This is an honest review comparing the Pottery Barn Comfort Grand Sofa to the Ikea Ektorp Sofa. We have both now (one in the living room and one in the family room). I'm sharing with you the good, the bad and the ugly!
I love slipcovered sofas because you can pretty much put the slipcovers in the wash when kids and pets "accidentally" make a mess. When choosing between slipcovered couches, the two models that are super popular are Pottery Barn Roll Arm Slipcovered Sofa and Ikea Ektorp sofa. They look pretty much identical, but they are very different when you use them. I'll explain.
Below are 10 things to think about when deciding whether or not to go the expensive route and invest in a Pottery Barn sofa or whether to just choose the Ikea Ektorp Sofa and save your money!
In 2013, I splurged on my big girl sofa at Pottery Barn floor model. Yes, it was a slipcovered sofa in IVORY LINEN. And I had two kids at the time that were 2 to 3 years old. (You are probably shaking your head right?)
Everyone (including my husband) thought I was insane. I get tons of questions on why I didn't just get the Ikea Ektorp couch since it was way cheaper and everyone's automatic assumption is that the kids would just stain an ivory linen sofa (I dispell those rumors about having white sofas with kids here)!
Note: My comparison of the sofas are based on the Pottery Barn Grand Sofa versus the Ikea Ektorp Sofa. If you were going to just get the regular size sofa from Pottery Barn, I would say save your money and go with the Ikea Ektorp Sofa. However, read on to see why I went the other route!
How to Choose Between the Pottery Barn Sofa and the Ikea Ektorp Sofa
1. Size.
The Ikea Ektorp Sofa is smaller than most sofas. If you don't have a lot of room, the Ikea Ektorp Sofa might be perfect for your space. However, if you are trying to fill up an open floor plan living room and kitchen space, the Ikea Ektorp Sofa may look tiny in such a big space. Here are the width dimensions of the sofas for comparison:
Ikea Ektorp Sofa: 85 7/8"
Pottery Barn Regular Sofa: 83.5"
Pottery Barn Grand Sofa: 93.5"
As you can tell, the Ikea Ektorp Sofa is two inches longer than the regular sized Pottery Barn sofa. Take away: Pottery Barn Grand Sofa is longer, which provides more seating and looks grander in a big space.
2. Deep Seating.
This was a HUGE selling point for me. With three kids and a husband who likes to hog the middle of the sofa, I want to make sure there is enough room for all of us to fit. This is especially important when we are reading night time books! See how I can curl up my feet?!
In addition, I'm one who LOVES slouching on the sofa, so I need deep seating. Here are the deep seating dimensions:
Ikea Ektorp Sofa: 34 5/8"
Pottery Barn Sofa: 39"
Pottery Barn Grand Sofa: 41"
The Ikea Ektorp Sofa definitely loses this battle. When I went to the Ikea Grand Opening in Kansas City, I remembered being in shock by how small it seemed. I just remember my gut feeling was that my husband would not feel comfortable on that sofa. If deep seating is important to you (like it is to me), this is probably your selling point on the Pottery Barn Grand Sofa.
3. Cost of the Sofa.
'Obviously, the Ikea Ektorp Sofa wins by a long shot in terms of cost. In comparing the least expensive versions of each brand, you could buy 3-4 Ikea Ektorp sofas for the price of the PB Grand Sofa. If you have kids and want something that is durable enough to last, but not feel guilty about them tearing it up, the Ikea Ektorp may be a contender for you at this point.
Ikea Ektorp Sofa (in Lofallet Beige): $399 (other colors $100 more)
Pottery Barn Sofa (in Twill White, polyester): $1,119 (on sale at 20% off) regularly $1,399
Pottery Barn Grand Sofa: $1,359 (on sale at 20% off) regulary $1,699
4. Cost of the Sofa Slipcover.
There is also no comparison here either. The cheapest slipcover cost for the Ikea Ektorp Sofa is $49 (color: Lofallet Beige). The most inexpensive slipcover for a Pottery Barn Grand Sofa slipcover is $542 when you can catch their best sale at 20% off (color: Twill, Cream). At the highest price point, the Ektorp slipcover was $149 depending on which cover you got. The Pottery Barn Grand Sofa slipcovers ranged all the way up to $1,749. Insanity right?!
