The Most Popular IKEA Sofas – and How to Refresh Them with Custom Covers

Choosing a sofa is one of the most defining decisions when designing a living room. It shapes the atmosphere, sets the tone of your interior, and becomes the place where everyday life unfolds. IKEA sofas have earned a special place in homes across the world thanks to their practicality, timeless design, and modular construction. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to refresh with custom-made slipcovers — meaning your sofa can evolve alongside your style.

Below, we explore the most popular IKEA sofa models and show how high-quality covers can transform each of them into something uniquely yours.

Why IKEA sofas stand out

IKEA has perfected the formula: functional design, accessible pricing, and thoughtful details that make life easier. Sofa beds with hidden storage, reversible chaises, and modular sections are just a few examples of how these collections adapt to your needs. Even better, most IKEA sofas come with removable upholstery — a feature that opens the door to limitless styling possibilities.

When you’re ready for a change, you don’t need a new sofa. You just need the right slipcover.

Friheten – the multifunctional favourite

Friheten remains one of IKEA’s most iconic sofas simply because it does everything. It’s available as a left or right corner sofa, offers generous seating, turns into a comfortable bed, and includes a spacious storage compartment. It’s a reliable choice for studio apartments, family living rooms, and guest spaces.

Slipcovers for Friheten come in both tailored and loose-fit versions, allowing you to choose a crisp, fitted look or a more relaxed, draped aesthetic. Add a hidden bed compartment cover, and you’ve upgraded the entire sofa without replacing a single element.

Ektorp – the timeless classic

Ektorp has been a customer favourite for years thanks to its soft cushions, rounded lines, and signature cozy look. It fits seamlessly into traditional, cottage, Scandinavian, and family-friendly spaces. Whether you have an armchair, a 2-seater, a 3-seater, a sofa bed, a chaise, or even the lesser-known Tullsta or Jennylund — the model’s charm lies in its versatility.

If your Ektorp needs a refresh, an ektorp sofa cover is the quickest way to bring it back to life and adapt it to your personal taste.

See also: Top Benefits of Working with a Trusted Home Builder

Karlstad – the contemporary essential

Karlstad combines clean lines, modern proportions, and subtle retro undertones. Slender wooden legs make the sofa appear lighter, while providing practicality: cleaning underneath has never been easier. The collection includes sofas in various sizes, armchairs, corner modules, sofa beds, and chaises — all compatible with individual or loose-fit covers.

With a fresh slipcover, a Karlstad can look Scandinavian, mid-century modern, minimalist, or bold and colourful depending on the fabric you choose.

Kivik – modern comfort at its finest

Kivik is beloved for its deep, wide seats and minimalist silhouette. It’s a perfect blend of everyday comfort and contemporary design. Available as a 1-seater, 2-seater, 3-seater, chaise lounge, and footstool, it adapts beautifully to custom slipcovers. A new colour or fabric can transform the sofa from refined and elegant to warm and relaxed — ideal for open-concept living spaces.

Söderhamn – modular, light and stylish

With its airy frame, loose cushions, and modern design, Söderhamn brings a designer touch to any home. Its modularity allows you to build a personalised seating configuration, and slipcovers make it even more adaptable. Whether you own the one-seater, the corner module, the chaise, or the 3-seater section, a new cover enhances its sculptural shape and softens its minimalist form.

Norsborg – stylish simplicity for everyday living

Norsborg is recognised for its durability, straightforward lines, and wide armrests that offer both comfort and visual balance. The collection includes a full range of sofas and chaise components, and every piece looks even better dressed in a slipcover. Whether you prefer fresh cotton, luxurious velvet, or something pet-friendly, this model handles all styles exceptionally well.

Hovas – the cloud-soft comfort model

If comfort is your top priority, Hovas may be your match. With deep seats and generous, sink-in cushions, it’s a sofa you come home to. And while its original upholstery is simple, the right slipcover can highlight the sofa’s relaxed character and make it fit both rustic and modern interiors.

Klippan – a true IKEA icon

Klippan is one of IKEA’s most recognisable designs. Compact, bold, and unmistakably modern, it works beautifully in small spaces, creative studios, and eclectic homes. Available as a 2-seater, 4-seater, and footstool, it becomes even more expressive with a custom slipcover. Think of it as the perfect canvas for personality.

Popular armchairs deserve attention too

Strandmon and Ektorp armchairs are two of IKEA’s most loved seating options. Strandmon, with its high back and winged silhouette, adds elegance to any room, while the Ektorp armchair offers soft, inviting comfort. Both look spectacular with fresh covers — especially in textured fabrics or expressive shades.

Why slipcovers elevate IKEA sofas so effortlessly

Slipcovers aren’t just about aesthetics. They protect your sofa from daily wear, allow seasonal styling, and give you creative freedom without the cost of new furniture. Whether you prefer minimalist neutrals or standout colours, covers let you customise your home exactly the way you want.

High-quality slipcovers also extend the lifespan of your sofa — making them a stylish and sustainable choice.

How to choose the right cover

When selecting the perfect slipcover, consider:

• the fabric (velvet, linen, cotton, polyester – each creates a different look and level of durability)
• the colour palette (neutrals for timeless interiors, bold tones for a statement)
• your lifestyle (pets, children, frequent guests)
• the fit (tailored vs. loose-fit)

If you’re starting your search, the best place to explore materials, samples, and model-specific covers is https://mastersofcovers.com/.