Choosing between the IKEA Kivik and the Söderhamn boils down to a choice between traditional comfort and modern modularity. The Kivik is a plush, deep-seated sofa with wide armrests and a memory foam layer, offering a classic "sink-in" feel. The Söderhamn is a sleek, low-profile modular system known for its incredible flexibility, deep seats, and minimalist aesthetic.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which iconic IKEA sofa is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
IKEA Kivik Sofa
The Kivik is one of IKEA's most popular comfort-focused sofas, designed for lounging, napping, and everyday family life. Its generous size, plush cushions topped with memory foam, and wide armrests create an inviting and cozy centerpiece for any living room. It's the practical, comfortable choice that prioritizes feel over form, while still maintaining clean, contemporary lines.
- What it is: A series of deep-seated, comfortable sofas, loveseats, and sectionals known for plush cushions and a sturdy build.
- Key features: Deep seating, memory foam cushion top layer that contours to your body, wide and low armrests perfect for resting an arm or a book, removable and machine-washable covers.
- Price: $700 for a loveseat up to $1,500+ for larger sectional configurations.
- Style: Contemporary and classic. Its simple, blocky silhouette fits well with modern, traditional, and family-friendly decor styles.
- Materials/Construction: Frame made of solid wood and particleboard. Seat cushions are high-resilience polyurethane foam topped with a layer of memory foam. Polyester, cotton, and blended fabric options are available.
- Pros: Extremely comfortable sink-in feel ideal for lounging and movie nights. Wide armrests are practical and comfortable. Durable frame holds up well to daily use. Fully removable covers make cleaning simple. Classic design won't go out of style quickly.
- Cons: Can feel bulky, making it less ideal for very small spaces. Memory foam may soften and lose some of its resilience over years of heavy use. Not modular, so configurations are fixed.
The Kivik is perfect for families or anyone who rates plush, "sink-in" comfort as their top priority in a sofa.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/kivik-series-18756/
IKEA Söderhamn Sofa
The Söderhamn series is IKEA’s poster child for modern, flexible living. This highly modular sofa is defined by its low-to-the-ground profile, exceptionally deep seats, and sleek, minimalist lines. Each piece - from corner sections to armless chairs and chaises - can be used standalone or combined to create a completely custom seating arrangement that can evolve with your needs.
- What it is: A fully modular sofa series with a low-profile, minimalist design and deep seats for a lounging-focused posture.
- Key features: Completely customizable modular system. Lightweight and airy appearance. Elastic webbing in the seat base for a comfortable suspension. All sections can be used freestanding or connected together. Removable and machine-washable covers.
- Price: Individual sections start around $300-$500, complete sofa setups typically range from $800 to $1,800+.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian-bohemian. Its sleek form factor is popular in urban apartments and open-concept spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Frame is built from wood and particleboard with seat suspension from elastic webbing. Cushions are high-resilience foam and polyester fiber balls for a soft feel.
- Pros: Incredibly versatile and can be configured to fit any room. Deep seats are perfect for curling up and relaxing. Stylish, modern aesthetic makes a statement. Lightweight design is easy to rearrange or move.
- Cons: The low back offers minimal upper back and neck support. Deep seats can be uncomfortable for guests who prefer to sit upright or for shorter individuals. Cushions require regular fluffing to maintain their shape.
This sofa's modular design makes it a fantastic choice for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone needing a seating solution that can adapt to changing spaces.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/soederhamn-series-227/
Kivik vs. Söderhamn Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The biggest visual difference lies in their scale and profile. The Kivik has a substantial, grounded presence with a higher back and famously wide, blocky arms that give it visual weight. It's designed to be a centerpiece and feels best in medium to large rooms.
The Söderhamn is the opposite. Its low back, slim metal legs, and high ground clearance give it a light, airy look that makes spaces feel bigger. Its modularity means you can build a configuration for a tiny studio apartment or an expansive open-plan living area with equal success.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is highly subjective, and this is where these two sofas differ most. The Kivik is all about plush, supportive comfort. The memory foam layer lets you sink in, while the substantial cushions and higher backrest provide good support for relaxing or watching TV. The wide armrests are a fan-favorite feature for their practicality.
