The IKEA Barslov and Friheten are both hardworking sleeper sofas, but they differ significantly in features, size, and price. The Barslov is a compact, streamlined, and highly affordable sofa bed ideal for small spaces and occasional use. In contrast, the Friheten is a larger, more durable option featuring a versatile chaise and a huge hidden storage compartment, making it a better fit for a primary living room.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA sofa bed for your home and lifestyle.
IKEA Barslov Sofa Bed
The Barslov is IKEA’s answer for anyone needing a simple, functional, and stylish sleeper sofa without a high price tag. Its minimalist design, clean lines, and compact footprint make it a perfect fit for studio apartments, home offices, or guest rooms where space is at a premium. It transforms quickly from a sleek sofa to a bed, offering a practical solution for overnight guests.
- What it is: A compact three-seat sofa that converts into a double bed.
- Key features: Simple click-clack conversion mechanism, lightweight frame, modern and streamlined design.
- Price: Approximately $399.
- Dimensions: 78" (W) x 33 1/8" (D) x 30 3/8" (H). Bed size is approximately 78" x 43 3/4" when folded down.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of engineered wood and particleboard with fabric upholstery. It's a basic build designed for affordability and function.
- Style: Minimalist and contemporary. Its neutral gray fabric and simple silhouette blend easily into modern interiors.
- Pros: Very affordable entry-level price point. Compact size is ideal for small spaces. Lightweight and easy to move. Simple and fast to assemble.
- Cons: Lacks any form of built-in storage. Construction is less robust and may not withstand heavy daily long-term use. Firm seating might feel less comfortable for extended lounging.
The Barslov is an excellent choice for a first apartment or secondary space where a budget-friendly guest sleeping option is the top priority.
Shop this product: http://ikea.com/us/en/p/barslov-sofa-bed-30408430/
IKEA Friheten Sleeper Sofa
Known for its brilliant multi-functionality, the Friheten has become one of IKEA’s most popular sofas. It combines a spacious seating area, a comfortable guest bed, and a massive storage compartment under its chaise lounge into one cohesive piece. Its sturdier build and modular design make it a great long-term investment for a main living area where both seating and storage are essential.
- What it is: A sleeper sofa available in several configurations, most notably with a storage chaise.
- Key features: Large hidden storage compartment, chaise can be placed on left or right side, easily pulls out into a spacious double bed.
- Price: Around $599 - $799, depending on the chosen configuration and fabric.
- Dimensions: 85" (W) x 35" (D with sofa) / 58 1/4" (D with chaise) x 33 1/2" (H). Bed size is approximately 55" x 80".
- Materials/Construction: Features a more substantial solid and engineered wood frame designed for daily family use. Foam cushions provide a comfortable sit and sleep surface.
- Style: More substantial and cozy than the Barslov. Its various color options and classic L-shape allow it to fit well in transitional and modern family living rooms.
- Pros: Huge built-in storage eliminates the need for extra blanket chests. More durable construction built for everyday use. A larger, more comfortable sleep surface. Modular chaise design adds versatility.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Larger footprint is not suitable for very small rooms. Heavier and harder to move. Assembly is more complex and time-consuming.
The Friheten is a fantastic hardworking solution for anyone who needs their living room sofa to be a comfortable couch, a spare bed, and a storage unit.
Shop this product: http://ikea.com/us/en/p/friheten-sleeper-sofa-with-storage-70257652/
Barslov vs. Friheten Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is size. The Barslov is noticeably more compact, measuring 78 inches wide. It has a lightweight visual presence and can slot neatly into a home office or small studio apartment without overwhelming the space.
The IKEA Friheten is a more substantial piece. At 85 inches wide and featuring a deep chaise, it commands more floor space and has a heavier feel. This scale makes it a better anchor for a primary living or family room, but it would easily dominate a smaller room. The bed created by the Friheten is also wider and longer, making it more comfortable for two adults.
Comfort & Ergonomics
For both sitting and sleeping, the Friheten offers a higher level of comfort. Its foam cushions and mattress are designed for more frequent use. The chaise lounge adds a perfect spot for putting your feet up and relaxing. As a bed, the pull-out frame creates a flat, even surface that mimics a traditional mattress more closely.
