I love a good armchair, but hate picking a bad one that ends up being uncomfortable after sitting in it for 5 minutes. So, I decided to go into IKEA extensively test their armchairs, and review factors like whether it’s made from solid wood, has cold foam, or has a removable cover for cushions.
My goal in this article is to present my findings to you while highlighting two of the best. I’ll also include the other options I checked out because they might work for you. So, let’s get right into figuring out what the most comfortable ikea armchair is.
Most Comfortable IKEA Armchair Overview
To provide an honest and detailed review of IKEA’s armchair options, I went to the Jacksonville, Florida, location, and spent hours reviewing every armchair that they have in their showroom.
I sat (plopped), bounced, tried to snuggle up and take a nap on a few of them. I checked for sturdiness and durability. I may even have fallen in love with one or two of them, too!
IKEA Armchair Round-Up Winner
While I tested all the different armchairs that were available at the Jacksonville IKEA, it became increasingly difficult to choose a single favorite.
So, instead, I chose two: Tullsta and Poäng armchair.
I’d definitely put Tullsta in my living room, and want to sit in it – probably regularly when I wasn’t looking to nap. I really liked how it works even if it is quite narrow, and that I could sit cross-legged, or adjust myself to get more comfortable. The dual cushions in the back really helped with neck support, and I could find myself sitting there and writing or reading.
Plus, because it’s so sturdy, I wouldn’t worry about bouncing around on it to adjust myself to get more comfortable. It’s an excellent chair for engaging in conversations with people, or watching tv too!
I also chose the Poäng armchair because it’s a reliable option and there are really a lot of places where it would be useful. For me, I’d put one in my bedroom by the window, where I like to have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my daily meditation.
It’s relaxing to sit in because I can recline just enough, and I can rock myself, which helps me ground my body when I’m anxious.
Methodology
But before I get to my reviews of IKEA’s armchair selections, I should lay out what’s important to me in choosing an armchair. You may have a different set of criteria than I do.
Even when I didn’t like a design or model, I tried to imagine a situation where someone would want to buy it. While these are all clearly my own personal opinion, I do realize that I’m not the authority in all things armchairs!
For me, I’m looking for an armchair for my living room. As one of the most-used spaces in my home, my room needs to be comfortable and cozy.
It doesn’t have to be nappable, or the primary seat in the room, but it’s got to be an armchair that we’d gravitate towards if we want to watch tv, knit, or read actively.
Also, we host our family and friends and have 9 nephews between the ages of 1 and 10 that come and hang out with us. All the furniture in our living room needs to be sturdy and durable, made out of solid wood, and maybe even have removable covers!
Armchair Reviews
Below is my deep dive of the various armchairs that were on the floor at the IKEA store I visited:
Tullsta
The Tullsta chair has an attractive design, where it kind of hugs you from the back. I’m 5’4”, and I could quickly put my arms up and lay them on the end of the chair, which was a very comfortable way to sit. But if you’re taller, you may feel like you’re sitting in a kid’s chair!
The added back pillow at the lumbar area does improve the comfort level. However, I’d only choose to sit in this chair if we had guests over, so I could leave the more comfortable seating for them.
Details:
- Size: 31.125″w x 27.5″d x 30.375″h
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 3 upholstery cover options to choose from
Pros:
- Rounded back design hugs you while you sit, but not in an uncomfortable way
- Covers are removable and machine washable
Cons:
- A bit narrow, but comfortable.
Poäng
The Poäng chair is probably one of the most popular armchairs that IKEA sells. I probably know 20 people who have this in their homes. I think it’s because you can choose from so many different options between chair upholstery color, cushion type, and frame. You can pretty much come up with a configuration that works in any room.
I found it to be much sturdier than its Pello cousin. I was a little concerned about how uncomfortable it was at first, but then found a configuration with an upgraded cushion and felt much better. I really like the fact that it bounces, and I could probably fall asleep in it without a problem – especially with a matching ottoman.
For me, I think this would be a good option to put in our bedroom or office. I could find myself reading a good book next to a window and gently rocking myself into a state of serenity!
Details:
- Size: 26.75″w x 32.25″d x 39.375″h
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 9 upholstery options to choose from, 2 different frame options
- Additional Notes: Matching ottoman available
Pros:
- Tons of color options and frame combinations to choose from
- Option to get a thicker cushion to make it more comfortable
- Rocking chair
Cons:
- Standard sturdiness
- Depending on which cushion you get, it may be too firm
Ekerö
The first thought when I saw the Ekerö chairs was how adorable they were. I loved the bright, vibrant colors! You don’t often see armchairs in bright orange and yellow!
These would make a good option for a small space, and because they have an interesting yet retro design, I think they’d be good for a contemporary or modern aesthetic. They’re surprisingly comfortable, but probably not something I’d sit in unless other seats were taken. I like how it looks more than I like how comfortable it is.
The high arms kind of make you feel boxed in. Also, I’m not a tiny woman, and while my thighs fit in okay, it might be something that you would want to try out before buying if your body is larger in the hip and thigh area.
