While the IKEA Rodulf and Mittzon are both affordable sofa beds, they cater to different priorities in comfort and price. The Rodulf is the more budget-friendly option with a firm, minimalist design perfect for tight spaces, whereas the Mittzon costs slightly more but offers a plusher, cozier seating and sleeping experience with softer cushions and a more inviting aesthetic.
Here’s a complete look at these two popular IKEA sofa beds to help you decide which one is right for your home.
Ikea Rodulf Sofa Bed
The Rodulf is IKEA's answer for anyone needing a functional, no-frills sofa bed on a strict budget. Its clean, simple lines and compact size make it an ideal choice for studio apartments, dorm rooms, or home offices that double as guest spaces. It focuses purely on practicality, transforming from a straightforward sofa to a bed in just a few quick motions.
- What it is: A versatile and highly affordable convertible sofa bed designed for small spaces.
- Key features: Easy fold-out mechanism, included foam mattress, minimalist clean-lined silhouette.
- Price: Around $399
- Dimensions: Approximately 78" W x 33" D x 33" H as a sofa.
- Style: Minimalist and modern, with a distinct Scandinavian simplicity that works well in unfussy, contemporary interiors.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of engineered wood and metal, with upholstery in a durable polyester fabric and a firm foam mattress.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price, very budget-friendly. Its compact footprint is perfect for small rooms. The simple design blends easily into various decor styles. It's incredibly easy to convert between sofa and bed.
- Cons: The foam mattress is quite firm, which may not be comfortable for all guests. The overall look is very basic and lacks a premium feel. Limited upholstery options, typically only available in neutral colors like gray.
This sofa bed is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners and renters who prioritize function and price over plush comfort for a spare room or office.
Shop this product: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/rodulf-sofa-bed-00356745/
Ikea Mittzon Sofa Bed
The Mittzon is positioned as a more comfortable, slightly more stylish alternative to entry-level sofa beds. It still offers excellent space-saving functionality but adds thicker, plusher cushions and a softer upholstery fabric. This makes it feel more like a primary-use sofa that also happens to convert into a bed, offering a better experience for both sitting and sleeping.
- What it is: A convertible sofa bed designed with a greater emphasis on everyday seating comfort and contemporary style.
- Key features: Thick, plush cushions for a cozy feel, simple conversion mechanism, soft upholstery fabric.
- Price: Around $499
- Dimensions: Approximately 80" W x 35" D x 33" H as a sofa.
- Style: Modern and inviting, with a softer, more relaxed aesthetic that fits well in cozy living rooms or comfortable guest areas.
- Materials/Construction: Built on an engineered wood and metal frame, featuring a foam mattress with extra padding and soft polyester fabric.
- Pros: Noticeably more comfortable for lounging and sitting thanks to thicker cushions. The fold-out mattress is softer than the Rodulf's, offering a better sleeping experience for guests. Its softer aesthetic can make a room feel more welcoming.
- Cons: It costs about $100 more than the Rodulf. The slightly larger dimensions may be a tight fit in very small rooms. While more comfortable, it's still best for occasional overnight guests rather than nightly use.
Choose the Mittzon if your sofa bed will be used frequently for sitting and you want to offer guests a cozier, more comfortable sleeping surface.
Shop this product: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/mittzon-sofa-bed-30408250/
Rodulf vs. Mittzon Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
There's a subtle but important difference in size between the two. The Rodulf is more compact at about 78 inches wide and 33 inches deep, making it the superior choice for extremely tight spaces like a small home office or dorm room. The slight reduction in depth is noticeable when trying to maximize floor space.
The Mittzon is a bit larger at 80 inches wide and 35 inches deep. While only a difference of a few inches, the extra width and depth give it a more substantial presence and a little more lounging room. If you can spare the space, the Mittzon feels more like a standard small sofa.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is the biggest differentiator. The Rodulf is built for function first, with a firm foam mattress and leaner cushions that provide adequate support but not much in the way of plushness. It’s perfectly serviceable for sitting or a night's sleep, but it's not a sofa you'd sink into for a movie marathon.
