An unbiased review of IKEA’s new Farlov and Stocksund sofas: comfort, value, and cleaning tips
IKEA has matured its lineup in recent years, and the new Farlov sofa and Stocksund accent chairs are a great example of that evolution. This is an honest, hands-on review covering how comfortable these pieces are, whether they’re worth the price, and the best ways to keep their slipcovers clean — useful information if you’re considering slipcovered furniture for a home with kids or pets.
First impressions matter. I’d previously chosen an IKEA Ektorp for our playroom because slipcovers are a lifesaver with a preschooler and a muddy dog, and when I saw these newer designs I knew they were worth a closer look. After several store visits and sit tests, we decided on the Farlov sofa paired with two Stocksund chairs for our living room. So far, they’ve exceeded expectations in style and functionality.
The Farlov is available in two slipcover colors so far — white and beige — and its proportions feel generous. The seat is very deep, almost bed-like, making it perfect for curling up with blankets and the whole family for movie nights. The seat cushion is a single wide piece rather than individual cushions, so you don’t get the uncomfortable seams that can form between cushions when multiple people sit together.
The fabric on the Farlov is textured and feels thicker than some of IKEA’s cotton-blend slipcovers, which gives it a more refined, durable feel. It isn’t as plush as the Ektorp covers, but that slightly firmer texture suggests better wear and a more upscale look. We found the initial seat firmness fairly firm, but based on the in-store models and our experience with similar coverings, they should soften with regular use.
The Stocksund chair is essentially a roomy chair-and-a-half: wide, deep, and very comfortable for curling up with a book. The Stocksund slipcovers currently come in darker hues and patterns, so they’re better suited to households looking for a more forgiving color. The Stocksund fabric felt a bit softer than the Farlov’s but retains that sturdy, well-made impression.
Value is one of the strongest selling points. For under $1,500 you can have a sofa plus two large accent chairs with removable, replaceable slipcovers — that’s a very competitive price for the size and look. If you’re decorating on a budget but want a polished, tailored appearance, these pieces deliver.
Practical care tips: the slipcovers are machine washable, which is a big advantage if you have kids or pets. To reduce the frequency of washes and protect the fabric, I applied two light coats of a fabric protector (I used a common Scotchgard product bought locally). For spot cleaning, a stain remover pen works well for small spills or mud paw prints. One of the conveniences of these designs is the ability to remove only the soiled cushion cover and wash that piece rather than stripping the whole sofa.
Choosing white is a bit of a gamble in a busy home, but it’s manageable if you’re proactive with protection and spot cleaning. If white proves impractical, the beige cover is an easy fallback. Many parents either love the look of white slipcovers or find them too high-maintenance — time will tell which camp I fall into, and I’ll share an update after a few months of use.
Our living room is coming together by mixing these new pieces with existing items like our bedroom rug and an affordable coffee table found on Craigslist. The room still needs softening touches — throws, plants, lamps, wall art — and practical updates like replacing a ceiling fan and tidying AV equipment, but having comfortable, washable furniture in place has made the space feel livable immediately.
Are you a fan of slipcovered sofas? Do you have care tips or experience with IKEA’s newer models? If you’re planning a living room refresh, the Farlov and Stocksund are worth testing in-store — they combine style, comfort, and practical washable covers at a price that’s hard to beat.
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