Details:
- Size: 27.5″w x 28.75″d x 29.5″h
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 4 fabric colors to choose from, and 1 leather option
Pros:
- Retro style fits into many different aesthetics
- Vibrant color options
- Good for small spaces
Cons:
- The high arms make you feel a bit boxed in
- Wouldn’t recommend for long-term sitting
Ektorp
One look at this Ektorp chair, and I really want to sit in it! It looks comfy and cozy and is a very traditional design. When you think about a living room armchair, this is the model that pops into your head.
I loved the fact that my feet touch the ground in it, but I also had enough room to lay over the arms. In fact, it as so comfortable that I could have taken a nap in it! If this was in my living room, I’d definitely want to sit in it.
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Very cushiony and comfortable
- Removable covers available to change look and are machine washable
Cons:
- Very large
Stocksund
I really liked the look of this Stocksund armchair. It looked like it was pretty comfortable, and I really liked the interesting arm detail, and how they were short with ruching on the sides, curving down to the base. The fabric cover looked durable in the showroom, too.
But when I sat on it, it was really firm, and I didn’t expect that. (Don’t plop down!) To test out the back, I had to scooch myself up, and my feet didn’t touch the floor. This might be better if you have tall people in your home.
The biggest downside I could find, however, is that the arms I loved so much are pretty shaky. I could push them out and rock them back and forth. So, as far as durability, I question how long this would last before someone broke the arm off!
Pros:
- Wide seat
- Removable cover is machine washable
- Classic design with interesting arm details
Cons:
- Very firm to sit-in
- Questionable durability and construction
Pello
This Pello armchair looks like it would fall apart before I even sat in it. My wife is a pretty petite person, and even she felt like it was going to break. I did like the bouncing/rocker feature, but other than that, it’s a hard pass for us.
It might be a good option for a kid’s room, though. I do, however, question durability. Plus, it’s prone to stain easily because it only comes in one color.
The cushion can only be cleaned with a damp cloth, so you might be out of luck if your kid spills their juice on it!
Details:
- Size: 26.375″w x 33.5″d x 37.75″h
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: None – only one style and color available
Pros:
- Good for small spaces or extra seating
- Color is neutral and can go with a lot of different decors
Cons:
- Not sturdy at all
- Virtually no cushion at all
Strandmon
The Strandmon chair is a classic wingback armchair from IKEA. It looks really nice, and I’d consider it more of a decoration piece in my room, rather than an optimal place I’d want to sit. It’s not very comfortable at all, but it really does elevate a room that it’s in because of the traditional lines.
It would look good in a formal living room, paired with a more comfortable IKEA couch to sit on more regularly. The one thing I really loved about this chair was the houndstooth pattern! I am usually not one to really like patterned furniture, but for some reason, this just spoke to me.
I like to have a really modern space in my office with really bright pops of color here and there because it keeps me inspired. This would fit perfectly in the corner, with bright solid color throw pillows!
Details:
- Size: 32.25″w x 37.75″d x 39.75″h
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 7 upholstery options to choose from
- Additional Notes: Matching ottoman also available
Pros:
- Classic wingback chair design
- Tons of color and pattern options to choose from to fit your room
Cons:
- The cushion cover can be removed, but spot clean only
- Not very comfortable for everyday sitting
Vedbo
There are two options available for Vedbo – a shorter version and a tall one. I only tried the tall one, and I was surprised it was much more comfortable than it looked. It definitely isn’t a chair that I would gravitate towards if there were other chair options in a room, but if we had company, I’d sit here.
I liked the molded wing arms, and felt like sitting here made me fix my posture. While it wasn’t as cushioned as I usually like my armchairs, I did like the fact that this cushion was velcroed to the bottom so that it wouldn’t end up on the floor every time someone got up.
Details:
- Size: 31.5″w x 33.5”d x 42.5″h
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 3 upholstery options to choose from
- Additional Notes: Shorter/wider version is also available
Pros:
- The sturdy design is supportive
- The high back makes you sit up straight
Cons:
- The cushion isn’t too thick and maybe uncomfortable for long-term sitting.
- Only one frame option: birch
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IKEA Pello Chair Comfortable?
Yes, the IKEA Pello Chair is pretty comfortable. While this budget-friendly armchair is not as comfortable as some of IKEA’s other armchairs. The seat cushion is thin and the backrest is not very supportive. However, the Pello Chair is still comfortable enough for short periods of time, such as reading or watching TV.
How Can I Make My IKEA Chair More Comfortable?
To enhance the comfort of your IKEA chair, consider adding cushions or throws for extra padding. Place a pillow behind your back for added support.
You can also adjust the chair’s positioning or use a footrest or pouf for better ergonomics. Additionally, explore IKEA’s range of great chair accessories designed for added comfort.
Are IKEA Henriksdal Chairs Comfortable?
Yes, the IKEA Henriksdal Chair is very comfortable. The IKEA Henriksdal Chair is a popular dining chair that is also surprisingly comfortable. The seat cushion is thick and supportive, and the backrest is well-padded.
The Henriksdal Chair is also available in a variety of colors and fabrics to match your décor. Overall, the IKEA Henriksdal Chair is a great chair that is perfect for everyday use.
Conclusion
After reviewing the most comfortable IKEA armchairs, it is clear that IKEA offers a wide range of options to choose from, no matter your budget or needs. Whether you are looking for a plush armchair to relax in after a long day or a stylish armchair to add a touch of elegance to your living room, IKEA has the perfect chair for you.
