IKEA Farlov Sofa Review: The Real Deal for Families with Kids & Pets?

As an avid home decorator and a busy parent, one question consistently lands in my inbox: “Do you truly love your IKEA Farlov sofa?” It’s a completely understandable query. The idea of finding a sofa that marries sleek, designer aesthetics with the practicality of a slipcover – a necessity for homes brimming with kids and pets – all at a price point around $700, almost feels too good to be true. It’s a dream scenario for many, making its impressive reputation warrant a closer look.

Let’s be clear from the outset: this isn’t a sponsored post. IKEA isn’t aware of my existence, and my insights are purely based on my genuine experience. My reviews, whether sponsored or not, are always transparent and honest. This specific article is born out of a desire to finally address the persistent curiosity surrounding the IKEA Farlov. For all of you contemplating whether this much-talked-about slipcover sofa lives up to its hype, this comprehensive review is for you.

After significant real-world testing, my personal verdict is overwhelmingly positive. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while it’s a fantastic fit for our lifestyle, it may not be the perfect sofa for everyone. We’ve owned our Farlov for over eight months, during which it has faced the relentless challenges of a lively five-year-old, an energetic Yorkie Schnauzer, and a rambunctious Goldendoodle puppy. Our Farlov has certainly been put through its paces, enduring spills, muddy paws, and endless hours of family life.

The Enduring Pros of the IKEA Farlov Sofa

• Luxuriously Deep Seating: One of the standout features of the Farlov is its generous depth. As someone who loves to tuck my legs beneath me or curl up with a book, this sofa delivers exceptional comfort. There’s ample room for our entire family, including our furry friends, to stretch out and relax without feeling cramped. The design includes one long, continuous bottom cushion, eliminating uncomfortable gaps or “cracks” where crumbs and small toys might disappear. Its dimensions are comparable to a twin-sized mattress, making it an ideal spot for lounging or even an impromptu nap.
• Effortless Washability for a Pristine Look: Opting for a white sofa cover might seem counterintuitive with a busy household, but for us, it’s been a game-changer. The beauty of a white slipcover lies in its immediate visual feedback – you instantly know when something needs cleaning. Unlike darker sofas that can conceal untold spills and grime, white provides clarity. For instance, our puppy, Stella, once tracked mud and worse directly onto the sofa. The stark white revealed the mess instantly, allowing me to swiftly remove the slipcover, toss it into the wash, and replace it with a spare. No lasting damage, no lingering nastiness – just practical, stress-free maintenance. This feature alone makes the Farlov an incredibly family-friendly sofa.

• Affordable Style Versatility: While we’ve maintained a classic white aesthetic so far, the potential for customization is a major perk of the Farlov. Although IKEA itself offers a limited selection of three colors, third-party companies like Bemz provide an extensive array of colors, patterns, and fabric textures. This means you can completely transform the look and feel of your living space without investing in an entirely new sofa. It’s a cost-effective way to refresh your decor as your style evolves, or simply to accommodate seasonal changes. This adaptability significantly extends the life and appeal of the sofa, making it a smart long-term investment for dynamic homes.
• Unburdened Living: One of the greatest freedoms the Farlov offers is the ability to relax and not be overly cautious. With our previous upholstered sofa, every sip from Olivia’s cup or stray marker cap sent me into a mild panic. The Farlov, however, brings a comforting sense of resilience. I’ve found that most spills and stains wash right out, alleviating much of that parental anxiety. A few weeks ago, my husband, Robert, accidentally spilled an entire cup of coffee on it. A quick wash, and it was as good as new. This peace of mind is invaluable, allowing us to truly live in our home without constantly worrying about irreversible damage to our furniture.
• Long-Term Practicality and Easy Replacement: In this stage of our lives, with young children and pets, we understand that furniture, especially sofas, may not have an indefinite lifespan. The Farlov’s affordable price point means that if, in several years, it begins to show significant wear and tear, replacing it won’t be a monumental financial burden. This contrasts sharply with the nearly $2,300 down-blend sofa we almost purchased when we first moved into our house. While that luxurious option was incredibly comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, I am incredibly glad we chose the Farlov. Its practicality and durability make it a far more sensible choice for our active, “rough ‘n tough” family crew right now, ensuring we have a functional and stylish piece without breaking the bank.

A Note on Longevity (May 2019 Update):

While the Farlov has largely impressed us, it’s important to provide a transparent update on its performance over time. Two years after our initial purchase, the sofa continues to hold up reasonably well, but we’ve observed a couple of caveats. Despite diligently following washing recommendations, the original IKEA slipcover has experienced some shrinkage. Our sofa now appears to be wearing “high waters,” with the skirt sitting about two inches too short. Additionally, after numerous washes, the slipcover has developed a slight grayish tint, and a few stubborn spots persist, resisting even the most rigorous cleaning efforts. This indicates that while the sofa itself is robust, the original slipcovers might not withstand extensive washing without some aesthetic changes over prolonged periods.

