The IKEA Morgedal and Matrand are both practical sofa beds, but they differ significantly in style, comfort, and price. The Morgedal is a minimalist, budget-friendly option designed for small spaces and occasional use, while the Matrand features a more traditional, comfortable design with higher-quality materials, making it a better fit for those prioritizing everyday comfort and a more substantial aesthetic.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA sofa bed for your home.
IKEA Morgedal Sleeper Sofa
The IKEA Morgedal is a pure expression of function-first design - a simple, compact, and highly affordable sofa bed. It's built for modern living, where space is often limited and furniture needs to serve multiple purposes. Its clean lines and no-frills appearance make it a popular choice for apartments, dorm rooms, home offices, and guest rooms where practicality is the top priority.
- What it is: A versatile and compact sleeper sofa with a straightforward pull-out mechanism.
- Key features: Easy pull-out conversion to a bed, removable and washable cover, simple modern design.
- Price: $399 – $499
- Dimensions: As a sofa, it's roughly 75" wide x 33" deep x 30" high. The sleeping surface is approximately 75" long x 43" wide.
- Materials/Construction: A solid wood frame paired with standard foam cushions and polyester or fabric-blend covers.
- Style: Minimalist and contemporary, aligning with modern Scandinavian decor.
- Pros: Highly affordable, compact footprint is ideal for small spaces, easy to clean with removable covers, simple conversion process.
- Cons: Basic foam cushions are better for moderate seating, sleeping surface is narrower than a full bed, minimalist design might feel too plain for some.
The Morgedal is perfect for anyone needing a functional guest bed solution on a strict budget without sacrificing modern style, especially in a tight space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/morgedal-sleeper-sofa-beige-30488994/
IKEA Matrand Sofa Bed
The Matrand presents a more refined and classic take on the sofa bed, blending traditional comfort with mid-century modern influences. It features plusher cushioning, rounded armrests, and a more inviting profile suited for a primary living area. This model is designed for those who want a comfortable everyday sofa that can effortlessly transform into a substantial guest bed without compromising on style.
- What it is: A comfortable, mid-range sofa bed with a traditional fold-out mechanism and a polished aesthetic.
- Key features: High-resilience foam for better comfort and support, a fold-out bed frame, and more upholstery options.
- Price: $499 – $699
- Dimensions: Slightly larger at roughly 78" wide x 36" deep x 31" high. The sleeping surface is generous at approximately 78" long x 55" wide.
- Materials/Construction: A sturdy hardwood frame with high-resilience foam and a choice of durable fabric or leather upholstery.
- Style: A timeless blend of classic and mid-century modern, suiting a wide range of elegant and cozy interiors.
- Pros: More comfortable for daily seating, larger sleeping area close to a full-size bed, higher quality materials suggest better longevity, more elegant and substantial appearance.
- Cons: Higher price point, larger size may not fit in very small rooms, conversion requires a bit more effort than a simple pull-out.
The Matrand fits well in homes where the sofa bed will be a frequently used piece of furniture for both sitting and sleeping, and style is as important as function.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/matrand-sofa-bed-30488995/
Morgedal vs. Matrand Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is size. The Morgedal is noticeably more compact at 75" wide and 33" deep, making it a clear winner for studios, small apartments, or tight guest rooms. Its resulting sleeping surface is 43" wide, which is functional but cozy for one and tight for two.
The Matrand is larger in every dimension, measuring 78" wide and 36" deep. This gives it more presence as a primary sofa and allows it to unfold into a much wider 55" sleeping surface, which is comparable to a standard full-size bed. While this is great for guest comfort, the Matrand's larger footprint requires more floor space both when it's a sofa and a bed.
Comfort & Feel
Comfort is a key differentiator. The Morgedal uses standard foam cushions that are firm and supportive but are best suited for moderate use. While perfectly fine for occasional seating, it may lack the plush feel desired for a primary lounging spot. As a bed, the foam provides a firm sleeping surface that some users may want to supplement with a mattress topper.
