We review IKEA’s latest offering in the sofa world, the Vallentuna sofa. Is it the best IKEA sofa ever? Or is there something fishy in the state of Sweden?
Actually, I’m not going to waffle on: it’s kind of a mixed bag of hits and misses.
There are quite a few reasons, but first, let’s talk about the fine details. Launched in March 2016, the Vallentuna is the latest completely modular sofa series from Sweden, intended to be contemporary and modern. It’s made up of freestanding modules which can be either seating, sleeping or storage modules. Designers – Lisa Hilland, Eva Lilja Löwenhielm, and Andreas Fredriksson.
Now, let’s take a look at one of the Vallentunae.
This is the IKEA Vallentuna 3 Seat Sofa with Bed. I’m not even going to touch the low hanging fruit of the fabric; just look at that gap in the backrest and protruding centre seat. Personally, that is going to spell a lot of accidents in my future. The sleeper module is also just a single bed, so it’s not really the best for sleeping on after a night out.
You might think that the 3 seat Vallentuna is acceptable. And I’ll agree with you, it’s decent. Except for the shorter backrest / armrests and protruding seats on either corner. That’s the only downside of this piece.
But then you have this suggested configuration. At which point I just have to ask, why?
The good points
Okay okay the Vallentuna really isn’t ALL that bad.
Here are some benefits:
– It’s modular, so it could be combined and moved around to a configuration of your preference
– Cushions are firm: you don’t sink in nor are they as hard as rock.
– Setting up the sleeper was fairly easy, just pull and transform the cushion
– Fabrics come in 8 different basic colours
Apart from this though, we can’t say that it made a very good first impression between us:
Chuck: “Great concept, questionable execution”
Feli: “I couldn’t bring myself to sit on it. It looked horrible.” (editor’s note: she really did refuse to sit on it)
Chris: “It’s too small for me. Also, no real support. Those walls make you feel like you’re in a cubicle.” (co-editor note: yes he’s a bit of a tree)
So there you have it.
The overall verdict would be as follows for us:
– Design/Aesthetics: 5/10
– Practicality and Comfort: 7/10
– Price: 5/10 (Would prefer a Kivik any day)
But to each their own of course, so if you have a different opinion altogether – feel free to drop it in our comments section below.
P.S. We now have custom Vallentuna sofa covers, if you have need of them.
24 Comments
by Tony
I have got this sofa had it out of your clearance dept and it’s orange , do you do a range of driffrent cover colours for this sofa …?
by Felicia
Hi Tony
Indeed we do! You can find covers for the Vallentuna sofa on our website: https://comfort-works.com/collections/ikea-vallentuna-slipcovers
Hope this helps 🙂
by Carolyn
I went into Ikea to try the Kivik chaise because I was thinking of buying one second hand. But when I sat on it my bum sank down near the backrest and I knew it would hurt my back quite quickly and I have a bad back. So I sat on every chaise in ikea and the Vallentuna was the only one I found really comfortable. I got the sofa bed module which is a longer rectangular seat but not quite as long as the other chaises, and put the square storage module at the end to make a chaise. It is wide enough for two people to sit on it, so I can snuggle up with my boyfriend in front of the tele. The sofa bed is also surprisingly comfy when set up. I fit two blankets, a doona, two pillows and a set of sheets in the storage box. The only problem is that it’s firmer than the one in the shop but I’m hoping that the shop one got softer from lots of people sitting on it and that therefore mine will get softer with time. I’d like to hear other people’s experience of the softness. The zapper also broke a few days after I got it and I had to exchange it, but I was trying to get it undone while it was still sitting on the base so that might be my fault. It’s a bit more expensive than other chaises but I’m hoping how comfortable it is and the utility with the bed and storage will make up for that and hopefully the price reflects the quality and that it lasts.
by suzy brown
i went back and forth on the vallentuna for a while, but it was the only piece that worked for our needs (seating in the living room at first, then fold out beds in the kids room once our renovation is over). once we got them i realized how awesome they actually are. the beds are very comfortable, even for my 6’2″ husband (as a guest bed or for a few weeks, not for life). the hidden bed platform slides so nicely, and they are just a marvel of engineering. not sure why ikea styles them the way they do, they look a lot cooler IRL. anyway we had a ton of reservations but are very happy with them.
by Lisa
I bought this to put in my Airbnb space because it was the only sofa/bed combo I could find that fit the small space. The seats ARE quite deep (and I have long legs). However….I piled on five 20″ throw pillows on top of the Vallentuna ‘lumbar’ cushions and it makes a huge difference! Much more comfy, and less ‘brutally minimal’ visually. As for the firmness, I prefer a couch you don’t sink into, and this makes the bed module very comfortable to sleep on. Vallentuna also appealed to me because the cushion covers are removable and washable. That makes the whole thing more eco-friendly — no need to ditch it if/when it gets stained or worn. The grey tweedy upholstery option looks and feels very nice, not as cheap as the cotton/poly covers. One last bonus is that being modular it’s relatively easy to move myself without needing a second person.
by Chuck
A couple of years in and I think the Vallentuna is beginning to have its slight appeal for me. I can’t say that I resonated well with their marketing approach by presenting various fabrics onto one sectional but based on what you and other people have told us it does make a somewhat practical option for people who need something small and modular. The sofa bed option was a nice touch indeed.
My only last qualm with it now is that at roughly $240 a section and $80 for an armrest, it’s gonna be a pricey 3 seater close to a $1000. At that point, I’d probably opt for a Soderhamn or Vimle sofa instead.
by Chales Houen
I’m very interested in the Vallentuna Sofa bed module but I can’t find information on this: can fitted or plain sheets be used on the bed the extended?
by Naomi
Hey Charles,
Not too sure what you mean by “can fitted or plain sheets be used on the bed the extended?”. Do you mean fitting your own sheets on the top of the bed module seat?