7 years later I'm sharing an honest review of the IKEA Ektorp sectional. A part of the Ektorp series including the iconic IKEA Ektorp sofa.
I'll discuss seat cushions, new slipcovers, size, and all the good things I still love about these popular Ikea sofas.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy here
Jump to:
- Why We Purchased The Ikea Ektorp Sectional
- Ektorp Sectional Details
- Get A New Look With New Slipcovers
- Where You Get New Covers For The Ektorp Sofa & Sectional
- A Note Regarding The White Covers
- How To Wash A White Ikea Slipcover
- How To Dry An Ikea Slipcover
- The Best Things About The Ektorp Sectional
- Ektorp Sectional Con's
- Final thoughts
In today's post, I'm giving you the lowdown on the Ikea Ektorp sectional.
After living with it for 7 years!
If you read my post on how my other Ikea furniture pieces have held up over the years.
You know I get asked about my IKEA Ektorp sectional quite a bit.
In blog posts and on Instagram. Where I've shared plenty of photos of my living room.
Why We Purchased The Ikea Ektorp Sectional
While I have the IKEA Ektorp sectional. A lot of the information can also be applied to the IKEA Ektorp sofa or Ektorp loveseat.
I purchased our Ikea Ektorp sectional in early March 2015 in the midst of an out-of-state move.
Finally, I had a living room spacious enough to accommodate the sectional look.
Which was perfect for my young family who loves to hang out together.
I knew I wanted a slipcovered sectional.
The farmhouse look was really reaching its heights of popularity at the time. Which made slipcovered sofas and sectionals very popular and trendy.
Especially white slipcovers.
During that time some of my favorite bloggers and Instagrammers had the Pottery Barn comfort roll arm slipcovered sectional with the white slipcover.
So that's the one I wanted {don't judge me}.
When I showed hubby. This was his reaction {more or less}.
Did I tell you I'm one of those people with champagne taste on a beer budget?
Well, I am 😄.
The sectional was going to be a big purchase either way.
But the Pottery Barn sectional was a bigger investment than we wanted to make.
And with two young kids at the time and pets {and a husband}. Spills are unavoidable.
So I did a bit more research.
That's when I discovered the gem that is the Ektorp Sectional.
It had the looks.
With the inexpensive price tag, Ikea furniture is known for.
For those who just want the quick and dirty version.
The answer is yes.
Yes to buying it again.
And yes to recommending it.
Especially for those on a budget. Who still wants that Pottery Barn look.
Ektorp Sectional Details
The Price Point
To be honest the best feature of the Ektorp sectional {besides how it looks}. Was the price point.
It's no longer available from IKEA.
But when I learned the price was $799! I almost ran to my nearest Ikea 😂.
If you keep an eye out on FB Marketplace or even Craiglist.
You can get it much cheaper than that.
If you're only looking for a new sofa and not sectional. Even better
You can snag the Ektorp sofa in decent condition for next to nothing on FB Marketplace.
Get yourself a new slipcover.
And bam! You got yourself a new couch!
Tip: A nontoxic way to clean your second-hand Ektorp sofa or sectional. Is to leave the cushions out in the sun for a few hours. That will naturally disinfect it. And help get rid of any offensive odors.
Ektorp Sectional Dimensions
One good thing to me about the Ektorp sectional is the size.
You can see by the dimensions. It's slightly smaller than your average sectional.
- Overal height – 34 ⅝“
- Overal depth – 34 ⅝“
- Seat depth – 19 ¼“
- Back cushion height – 17 ¾“
Making it the perfect size for smaller living and family rooms.
{Also, aside from the length. The Ektorp sofa dimensions are the same.}
Ikea Ektorp Sectional Frame
Here is what the frame looks likes right out of the box. Before adding the legs and arms.
{Although the kids seem to be OK with it that way 😂}
And this is the frame 7 years and one cross-state move later.
Here is the frame with just the base cover on
Hubby and I put it together fairly quickly with no issues both times.
It was pretty intuitive.
{Which was a relief because you know how IKEA instructions be sometimes 😐}
Ektorp Sofa Seat Cushions
Now for the price point, you can't realistically expect cushions wrapped in fluffy down.
Having said that...
I would give the overall comfort of the seat cushions an 8/10.
While the back cushions and the bottom cushions are a bit stiff at first.
It was still pretty comfortable to me.