If you do go the Pottery Barn route, I might suggest getting the knife edge cushion. While I do prefer the box edge myself, eBay has a TON of slipcovers from Pottery Barn in only the knife edge version! Check it out for yourself: go on eBay and search for the slipcovers. I was able to find one in Twill Cream for HALF the price at $339. Now, I have a "home" cover and a "guest" cover! Click here to search for the term "Pottery Barn Grand Sofa Slipcover" and sign up to watch for the term!
5. Fabric Material Options.
Both brands have washable slipcovers. With the Pottery Barn specifically, depending on which fabric you choose, the care instructions are a little different. With each of them, the biggest tip is that you should dry them to the point that they are still a little damp. Otherwise, you risk shrinking the slipcover enough that it might take a bit of effort to put the cushion back on.
6. Wrinkles.
This is a given with slipcovers in general. When I visited my friends' houses with Ikea Ektorp sofas, I noticed similar wear and tear as compared to my Pottery Barn sofa - both had wrinkles in certain areas. Which includes the edges by the seat and back cushion. If this is something you know you will not get over, you have more options on fabrics that do not do this with Pottery Barn versus Ikea Ektorp Sofas.
7. Pilling.
Pilling is when the fabric or upholstery wears and you see little piles of fabric, similar to lint on a shirt. With the Pottery Barn Grand Sofa, I have had no issues with the linen or the twill. A link to Kristen's review of a sofa shows what pilling looks like. I don't have any personal experience with the Ikea fabrics, but I do know that the linen and twill have held up with ours!
8. Options for Fill Material.
If you want down, you need to go with Pottery Barn, as they give you the option of either polyester or down. I have the polyester myself. The only issue that I have with my Pottery Barn Grand sofa like I said is it squishing at the corners. I think that you would also get this with the Ektorp. If you fluff it out, it would be as good as new.
9. Assembly and Cushion Fit.
Obviously, the most inexpensive option between the two is because you have to assemble the Ikea Ektorp Sofa. In a majority of the pictures that I've seen, the Ikea Ektorp Sofa looks like the cushion is bubbly (e.g. not flat). It looks as though it has an overstuffed cushion. See below for my instore photo.
I'm sure if you sit on it and use it, the cushion will flatten out. With our Pottery Barn Grand Sofa, it was perfectly flat from day one.
10. Delayed Gratification.
In this stage of my life right now, I'm also torn between whether I should wait "just a few more years" for that furniture I've been yearning for. At first, I couldn't buy the furniture because I was new out of college and broke. Now that I have a little money to be able to invest in the furniture, but on the other hand, I've got these sweet beautiful kids who love to make messes. I'm just like my kids, "I want it now!" Which means I take a risk on this furniture! However, I am adamant about not being someone who puts protective plastic around the furniture! So, taking the risk with this awesome deep seating is what I'll be doing.
For those that want the detailed comparison, below are the dimensions side by side with the Ikea Ektorp Sofa and Pottery Barn Grand sofa:
Obviously, I chose Pottery Barn. For me, my reasons for purchasing the Pottery Barn Grand sofa verus the Ikea Ektorp sofas were:
- I wanted to be able to fit my entire family on the sofa comfortably, and the deep seating that it offered was well beyond what the Ikea Ektorp could offer.
- Pottery Barn offers a larger variety of material options for slipcovers (even though they are at higher price points).
- It's Pottery Barn.
I've owned my Pottery Barn Grand sofa for over three years now, and the only downside that still bothers me a TEENY bit is how the back cushion squishes. However, we use this couch EVERY DAY and my cat loves to perch himself on the top of our sofa - so that probably is the reason it probably squishes like that! Honestly though, its easy enough to fluff back! I'm pretty sure the Ikea Ektorp also has this problem being a slipcovered sofa.
To answer all the pondering questions about having a white sofa with kids: I use this fabric protector on the slipcovers and it does wonders.While Pottery Barn says that you SHOUL D NOT use protective fabric spray, I used it on both the ivory linen and the white twill. They have been awesome at deterring stains! In conjunction, we also have a rule about eating on the couch: no eating or drinking on the couch.
Since I use the white twill on a daily basis, I can easily bleach and wash these slipcovers if there should ever be an incident! I've washed the linen ivory with apple juice stains, and it came out clean! Now, I have also written a post on whether the Ikea Ektorp Sofa fits the Regular Pottery Barn Comfort Roll Arm that you can check out here.
