or you need a clean new sofa that will stand up to kids and pets, the Ikea Ektorp might be a great fit for you! Read on to learn why.

Ikea Ektorp

After receiving great feedback and insight when I wrote about our Pottery Barn slipcovered sofa and our Sectional Sofa in the basement, I thought it might be helpful to go into further detail about our Ikea Ektorp sofas that we are enjoying at Calm Water Cottage.

As we all know, choosing a sofa is hard. When I was searching and making a decision about our sofa purchases, I would have found this kind of information so valuable! 

This post will dive deep into the details of our Ektorp sofas, with a look at Ikea Ektorp slipcovers as well. If you’re considering this purchase, there might be some insight that you’ll find valuable.

Even if you’re not in the market for a new sofa, it’s always fun to take a little photo tour around the lake cottage! I even made a video comparing both of our slipcovered sofas- I think it helps so much to compare the two styles visually.

Ektorp Sofa Specifics

We have a traditional Ektorp sofa in our upstairs living room along with an Ektorp sectional in the basement. They are both slipcovered in the traditional white fabric Ikea sofa covers, called Vittaryd White. 

Ektorp Sofa Details

Sofa, Vittaryd White

• Width: 85 7/8 “
• Depth: 34 5/8 “
• Height: 34 5/8 “
• Seat depth: 19 1/4 “
• Seat height: 17 3/4 “
• Price: $499
• Replacement cover price: $149

Learn all the secrets and techniques for how to measure furniture, and get it right the first time!

Ektorp Sectional Details

Sectional, 4-seat corner, Vittaryd White

• Min. width: 95 5/8 “
• Max. width: 95 5/8 “
• Depth: 34 5/8 “
• Height: 34 5/8 “
• Seat depth: 19 1/4 “
• Seat height: 17 3/4 “
• Price: $899
• Replacement cover price: $199

Purchasing an Ikea Ektorp: What to Consider

First of all, we are very happy with these sofas, especially when we consider the price and our limited use. These are not used in our main house- they are in our lake house where we spend weekends on the water.

Admittedly, we rarely park on these sofas for hours of Netflix binges (we don’t have a TV at the lake), but they have held up very well to our family of five. 

Do I recommend these sofas? Absolutely. With some serious considerations in mind. Are they the most comfortable sofas ever? No. In fact, I would say the longest we sit on these is probably about an hour at a time.

While the cushions are thick and reversible, they are not the most supportive. But for the price… they have held up well, and they still look remarkably fresh, fluffy and clean (note the washable slipcover details below). 

Do I recommend these sofas? Absolutely. With some serious considerations in mind. 

Ikea Sofa Positives and Negatives

Let’s be honest here… the price is right. I think that as long as you recognize that you’re getting what you pay for, this Ikea couch might work well for your family.

If you’re looking for a little higher level craftsmanship and comfort, head over to read about our Pottery Barn York slope arm slipcovered sofas.

Ektorp Sofa Positives: 

• Easy to clean
• Reversible cushions
• Price point is amazing
• Inexpensive replacement covers
• Holds shape with moderate usage

Ektorp Sofa Negatives: 

• Limited cover fabric options
• Not as comfortable for long stretches of sitting
• Sits a little low to the ground
• Cushions need frequent fluffing

Ektorp Ottoman (Ektorp Pouffe)

Yes, we love the Ektorp so much that we’ve used it in both living rooms at our lake cottage. We have a traditional Ektorp upstairs in our modern coastal living room, and a sectional in the modern living room below.

I love to mix things up, so we went different directions in both rooms. We chose this pretty gold and glass coffee table to go with our Ektorp sectional. We have a large square raffia coffee table upstairs!

However, they have a great storage ottoman in this line, too! (I believe in French it’s called an Ektorp Pouffe, which sounds much fancier, doesn’t it?) It’s an excellent option for storing family games, blankets, pillow covers and more!

Clean Ikea Ektorp Slipcover Details 

There are some good classic Ektorp sofa slipcovers available at your local Ikea. You can also find other brand options on Amazon, many of them with a Prime shipping option! Check out the options here. 

The most amazing thing about our Ikea Ektorp covers is that I have rarely even had to wash them. Washing Ikea Couch Covers is quick and painless.

It’s good to do a basic cleaning every now and then just to ensure that dust isn’t settling into your slipcovers. 

Care for your Ikea Ektorp covers as follows.

• Machine wash warm, normal cycle.
• To be washed separately.
• Do not bleach.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Iron high.

While it specifically states not to use bleach (and I have not ever needed to) I do know that many owners of the white slipcovers do use a little bleach.

Furthermore, I like to throw our slipcovers into the dryer for just a couple of minutes to help release a few of the wrinkles. We will often put the covers back onto the sofa when they are still a little damp, to help the wrinkles pull out of the fabric as well.

I also make sure to spot treat stains with Folex and handle them immediately whenever possible- I think this is the key to keeping your slipcovers clean! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Would I Purchase An Ikea Ektorp Again 

The short answer? Absolutely! I hope this review has been helpful, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. 

What do you think? Do you own an Ikea Ektorp, or are you considering the purchase of one?

I’d love to hear any insight or opinions about these sofas in the comments- I think it’s so helpful to readers that are shopping for a new sofa. Enjoy this video comparing our Pottery Barn slipcovered sofa to our Ikea Ektorp.

You may also like to read How to Clean Restoration Hardware Linen Furniture. We love those sofas as well and have had one for nearly 10 years!

More Home Design Inspiration

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