The IKEA Kivik sofa has been in the market for a little less than 10 years and it’s just been given upgrades and upgrades. I can’t say the modifications were necessary, but it didn’t stop the model from being ever-so-popular globally.
Compared to its 2018 version, the newer versions of the IKEA Kivik which were launched in 2021 and later became firmer. Not everyone can accept this change, because people do already like the original version, so why fix something that isn’t broken?
The cushions should become softer over time and usage, but how long that would take is another question to be answered in the future.
The IKEA Kivik is available in many countries around the world and we’ve found that it’s still available in countries like the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and Egypt.
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Technical details and price
Apart from being widely available in various countries at the point of writing (August 2023), IKEA is also offering so many models for the Kivik sofa series. Take a look at the list below to see what they’ve got, with prices included in USD in their most affordable option – the Tibbleby beige/grey.
- 1-seat sleeper sofa, $549
- 2-seat, $649
- 3-seat, $699
- 3-seat with chaise lounge, $1149
- 4-seat with chaise lounge, $999
- 4-seat corner sofa, $1299
- 5-seat corner sofa, $1349
- 5-seat with chaise lounge, $1649
- 6-seat with chaise lounge, $1699
- 6-seat U-shaped sofa, $1949
- 7-seat U-shaped sofa, $1999
- chaise lounge, $350
- footstool with storage, $199
With so many sizes available, you could imagine the Kivik being suitable for all types of families. Whether you’re solo, coupled up or have a big family, the Kivik fits into every home. There’s even a Kivik planner for you to build the IKEA Kivik sofa according to the size and style that you want.
Design and aesthetics
Now, let’s talk about its overall look and design. It’s cute, I have to say. It’s a modern-looking sofa that would fit into many different types of homes, as long as the interior isn’t too traditional or old-fashioned. I could picture it in a Japanese minimalist home, a modern farmhouse home (with the right sofa slipcovers) and a mid-century modern home.
It’s definitely in the boxy category of sofas, but it looks great. The low armrests may not be the best at its job, but if you’re the type to lay down on your sofa a lot of the time, then the height is perfect to support your head. Another thing to note is that if you ever have a day where there are more guests in the house than you’ve expected, the armrests are wide and even enough to act as extra seats.
Design: 8/10
Comfort
Everytime I sit on the Kivik at my regular dance studio, it makes me feel like I’m sinking a little, although it does feel quite comfortable. As I wait for my class to begin, it’s relaxing to just lounge and scroll through my phone. However, that chair has been there for more than 5 years, and it’s definitely the earlier version of the Kivik model (when the brown corduroy sofa slipcovers were still available).
Returning customers have been comparing the 2018 version of Kivik with the 2021 version, and apparently it’s become so hard now for them. As for new customers, a lot of them feel like the IKEA Kivik sofa is fine, perhaps it’s their preference or they didn’t have a better version to compare to.
On the website, IKEA claims that the Kivik cushions are “made of pocket springs, high-resilience foam and polyester fibres – adding both firm support and relaxing softness”, just like a lot of their other sofa models. I feel like the softness and hardness are applicable in 2 different versions of the IKEA Kivik. So, the best way is to go test it out at the IKEA showroom yourself to see if it suits your preference.
Nonetheless, the firmness of the current version should be able to cater to the sofa sleepers – people who love being horizontal on their sofas.
Comfort: 7/10
Slipcoverability
The slipcovers that are being offered now are easy to clean as they are removable and machine-washable. However, IKEA only offers four colours for the Kivik sofa.
On the other hand, Comfort Works (yes, that’s us) offers more than 70 fabric styles for your Kivik. With various collections like the Starter, Pet-friendly, Hypoallergenic, Performance and Sustainable, there’s a sofa slipcover for everyone. What’s more? They’re guaranteed a perfect fit.
Take a look at some of the Kiviks that have been refreshed with our slipcovers:
Verdict
Overall, we’d give the IKEA Kivik sofa a 7.5/10.
If you’re someone who prefers a sofa with firmer cushions, go for it! It’s also great for people who love lying down on their sofa, be it sideways or facing up.