Plus, after 7 years of use and being the primary seating for our family.
The seat cushions have held their shape pretty well.
They honestly don't look all that flat.
Tip: Make sure to rotate the bottom cushions and to flip the back cushions so they wear evenly.
Get A New Look With New Slipcovers
Need a new cover?
Companies like Bemz from what I've seen can make a replacement cover for Ikea sofas that fit like a glove.
Even for discontinued pieces like the Ektorp furniture line.
Usually offering a range of fabric choice and different colors.
Far beyond what Ikea ever offered. Most of these companies even offer fabric samples.
Where You Get New Covers For The Ektorp Sofa & Sectional
The Freedom Of Washable Slipcovers
Having the ability to remove the cover and wash it. Makes the Ektorp sofa and sectional very family-friendly.
Especially when you have young children and pets.
{And moms and dads who drink coffee and red wine on the sofa 😶}
There's freedom in knowing you can basically "wash" your sofa {scroll down for washing tips}.
Spills that would have caused me a mini panic attack before.
Now, it's just an annoyance.
Slipcover Color and Fabric Choice
Another huge bonus to having the slipcover.
You got options!
You can change the look of your sofa or sectional by only changing the slipcovers.
It's like getting a brand new sofa each time.
Over the years I've had 3 different colors.
Nordvalla gray slipcover
Tygelsjo beige slipcover
Blekinge white slipcover
And the fairest of them all, the Blekinge white slipcover.
Pretty much everybody and their mama had/have this white cover.
Vittaryd white and the Lofallet beige color were two other popular neutral slip covers that Ikea sold.
Among a variety of different colors and fabrics that were too bold for my taste.
But my hubby thought I was nuts when I told him I wanted white couches in our main living room 😂.
However, when you can just take off the cover and wash it.
Having a white slipcover with kids is doable.
Plus, I was willing to put in the extra effort to keep it clean.
Since I loved the look of the bright white cover so much.
Tip: Lint Rollers are a must if you have the white slipcover! Using a lint roller a few times a week really helps the slipcover have a clean look in between washings.
A Note Regarding The White Covers
While I know we all love those beautiful images with the crisp and white covers. And want that look in our home.
But...
Please be aware the white slip cover shows everything!
If like me you just can't resist getting the white slipcover.
Just be realistic with yourself about the maintenance that comes along with it.
- Using a lint roller almost daily
- Vacumming
- Spot cleaning
- Removing the cover and washing it consistently
- And just generally needing to be more concious of what you eat and drink on the couch
Now is it terribly difficult to clean? No.
However.
If washing the covers frequently is not something you want to deal with.
In addition to the other general maintenance that comes along with having a white couch.
Then you should consider getting another color.
How 9 favorite Ikea furniture pieces held up over the years
How To Wash A White Ikea Slipcover
- I use whatever detergent I have on hand. Along with bleach and Oxiclean. {follow the manufacturer's directions for measruements}.
- Wash them in the washing machine on a normal cycle. Using warm water to wash and cold water to rinse .
- Don't wash the entire thing together. Wash them in 3 seperate loads.
- Back cushion covers
- Seat cushion covers
- Base slipcover.
I wash my white slipcover about once a month when it's on the sectional. Using the method above.
Which is the same way I've been washing my other white slipcovered pieces from Ikea for years.
Plus my beige and gray covers too {minus the bleach}.
How To Dry An Ikea Slipcover
- I dry each of the 3 loads separately on medium heat.
- Aim for somewhere around 60-70% dry. That's usually like *20-30 minutes in my dryer.
*DO NOT OVER DRY THE COVERS, THEY WILL SHRINK! - Put the covers back on slightly damp. Doing this helps avoid shrinkage. Makes it easier to get the covers back on since it has more give. Plus helps reduce wrinkles as it dries.
- Once completely dry. You can use a hand steamer if the wrinkles bother you.
Just between me and you.
I mostly let the wrinkles worked themselves out 🤷🏽♀️.
I've been asked what do I do when the covers are drying. To keep my family from sitting on it.
Well, I usually wash them in the morning right after the kids go to school.
Once I put the clean and slightly damp covers back on. I turn on the ceiling fan.
The covers are usually {mostly} dry by the time everyone gets home.
If it was still too damp to sit on.
I would literally put painter's tape from arm to arm. So no one would sit on it 😶.
