The IKEA Holmsund is a comfortable, classic sofa designed purely for lounging, featuring deep, plush cushions and a modern Scandinavian aesthetic. The Friheten, in contrast, is a multi-functional workhorse, combining a sofa, a pull-out guest bed, and a hidden storage compartment into one budget-friendly package, making it ideal for small spaces.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two popular sofas from IKEA to decide which one is right for your home.
IKEA Holmsund Sofa
The Holmsund serves as a straightforward and stylish seating solution focused on comfort and a timeless look. Characterized by its generous proportions, deep seats, and soft, supportive cushions, it's designed to be a durable centerpiece for a living room where daily relaxation is the main goal.
- What it is: A comfortable, contemporary sofa designed for everyday lounging and seating.
- Key features: Deep, plush high-resilience foam cushions that offer a cozy feel, and removable, washable covers on some versions for easy maintenance.
- Price: $499 - $699 depending on size and fabric.
- Dimensions: The 3-seater version is approximately 86" wide, 36" deep, and 33" high.
- Materials/Construction: Solid wood and particleboard frame with high-resilience polyurethane foam cushions and durable polyester fabric upholstery.
- Style: Clean, minimalist boxy silhouette that fits modern Scandinavian and contemporary decor.
- Pros: Excellent comfort for sitting and lounging, available in various neutral tones, durable construction for its price point, and some models feature easy-to-clean removable covers.
- Cons: Lacks any extra features like storage or a sleeper option. Its larger frame requires a medium to large living room.
The Holmsund excels for anyone who needs a dedicated, comfortable, and stylish sofa for their primary living space without needing extra functionality.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/holmsund-3-seat-sofa-beige-30460786/
IKEA Friheten Sleeper Sofa
The Friheten is one of IKEA's most popular solutions for small-space living, packing three functions into a single, compact frame. This sofa quickly converts into a spacious bed for guests and includes a chaise lounge that lifts to reveal a generous storage compartment for bedding and pillows, making it a highly practical choice.
- What it is: A multi-functional sleeper sofa with a pull-out bed and integrated storage.
- Key features: Easily converts from a sofa to a double bed, features a chaise with hidden storage underneath, and offers a fixed, sturdy low-profile frame.
- Price: $399 - $599 depending on fabric and configuration.
- Dimensions: Approximately 86" wide as a sofa, extending in length to form a bed. Its compact footprint is designed for efficiency.
- Materials/Construction: Engineered wood and metal frame to support the conversion mechanism, with firm polyurethane foam cushions to maintain shape for both sitting and sleeping.
- Style: Sleek, low-profile modern look with a utilitarian focus that works well in apartments and multi-purpose rooms.
- Pros: Incredible 3-in-1 value (seating, storage, bed), perfect for small apartments or guest rooms, easy to convert, and affordably priced.
- Cons: Cushions are notably firmer than on traditional sofas. The covers are not removable for washing. Has a more utilitarian aesthetic that may not feel as plush as the Holmsund.
The Friheten is the go-to choice for those maximizing a small space, needing frequent guest accommodations, or wanting smart storage built right into their furniture.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/friheten-sleeper-sofa-with-storage-701.574.44/
Holmsund vs. Friheten Comparison
Comfort & Feel
This is the most significant difference between the two sofas. The Holmsund is built for pure comfort, with deep, soft, high-resilience foam cushions that you can sink into for movie nights or lounging. Its back cushions are supportive yet plush, making it feel like a true "living room sofa."
The Friheten, however, is designed with a utilitarian purpose. Its cushions are much firmer to create a stable, flat surface when converted into a bed. While comfortable enough for daily sitting, it doesn't provide the same cozy, sink-in feeling as the Holmsund. It feels supportive rather than plush.
Functionality & Features
In terms of features, the Friheten is the clear winner for anyone needing versatility. Its ability to transform from a sofa into a bed, combined with the hidden storage under the chaise, makes it an exceptionally functional piece of furniture. It essentially does the job of three separate items.