Considerations: The Cons of the IKEA Farlov Sofa

• Initial Firmness: My ideal sofa is one I can truly sink into, which is why we initially considered a pricey down-blend option. The IKEA Farlov was notably firm when it was brand new. However, after about a month of regular use, it began to soften considerably. While it still retains a degree of firmness, it has become significantly more comfortable than on day one. If you prefer an extremely plush, cloud-like seating experience from the moment of purchase, the initial firmness of the Farlov might be a slight deterrent. For those who appreciate good support that softens with use, it’s a manageable trade-off.
• Original Slipcover Texture: The white slipcover that comes standard with the IKEA Farlov has a somewhat tweed-like, rougher texture. While I’ve grown accustomed to it, it might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer the smooth feel of a canvas fabric or the soft drape of linen. Fortunately, this isn’t a deal-breaker. Companies like Bemz offer custom slipcovers in a vast array of materials, including smoother canvas and softer linen options, allowing you to tailor the feel to your preference. However, this customization comes at an additional cost, which is an important factor to consider in the overall investment.

Update on Slipcovers (July 2018):

Addressing the texture concern and the later shrinkage issue, we eventually invested in new custom slipcovers from Bemz in July 2018. This decision significantly enhanced our overall satisfaction with the sofa, resolving both the original texture preference and the subsequent fit issues. You can explore our process for choosing our new custom slipcovers for our IKEA sofa here. While these custom covers were a fantastic solution, they did represent an extra expense on top of the initial sofa cost. It’s a slight bummer to spend more on new slipcovers when the original IKEA ones didn’t quite hold up to our long-term expectations for washing and durability, but it ultimately made the sofa a better fit for us.

• Low Seating Profile: With our eight-foot ceilings, the lower seating height of the Farlov works well, contributing to an open and airy feel in our space. Additionally, both my husband and I are of average height (5’7″), so the sofa’s proportions feel comfortable for us. However, if you have particularly tall ceilings or if you are over six feet tall, you might find the Farlov feels a bit “squatty” or lower to the ground than ideal. It’s an important ergonomic consideration, as seating comfort is highly personal and can greatly impact your enjoyment of the sofa.

Essential Tips to Keep Your IKEA Farlov Sofa Looking Pristine

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Maintaining a white slipcover sofa, even with the chaos of family life, is entirely achievable with the right approach. Here are our tried-and-true methods for keeping our IKEA Farlov looking bright and fresh:

• Regular Washing Routine: We typically wash our slipcovers about once a month. This frequency is necessary given our household’s specific challenges: a dog who loves to lick, a still-house-training puppy, and a notoriously messy preschooler. If your home has fewer furry friends or less frequent spills, you could certainly extend the time between washes. Consistency, however, is key to preventing stains from setting in and maintaining that bright appearance.
• Pre-emptive Protection with Scotchgard: Before any dirt or grime has a chance to settle, apply a protective spray like Scotchgard to your clean slipcover. This invisible barrier helps repel liquids and makes it harder for dirt to adhere to the fabric, extending the time between deep washes and making subsequent cleanings more effective.

• On-the-Spot Stain Removal: For those inevitable small spills or smudges between full washes, keep Tide pens handy. These portable stain removers are fantastic for quickly tackling fresh spots, preventing them from turning into larger, more stubborn problems.
• Brightening White Fabrics: To combat any dullness or yellowing that can occur with white fabrics over time, always wash your slipcovers with a powerful whitening additive like OxiClean White Revive. This product is specifically formulated to keep white fabrics looking brilliantly white, restoring their crispness with each wash.
• Tackling Tough Stains: For more formidable opponents like coffee, red wine, or ground-in dirt, I swear by pre-treating with an OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick. Its concentrated formula penetrates deep into the fibers, lifting even the most intimidating stains. Seriously, this product is a miracle worker for virtually anything thrown at it.

• Optimal Drying Techniques: To minimize shrinkage and ease reassembly, I air-dry our main slipcover draped over our breakfast nook chairs, and the cushion covers on our laundry room drying rack. The trick is to put the slipcover back on the sofa when it’s still slightly damp. This allows the fabric to stretch and conform more easily to the sofa’s shape, smoothing out wrinkles naturally as it finishes drying in place.

• Quick Wrinkle Fixes: If you happen to let the slipcover dry completely, resulting in a super wrinkly appearance – perhaps just before company arrives (because let’s be honest, that’s often the only time we truly care about wrinkles!) – a quick pass with my Conair steamer works wonders. A few minutes of steaming will smooth out those creases and have your sofa looking guest-ready in no time.

Final Verdict on the IKEA Farlov Sofa

All things considered, despite its minor quirks, we firmly believe the IKEA Farlov sofa remains an excellent choice for dynamic family homes. Its blend of stylish design, practical washability, and overall durability makes it a standout option, especially for those navigating life with young children and pets. If you’re currently in the market for a new sofa that offers both aesthetic appeal and robust functionality without a prohibitive price tag, the Farlov is definitely worth serious consideration.

Do you have any beloved IKEA purchases that have truly transformed your home? Or perhaps you’re just a fan of their legendary cinnamon rolls and meatballs? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!