The Söderhamn is designed for lounging. The seats are much deeper and built on a bouncy elastic webbing base, encouraging you to curl up with your feet tucked under you. This design, however, comes at the cost of upright support. The back is very low, and many people find they need to add extra throw pillows to feel supported when sitting for long periods.
Materials & Construction
Both sofas are built on a similar foundation of engineered and solid wood frames, meeting IKEA's standard for durability in an affordable package. The critical difference is in the cushions and support system. Kivik uses a combination of high-resilience foam and a memory foam top layer for a dense, contouring feel. Söderhamn uses a softer combination of foam and polyester fibers, supported by the stretched elastic webbing that gives it its characteristic springiness.
Price & Value
The price for standard 3-seat configurations of both sofas is quite comparable. The value proposition is what separates them. The Kivik's value lies in its traditional, sturdy comfort - you get a lot of substantial sofa for your money. The Söderhamn's value is in its supreme flexibility. You are paying for a "forever" system that can be reconfigured, expanded, or broken down as your living situation changes over the years.
Style & Versatility
The Kivik offers aesthetic versatility, its simple, modern design can be styled to fit almost any decor, from family-casual to more pulled-together contemporary looks. It's a furniture chameleon. The Söderhamn offers functional versatility. Its style is distinctly modern and minimalist - it's a statement piece. Its versatility comes from the endless ways you can arrange the modules to physically suit your space, making it a problem-solver for awkward layouts or evolving needs.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Kivik is the easy choice for families with kids and pets, thanks to its durable build, comfortable design, and practical features like wide arms. It's also great for anyone who hosts movie nights or regularly naps on their sofa and wants that classic "sink down and relax" feeling.
The Söderhamn shines in apartments, studios, and homes where floor plans might be unconventional or subject to change. It's ideal for those who love a clean, minimalist aesthetic and prioritize a deep, lounge-like sitting experience over traditional upright posture. If you're someone who likes to redecorate often, the modular nature of the Söderhamn is a massive advantage.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sofas are excellent options that cater to very different needs and tastes.
Choose the Kivik if:
- You prioritize cushy, sink-in comfort for napping and relaxing.
- You want a sturdy, traditional sofa that can handle daily wear from a busy family.
- You appreciate wide armrests for holding a laptop, remotes, or a cup of tea.
- You prefer a timeless, contemporary look that is easy to style.
Choose the Söderhamn if:
- You need a fully modular sofa that can adapt to a unique room size or grow with you.
- You love a sleek, low-profile, and modern aesthetic.
- Your ideal sitting position is curled up, sideways, or fully sprawled out.
- You live in an apartment or think you might move in the future, as modular pieces are easier to transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference in feel between the Kivik and Söderhamn?
The Kivik has a dense, soft, "sink-in" feel due to its memory foam cushions. The Söderhamn has a softer, bouncier feel because its cushions sit on a base of elastic webbing suspension.
Are the covers on the Kivik and Söderhamn removable and washable?
Yes, a major advantage of both series is that all fabric covers are fully removable and machine washable, making them great for homes with kids or pets.
Which sofa is better for families?
Most families prefer the Kivik for its sturdier feel, more supportive back, and conventional design. However, the washability and modularity of the Söderhamn also make it a viable, albeit less traditional, option.
Is the Söderhamn comfortable without extra pillows?
Many owners feel the Söderhamn requires extra throw pillows for adequate back support due to its very low backrest. If you prefer sitting upright, you will likely need to supplement with your own cushions.
Can you buy replacement covers for the Kivik and Söderhamn?
Yes, IKEA sells replacement covers for both sofa series, allowing you to easily change the color or replace a worn-out cover without buying a whole new sofa. Many third-party companies also specialize in custom covers for these popular models.
How difficult is the assembly?
Both are typical for IKEA flat-pack furniture and are manageable for most people. The Söderhamn's individual modules are lighter and easier to handle one by one, while the main frame of the Kivik can be heavy.
Does the low back of the Söderhamn offer enough support?
For lounging, yes. For sitting upright, many find it insufficient. It is explicitly designed for a relaxed, reclined posture, not for formal seating or those who need upper back and neck support.
Which one is more durable long-term?
Both are built to similar IKEA quality standards and are quite durable for their price point. Kivik's frame may feel more robust, but Söderhamn's cushions may hold their shape better over time with regular fluffing, as memory foam can sometimes compact after several years.
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