So you’re on the lookout for a sofa that gives you serious bang for buck — but you’re not pursuing just about any trendy sofa and hoping it has lasting power.
Whatever the brand mentions, the household name IKEA usually lands a spot in the mix (and does so for a solid reason). IKEA has shown that price is not a factor for birthing cult-favourites and modern-day classics. A good deal of sofa models even pass the ergonomics test — which meant that these sofas are designed for appropriate daily use, not adding strains to our back and neck health.
Excited to know which made our top 10?
But first. How did these top 10 IKEA sofas make the cut?
Are these ranked based on comfort vs. quality? Or simply the most affordable and modular couches put together?
Undoubtedly, sofas meant a whole lot more to us during the first years of global pandemic. In fact, comfort became a fashion statement in itself. We get it, considering Netflix binges, power naps, long zoom meetings are done from the sofa.
Fast forward to 2025, is comfort and modularity still king? We think not. Our top IKEA sofa picks are based on these criteria:
Popularity: How long they have been on the market.
Variety: How many sizes and styles there are to choose from.
Aesthetics: Just how pretty they look.
Comfort: How comfortable they are.
MORABO
Let us preface by saying this — we’ve got a soft spot for sofas that combine a classic shape with durable materials.
The MORABO has cemented itself as an IKEA classic for decades. Sophisticated and sturdy, it is for those who like their furniture to feel a little grown up. It’s got that leather-club-chair energy but without being too heavy or old-school.
The proportions? Spot on. Deep enough for lounging but structured enough for serious conversations. It’s one of those IKEA sofas that feel high-end without the eye-watering price tag.
Simple as they come, the MORABO is impressive on the adaptability end. It comes as a single chair to cater groups as large as five with its sectional. Needless to say, our absolute favourite is the armchair in Gunnared light green.
Price: $349.00
SÖDERHAMN
You’re alone. It’s the weekend. Who doesn’t love sprawling out freely at home?
It sure seems like IKEA took note of this, and designed the SODERHAMN.
Wide, low, and endlessly modular, this one’s evidently made for anyone who takes their lounging seriously. It has a minimalist frame and feather-soft cushions that make it deceptively comfy.
It’s also ridiculously versatile. With arm, without arm, or a corner section piece. Whatever the configuration, you can build a massive corner setup or keep it small and sleek. We like how chic this two-seater looks.
It plays beautifully in open-plan apartments and sunlit studios. When paired with relaxed, linen-blend slipcovers? Chef’s kiss.
Price: $649.00
ÄPPLARYD
The APPLARYD is a definite head turner among the lot of IKEA sofas. Something comes to mind when we take a hard look at its silhouette — the ZAZA by King Living with its arm tucked in. But only at a fraction of its price.
Since its debut, we know why it’s a crowd favourite and a strong lasting contender.
Slim legs, tailored look, and subtle curves. This one’s ideal for anyone curating a slightly more modern, elevated living room aesthetic. Speaking of looks, the IKEA APPLARYD’s medium firm fitted cushions help retain its iconic shape. If we had to pick a module, it’d be this wide two-seater specifically in Gunnared light blue.
Afford a bigger couch? Have the right shade of three-seater sofa cover colour with tropical printed tapestry or pillow covers and wooden elements, it can almost fit right into a set of The White Lotus.
Price: $1049.00
FINNALA
At first glance, the FINNALA may not typically look like a living room centrepiece (we said it). But it reminds us of that dependable friend who’s surprisingly flexible.
Its predictable design also works in the favour of being adaptable to the different changes of seasons and interior styles. If you’ve got pets, kids, or a habit of rearranging your furniture on a whim, this one’s a no-brainer.
The cushions hold their shape well over time, and there’s hidden storage for modules with a chaise (hidden storages aren’t celebrated enough). All that’s left to do is have enough sofa cover variations throughout the year to switch up the looks based on your liking.