The Barslov is functional but more basic. Its seating is firmer and shallower, and while adequate as a bed for a night or two, it’s not designed for regular sleeping. It serves its purpose as a convenient temporary bed without the long-term comfort features of the Friheten.
Materials & Construction
The difference in price is reflected in the construction. The Friheten is built for the long haul with a sturdy frame made from a combination of solid and engineered wood, intended to handle the daily wear and tear of family life. Similarly, its pull-out bed mechanism is robust and designed for frequent use.
The Barslov is a lighter build, primarily particleboard, prioritizing affordability and ease of movement over long-term durability. It is sturdy enough for its intended purpose as a secondary sofa but lacks the heavy-duty quality of the Friheten.
Price & Value
With a price difference of $200 or more, this is a major deciding factor. The Barslov, at around $399, represents incredible value for its basic function: it’s a sofa and a bed for a very low price. The Friheten's higher price tag (starting around $599) buys you three key features: significantly more durability, a more comfortable sleep experience, and an enormous storage space. For small homes where storage is a constant battle, the value of the Friheten's hidden compartment alone can justify the extra cost.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Barslov is the perfect match for students in a dorm, dwellers in a small studio, or homeowners who need an inexpensive and occasional guest bed for a home office. It’s for anyone who places budget and space-saving design above all other features.
The Friheten is designed for households that need their main sofa to do more. It’s for families who need a durable daily couch, people who frequently host overnight visitors, and anyone living in an apartment or condo where smart storage solutions are a must. It’s an investment in a versatile, hardworking piece of furniture.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are practical sleeper sofas from IKEA, but they serve different needs and spaces.
Choose the Barslov if:
- You're on a very tight budget (under $400).
- You live in a small studio, dorm room, or need a secondary sofa for an office.
- The sofa will be used mainly for sitting, with only occasional guest use.
- You need something lightweight and simple to move or assemble by yourself.
Choose the Friheten if:
- Long-term durability and daily use are priorities for your main living space.
- You need a smart, built-in storage solution for bedding, blankets, or pillows.
- You frequently host overnight guests and want them to have a more comfortable sleeping surface.
- You have a medium-to-large room and prefer a more substantial sofa with a chaise for lounging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Barslov and Friheten?
The key difference is features versus simplicity. The Friheten is a feature-rich sofa bed with a chaise lounge and a vast storage compartment. The Barslov is a straightforward, no-frills sleeper sofa designed to be as compact and affordable as possible.
Which is more comfortable for sleeping?
The Friheten is generally more comfortable for sleeping. It creates a larger and more even bed surface and its mattress is slightly thicker. It's built for more regular overnight use compared to the Barslov, which is better suited for occasional guests.
Does the Friheten's storage compartment hold a lot?
Yes, the storage space is surprisingly large. It's designed to easily hold a complete set of bedding, including a couple of pillows, a duvet or comforter, and sheets, making it incredibly practical for hiding away guest linens.
Are both difficult to assemble?
As with most IKEA furniture, both require self-assembly. The Barslov is much simpler and faster to build due to its basic design. The Friheten is more complicated and time-consuming because of its pull-out mechanism and separate chaise component.
Can I move these sofas easily?
The Barslov is significantly lighter and its compact, one-piece frame makes it relatively easy to move. The Friheten is heavy, bulky, and often needs to be partially disassembled to fit through doorways, making it much harder to reposition.
Which sofa is better for small apartments?
The Barslov, without question. It was specifically designed with a small footprint to fit challenged spaces. While the Friheten brings excellent features, its larger size requires a more generous floor plan.
Are the covers removable and washable on either sofa?
No, the fabric covers on both the Barslov and the typical fabric Friheten models are fixed and cannot be removed for machine washing. They are designed for spot cleaning only, a common feature for IKEA sofas at this price point.
How does the IKEA Friheten turn into a bed?
It has a clever, easy-to-use mechanism. You simply pull a frame from under the main seat section, and it rolls out smoothly. Then, you lift the fabric handles and the top cushion springs up, creating a level, double-size sleeping surface next to the chaise section.
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