Overall, we LOVE our couch and use them every single night.
With our entire family comfortably seated on our sofa.
In ivory and white.
With no stains.
If you are looking for a cover that is universal to protect your sofa, check out my round up of budget friendly couch slipcovers made for most pieces!
No regrets.
Related Post: Pottery Barn Grand Sofa - Should I buy one?
What are your thoughts on how to choose a couch? Do you plan on purchasing the Ikea Ektorp Sofa or the Pottery Barn Grand Sofa after reading this? Let me know in a comment below!
Furniture Seating Inspiration
- Buffalo Check Accent Chairs
- Pottery Barn Sofa Slipcover Knockoff Dupe
- Wingback Chair Reupholstery Cost and Makeover Tutorial
- How to Choose a Slipcover Sofa
- White Slipcovered Sofa with Kids
- Sofa Ideas for Small Family Room
- IKEA Ektorp Sofa Slipcover on Pottery Barn Sofa
- Best Sources for Sofa Slipcovers
- Custom Pottery Barn Slipcover Makeover
- Slipcovers for Every Type of Sofa and Couch
How to Choose Between an Ikea Sofa and Pottery Barn Sofa
Are you wanting some ideas on how to choose between an inexpensive Ikea sofa versus an expensive Pottery Barn sofa? This list will share with you considerations for that!
Consider the Size for Your Space
Consider the size of your space. The Ikea sofa is smaller in dimension than a Pottery Barn Grand sofa.
Deep Seating Needs
If you have elder family members, deep seating may not be for you. One of the reasons why you may want deep seating is if you have kids and they often want to snuggle!
Cost of the Sofa
If budget is your biggest concern, hands down Ikea Ektorp may be the best value for your money. The Pottery Barn sofa is typically 3x more expensive, but offers a bigger selection for different sizes and design.
Cost of the Sofa Slipcover
If you have kids, trust me when I tell you that you'll want to ensure that you have replacement covers!
Fabric Material Options
If fabric is important to you, Pottery Barn has a variety of fabrics to choose from. The selection is a lot bigger at Pottery Barn if you are looking for the perfect pattern.
Wrinkle Care
Depending on the fabric you choose, slipcover sofas often have a wrinkle factor. You'll want to ensure that if you are keen on having wrinkle free sofas, slipcovers may not be the best option for you.
Piling Considerations
Pilling is when the fabric or upholstery wears and you see little piles of fabric. Depending on which sofa you choose, piling may or may not be an issue. Make sure you check on this!
Options for Filling Material
If you want down, you need to go with Pottery Barn, as they give you the option of either polyester or down. I have the polyester myself. The only issue that I have with my Pottery Barn Grand sofa like I said is it squishing at the corners. I think that you would also get this with the Ektorp. If you fluff it out, it would be as good as new.
Assembly and Cushion Fit
Pottery Barn offers exceptional craftsmanship. Often, if you are looking for sharp corners and good filling, Pottery Barn may be your best bet. If you can deal with a poofy cushion or a few months to get the sofa settled in, Ikea is a great cost effective solution.
Delayed Gratification
If you have kids, do you really want to spend money on a sofa that they might destroy and you'll need to replace? That's a big consideration for which sofa to get.
Frank Comstock
Hi
Do you have the twill white slipcover in the picture. I want to buy a sectional at PB's next buy more save more sale
Thanks
Janis
As I looked over this I was very confused as to what you were attempting to explain, then i realized you have mislabeled the "Width" and "Depth."
What you call "width" is actually the "LENGTH". Length is the longest extent of anything as measured from end to end:
What you have labeled "Depth" is actually the "WIDTH." Depth is a downward measurement and "width" is the extent from side to side or front to back.
