I have to admit it’s fun being a futon and sofa bed reviewer. I get paid to sit, lie down and put my feet up. Okay, it’s not just that. I have to then put pen to paper (or should I say fingers to keyboard).
Below is my detailed write up on IKEA futons and sofa beds. I tested each one out and then set out what I like, dislike and overall impression.
Related: IKEA Mattress Review | IKEA Bed Frames Review | IKEA Dining Chairs Review | IKEA Arm Chair Review | IKEA Daybed Review | IKEA Sofa Review | IKEA Furniture Review
Methodology
I spent hours in a local IKEA sitting in and lying down on every futon and sofa bed in the place. Here are my impressions.
Lycksele Lรถvรฅs
Details:
- Size: 55.875โณw x 39.375โณd x 34.25โณh
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 5 fabric cover options
- Additional Notes: Folds into a full-size bed
Pros:
- Removable covers are easily washable
- Variety of bright colors available, and can easily be switched out to change the look of your room
- Solid metal frame
Cons:
- Very firm as a couch, and not too sure about how the bed would be
- Looks very cheap
Overall Impression: Iโm pretty sure you canโt get more basic than this for a futon. Itโs a folded up futon with a flimsy dust cover thrown over it. I didnโt like how the cover looked like a quilt from my grandmotherโs house, despite the bright colors. It also felt very much like a cold bench when I sat on it as a sofa. While I didnโt try out the mattress itself, Iโm not too confident itโd be comfortable either just based on what itโs like as a couch. But, the metal frame does look sturdy. All in all, Iโd suggest this as a good option for anyone looking for a cheap futon to throw in their home as extra seating. Not something Iโd purchase as a late 30โs professional, but would probably fit in well in a kidโs room or a dorm room.
Friheten
Details:
- Size: 88.625โณw x 41.375โณd x 32.625โณh
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 4 fabric options and 1 leather option
- Additional Notes: Also available as a 3-seat sectional with storage
Pros:
- Doesnโt look like a sleeper sofa or futon
- Super easy to convert to a bed
Cons:
- Not very sturdy, arms were a bit shaky
Overall Impression: If youโre looking for a sleeper sofa or futon that doesnโt look clunky or like it belongs in a fraternity house, this is a great option. I had no idea it was a sleeper until my partner easily pulled out the bottom. It glides right out like a trundle bed but then pops up to become even with the seating on the couch. If you have a sectional, this turns your couch into a large bed! I like how thereโs no removable mattress hidden underneath, and that itโs just another couch cushion that fits nicely together to form the bed. It reminded me of a convertible couch in an RV that transforms into a bed pretty seamlessly. Plus, itโs much more comfortable than it looks! If we were looking for a sofa bed, this would top our list!
Sandbacken
Details:
- Size: 83.5โณw x 58.625โณd x 27.125โณh
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 4 fabric cover options
- Additional Notes: Also available as a regular sofa
Pros:
- Solid metal frame for durability
- Removable cover for easy cleaning and switching out to change your room
- Ottoman attaches to left or right side to extend seating area, or detach completely
- Ottoman contains storage
Cons:
- Not comfortable at all.
- Very solid construction, you donโt sink into it
- Kind of cheap looking
Overall Impression: This model is like the more affordable cousin of Friheten. It operates the same way, with a pull-out trundle type of mattress from the bottom to create a large bed. But Iโm not a fan of the โcover over metal constructionโ that IKEA has going on here. This couch is framed out in super-sturdy metal, which makes me think that it would last. However, with the cover thrown over it, it looks very cheap. I donโt know if it was just the model they had at the store, but I wasnโt thrilled when I looked at it. When I sat on it, there was literally no give at all, which makes me think that I would not be sleeping on this overnight, let alone taking a nap. But I do think this might be a good option for a family room because it would stand-up to rambunctious kids, and I can remove the cover to wash it in case of an accident. Plus, if your kids have sleepovers, this would be a good sleeper sofa for them to gather on and watch movies. As a childless adult, Iโll pass, though.
Nyhamn
Details:
- Size: 83.5โณw x 58.625โณd x 27.125โณh
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: Choose from foam or spring mattress and four different cover options
- Additional Notes: Add NYHAMN triple cushion for additional support
Pros:
- Easily converts into a bed with a simple click-clack mechanism
- The cover is machine washable, and you donโt need to remove it before folding it out
- Two different mattress options, so you can choose one thatโs comfortable for you
- Folds out into a queen-sized bed
Cons:
- The seat is pretty deep as a couch, and youโd have to sit at an angle to get any back support
- The foam mattress was quite hard and not very comfortable
Overall Impression: When you get an image of โfutonโ in your head, this is the style that you probably picture. Itโs a very traditional look, with a metal frame that uses a click-clack mechanism to convert from couch to bed. I like that you can choose the mattress that goes with it, and that the cover stays on the mattress, whether youโre using it as a couch or a bed. But, also just like your typical futon, I noted that the mattress kept sliding down when in the couch position. That can get annoying, so Iโd suggest getting one of those rubber mats to put under the seat part. All in all, itโs a pretty solid looking futon and will get the job done.
Balkarp
Details:
- Size: 67โณw x 33โณd x 32โณh
- Color / Upholstery / Hardware: 2 upholstery options to choose from
- Additional Notes: Folds out to queen-sized bed
Pros:
- Easily adjustable to sit up, recline, or laydown
- The cover is not removable, and there is no separate mattress
Cons:
- Extremely firm
Overall Impression: Iโd like to think of this sleeper as a step-up from the traditional one with a frame and separate mattress. The Balkarp features a single construction piece, where the cushions arenโt removable, but you can easily adjust the angle of the back support to recline or lay down. It was effortless to convert, and while I liked the idea that I wouldnโt need to worry about the mattress slipping off the frame, I hated sitting on this. It was like sitting on a stone bench. I like a little give in my couch because I like to cozy-up for an afternoon nap. Not so much with this one. It might be a good choice for a guest room or office, where you donโt want to encourage people to stay too long, though!
Futon/Sofa Bed Winner:
My favorite is the Friheten! It’s the sectional with the pullout – it was REALLY easy to pull out and actually super comfortable, despite not having a separate mattress! And I really liked how it didn’t scream sleeper sofa, and definitely wasn’t a futon. It was like a really good couch on its own, with a bonus of a comfortable, huge bed for guests to sleep on.