The Ikea Farlov sofa in my family room was probably one of the first things I ordered for our new home. When I was planning the furniture arrangement for our family room, I knew I wanted two couches facing each other since this space is open to the breakfast room and faces a fireplace.
It wouldn’t make sent to have a couch blocking the flow. I love the look of the Restoration Hardware couches but obviously not the price tag. I wanted something similar, with only one cushion (as opposed to three cushions) and clean lines.
It was then that I saw that Ikea had launched a new sofa, and guess what?! It looks very similar to the Restoration Hardware one but for a fraction of the price!
Rug: Rugs USA
I went to the store to check it out in person and love it. Even though the covers were super dirty at the store, the sofa was gorgeous and comfortable!
If you love a good Ikea Hack, make sure to check my Ikea Kallax Hack, the super easy Ikea Vittsjo Coffee Table Hack and the Ikea Malm Dresser !
The Ikea Farlov Sofa – Design
The Ikea Farlov couch is beautiful y’all! I would give five stars for design! The armrest has gorgeous and simple lines. There is only one seat cushion, which I feel it gives the couch a cleaner look and is perfect for lounging. It has two overstuffed back cushions which provide great support for your back.
The Ikea Farlov Sofa – Comfort
Now keep in mind that this sofa has deep seat cushion, which might not be as comfortable for short people like me lol. Taller people like my husband, really enjoys and appreciate the leg room this couch offers.
With that said, this sofa is perfect for taking naps and watching TV. My husband often falls asleep here and the kids are always taking naps in the couches.
The Ikea Farlov Sofa – Covers
The Farlov sofa has removable and washable covers. I also love it how much easier it is to remove the covers in this sofa! With the Erktop sofa, every time I washed, it was a full work out to put the covers back on, with at least one or two broken nails!! No kidding! With the Farlov it is a breeze, which makes washing much easier. In the image below you can see the Farlov cover compared to the Bemz Design cover. The Farlov cover is more of a canvas fabric as opposed to the linen from Bemz Design
The Ikea Farlov Sofa – Fabric
If there is one thing where Ikea missed the mark, was with the cover fabric. The Farlov sofa has a different fabric then the other Ikeas sofas. It’s made of cotton, polyester and linen. However I think is not as good or soft as the Erktop sofa covers. With the Erktop covers, I would wash it once every two months, throw some bleach on it and it would look brand new! The Farlov covers don’t wash as well, the colors starts looking more and more gray/dirty with each wash, plus it’s harder to get stains out.
Bemz Design covers
After washing the sofa a couple of times I realize that those covers were just not going to do it. The covers were not washing well and would get dirty pretty quickly.
I have heard of Bemz Designs before, they design quality covers for Ikea couches and chairs. So if you need to upgrade your Ikea cover Bemz has a solution for you. I ordered a couple of fabric sample from them and decided to go with the Belgian Linen Blend in Soft White. In hindsight I should have chosen a darker color with the kids, but I can always order another color later!
When the Bemz Designs covers arrived I was amazed! The quality is great (I chose a linen blend), the color is the perfect soft white and it’s so much softer than the original Ikea covers. The Bemz covers are just as easy to removed and put it together and wash really well. Overall, I’m super happy that I upgraded the covers. I love the Farlov sofa and now with the new covers they are just the most beautiful and cozy couches ever!
As far as the cost, the couches are $700 each and the Bemz covers are around $500 (they always have sales!). Which brings the price of each couch to around $1200, which is steal compared to 3-4k per couch at RH or other retailers.
Tips to keep your Ikea Sofa looking like new
I have had my Erktop sofa for over 10 years now (I know, it really is time to upgrade!). But, it still looks brand new, so I’m keeping for now :). The secret to keeping Ikea sofas and cushions from losing its shape is to keep switching the cushions around.
When you wash the covers, make sure to switch the cushions directions (the top of the cushion is now the bottom, the front becomes the back) that way, the cushions will have even pressure and will keep their shape longer.
If you always keep the cushion in the same position, the tendency is for the filling to pile at the bottom overtime. By switching around you can keep their shape longer.
With Love,
Ceres
Awesome post Ceres! You said your drapes are from IKEA too? They look amazing! Did you tailor the length so they hang so perfectly on the floor?
Xo
Feriel
Author
Thank you!!! No, I have 9 foot ceilings, so measured the curtains and the highs I needed to know where I needed to hang!! 😘😘😂
Amazing !! Great job pulling it all together 😘
Which drapery panel did you buy and did you also get the hardware at ikea
Author
The Aina curtains! No, hi hardware is Amazon here is the link https://rstyle.me/cz-n/czdi29b48gx
That heart pillow- where are earth did you find this? I love it.