If we had to pick one, the armchair in Grann/Bomstad black would come out on top. It subtly reminds us of a quiet luxury — the Cassina LC3 Grand Modele Armchair. Not entirely, but with some reinforced tubular steel cage, close enough. If your preferences lean towards practicality, you’ll find great value in the IKEA FINNALA.
Price: $800
JÄTTEBO
Here’s one that flies under the radar but totally deserves more attention.
You know that feeling of wanting a sofa that doesn’t scream attention but ranks high in the stunning department? That’s JATTEBO in a nutshell. It’s large. It’s grounded. And yet, unmistakably modern chic. What we love even more about the JATTEBO series is its range of modules. Who knew such a simple silhouette could come in so many forms?
Functionally, the JATTEBO isn’t lacking in the slightest. With storage built into every module and seriously deep seats, you’ll be happy to know it efficiently does both lounging and living.
Create a massive modular setup or keep it neat and compact. This one’s great for small flats that still need big energy. See other sofa brands made for small apartments according to Elle Decor’s very own Tatjana Freund.
Price: $1,500 for a love seat
KLIPPAN
A true classic. Nothing more, nothing less. The round-cornered KLIPPAN has been around longer than most of us care to admit, but it’s still one of the most recognisable (and reliable) IKEA sofas.
Why? It’s compact, light, and easy to move around — perfect for renters, first homes, or anyone after a fuss-free setup. What we’re banking on though, is in its potential. We’ve seen major glow-ups in cosy student flats to stylish studio lofts. All it needs is a little TLC in the sofa cover department.
As simple as the KLIPPAN comes, think of it as a canvas that awaits a touch of character in the form of a sofa cover. When you’re bored of it, simply switch out the covers to fall in love again.
Price: $349 for a love seat
KIVIK
This one’s high up in the charts if comfort is a non-negotiable. Well, that’s the least a plain-looking sofa could offer (at least to us). No matter how much we sat on the KIVIK after another couch, it did not disappoint.
The upsides are found in the slightest of design cues. Ergonomically, its low-positioned armrest is such a breath of fresh air in the IKEA sofa lineup. We use it to rest a tray of snacks, and even doubled it as a headrest for power naps (who needs a sofa bed?).
If you do need a sofa bed, IKEA KIVIK also comes in a generous amount of modules. It starts from an ottoman to sizes that fit up to a crowd of five.
There’s a reason why the KIVIK makes it to plenty of best sofas list, including Wirecutter — it has earned its keep by the value it brings for its pricepoint.
Price: $849.00
ESSEBODA
We liken the ESSEBODA to IKEA’s elegant nod to classic British and American sofa styles. It’s the blend of deep seats and turned legs with a refreshingly modern, relaxed touch.
Granted, this isn’t the most ergonomically comfortable couch (pocket strings, they’re OK), but we find ourselves choosing to sit on the ESSEBODA 60% of the time at our office amongst other sofas. Could it be the alluring colour of the Tallmyra/blue? Or the remarkably bulbous-shaped backrest? We think both.
The ESSEBODA’s design cue extends below the seat — right on its turned, solid wood legs. A classic detail that reinforces its traditional styling. A closer look and you’ll see subtle grooves, giving them a handcrafted feel. Think Wes Anderson vibes on a real-world budget—romantic, structured, and effortlessly charming. A practical pick with timeless flair.
While we know it isn’t cheap, the aesthetics are pure 10/10.
Price: $1349.00
VISKAFORS
It didn’t long before deciding that the VISKAFORS should make the list.
An absolute stunner, this is.
Stylistically, the IKEA VISKAFORS looks like an extension of the ESSEBODA. They would pair gorgeously as a set, each carrying its own character but belonging in the same book. Trust us, all it needs is some warm room lighting to harmonise eccentricity with unique colour combinations — candy colours, pastels and jewel tones.
Admittedly, this one scored highest in having the most firm cushion seats. The good news is, we approve firmness.
