The IKEA Ektorp and Kivik are two of the brand's most popular sofa lines, but they cater to very different tastes in comfort and style. The Ektorp is a classic, plush sofa with rolled arms and soft, sink-in cushions, embodying traditional comfort. The Kivik offers a modern, modular design with clean lines, wide armrests, and a much firmer, more supportive seating experience.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which IKEA sofa is the right fit for your living room.
IKEA Ektorp Sofa
The Ektorp is IKEA's answer to the timeless, shabby-chic sofa. Instantly recognizable by its traditional rolled arms and deep, soft cushions, the Ektorp is designed for ultimate coziness. Its defining feature is the fully removable and machine-washable slipcover, making it a practical choice for families and anyone who appreciates easy maintenance and the ability to change their decor with a new cover.
- What it is: A classic slipcovered sofa known for its plush comfort and traditional design.
- Key features: Rolled arms, soft, deep seat and back cushions made of high-resilience foam, and fully removable machine-washable covers.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $399 for a loveseat to $799 for larger models.
- Style: Traditional, cottage, classic, and rustic. Its soft silhouette creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Materials/Construction: Built on an engineered wood frame with softer high-resilience foam cushions that provide a sink-in feeling.
- Pros: Extremely comfortable and plush for lounging. Removable and washable covers make it easy to clean. Timeless design that doesn't go out of style. Budget-friendly price point for a classic look.
- Cons: Soft back cushions require frequent fluffing to maintain their shape. The traditional style may not fit in modern or minimalist homes. Less versatile - it does not have modular components.
The Ektorp is best for anyone who prioritizes a classic, cozy aesthetic and wants a soft, plush sofa to curl up on.
Shop this series: ikea.com/us/en/cat/ektorp-series-11003/
IKEA Kivik Sofa
The Kivik collection represents IKEA's modern and practical design philosophy. It features a low-profile, modular design distinguished by its clean lines and wide, functional armrests. The seating is noticeably firmer, using a combination of high-resilience foam and memory foam that offers support and retains its shape well over time. Its modularity allows you to create custom configurations to perfectly fit your space.
- What it is: A contemporary modular sofa with a sleek profile and firm, supportive seating.
- Key features: Low, wide armrests, modular sections for customized arrangements, firm cushions made from high-resilience foam and memory foam, removable and washable covers.
- Price: Ranges from around $499 for a 2-seat sofa up to $999+ for larger sectional configurations.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian. Its clean silhouette works well in contemporary living spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Features an engineered wood frame with a combination of high-resilience polyurethane foam and memory foam in the seat cushions for durable support.
- Pros: Modular design offers outstanding flexibility for different room layouts. Firm cushions maintain their shape without needing to be fluffed. Wide armrests are practical and can hold a tray, laptop, or book. Sleek, versatile look that complements modern decor.
- Cons: The firm seating is not for everyone, especially those who prefer a soft, sink-in sofa. The low-profile design might feel too low for some users. Tends to be slightly more expensive than the Ektorp.
The Kivik is the ideal choice for those who want a customizable, modern sofa with firm support and contemporary style.
Shop this series: ikea.com/us/en/cat/kivik-series-10629/
Ektorp vs. Kivik Comparison
Comfort & Seating
The difference in comfort is the most significant factor between the Ektorp and Kivik. The Ektorp's cushions are soft and filled with foam, creating a very plush, "sink-into-it" feeling that’s perfect for lounging and napping. However, this softness means the back cushions often require regular fluffing to avoid looking saggy.
In contrast, the Kivik has a much firmer seat, thanks to a memory foam layer that provides solid support and bounces back to its original shape. It’s a sofa you sit on rather than in. This is more comfortable for people who prefer structured support or have mobility issues but can feel stiff to those who want a cozy sofa to unwind on.
Style & Aesthetics
Stylistically, these two sofas are worlds apart. The Ektorp is the embodiment of traditional design, with its classic rolled arms, deep profile, and often skirted base. It fits perfectly in homes with a cottage, farmhouse, or classic decor theme, adding a sense of warmth and coziness.
The Kivik is definitively modern. It boasts a low profile, sharp lines, and wide, track-style armrests. This clean silhouette aligns with minimalist, contemporary, and Scandinavian interiors. The wide armrests are a key design feature, offering a functional surface space not found on the Ektorp.
Modularity & Versatility
The Kivik is a true modular sofa system. You can combine armless chairs, corner sections, and chaise lounges to build a sofa that perfectly fits your room dimensions and seating needs. This allows you to scale it up or down over time, making it incredibly versatile for renters or growing families.
The Ektorp series is not modular. It comes in standard configurations: a chair, a loveseat, a 3-seat sofa, and a sectional. While these options cover most needs, you don't have the "building block" flexibility that the Kivik provides.
Price & Value
Both sofas offer excellent value, but the Ektorp is typically the more budget-friendly of the two. For a standard 3-seat sofa, the Ektorp can be significantly cheaper, making it a fantastic deal for those looking for classic comfort on a tight budget.
The Kivik's slightly higher price is justified by its modular design and more resilient memory foam cushions. If you value flexibility and a modern aesthetic that holds its shape, that extra cost delivers strong value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Ektorp and Kivik are solid choices from IKEA, but they serve two very different sets of needs and style preferences.
Choose the Ektorp if:
- You crave a soft, plush, sink-in sofa to curl up on for movie nights.
- Your home decor is traditional, cottage, farmhouse, or vintage-inspired.
- You want the most affordable option without sacrificing a classic look.
- You don't mind fluffing cushions periodically to keep them looking their best.
Choose the Kivik if:
- You prefer your seating to be firm, supportive, and structured.
- Your interior design style is modern, minimalist, or contemporary.
- You need a modular design to create a custom configuration for your living space.
- You love the idea of wide, functional armrests for holding a drink or a remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Ektorp and Kivik?
The main differences are comfort and style. The Ektorp is a soft, plush, traditional sofa with rolled arms, designed for sinking into. The Kivik is a firm, supportive, modern sofa with clean lines and a highly flexible modular design.
Which sofa is more comfortable?
This is subjective. If you define comfort as soft and cushiony, the Ektorp is more comfortable. If you define comfort as firm support that’s good for your back and doesn't sag, the Kivik is the more comfortable option.
Can you wash Ektorp and Kivik covers?
Yes, one of the biggest benefits of both sofas is that the covers are fully removable and machine-washable. This makes them great choices for households with kids, pets, or anyone concerned about stains.
Which sofa is better for families?
Both are solid options because of their washable covers. The Ektorp's softness may be more inviting for family cuddles, while the Kivik's sturdy, firm cushions and frame might withstand rougher play better over the long term.
Does the Kivik sofa hold its shape well?
Yes, due to its high-resilience foam and memory foam construction, the Kivik's cushions are known for holding their shape exceptionally well. They require virtually no fluffing, unlike the much softer Ektorp.
Can you buy replacement covers for these sofas?
Yes. IKEA sells a variety of replacement covers, allowing you to easily refresh the look of your sofa. There are also many third-party companies online that specialize in making custom covers for both the Ektorp and Kivik series in hundreds of different fabrics.
Are the Kivik's wide armrests practical?
Absolutely. They are one of the Kivik's most-loved features. At almost 10 inches wide, they’re sturdy enough to serve as a convenient spot for a book, a laptop, a TV remote, or a tray with a drink.
How difficult is assembly?
Both sofas come flat-packed and require assembly, which is typical for IKEA furniture. The process is generally straightforward and can be done by one or two people in about an hour. The Kivik's modular nature means you might be assembling more individual pieces, but the process is similar in difficulty.
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