When the kids are on summer break. My plan is to wash it in the evenings and let it dry overnight.
The Best Things About The Ektorp Sectional
For those who weren't paying attention 👀.
Here's a quick recap of all the best things about not just the Ekptorp sectional. But the Ektorp sofa and arm chairs too.
- The budget friendly price point {especially if you can snag one sencond hand}.
- You can change up the look of your living room for the different seasons or holidays. By simply purchasing a new slipcover. They're not very expensive. And you can even find them on Amazon.
- It's comfy and durable. Even after a couple of years (7) of daily use. The seat cushions have held up pretty well.
- The classic look and casual style of a slipcover sofa {think Pottery Barn}. That works with many different decor styles. Minus the huge price tag that often comes along with it.
Ektorp Sectional Con's
While there is a lot to love about the Ektorp. There are a few things that can fall in the con's column for some.
- Like I mentioned in the white cover section. Be aware the white slipcover does require a fair bit of maitenance to keep it looking clean.
- The back cushions have gradually gotten saggy over the years. And can sometimes require some "aggressive fluffing" to make them appear fuller and smoother.
- The seats are not very deep (19 ¾"). We're not a tall family so this doesn't bother us. But, I can see a tall person(s) being annoyed by this. Especially when you add throw pillows into the mix.
- The sectional as a whole is on the smaller side as far as sectionals go. While this is a plus for me. If you have a bigger room and or a large family. The size might be a con for you.
Final thoughts
Although the Ektorp has been replaced by the IKEA Uppland sofa {which is just a larger version}.
I love this sectional, and would buy it again in a heartbeat!
For the price point, it held up incredibly well.
This is not a sponsored post.
I've just gotten a lot of questions over the years regarding the Ektorp sectional.
And I wanted to share my honest opinion about my experience with it.
Hopefully, this post will help you make an informed decision if you're thinking about purchasing it.
If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments or email me.
KLynn says
You mentioned that you moved the sectional from one house to another. Did you disassemble it fir the move? We have one and want to move it from our living room to basement family room but would need to take it apart. Wondering how difficult that was and if it still feels sturdy after disassembling and reassembling. Thanks!
Templa says
Hi! Love your living room. I was wondering how the zippers are now. We bought the same sectional in 2008. Every zipper broke the first time we put them on. They were so fragile and cheap. I kept it for a few years. But got rid of it after a move to a larger house. Now we are in a smaller house and would like to try the Ikea slip covered furniture again. But I don’t want my zippers breaking right out of the box. Thanks for the review. And again. Love your style.
Anon says
I have an Ektorp corner sofa and a 7kg front loading washing machine, will the big main slip cover fit in a washing machine this size? Thanks if anyone can help.
Dottie J says
Linda, I got quite a chuckle out of the average American sofa 6-year plan. My current den sofa is about 6 years and going strong. It’s still the “new” sofa. It replaced a sofa that was 16 years old, still in great condition but just not my taste. (t was a compromise at the time of purchase and was supposed to be temporary. Long story.) I never loved it but it was tough as iron. Just way too big for my den. I was able to pass it along to an appreciative single mom who had an unexpected need. The sofa prior to the 16-year one was purchased in 1976, slipcovered in 1998 because its 1970 earth tones were very tired, then used in my daughter’s college apartment and first house until 2010 when it was given to a refuge family associated with her church. Still solid, not stained or worn, just time to move on.
The sofa in my “formal” living room was purchased by my mother in 1990. It still looks almost brand new. And it is white like yours.
My house is lived in and used. We are a rather sedate household now, just my husband and me with my 93 year old dad, but we still host weekly church groups and large church and family gatherings. My “stuff” exists to serve us and bless others, but I was taught to take care of the blessings God entrusts to us. Just like your beautiful Ikea sofa, practical fabrics and classic lines just keep going--- and refresh easily with the toss of a new pillow. I’m with you—Ikea is the master of practical, functional, and affordable. I like Pier One furnishings for the same reason, though I liked it better when they had actual storefronts.
I enjoy your blog and your projects. Your home looks like a place where you and a friend could hang out with a cup of coffee and visit for hours, a place that says welcome from first glance. Thanks for translating that feeling to your blog and making a bright, happy corner of the internet. I’m glad I stumbled upon it.
sheri jahn says
Do the slipcovers come with the cushion covers as well? I see you change to gray and wondered about that or did you use slipcovers that are not from IKEA? Thanks!
