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.
69 Comments
by Comfort Works
http://blog.comfortworks.com.au/2010/04/20/ikea-kivik-sofa/#comment-97
by Nanci
We purchased the three seater in black in Spring 2010. We loved it until we realized that the chaise cushion always looks like it’s 5 inches longer than the base. Then the first spill occurred. We were told by the sales person that the covers were washable when we asked. We know who we are and the only reason we want cushion covers that come off is to wash them. We used cold water on a towel and the color came off of the fabric as we blotted the spill. No lie. We took the cover off and found it says dry clean only. We are heart broken and looking for a cost efficient solution to this problem. I will contact Ikea to see if they have covers that are washable. We liked the black so much. Most likely I will not purchase from Ikea again.
by Henry
Nanci, very important to make sure you go through the care labelling when purchasing off the shelf. Poly-Cotton are generally the best possible combo for uphosltery fabric and will also be very color fast. The good news is, there’re a lot of cheap ‘AS-IS’ covers from IKEA can be purchased via Ebay, you might want to explore this option. CHeers, Henry@CW
by Stephanie
I prefer the dry-clean-only covers because they are more stain resistant than the washable covers. I use the home dry cleaning kits from Woolite or Dryel to freshen the covers, and dry cleaning fluid to spot clean the covers.
by Henry
Stephanie, are you referring to those ‘towels’ you throw inside the dryer along with the covers? unfortunately it’s not something that’s readily available on most people’s local supermarkets – but hey, lucky you if you can get them easily.
by Lisa Wahlestedt
I am writing to warn people about this sofa. I think it is the most uncomfortable thing I have ever sat on. Not fun to put together either. Got the teno gray covers and they itch. Its so bad I wrote IKEA and asked them to haul it away for free.
by Henry
Lisa,
I have to agree with you on the teno gray, they do kinda feel like a coffee sack don’t they.
Now, I don’t mean to sound like we’re trying to sell you anything, but did you know you can order them without the ‘default’ IKEA covers?
Cheers!
by Hubs
I recently purchased the kivik and while it was love at first sight in the showroom when I brought it home I was disappointed at the lack of comfortability. The seats are too low where you can’t even rest your head on and the cushions are also stiff and hard. Stylish yes. Comfortable. Not so much.
by Henry
I think the worse part is actually the sinking cushions on both the seats and backs; caught myself rotating them once a week cause i feel like i’m being sucked into the center of the sofa :\