The IKEA Eidfjord and Espevar collections both offer stylish outdoor furniture, but they cater to different aesthetics and budgets. The Eidfjord collection delivers classic Scandinavian minimalism with a focus on simplicity and affordability, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The Espevar line presents a more contemporary and refined look with sleeker profiles and slightly larger-scale pieces, positioned at a moderately higher price point.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right outdoor furniture collection from IKEA for your patio or balcony.
IKEA Eidfjord Outdoor Furniture
The Eidfjord collection is quintessential IKEA: functional, affordable, and rooted in minimalist Scandinavian design. It provides reliable and stylish outdoor seating and dining solutions without a hefty price tag, making it popular for city dwellers with balconies or homeowners creating their first patio setup.
- What it is: A collection of outdoor furniture including sofas, chairs, and dining sets designed for budget-conscious shoppers who value simplicity and functionality.
- Key features: Weather-resistant powder-coated steel frames, synthetic rattan details, and modular configurations suitable for small to medium spaces.
- Price: Sofas typically start around $300, with dining sets beginning near $200.
- Style: Classic Scandinavian minimalism. It features clean lines, neutral colors (like black and beige), and an uncomplicated aesthetic that is versatile and timeless.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable powder-coated steel for framing, accented with woven synthetic resin, and paired with water-resistant fabric cushions.
- Pros: Highly affordable compared to other outdoor lines. Its minimalist design fits well with many decor styles. Compact sizing is perfect for smaller patios and balconies. Easy to assemble.
- Cons: The design can feel basic for those seeking a more premium look. Sizing may be too small for larger, more expansive outdoor areas. Fewer refined details than more expensive options.
Eidfjord is the perfect match for anyone prioritizing budget and straightforward functionality to furnish a small or medium-sized outdoor space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/outdoor-furniture-20593/
IKEA Espevar Outdoor Furniture
The Espevar collection elevates IKEA's outdoor offerings with a more contemporary and polished aesthetic. While still affordable, it features sleeker lines and more refined finishes, designed for those who want a more modern and upscale look for their outdoor living area without breaking the bank.
- What it is: A modern outdoor furniture collection from IKEA known for its refined look, generous proportions, and contemporary style.
- Key features: Sleek silhouettes, modular design for flexible arrangements, and high-performance cushions designed to resist fading and moisture.
- Price: Sofas generally start at $350, with dining sets available from $250.
- Style: Contemporary and refined. Its streamlined profiles, subtle detailing, and polished appearance create a modern, slightly more upscale vibe.
- Materials/Construction: Uses powder-coated steel frames with synthetic rattan. The cushions feature higher-performance fabrics for enhanced durability against sun and rain.
- Pros: Looks more expensive than it is. The modern aesthetic is well-suited for contemporary homes. Pieces are generally larger, offering more generous seating. Higher-quality finishes provide a more polished appearance.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than the Eidfjord collection. The larger scale might not be ideal for very compact balconies or patios.
The Espevar collection is for those who want a chic, modern outdoor setup and are willing to invest a little more for a refined design and more spacious feel.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/outdoor-furniture-20593/
Eidfjord vs. Espevar Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The primary difference between the two collections comes down to style. The Eidfjord embraces classic Scandinavian simplicity with its straight lines and functional-first design. It's clean, unassuming, and highly versatile, fitting seamlessly into most outdoor settings without commanding attention.
The Espevar, on the other hand, aims for a more contemporary and deliberate look. Its profiles are sleeker, the detailing is more refined, and the overall impression is more polished and modern. If Eidfjord is about practicality and minimalism, Espevar is about creating a stylish, resort-like feel on a budget.
Dimensions & Sizing
Both collections offer modular pieces that can be configured to fit your space, but they are built to different scales. The Eidfjord collection is generally more compact, making it a fantastic choice for tight spaces like apartment balconies or small garden patios. The pieces are designed to maximize seating without overwhelming the area.
Espevar furniture tends to be slightly larger and more generously proportioned. This makes it more suitable for medium to large decks, patios, or backyards where you have more room to work with. The larger scale contributes to its more substantial and upscale presence.