We also think it’s good enough to last you for many years, even when you have toddlers or children around the house. Plus, its cute design is suited for all sorts of homes, so it’s highly possible that it would work in yours too. If not, dress it up with our Signature Style slipcovers for a look that’s totally different from the Original Style slipcovers.
52 Comments on this post
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laurel Miyake
Dec 3, 2015Does anyone have a leather Kivik sectional? We need to replace a lovely but falling apart leather couch we bought 4 years ago at Macy’s. We were told it was real leather, but turns out it’s bonded and starting to chip and peel. We’ve got 2 young boys, so we don’t want anything too expensive just yet. We love Ikea for their rooms and our offices, but we’ve never bought a couch there. I’m curious if the leather covering changes the way the seats feel, the cushion’s comfiness, and anything else. thanks much!!
Chuck
Dec 7, 2015Hey Laurel!
Just thought you should know that the leather that IKEA uses is bycast leather as well, so we’d recommend heading down to IKEA nonetheless to test out the couches for their comfort :)
With the leather couch that you have though, it’s also possible to get custom made slipcovers made for them – ever considered that? If you are, do let us know and we’ll be able to help out.
Cheers!
Pui
Oct 26, 2015I am so glad to find your site as I have been searching for reviews for ikea sofas that are in the current market but none has been as good as your site! I am a huge ikea fan as I like scandinavian style furnitures but lacked the funds. I am moving into a new apartment in 2 or 3 months time and have been searching for sofas online and in store for past 2 months. Really liked the Kivik series yet concern if it will hold up for a good 5 years? Ektorp was comfy but i find the seat depth a bit too short, while the soderhamn seat cushion seems too thin.
Anyone who owns a Kivik care to share their opinion?
Or if you have to vote btw Kivik vs Soderhamn vs Ektorp for comfort and support, which is your pick?
Thanks!!
Chuck
Oct 27, 2015Hey Pui!
We actually own a Kivik chaise, 1 seater, 2 seater so we’re pretty huge fans of the Kivik :)
Mainly for its large cushions and would definitely recommend it – ours has held up 5 years in terms of structure, but with regards to the fabric that’s of course another story.
The Soderhamn is surprisingly comfy but to each their own; the team here has definitely had many NERF gun wars over this as the Soderhamn may look super nice, some of us think that it can be a lot more comfy and would hands down pick the Kivik over the Soderhamn. We’ve tried the Ektorp but can’t say much about it as we don’t exactly own one – but it is definitely as comfy as the Kivik, so it comes down to whether you prefer a more contemporary look or a traditional one :)
Hope this helps!
Paul
Jun 30, 2015My wife and I bought the Kivik sectional couch about 3 years ago. Although a little stiff, we liked the support that this offers when compared to our other high end plush couch that we tend to sink into. Unfortunately, we noticed that the Kivik couch started to sink a bit. Flipping cushions a few times, it was not helping. I finally lifted up the couch to look at the springs underneath, and to my astonishment, many of the individual springs had come undone. After further review, it looks like the springs were connected to a plastic clip, and fastened to the wood frame with some long staples! Obviously, the staples don’t hold up to weight and will continue to be a problem. I am not sure if IKEA would fix them properly, or whether it is worth my time to take it back to the store if repair is not guaranteed. I may have to look at fixing it myself. Anybody else have this issue and know of the proper fix?
Amy
May 5, 2015We just bought the Kivik sectional (chaise + couch) and it is gorgeous. Unfortunately, it is about as soft/cozy as concrete. This is not the couch for you if you’re looking for comfort. I even added a ton of soft throw pillows and still felt too hard for my taste. Now it must go back!
Brooke
Dec 24, 2014I bought this sofa when i bought my home. It is very bulky and the assembly took forever. I recommend getting it delivered and set up. Also, I agree w/ the above mentioned review… the armrest is simply too low! And i feel like the enitre sofa needs to have feet that way its not so low to the ground. Very uncomfortable
Henry
Jan 7, 2015Brooke, We get this feeling svery single time we assemble an ikea sofa ourselves, 4 hours later you look back and thought, maybe that $50 assembly fee isn’t too bad after all heh :)