The Matrand features high-resilience foam, which is both softer and more durable. This makes it significantly more comfortable for daily sitting, as it conforms better to your body and holds its shape longer. The plush backrest and armrests also contribute to a more relaxing experience. When converted, the bed offers a more cushioned and supportive feel a guest would appreciate for a multi-night stay.
Materials & Construction
Both sofa beds are built within IKEA's framework of affordability and function, but the Matrand uses slightly superior materials. The Matrand's hardwood frame and high-resilience foam are chosen for better durability and longevity, especially in households with frequent use. It's designed to withstand the wear and tear of a main living room piece.
The Morgedal’s solid wood frame is sturdy, but its standard foam and simpler construction are aligned with its lower price and intended use in less high-traffic areas. Its main practical advantage here is the often removable and washable cover, which makes maintenance very easy.
Style & Aesthetics
Your style preference will heavily inform your choice. The Morgedal is undeniably modern and minimalist. With its sharp lines, low profile, and uncluttered design, it fits perfectly into contemporary, Scandinavian, or industrial-themed spaces. It's meant to blend in, not be a statement piece.
In contrast, the Matrand has a timeless, cozier vibe. The rounded armrests, cushioned back, and more traditional sofa shape allow it to work well in a wider variety of decor styles, from mid-century modern to classic or transitional rooms. It has the appearance of a dedicated sofa, making its dual function feel more discreet.
Price & Value
Priced around $399-$499, the Morgedal is one of IKEA's most affordable sleeper solutions. It provides exceptional value for anyone whose primary goal is to get a functional guest bed into a small space on a very tight budget. It does its job simply and effectively for the price.
The Matrand, usually retailing between $499-$699, commands a higher price but delivers more value in comfort, durability, and aesthetics. If your sofa bed will be used often for sitting, the extra investment is often justified for the upgrade in materials and feel. It offers the value of a comfortable sofa and a proper guest bed rolled into one.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sofa beds are solid choices from IKEA, but they serve different priorities entirely.
Choose the Morgedal if:
- Your budget is very tight and a primary concern.
- You are furnishing a very small space, like a studio apartment, dorm, or home office.
- You need a solution for occasional guests, not an everyday sofa for lounging.
- You prefer a clean, minimalist, and contemporary aesthetic.
Choose the Matrand if:
- You prioritize seating comfort and plan to use it as a primary sofa.
- You want a larger, more comfortable sleeping surface for your guests (closer to a full bed).
- You prefer a more traditional, cozy, and timeless style.
- You're willing to invest a bit more for higher-quality materials and better long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Morgedal and Matrand?
The primary difference is design priority. The Morgedal prioritizes budget and space-saving with a minimalist look and basic comfort. The Matrand prioritizes everyday comfort and classic style with better materials and a larger overall footprint.
Which IKEA sofa bed is more comfortable to sit on?
The Matrand is significantly more comfortable for daily sitting due to its high-resilience foam, plush back, and traditional sofa design.
How easy are they to convert into a bed?
Both are designed for easy conversion. The Morgedal typically uses a simple pull-out mechanism where the base slides forward. The Matrand often uses a classic fold-out frame, which can be slightly more involved but is still straightforward for one person.
Is the Morgedal durable enough for daily use?
While sturdily built, the Morgedal is designed for light to moderate use. Its standard foam may flatten over time with heavy daily sitting, making it better for a secondary space rather than a primary living room sofa.
Is the Matrand worth the extra money?
If you need a piece of furniture that functions well as both a day-to-day sofa and a guest bed, the Matrand is absolutely worth the extra cost for its superior comfort, durability, and more refined style.
Do I need a separate mattress topper?
Using a mattress topper is recommended for both models to enhance guest comfort, protect the upholstery, and smooth over any seams or gaps in the sleeping surface. It can make a huge difference, especially for multi-night stays.
Can you wash the covers?
The Morgedal often comes with removable and machine-washable covers, which is a major advantage for maintenance. The Matrand's upholstery care depends on the specific fabric or leather chosen, so it's important to check the product care label.
How difficult is the assembly?
Both sofas come flat-packed and require self-assembly, typical of IKEA furniture. The instructions are visual and clear, but we recommend having two people for assembly, as the parts can be heavy and cumbersome.
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