IKEA HÄRLANDA SOFA REVIEW
Another year another sofa, lol not quite but pretty close. The Farlov lasted three years, which I think is a record around here, so it much have been good. That or I was too tired and sick to care during my pregnancy, so its stay was extended.
The main reason was wanted a new sofa was because the Farlov was very long, 85 7/8 " Our living room has an awkward layout and so the only way the sofa could fit is if it went along the wall with the window which means you couldn't see the TV from the last spot on the couch. The only way it was comfortable was to lay on it, so the kids were always fighting and kicking each other.
I wanted a solution that looked pretty was washable, easy to configure, and would provide all of us with a spot on Movie night. I spent months searching for the perfect fit from $5000 - $500. I did a lot of research.
What I really loved about the HÄRLANDA was the planner Ikea has online. I'm always second-guessing myself, so to see everything together was extremely helpful. I came up with the perfect solution, or so I thought. A love seat with a corner added and the end onto that. When it showed up, and I put it together in our space, I knew immediately it wasn't going to work. The corner part was everyone's favourite, but the end of it came out too far and cut off the living room. I cut down my Ikea boxes as I assembled them, so I felt a little sick when I realized I needed to return them. I called Ikea, and their customer service team was exceptional. They sent a truck to pick up all 90 pieces (yup! 90 Pieces) and only charged us $50.00. We received a full refund four days after their pick up.
After another few hours, more measuring, planning, and taping out the space, I decided to go with the Sofabed. It's smaller than the sofa but bigger than the love seat. At least this way, the kids could lay down during movie night, and we have a spot for Nana & Papa to sleepover.
Once the mattress has fully expanded, the bed is a little tricky to close. We find the leave the top over the bar a tad is the easiest way to close the bed. Make sure you tuck the top under the panel on the backrest.
To make space a little more comfortable for everyone when the bed is not in use, we bought the matching ottoman. When pulled up to the couch, it's quite big and gives the same effect as a chaise lounge. To make my life a little easier, I got Anthony to add wheels so we could move it around quickly.
BEFORE
AFTER
At first, my plan was two sofas facing each other, and then I went with the sectional idea, and when all else failed, and I wound up with a Soda bed, I decided to go with the two chairs. I've had chairs in this space forever, but for one reason or another, usually, I never loved them. My last set from Wayfair was my favourite, but the covers didn't come off for washing, and it made me crazy. I wasn't in love with the Gronlid (This series was previously named Gronlid, they changed the name to the Harland) chairs even though the size was perfect, I just didn't like the look. I decided to order them anyway. I'm crafty and knew that with Anthony, we would figure something out, and we did. Firstly we changed the legs. Anthony made these new wooded legs and left them natural. In the spring, I'm going to upgrade the covers to custom slipcovers without the back's zippers.
Here's what I love
Affordability.
The covers come off for washing.
All the pieces are comfortable.
I can add on or take off pieces as our needs and style changes.
I can change the covers.
The arms are not big, but they are comfortable.
The base cover comes in separate parts, so I don't need to was everything.
The bottom shirt is not attached to the arms, so it doesn't give the pulled wrinkled effect I loathe.
The covers are easy to get on and off.
Assembly was quick and straight forward.
Here's what I don't love
To wash the arm pieces, you need to take the arms off the base of the sofa.
The ottoman lid is hefty and not on hinges.
The back cushions are loose, and they look pretty now, but I know as the stuffing settles, there will be gaps.
Overall I'm satisfied with our new setup, but I've said that before, lol.
Let me know if you have any specific questions that I didn't cover in this review. Thank you so much for reading! Have a great afternoon.
Megan, xo