The Holmsund, by design, is a single-function piece. Its "feature" is its dedicated focus on comfortable seating. It doesn't offer any hidden tricks, which is perfect for someone who already has a guest room and sufficient storage.
Dimensions & Scale
While both sofas have a similar width (around 86 inches for the 3-seater versions), they have a different presence in a room. The Holmsund has a more substantial frame with taller back cushions and greater depth, giving it a more commanding look suitable for a larger living room. The Friheten has a lower, more streamlined profile, which helps it feel less imposing in tight spaces like studio apartments or multi-purpose rooms.
Price & Value
The Friheten generally offers more value for the money, typically priced $100-$200 less than the Holmsund. Considering it includes a guest bed and storage, its combination of a lower price point and multi-functionality is hard to beat for budget-conscious shoppers or those maximizing smaller homes.
The Holmsund's higher cost is tied to its superior comfort and more premium feel as a dedicated lounge sofa. You're paying for better cushions and materials focused solely on seating quality.
Style & Aesthetics
The Holmsund has a versatile, modern Scandinavian look with clean lines and a simple, boxy shape that can blend seamlessly into various interior styles, from contemporary to cozy. The Friheten has a more distinctively modern and utilitarian appearance. Its lower profile and modular form lend well to urban, minimalist, or industrial aesthetics where functionality is a key design element.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA sofas are excellent choices, but they are built for entirely different needs and living situations.
Choose the Holmsund if:
- Your top priority is "sink-in" comfort for daily lounging and watching TV.
- You have a medium to large living room and don't need to conserve space.
- You already have a dedicated guest room and don't need a sleeper sofa.
- You prefer a more classic, plush sofa appearance over a utilitarian one.
Choose the Friheten if:
- You live in a small apartment, studio, or need a sofa for a guest room.
- You need a multi-functional piece that provides seating, sleeping, and storage.
- You are on a tight budget and want the most functionality for your money.
- You're okay with firmer cushions in exchange for the versatility of a sleeper bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the IKEA Holmsund and Friheten?
The main difference is function. The Holmsund is a traditional sofa focused on comfort. The Friheten is a sleeper sofa with a pull-out bed and built-in storage, prioritizing functionality and space-saving.
Which sofa is more comfortable for sitting?
The Holmsund is significantly more comfortable for sitting and lounging. Its cushions are deeper, softer, and made with high-resilience foam designed for cozy relaxation. The Friheten's cushions are much firmer to function properly as a mattress.
Is the Friheten comfortable to sleep on for guests?
For a sleeper sofa, the Friheten is quite comfortable for occasional use. Its firm surface provides good support for a few nights. For enhanced comfort, many owners add a mattress topper when hosting guests.
Do I need to assemble them myself?
Yes, like most IKEA furniture, both the Holmsund and Friheten require self-assembly. The Friheten's assembly is more complex due to the sleeper mechanism and storage chaise. IKEA provides detailed instructions and offers an assembly service for an additional fee.
Can you wash the Holmsund and Friheten covers?
Some versions of the Holmsund come with fully removable and machine-washable covers, which is a major advantage for easy cleaning. The covers on the Friheten are fixed and cannot be removed for washing, they must be spot-cleaned.
Which one is more durable?
Both are built to IKEA's typical durability standards for their price point. The Holmsund may have a slight edge in long-term seating comfort as its high-resilience foam is designed to bounce back better over time. The Friheten's pull-out mechanism is sturdy but adds a mechanical component that could potentially wear with heavy use.
Does the Friheten storage have a lot of space?
Yes, the storage compartment under the Friheten's chaise is surprisingly spacious. It's perfectly sized to hold a duvet, pillows, and a set of sheets, keeping everything you need for guests hidden but close at hand.
Is the Friheten chaise reversible?
Yes, one of the Friheten's best features is that you can place the chaise section on either the left or the right side during assembly, allowing it to fit different room layouts.
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.
