The IKEA Farlov sofa has a tailored, designer-inspired look and a removable slipcover, making it an appealing option for households with children or pets. Originally priced at about $700, it was put to the test for eight months in a busy home with a five-year-old child, a small dog, and a Goldendoodle puppy. Here is what stood out, along with a later update on how the sofa and its cover held up.
This review focuses on everyday use rather than showroom appearance. The main takeaway is that the Farlov can be a practical choice if you value a washable cover and generous seating space, but its firm cushions, fabric texture, and long-term cover wear may not suit everyone.
IKEA Farlov sofa: everyday benefits
Room to stretch out
The seat is deep enough for lounging or sitting with your legs tucked up. Its single, long bottom cushion also avoids the gap between separate seat cushions. The seating area was described as roughly comparable in size to a twin mattress, giving several family members and pets room to spread out. If you prefer a more upright sitting position, check the seat depth in person before buying.
A removable cover that can be washed
A light-colored cover makes dirt and spills easier to spot, so they can be dealt with promptly. In one example, a puppy tracked dirt onto the white cover; it was removed and washed, with a spare cover used while it dried. A separate coffee spill also came out in the wash. Always check the care label and follow the recommended washing instructions, since fabric and fit can change with repeated laundering.
Flexible styling and a practical price
Changing the slipcover can refresh the sofa without replacing the entire piece. At the time of the original review, IKEA offered three cover colors, while third-party sellers had additional fabrics and colors at an extra cost. That flexibility may be useful if your decor changes, but remember to include the cost of a replacement cover in your budget.
The washable design also meant the household could worry less about routine spills than with a sofa that could not be easily cleaned. The reviewer considered this a reasonable trade-off for a home with young children and pets, especially compared with a more expensive sofa priced at $2,300.
Two-year update, May 2019: The sofa was still holding up reasonably well, but the original slipcover had shrunk despite following the washing recommendations. Its skirt had become about two inches too short. After two years of washing, the white fabric also looked slightly gray, and a few marks remained. This is an important consideration for anyone who expects a light slipcover to stay bright and retain its original fit indefinitely.
- Easy to replace later: For households expecting heavy everyday use, a lower-cost sofa may feel like a more manageable long-term choice than a costly model.
- Cover replacement has a cost: A new custom cover was purchased in July 2018, which improved the look and addressed some concerns, but it added to the overall expense.
Drawbacks to consider before buying
Firm cushions and a low profile
The cushions felt quite firm when the sofa was new and softened somewhat after about a month. They remained firmer than a sink-in, down-blend style. The sofa also sits relatively low. That can work well in rooms with eight-foot ceilings, but people over six feet tall or those furnishing a room with high ceilings may find its proportions less suitable. Trying the seat height and firmness in person can help set expectations.
The original cover has a textured feel
The white IKEA cover was described as having a texture similar to tweed rather than smooth canvas or soft linen. Alternative covers in different materials were available from other sellers, though they cost more. Consider how the fabric feels against your skin and how it may perform with pets before choosing a cover.
Practical slipcover care tips
In the original household, the covers were washed about once a month because of frequent pet messes and spills. Homes with less intensive use may need to wash them less often. For best results, treat stains promptly and use only cleaning products that are suitable for the specific fabric, following both the product directions and the sofa’s care label.
- Consider applying a fabric protector while the cover is clean, after checking that it is compatible with the material.
- Use a suitable spot-cleaning method between full washes, and test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first.
- For tougher marks such as coffee or wine, pretreat according to the cleaner’s directions and the cover’s care instructions.
Air-drying was used for the slipcover and cushion cover. Putting the slipcover back on when it was slightly damp helped smooth wrinkles and made it easier to fit. Avoid stretching or applying heat unless the care instructions permit it.
If a cover dries with wrinkles, a garment steamer may help, provided the fabric’s care guidance allows steaming. Keep the steamer moving and test a small, hidden section first.
Is the IKEA Farlov sofa a good fit?
The IKEA Farlov sofa may suit households looking for deep seating, a removable cover, and a relatively practical option for everyday family life. Its washable design handled several spills in the review, but the cushions started firm, the seat sits low, and repeated washing affected the original cover’s color and length. Consider your room dimensions, preferred cushion feel, cover-care routine, and the possible cost of replacement covers before deciding. For homes with children or pets, the IKEA Farlov sofa can be a useful choice if those trade-offs match your needs.