Sarah says
Hi Linda,
I was just reading your post and found it very helpful as I have been SEARCHING for the perfect sectional couch that is cost effective, but also will hold up and be kid friendly. I saw this post was from 2016, I was wondering if you had any change in your feeling about it since then!! Thank you so much!
Meg says
Thank you this has been really helpful we just bought the 3.5 sofa version . Im so glad we did 3 kids and a shedding large dog . I am just hunkering down to wash it since we got it and I was a little nervous till I found you review and instructions. p.s your home is Beautiful .
Amanda says
Where are you pillows with the blue checkers from?
Jaime says
I tried washing my extorp ikea sectional cover and it shrunk in the dryer! Any tips on drying the cover? Should i air Dry it?
Mimi says
Curious about the coffee table. Looking for something exactly like that. Can you tell me where you bought it?
Kate says
Do happen to know the dimensions of this sectional!? Would LOVE if it fit in my apartment!
Pinky says
I am really glad you posted this. I just purchased the Ektorp sofa and armchairs and I can't wait for them to come in, and I have a toddler, two dogs and a husband! This was so helpful and I am looking forward to enjoying them with my family as you have! Thank you!!
Sissy Young says
Just curious to your opinion on the cushions not being attached?
Linda P. says
Sissy it really hasn't been a problem for us at all. You do have to fluff every so often.
Rhonda P. says
moving soon & am thinking of getting the ikea ektorp. your post has Definately pushed me toward purchasing. love your decorating style, and appreciate the photos of the furniture being put together and used rather than just staged.
Linda P. says
So glad it has helped Rhonda! I hope the move went well!
Doreen Stellon says
love the room. what color is the wall color?
Linda P. says
Thank you! The color is Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams.
Priscila says
love your pillows with the white cover . Where are they from?
Sarah says
Great post, thank you! You've got me convinced to buy one for our new house. your home is beautiful. 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Erika Dotson says
I love them too!!!!! The fact that I can take them off and throw them in the wash is amazing! I've gotten ball point pen out even!!!!! Curious though if anyone has had luck getting permanent marker out? I've tried oxiclean and I've tried using rubbing alcohol with no luck.
Jo says
Try using hairspray to get out the permanent marker
heather Madden says
how to spot clean the sectional grey ektorp
Annie says
Thanks Linda, I love the look of slip covered furniture. I've been searching the web and was so glad to find your review. You've made my night. TY again!
Khadija says
Thank you so much for this review. I wanted to buy the smaller sectional sofa so badly but my husband thought it would tear up quickly. We ended up getting something else but in the future I really would like to get some Ikea furniture.
Linda P. says
Khadija, I'm so glad you found this review useful! We also did the same thing and got a more expensive sofa and it look old within a year. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! ?
Lori says
Great information here! I've always wondered how the Ektorp holds up. Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!
Linda P. says
Thanks Lori! Glad you found this informational!
Linda P. says
Hi Eilis! Thanks for stopping by today! I Love the Ektorp armchairs as well, the profiles are just a little bit too big for our space, or I would've replaced our living room chair with one ages ago I think. Yes having slipcovers with children is really a godsend! We passed on the Ektorp a few years ago and I wish I got it earlier, although I'm sure what you have now is great also.
Heather Brown says
Hey there! Found this posted on Pinterest. Can you tell me the gray paint color you used? I plan to buy the dark gray covers and wanted a light gray for the walls.
Linda P. says
Hi Heather, It's repose gray by Sherwin Williams. Good luck!
Eilis@my-heart-lives-here says
We have two Ektorp armchairs in our master bedroom. Like you, I love being able to wash the white covers. After reading this, I wish we had bought this piece for our family room when replaced our sofa...
Celeste says
I've always wondered how those Ikea couches hold up, so this is super helpful! The couch is definitely our most used piece of furniture in the house as well. Those slipcovers are pretty much essential for life with kids and pets. Love your honest review, and they look like they've held up well!
Linda P. says
Hi Celeste, I'm so glad this was helpful! We do everything on this sofa, especially because we all fit so no one has to fight for a spot LOL. Yes, I agree about the slipcovers! I'm not sure I can go back to a non slipcovered sofa, I love the freedom of not being scared of stains or having to constantly fuss at the kids to keep their feet of the sofa or whatever. Glad you stopped by today!