The IKEA Karlstad and Landskrona are popular and affordable sofas, but they cater to very different aesthetic and functional needs. The Landskrona features a modern, low-profile, modular design perfect for contemporary spaces, while the Karlstad offers a more classic, mid-century look with a higher back and a focus on plush, cozy comfort.
Here’s a detailed comparison of these two IKEA favorites to help you choose the right one for your living room.
IKEA Landskrona Sofa
The Landskrona is a sleek and versatile sofa with a distinctly modern Scandinavian identity. Its low-profile silhouette and modular capabilities make it highly adaptable for various living situations, from small apartments to spacious, open-plan homes. The focus is on clean lines, practicality, and customizable configurations.
- What it is: A contemporary, low-profile modular sofa with removable covers.
- Key features: Modular design for flexible configurations, deep seats, clean lines, and metal legs that create an airy feel. Available in multiple arrangements including sectional options.
- Price: Around $499 to $699 depending on size and upholstery choice.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian. Its simple, sharp silhouette works best in contemporary interiors.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of particleboard and fiberboard, paired with foam cushions and polyester or other fabric upholstery. The removable covers are machine washable.
- Pros: Modular design offers great flexibility for different room layouts. Removable and washable covers make it easy to clean. Sleek, modern look elevates a space. Low profile is great for smaller rooms or placing under windows.
- Cons: A low-profile design may be less comfortable for taller individuals or those who prefer more back support. The minimalist style might feel too austere for more traditional decors.
The Landskrona excels in homes where modern aesthetics and adaptability are key, it is perfect for anyone wanting a stylish, easy-to-maintain sofa for a contemporary space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/landskrona-sofa-79264456/
IKEA Karlstad Sofa
The Karlstad is an IKEA classic, beloved for its timeless, mid-century modern-inspired design and deep, comfortable seating. It's a chunkier, more substantial sofa than the Landskrona, with a higher back and plush cushions that create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Its straightforward silhouette allows it to blend seamlessly into various interior styles.
- What it is: A classic and comfortable sofa with a mid-century modern aesthetic and deep, plush seating.
- Key features: Higher backrest for more support, deep and roomy seats, removable covers, and a sturdy, blocky silhouette. Available in multiple fabrics and sizes.
- Price: Ranges from $399 to $699 depending on configuration and fabric.
- Style: Mid-century modern, classic Scandinavian, and transitional. It has a cozier, more grounded feel than the Landskrona.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is built from a combination of solid wood and particleboard with high-resilience foam cushions for long-lasting comfort. Covers come in durable polyester and linen blend fabrics.
- Pros: Timeless design fits a wide range of decor styles. Higher back and plush cushions offer excellent comfort and support. Durable construction at an affordable price point. Its substantial size can anchor a larger living room effectively.
- Cons: The large, blocky shape can feel visually heavy in small rooms. Less configuration flexibility compared to the modular Landskrona line.
This sofa is ideal for those who prioritize plush comfort and a timeless, inviting look over the sleek modernism and modularity of other options.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/karlstad-sofa-79264455/
Karlstad vs. Landskrona Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is in their scale and profile. The Landskrona has a distinctly low profile with thin legs, which gives it a lighter, more airy presence that's well-suited for smaller apartments or open-concept spaces. It appears to float above the floor, making a room feel less cluttered.
In contrast, the Karlstad is more grounded. Its higher backrest and blockier frame give it a substantial visual weight. This makes it an excellent choice for anchoring larger living rooms, but it can potentially overwhelm smaller spaces. Its deeper seats also command more floor space.
Comfort & Support
Comfort is subjective and depends largely on seating preference. The Karlstad is built for cozy, sink-in comfort. Its high-resilience foam cushions and higher back offer more support while lounging or sitting upright, making it a great sofa for movie nights and long conversations.
The Landskrona offers a firmer, deep-seated lounging experience. Its lower back encourages a more relaxed, reclined posture. While its plush cushions are comfortable, it provides less upper back support than the Karlstad, which some may find less ideal for extended periods of sitting.
Style & Versatility
The Landskrona is definitively modern and minimalist. Cues like its sleek lines, metal legs, and tailored upholstery make it a perfect fit for contemporary, industrial, or strict Scandinavian interiors. Its modularity also allows for custom shapes that fit modern living.
The Karlstad is more of a style chameleon. With its clean but soft lines, it easily adapts to mid-century modern, transitional, and classic Scandinavian decor. It’s a safer choice if your style evolves or if you want a piece that feels both current and timeless.
Price & Value
Both sofas are competitively priced and offer good value for money. The price range is very similar, typically between $400 and $700. The primary value distinction comes from their function. The Landskrona’s value lies in its modularity and modern style, while the Karlstad’s value is in its classic comfort and timeless design that won't look dated in a few years.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sofas are excellent affordable options, but they are designed for different interiors and lifestyles.
Choose the Landskrona if:
- You have a modern, minimalist, or contemporary decor style.
- You need flexible, modular seating for an awkwardly shaped or open-plan room.
- You want a sofa with a low profile that makes your space feel bigger and airier.
- Easy-to-clean washable covers are a top priority for you.
Choose the Karlstad if:
- You prioritize deep, plush comfort and good back support.
- Your style is more classic, mid-century modern, or transitional.
- You have a medium to large living room that needs a substantial piece to anchor it.
- You want a timeless, inviting sofa that feels cozy and sturdy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Karlstad and Landskrona?
The primary difference is style and profile. The Landskrona is a low-profile, modular sofa with a modern aesthetic, while the Karlstad is a more classic, non-modular sofa with a higher back and a focus on plush comfort.
Which IKEA sofa is more comfortable?
This depends on what you find comfortable. The Karlstad offers a more traditional, sink-in-and-cozy experience with better back support. The Landskrona is great for lounging and reclining due to its deep seats, but its low back offers less support for sitting upright.
Are the covers on both sofas removable and washable?
Yes, one of the best features of both the Karlstad and Landskrona sofa series is that they come with removable covers that are machine washable, making them great for households with children, pets, or frequent spills.
Which sofa is better for small apartments?
The Landskrona is generally a better choice for small apartments. Its low profile and slender legs create a sense of spaciousness, and its modular nature allows you to build a configuration that perfectly fits your limited space.
How difficult is assembly for IKEA sofas?
Both sofas follow IKEA's standard flat-pack furniture design. Assembly is straightforward with the included instructions and tools, but it is typically a two-person job due to the size and weight of the components. Expect to spend 1-2 hours on assembly.
Can I buy replacement covers for the Karlstad or Landskrona?
Yes, IKEA often sells replacement covers for its popular sofa lines, allowing you to change the color or refresh the fabric later on. There are also third-party companies that specialize in making custom covers for IKEA models.
Which sofa will last longer?
Both sofas use similar construction materials (particleboard/wood frames and foam cushions) and are designed for everyday use. Durability often comes down to care and usage. The Karlstad's higher-resilience foam may hold its shape slightly better over many years of heavy use, but both are considered durable for their price point.
Is the Landskrona's modular design easy to reconfigure?
Yes, the modular pieces of the Landskrona are designed to be easily disconnected and reconnected, allowing you to change your layout from a standard sofa to a sectional with a chaise, for example, if your needs change over time.
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.
