The IKEA Vårsta and Grevsta ottomans are both versatile seating solutions, but they cater to different styles and budgets. The Vårsta is a compact, minimalist piece designed for functionality and affordability, making it ideal for small spaces. The Grevsta, on the other hand, is slightly larger and more expensive, offering a more contemporary style, higher-quality materials, and a more substantial feel.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which IKEA ottoman is right for your living space.
IKEA Vårsta Ottoman
The Vårsta ottoman is a simple, no-frills piece that embodies the core principles of Scandinavian design: functionality, minimalism, and affordability. Its compact and lightweight frame makes it an excellent choice for small apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where versatility is key. It serves equally well as extra seating, a footrest, or a temporary side table.
- What it is: A compact and budget-friendly ottoman designed for multi-purpose use in small living spaces.
- Key features: Clean lines, simple design, and a small footprint for maximum versatility.
- Price: Typically ranges from $50 to $150.
- Dimensions: Varies by model but is generally compact, around 20-25 inches in width and depth.
- Materials/Construction: Built using an engineered wood frame with standard foam padding and durable polyester or cotton-blend upholstery.
- Style: Minimalist and functional with a distinct Scandinavian look that blends easily into modern decor.
- Pros: Very affordable and offering great value. Its small size is perfect for tight spaces. Lightweight and easy to move around. Straightforward, quick assembly.
- Cons: The basic materials may show wear and tear more quickly than premium options. The design is functional but not particularly distinctive. Foam padding is adequate but less plush than the Grevsta.
This ottoman is ideal for anyone prioritizing budget and space-efficiency over high-end style or plush comfort.
Shop this product: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vaersta-ottoman-40425107/
IKEA Grevsta Ottoman
The Grevsta ottoman is a step up in style and substance, designed with a more contemporary and refined aesthetic. It offers a more comfortable and durable solution for shoppers willing to invest a bit more for a piece that adds to their room's decor. Its slightly larger size and higher-quality materials make it feel more substantial and better suited for prominent placement in a living room.
- What it is: A modern ottoman that balances style and comfort, serving as a handsome footrest, extra seat, or impromptu coffee table.
- Key features: Sleek and contemporary design, higher-grade fabric options, and a more robust build.
- Price: Typically ranges from $100 to $200.
- Dimensions: Slightly larger than the Vårsta, often measuring 25-30 inches in width and depth.
- Materials/Construction: Features an engineered wood frame with higher-density foam and is upholstered in softer, more durable fabrics like premium polyester blends.
- Style: Contemporary and refined. Its sleek lines and available fabric choices allow it to work as a subtle statement piece.
- Pros: A more upscale and stylish appearance. Superior materials offer better long-term durability and comfort. Available in a broader range of fabrics and colors. Its sturdy build makes it an excellent coffee table substitute with a tray.
- Cons: Higher price point. Its larger size may not be suitable for very compact rooms. Assembly can be slightly more involved due to its more complex design.
The Grevsta is the right choice for those who value modern aesthetics and want a more comfortable, longer-lasting ottoman.
Shop this product: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/grevsta-ottoman-40425108/
Vårsta vs. Grevsta Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is in their size. The Vårsta is designed specifically for small spaces, with a compact footprint of around 20-25 inches square. This makes it incredibly easy to tuck away, move between rooms, or fit into a crowded apartment living room. Its lightness adds to its versatility.
The Grevsta is more substantial, often measuring 25-30 inches wide. That extra surface area provides more comfortable seating and gives it more visual weight in a room. While still manageable, it's better suited for medium to large living rooms where it won't feel oversized.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Grevsta has a clear advantage. It uses higher-grade, denser foam padding that feels more plush and supportive for sitting or resting your feet. Its larger surface area also contributes to a more relaxed feel.
The Vårsta is perfectly functional and provides a firm place to sit, but its standard foam padding is designed more for utility than long-term lounging. It's firm and does the job, but it lacks the inviting softness of the Grevsta.
