The IKEA Uppland and Harlanda sofas are both stylish, affordable options from IKEA, but they cater to very different needs. The Uppland is a more compact, minimalist sofa with firm, supportive cushions and a shallower seat, making it ideal for smaller spaces and everyday sitting. The Harlanda offers a much plusher, lounge-focused experience with deeper seats and softer cushions at a slightly higher price point.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which IKEA sofa is the right fit for your home.
IKEA Uppland Sofa
The Uppland is a classic, modern three-seat sofa that balances simplicity, function, and affordability. With its clean lines, slightly curved back, and compact footprint, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into a wide range of living room styles without overpowering the space. Its firm seating makes it a practical choice for everyday use, conversations, and functionality over deep lounging.
- What it is: A modern three-seat sofa with a streamlined silhouette and firm, supportive cushions.
- Key features: Removable and washable covers, firm foam padding, and a versatile, minimalist design.
- Price: Around $399
- Dimensions: Approximately 84" wide x 32" deep x 33" high.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made from engineered wood and fiberboard with firm foam cushion padding and durable polyester upholstery.
- Style: A simple, modern look that fits well with Scandinavian, minimalist, or contemporary decor.
- Pros: Excellent budget-friendly price point. Compact dimensions are ideal for apartments and smaller rooms. Removable and washable covers make cleaning easy. Provides firm, upright support.
- Cons: The firm seating may not be comfortable enough for those who prefer a soft, sink-in sofa. Its 32" depth is relatively shallow for serious lounging. Limited color options, mainly in neutral tones.
The Uppland is a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who need a durable, easy-to-maintain sofa for a small to medium-sized living space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/uppland-sofa-3-seat-90464469/
IKEA Harlanda Sofa
The Harlanda is IKEA’s answer for those prioritizing comfort and a relaxed, contemporary aesthetic. It features a sleek, low profile with noticeably deeper seats and softer, plusher cushions designed for lounging. This sofa is built for movie nights and curling up with a book, offering a more luxurious, sink-in feel compared to its more formal counterparts.
- What it is: A contemporary three-seat sofa with deep seating and soft, plush cushions built for lounging.
- Key features: Deep 36" seat depth, soft foam padding for a "sink-in" feeling, low modern profile, and removable covers.
- Price: Around $499
- Dimensions: Approximately 86" wide x 36" deep x 30" high.
- Materials/Construction: Built with an engineered wood and fiberboard frame, the cushions feature soft foam padding and are wrapped in durable fabric blends.
- Style: Its low profile and deep seats give it a sleek, modern, and inviting contemporary look.
- Pros: Extremely comfortable for lounging and relaxing. The deep seat provides plenty of room to curl up. Soft cushions offer a cozy, plush feel. Removable covers simplify cleaning.
- Cons: A hundred dollars more expensive than the Uppland. The larger footprint and greater depth require more floor space. Soft cushions may require occasional fluffing to maintain their shape.
This sofa is ideal for anyone whose top priority for a new couch is plush, sink-in comfort for relaxing and unwinding in a larger living space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/harlanda-sofa-3-seat-90464470/
IKEA Uppland vs. Harlanda Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most significant practical difference between the Uppland and Harlanda is their size. The Uppland measures 84" wide and 32" deep, making it a good option for apartments or living rooms where space is limited. Its shallower depth allows it to sit closer to a wall without protruding too far into the room.
In contrast, the Harlanda is slightly wider at 86" but is a full four inches deeper at 36". This extra depth contributes to its lounge-friendly design, but it also means it commands more floor space. In a smaller room, the Harlanda can feel visually heavy, while the Uppland maintains a lighter presence.
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is where your personal preference comes into play. The Uppland features firm foam cushions that provide an upright, supportive sit. It’s comfortable for conversations or working from the couch, as it doesn't encourage slouching. You sit *on* the Uppland.
The Harlanda is the opposite, it's designed for you to sit *in* it. The cushions are soft and plush, and the deep seats allow you to curl your legs up easily. It is significantly more comfortable for napping and casual lounging, but its lack of firm support could be a drawback for those with back problems or who prefer a more formal seating position.
Materials & Construction
Both sofas share a similar construction foundation: an engineered wood and fiberboard frame that is sturdy enough for everyday use. Both also come with IKEA's 10-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects. The key material difference is inside the cushions.
The Uppland uses firmer foam that holds its shape well over time, while the Harlanda uses softer padding to create its trademark plush feel. Both sofas have the major advantage of removable and machine-washable covers, a huge plus for households with kids, pets, or snack enthusiasts.
Price & Value
With an approximate $100 price difference, your choice has a clear budget implication. The Uppland sofa, at around $399, offers incredible value for a stylish, durable, and functional three-seat sofa. It does everything a basic sofa should do, and it does it well for a very low price.
The Harlanda, at around $499, justifies its higher cost with enhanced comfort. If lounging is how you plan to spend most of your time on the sofa, that extra $100 buys you deep seats and a much cozier experience, providing value in a different way.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, both sofas fit squarely in the modern camp, but they project different moods. The Uppland’s clean, simple lines give it a versatile, almost timeless quality that can blend into Scandinavian, minimalist, or transitional decor styles. It serves as a neutral foundation for any living room.
The Harlanda sofa's low profile and plush appearance lend it a distinctly relaxed and contemporary vibe. It’s a statement piece that immediately signals a space is designed for comfort and casual living. While still versatile, it shines brightest in modern or cozy interior designs.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these IKEA sofas are excellent options, but they are built for entirely different people and priorities.
Choose the Uppland if:
- You're furnishing a small to medium-sized room or an apartment.
- Your budget is a primary consideration, and you want great value under $400.
- You prefer a firmer, more supportive sofa for sitting upright.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance with washable covers is essential.
Choose the Harlanda if:
- Ultimate comfort for lounging, napping, and movie nights is your main goal.
- You have a larger living room that can handle a deeper sofa.
- You love a soft, sink-in feeling and plush cushions.
- You prefer a sleek, low-profile sofa with a modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Uppland and Harlanda?
The key differences are comfort and size. The Uppland is smaller and firmer, designed for everyday sitting. The Harlanda is larger, deeper, and softer, designed specifically for cozy lounging and relaxing.
Which sofa is more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective. If you define comfort as soft, plush, and cozy, the Harlanda is far more comfortable. If you prefer firm support for your back and an upright sitting posture, you will find the Uppland more comfortable.
Are the sofa covers removable and washable?
Yes, one of the best features of both the Uppland and Harlanda sofas is that their fabric covers are fully removable and machine-washable, making them easy to keep clean.
Which sofa is better for a small apartment?
The Uppland is the clear winner for small apartments. Its shallower depth of 32 inches and overall compact frame save valuable floor space compared to the Harlanda's bulkier 36-inch depth.
How difficult is the assembly for these sofas?
Both sofas come flat-packed and require self-assembly, which is standard for IKEA furniture. The assembly process is straightforward with the provided instructions but is much easier with two people.
Do the Harlanda's cushions sag over time?
Like any soft, plush sofa, the Harlanda's cushions will soften with use. They may require occasional fluffing and rotation to maintain their volume and prevent them from looking compressed or "saggy."
What is the warranty on the Uppland and Harlanda?
Both the Uppland and Harlanda sofas typically come with IKEA's 10-year limited warranty, which protects against defects in materials and workmanship on the frame and cushions.
How does the seating depth compare?
The sizing is quite different. The Uppland has a seating depth of approximately 32 inches, which is standard for a traditional sofa. The Harlanda has a much deeper seating depth of 36 inches, providing extra room to lounge.
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