If you have a penchant for all things retro, VIKAFORS will not disappoint.
Price: $1399.00
SMEDSTORP
If robustness is a non-negotiable, we’ll point you directly to the SMEDSTORP aisle in IKEA.
Not so much for its modularity or colour variation (in fact, those are the two aspects where we think it should improve on).
The SMEDSTORP doesn’t chase trends. It’s the kind of silhouette that fits every era and supports whatever look & feel you’re going for without stealing the thunder.
Its proportions are just right — compact enough for small spaces, and spacious enough to lounge on. This duality helps the couch stay relevant and at home tremendously no matter how often you redecorate. If we had to request something (are you reading this, IKEA?), we need colours and we need more of them.
Price: $1499.00
Summary
While we’re confident in our list, what works for you (and your space) is highly nuanced. Run through our list of the 10 best IKEA sofas of 2025 and what we think has great modularity, practically or just perfect looks. From cult-favourites to modern-day classics, explore this range of Comfort Works-approved affordable IKEA sofas. What’s next? Add character by personalising your couch with your very own performance sofa cover.
39 Comments
by Lani
10 years ago, a three-seater leather couch caught my eye in Ikea. It was ex-floor stock, so a bargain. My family called it the “slouch couch” as one could not help but melt into it. It moved with me from rental to rental (it has lived in 9 houses), but last month, it wouldn’t fit through the doors of the new cottage. I was desperate to keep it, as it was my first piece of grown-up furniture. An internet search taught me it was called Kivic and that it could be disassembled easily! It has now assumed its place in the living room, and again, fills that space so perfectly, looking and feeling just the same as when I bought it all those years ago.
by Chuck
I know right Lani? Glad to hear that you still have the couch 🙂
Our recent trip to IKEA has left me (personally) feeling a bit disappointed when I tried the new Kivik (2018) and arguably it looks the same.
But when I sat on it, the seat cushion foam has become a lot more rigid than I remembered. I’m not sure if IKEA has “cheapened” it further as we’d expect them to, or whether they actually tried to cater the couch more to people who prefer solid cushions.
Good thing now is that if you’re ever looking for something similar to the ‘old’ Kivik, the Vimle 3 seater sofa (my new favourite) is pretty close.
by Jennifer
I thought it was odd the Vimle didn’t even make this list.
by Chuck
That’s a good point Jennifer!
After hearing many comments from our friends and family, we believe there should be an update coming soon to this post.
Stay tuned 🙂
by Sandra Armstrong
We have two Karstad sofa s they are both on their fourth set of covers. The square look also makes them flexible, a change of covers currently in velvet gives a totally new sofa! I also think the ability to change their height with new legs is fabulous, all the more important now I have bionic hips. Not something considered all those years ago when we brought them, the joys of growing old!
by Chuck
No arguments there Sandra!
We always thought the Karlstad was one of the most flexible sofas out there, both easy on the eyes and also easy to hack into something different.
Want it look scandinavian retro? Add on some mid-century legs with tufted buttons on the back cushions.
Definitely a crowd favourite!
by Kathy
Just to let you know the Gronlid has been discontinued!!! Very sad ask was trying to get one and can’t!
by Ning Lim
Hey Kathy! Indeed it has, but no fret, IKEA introduced a twin called Harlanda. It’s slightly taller by a half an inch or so, but shaped exactly like the beloved Gronlid.
by joan dorfman
It’s confusing searching for a sofa. Have heard Ikea brand is cheap and won’t hold up. Will re-look at Ikea. Want to mention that the recent reviews I read on Ikea website of the Ektorp said that the seat cushions had recently become much less plump and less comfortable and that they sagged due to less filling.
by manpreetkaur1
https://eterior.in/
by Aishath
I know this post is very old but it’s very helpful thankyou
by Naomi
Glad you found it helpful, Aishath! 🙂