The Mittzon is the clear winner for comfort. Its cushions are thicker, softer, and more inviting for everyday lounging. The integrated mattress also has more padding, making it a more forgiving sleeping surface for guests. If the sofa is going in your main living area, the Mittzon's superior comfort is a significant advantage.
Materials & Construction
Both models share IKEA’s signature construction of an engineered wood and metal frame, which is sturdy enough for regular use and occasional overnight guests. They also both typically use durable polyester upholstery, which is practical and easy to maintain.
The difference lies in the padding and fabric feel. The Rodulf uses a basic, though durable, polyester, while the Mittzon’s fabric often feels softer to the touch. The real upgrade is the Mittzon's thicker, denser foam in the cushions, which not only improves comfort but also can help the sofa hold its shape better over time.
Price & Value
With a price around $399, the Rodulf offers incredible value. It’s one of the most affordable ways to get a functional place to sit and sleep, making it an unbeatable option for anyone prioritizing budget above all else.
At around $499, the Mittzon is about 25% more expensive. However, that extra $100 buys you a significant step up in everyday seating comfort and a cozier aesthetic. The value proposition here is in getting a more enjoyable piece of furniture for daily living, not just a utilitarian sleeping solution.
Style & Versatility
The Rodulf features a strict, minimalist design. Its clean lines, simple form, and neutral color palette allow it to blend into the background of a modern, Scandinavian, or industrial space without drawing attention. It's a blank canvas that works almost anywhere.
The Mittzon, with its thicker cushions and softer silhouette, has a more distinctly cozy and contemporary style. It has more visual presence and creates a more relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This makes it a great fit for living rooms where comfort and a welcoming vibe are key stylistic goals.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA sofa beds are excellent, practical choices, but they are designed for slightly different needs and priorities.
Choose the Rodulf if:
- You are decorating on a very tight budget and need the most affordable option.
- You have a very small room and every inch of floor space counts.
- You need a guest bed purely for occasional, short-term use.
- You prefer a firm sitting and sleeping surface and love a minimalist aesthetic.
Choose the Mittzon if:
- Seating comfort is a high priority, and the sofa will be used daily for lounging.
- You want to offer your guests a more comfortable, plusher sleeping experience.
- You prefer a cozier, more inviting look over stark minimalism.
- You're willing to invest an extra $100 for a noticeable upgrade in feel and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Rodulf and Mittzon?
The primary difference is comfort and price. The Rodulf is a budget-friendly, firm, minimalist sofa bed, while the Mittzon costs more but offers significantly plusher cushions and a softer mattress for better sitting and sleeping comfort.
Which IKEA sofa bed is more comfortable for sleeping?
The Mittzon is generally more comfortable for sleeping. Its integrated mattress has additional padding and is softer than the firm foam mattress found in the Rodulf, making it better for overnight guests.
Is the Ikea Rodulf sturdy enough for regular use?
Yes, the Rodulf is built with a wood and metal frame that is sturdy enough for regular daily use as a sofa and occasional use as a bed. However, like most convertible sofas in this price range, it is not designed to be a primary bed used every single night.
How easy is it to assemble the Rodulf and Mittzon?
Both sofa beds follow IKEA's standard flat-pack assembly model. They come with picture-based instructions and all necessary hardware. Assembly is straightforward but generally requires two people and about 1-2 hours to complete with basic hand tools.
Can the covers be removed and washed?
On most simple IKEA sofa beds like these, the main frame covers are not designed to be removed. However, some cushion covers may be removable. Always check the product label for specific care instructions, as some may be machine-washable while others are spot-clean only.
Do these sofa beds come with storage?
Neither the Rodulf nor the Mittzon includes built-in storage. Their designs are focused on a simple, streamlined conversion from sofa to bed, without the added bulk or complexity of a storage compartment.
What is the mattress type in these sofa beds?
Both sofa beds use a foam mattress. The primary difference is in the density and thickness - the Rodulf's mattress is firmer and more basic, while the Mittzon's features more generous padding for a softer feel.
Which one is a better value for the money?
This depends on your definition of value. The Rodulf offers better value if a low price is your only goal - it provides essential function for minimal cost. The Mittzon offers better value if you prioritize comfort, as the extra $100 provides a significant upgrade in everyday usability and guest satisfaction.
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