Author
Hi Annette! I found it at homegoods a couple years back 😘😘
Have the same Farlov 3 seat sofa 2019 though the main seat cushion has a squashed out of shape 2022 and filling has compacted so no cushioning left. IKEA sending round an expert to fix, will update on that one….
Hi Ceres! I love your home and truly want to copy it ALL! On the Bems covers you said you wish you would’ve done a darker color with kids- what color do you think would help hide the mess but also give the clean fresh look of white? I have 3 littles, so always interested in the best whites or near whites that also don’t show so much “love”! Thanks!
Author
Carol!! Thank you so much for you kind comment!! They have a darker linen color, I forgot the name now, that is just as gorgeous as the white but a shade darker. I will take a look and let you know! 😘
Curious of the shade you went with too. I have the farlov couch and two chair. Agreed the fabric just isn’t holding up as well as I want it too even after bleaching. I love white though and want to keep the look.
Author
Hi Courtney! Belgium linen in soft white! 😘💕
Awesome thank you:)
Author
You are so welcome!
Hi Ceres,
Your new home is really looking put together! The link for the wooden table lamps (Target) are not exactly the same as yours. I like yours better! 🙂 Can you share where they are from? Thanks!
Can you give me info on your wood floors please? Love them
Author
Hi Carissa, I have a whole blog post on them, just search for pravda floors!
Hi there. Where are your living room curtains from?
Author
Hello A, they are also from Ikea. The Linen ones! 😘
Thank you for the speedy reply!!!
Buy the farlov without a cover and it’s around $450.. then just buy the bemz or other brand cover.
Author
Yes!!! I actually didn’t think of buying the Farlov w no covers! I will add that to the post! 😘
How can you do that, do you have to ask in store or can ypu buy sans cover online?
Author
You can buy in store w no covers! Covers are sold separately 😘💕
Curious about the one long seat cushion…I thought o read it is not finished on the other side do you can not flip it over. Concerned it will start to sag of unable to switch them around?
Author
You can switch when u wash the covers! Mine is still perfect 2y in!!
First of all, I’m obsessed with everything in these pictures. I feel like you read my mind totally as to how I want to redo my house. I’m new here so please forgive me if you’ve already answered this on another post, but where did you get your pillows from? I’m obsessed! Thanks in advance.
Author
Awee thank you so much! This was from valentines last year & pillows are from homegoods. You can always check TJ maxx on line! 😘💕💕
Hi! Thank you for such a helpful post! I know you wrote this a while ago but I could really use your insight. I have had my eye on the farlov for a really long time as I love the shape of the sofa but can’t get over the look and feel of the covers (the netted material is strange looking to me and not very soft or inviting). I am thinking of maybe getting the farlov frame and bemz covers but just want to clarify that the bemz covers wash easily and have held up well over time? Also wondering if they shrunk at all? They look like they are maybe a little shorter than the original farlov covers. You mention having gotten a couple different fabric samples from them- did one of them happen to be of the “simply cotton” (that’s the one I would be interested in)? If so can you describe what that is like? Sorry for all of the questions- your help would be super appreciated!!
Author
I don’t remember about the fabric, but they are holding up very well! They do shrink a little, my suggestion is that when you wash them to not dry all the way but leave it a little damp, and always dry in the low setting 😘
How high are your ceilings? I have the same couches and thing I need a chandelier in the room, my husband disagrees due to the TV…
Author
Lol!!! 🤣 my husband disagrees with mine too, but they ceiling fan was killing me
Author
Sorry, I have 9ft ceilings. If you are in the couches the chandelier is not in the way. When we are in the breakfast room is more of an issue. I’m not a big tv person so doesn’t bother me 😘
Hi! I know it’s been ages since you wrote this but have you experienced and pilling with the linen from Bemz? I tried a performance blend cover from another brand and it has been a shaving nightmare!
Thanks!
Author
Hi Sierra! No I have not, I got the linen blend it doesn’t pile at all! The only thing is that after washing so much it kind of ripped where I the zipper is. Is on the bottom so it doesn’t bother much
I’m devastated – finally ready to order my Farlov only to find it unavailable. I’m willing to drive. Anyone see frame only anywhere in Southeast?
Author
Oh no! Ikea has been having some issues with stock lately, I been waiting for some shelves for a while now. This one from target seems very similar https://rstyle.me/+0XUTWHUreyWgLKNt6rIt-A
Ceres you are always so kind to reply. Can you link me to your exact drapes? Mind if I copy? Thank you!