Materials & Construction
Both ottomans use a similar engineered wood frame, but the difference lies in the finishes. The Grevsta often features softer, thicker, and more resilient fabrics, like textured polyester blends that look and feel more premium. This makes it better equipped to handle daily wear and tear while maintaining its appearance.
The Vårsta's upholstery is typically a standard cotton-blend or polyester fabric that is durable but more basic. It's built for functionality but may not hold up as gracefully to heavy use over several years as the Grevsta.
Price & Value
The Vårsta is one of IKEA's most affordable ottomans, regularly priced under $150. For shoppers on a tight budget or those looking for a simple, temporary solution, its value is hard to beat. You get a functional, decent-looking piece for a very low price.
The Grevsta, priced between $100 and $200, asks for a modest increase in budget but delivers on it with better style, comfort, and longevity. The value here comes from investing a little more for a product that you will likely enjoy more and that will last longer, both in terms of style and physical condition.
Style & Versatility
The Vårsta's aesthetic is pure Scandinavian minimalism. Its clean lines and simple form allow it to blend into the background, which can be ideal if you don't want your ottoman to draw attention. It works well in modern, minimalist, or transitional spaces but lacks a strong design point of view.
The Grevsta has a more intentional, contemporary design. Its sleeker lines and more refined upholstery choices make it feel more like a deliberate piece of decor. It's designed not just to function but to complement modern living spaces, making it a better fit for style-conscious consumers.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both ottomans are solid choices, but they are designed for different priorities and homes.
Choose the Vårsta if:
- You're decorating on a tight budget and need the most affordable option.
- You live in a small apartment, dorm, or studio and need space-saving furniture.
- You prioritize simple function and versatility over a high-fashion look.
- You need a lightweight piece that can easily be moved around for different uses.
Choose the Grevsta if:
- Modern style is a top priority, and you want a piece that enhances your decor.
- You're willing to spend a bit more for better materials, comfort, and durability.
- You have a medium-to-large living room and want an ottoman with more presence.
- You plan to use it frequently for seating or as a coffee table substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Vårsta and Grevsta?
The primary differences are style, size, and price. The Vårsta is a smaller, budget-friendly ottoman with a simple, minimalist design. The Grevsta is a slightly larger, more expensive option with a contemporary style and higher-quality materials for better comfort and durability.
Is the Grevsta worth the extra money?
If you value a more refined look, plusher comfort, and a piece that will likely hold up better over time, then yes. The upgrade in fabric and foam quality justifies the modest price increase for many shoppers.
Which IKEA ottoman is better for small apartments?
The Vårsta is the better choice for small apartments. Its compact footprint and lightweight construction are specifically designed for tight spaces where every inch counts.
Do the Vårsta or Grevsta ottomans have built-in storage?
While some collections at IKEA include storage ottomans, the standard Vårsta and Grevsta models featured here do not have built-in storage. They are designed primarily as seating solutions and footrests.
How easy is the assembly?
Both ottomans come flat-packed and require self-assembly, which is standard for IKEA furniture. The Vårsta has a very simple design, and assembly is typically quick and straightforward. The Grevsta might take a few extra minutes due to its more complex frame and upholstery details.
Which ottoman is more comfortable to sit on?
The Grevsta is more comfortable for seating. It features higher-density foam padding and is generally larger, providing a more supportive and plush seating experience compared to the firmer, more basic Vårsta.
How do you clean these ottomans?
Both ottomans have non-removable covers and should be spot-cleaned according to IKEA's care instructions. Generally, this involves using a damp cloth and a mild upholstery cleaner for any spills or stains.
Can I use the Grevsta as a coffee table?
Yes, the Grevsta's sturdy construction and stable, flat top make it an excellent substitute for a coffee table, especially when you place a decorative tray on top to hold drinks or remote controls.
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