Materials & Construction
Both the Eidfjord and Espevar collections are made with durable, weather-resistant materials designed for outdoor life, including powder-coated steel frames and synthetic rattan. Fundamentally, the build quality is comparable, and both are backed by IKEA's reputation for functional design.
Where they diverge is in the finishes. The Espevar line often features more refined textures and higher-performance cushion fabrics that are better at resisting UV fading and moisture. Both lines are designed for longevity and come with IKEA’s standard limited warranty for outdoor furniture, but Espevar’s material choices reinforce its more premium positioning.
Price & Value
The Eidfjord collection is the clear winner on price. With sofas starting around $300 and dining sets near $200, it offers exceptional value for anyone furnishing an outdoor space on a tight budget. You get functional, durable, and stylish furniture for a very accessible price.
Espevar's starting price is slightly higher, with sofas beginning around $350. The modest price increase gets you a more stylized, contemporary design and marginally better finishes. For those whose priority is style, the extra cost represents a good value for achieving a more refined look.
Who Each One Works Best For
The IKEA Eidfjord is the go-to choice for first-time homeowners, renters, and anyone with a small outdoor space or a strict budget. Its classic, understated design is perfect for those who prioritize function and affordability above all else.
The IKEA Espevar is better suited for homeowners with more space to fill and a desire for a contemporary aesthetic. If you're looking to create an outdoor lounge that feels polished and modern without a high-end price tag, the Espevar collection delivers that elevated style effectively.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA collections offer excellent solutions for outdoor living, but they serve different tastes and practical needs.
Choose the Eidfjord if:
- You have a limited budget and need the most value for your money.
- You have a small balcony, patio, or backyard.
- You prefer simple, timeless Scandinavian design over contemporary trends.
- Functionality and ease of assembly are your top priorities.
Choose the Espevar if:
- You want a more polished, contemporary look for your outdoor space.
- You have a medium to large patio or deck to furnish.
- You are willing to spend slightly more for refined details and a sleeker design.
- A modern and upscale aesthetic is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between IKEA Eidfjord and Espevar?
The main difference is their style and price. The Eidfjord is a budget-friendly collection with a classic, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, ideal for smaller spaces. The Espevar is slightly more expensive with a sleeker, more contemporary design and larger proportions, suited for modern-style patios.
Is the IKEA Espevar better quality than the Eidfjord?
The core construction quality of both collections is similar, using durable materials like powder-coated steel. However, the Espevar often features higher-quality finishes and more robust, fade-resistant fabrics for its cushions, which contributes to its more premium feel and slightly higher cost.
Which IKEA collection is better for a small balcony?
The Eidfjord collection is generally better for a small balcony. Its furniture pieces are more compact and specifically designed to fit in tighter spaces without feeling cluttered, maximizing your seating potential.
How do you care for and maintain IKEA outdoor furniture?
For both collections, you can clean the frames and synthetic rattan with a damp cloth and mild soapy water. Cushion covers are typically removable and machine washable. Storing cushions indoors when not in use and covering the furniture during harsh weather or off-seasons will extend its life.
Can you leave IKEA outdoor furniture outside all year?
While both collections are built with weather-resistant materials, their longevity will be greatly improved if you cover them or store them in a protected area (like a shed or garage) during harsh winter months or extreme weather conditions.
Do I need to assemble this furniture myself?
Yes, like most IKEA products, both the Eidfjord and Espevar collections require self-assembly. Instructions and tools are included, but IKEA also offers an assembly service for an additional fee.
Does IKEA offer a warranty on outdoor furniture?
Yes, IKEA typically offers a limited warranty (often up to 10 years) on its outdoor furniture collections, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Be sure to check the specific warranty details for each product at the time of purchase.
Do the sofas and chairs come with cushions?
Yes, the seating pieces in both the Eidfjord and Espevar collections generally come with seat and back cushions included in the price. The cushions are specifically designed for outdoor use.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
