In the family home, no other piece of furniture is used (and abused) more often than the sofa. It has become the central gathering place, study spot and relaxation area for kids, pets and parents alike.
Not all sofas are created equal, and not every sofa style works for the casual yet active family lifestyle. The ideal family sofa features ample seating, versatile layouts, comfortable styling and multi-functional design. With that in mind, we’ve curated our favorite IKEA sofa styles and features to help you choose the perfect sofa for your family and home.
Sectional or Modular Sofas
A top choice for mid-to-large size families with ample living space, the sectional sofa delivers big in terms of comfort, versatility and multi-functionality. These flexible sofas, also called modular sofas, feature individual components that can be bought to create specified seating configurations dependent upon room size and user needs. Typical sectional/modular sofa configurations include:
Classic L-shape—fits nicely into a corner or in the middle of a larger room. The above living space shows an IKEA Kivik 3 seater with Chaise in Somerset Mint Slipcovers by Jenna Sue. These are ideal for smaller spaces and allows for a more traditional forward-facing set up ideal for watching TV. The extended chaise provides extra room for kids or parents to stretch out and lounge.
U-Shaped—best for large living areas, ideal for families who entertain or have kids with friends over often. The Karlstad Sofa Series by IKEA offers great flexibility with the way their standard sectional can be combined with a chaise to create the above dreamboat. You can even simply get a 2 seater with 2 chaises to put on each side to get a U-shaped sectional too. Other IKEA sofa models that are perfect for combining pieces together are the discontinued Tylosand series and the Kivik sofa series.
Convertible Sleeper Sofa
For families with limited living space, the convertible sleeper sofa or sofa bed offers multi-functional features in a more compact design than that of the popular sectional sofa. Like the sectional, some sofa beds can be purchased with an extended chaise. These dual purpose pieces, like the IKEA Kivik Sofa Bed act as sofa by day and bed by night, offering an extra sleeping area for kid’s sleep overs or the occasional overnight guest. Or if you prefer saving space with a cosier sofa bed, consider the Beddinge Sofa bed as picture above.
Alternatively if your space can accommodate a larger sofa bed, do check out our favourite corner sofa beds, such as the one pictured here – the IKEA Friheten in the original Skiftebo cerise (pink) fabric. Check out our range of IKEA Friheten slipcovers here.
English or Club Sofa
For a more straight forward layout, the casual-style English Sofa, or club sofa as it is alternately known, provides both ample space and comfortable seating. It is also versatile style-wise with traditional, transitional and contemporary décor styles offered. If you’re thinking of getting one, do check out IKEA’s Ektorp series, and if you like custom IKEA slipcovers made for them like the one above – just Google Comfort Works 😉
A top choice for families are the over-stuffed, wide-seat versions that one can sink into or curl up on like the discontinued Backamo 3 seater. The Ektorp also has a 2 and 3 seater sofa bed, but unfortunately the 2 seat sofa bed had been discontinued by IKEA already. If space allows and extra seating is required, consider purchasing a matching loveseat or second full sofa.
Sofa Options & Tips
No matter whether you choose a sectional, sleeper or club sofa, each style can be found in a myriad of leather and fabric styles, textures and colors. In addition to a family-friendly sofa style, be sure to choose a family-friendly upholstery to cover it—one that is up to handling the rigors of daily use by kids, parents and pets.
With optimal durability and stain resistance any of the following are go-to choices for the family sofa: leather, vinyl, cotton/poly blends and engineered textiles like acrylics. Additionally, custom slipcovers in breathable and washable tightly-woven, 100% cotton offer an easy-to-maintain upholstery alternative for the family sofa.
For more durable sofa fabric information read our guide, “Best Family-Friendly Fabrics for the Sofa”.
Additional sofa buying tips:
- Avoid sofas with frames made from metal, plastic or particle board as they can warp; instead, choose one made of kiln-dried hardwoods of oak, maple or popular.
- For long-lasting sofa cushions on a budget, choose ones made of resilient high-density foam.
- Measure your space and create a floor plan before you purchase to determine the perfect style and size sofa for your space. Don’t forget to measure door and entry ways to makes sure the sofa will fit upon delivery and avoid costly mistakes.
Extending Sofa Life
When choosing a sofa for your active family, it’s advantageous to consider price vs quality, lifetime value and possible ways to extend its life. Here at Comfort Works, we’re all about custom slipcovers for extending sofa life once upholstery wears out, as well as offering you options to change up your sofa look as your décor is updated over the years. Drop us a message anytime if you’re interested at info@comfortworks.com.au
Image Source: SectionalSofaIdeas.com; SofaGallery.net; Ikea.com