Hope this clarifies things a little better. 🙂
Jill
Really enjoyed your article comparing the Pottery Barn and Ektorp sofas. The measurement charts were also very helpful. I had admired both sofas for years (from seeing them in photos), but would never purchase either a sofa or chair without sitting/lounging on it first. Was able to "try out" the PB sofa and chair at the PB store in Little Rock several years ago, lovely seating with the boxed back cushions (regular size not the Grand), but the price was way beyond what I could spend. About a year later I was in Roundrock, TX at the IKEA store there and they had the Ektorp sofa and chair as well as the Jenny Lund and Tulsta chairs set up in a living room setting along with another fav of mine, the Billy bookcases. I made a beeline to the Ektorp and it was one of the most comfortable sofas I had ever sat on, same for the chair. (Also tried out the Lund and Tulsta chairs and they were the most uncomfortable chairs I'd ever sat on - so sit first, then buy). The Ektorp was in the white cover and I just fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I had recently purchased a couch and chair and couldn't justify getting rid of them. The set I have is very like the PB Grand in style, fabric, color and size and shares two features that I have come to dislike - it is a two cushion seat and the two back cushions are knife edge and are not nearly as crisp and attractive as the boxed edge cushions are. The was the first 2 cushion sofa I've ever owned and I would never buy another one as whoever sits in the center feels they are in a "valley" (and this is not a saggy sofa). The Ektorp now comes in the 3.5 version which is actually 3" longer that the PB Grand with the other measurements comparable. Since I am 5' 5", the regular Ektorp sizing is great for me. I built a new house last year and may move again next year and since my current sofa and chair are bulky/heavy beasts I don't want to move them again, so maybe finally my Ektorp is in sight. I can see how the PB would work for your and your family - you have to pick what you love - and the PB's are certainly purchases for the long term. Thank again for sharing your thoughts on the comparisons.
Dani R.
Good article. I just ordered my ikea ektorp sofa and loveseat...they now have a larger version of the ektorp sofa and it is longer than the grand sofa from Pottery Barn and it has deep seating! I am so excited!! And saving a small fortune since the new bigger ektorp is still only $399!!!
Jeanenne
thanks for your article. Your family is adorable and I appreciate your input. I ordered the English Roll comfort sofa sleeper, expecting an 85" sofa and getting one at 90". Needles to say it would not go in the doorway of the den it was intended for. I had them put it in the basement and the cream twill crashed with my gray carpet. They would not allow me to swap the cover in a different size so PB was great to allow me to return it. The size was not as represented. The depth was nice for lounging at 40" but some people don't like it. I ended up realizing that I could never get a sofa into the den because of the doorway limitations and I would have to put in a daybed or ready to assembly sofa. So I ordered the Ektorp. It should fit the room and since it is a den for just my husband and I, the smaller size is a better fit. I was just going to comment that one of the pros of the Ikea is that they can be moved to smaller spaces and bedrooms as they can be assembled on site. If someone wants one in a bedroom or smaller apartment, this will fit in the doorway. Finding slipcover sofas that are RTA are difficult so I am thrilled and hoping we love it.
lori
This is a great article, thanks for the info. Lovely blog. I've decided to go with the Ektorp. I also wanted to give you a heads up about using Scotchguard, especially around pets and children. Scotchguard has some nasty chemicals in it, some suspected carcinogens. I avoid anything with Scotchguard like the plague. you may want to consider not using it. Stain free is not a good trade for exposing your family to these chemicals.
Shauna
Loved this article! I actually bought an Ektorp sectional in June of this year and hated it! It was way too shallow and the cushions were rock hard. I decided to sell it and just purchased a PB comfort roll arm sofa with a chaise on the end. I haven’t received it yet but I hope I love it.
Nicole
does PB carry this grand sofa still?
Seng
Yes they do Nicole! Here's the direct link to the one I got. Click on "Grand Sofa". It's amazing! http://rstyle.me/n/ctsx5a9tje
Seng N
Yes, they do!
Kim Foran
Unfortunately a Pottery Barn Sofa in Australia is $3000 a slip cover also be is $1500 so there's no comparison to the Ektorp at $499 for the couch. Pottery Barn in Australia is outrageously expensive.
L
Thanks! I have a visceral reaction to Ikea but I stumbled on the Ektorp as I am researching a couch for my basement. I love the idea of Pottery Barn but my basement space is small and the sofa will primarily be used by teens and kids. I am going with the Ektorp.
Seng N
🙂 I hope you love the Ektorp! I was actually thinking about getting another Pottery Barn sofa, and was looking on Craigslist. Pottery Barn sofas also hold their value!! Which is another plus for it.
Niki
I have been researching the Ektorp and how it holds up. I told my husband that the pottery barn version is much more expensive but I didn't know if the Ektorp would hold up as long as the pottery barn. But after reading your detailed review and comparisons, I will be going with the Ektorp. Mainly because I want shallow seating. We have deep seating now and we hate it. We have elderly guests who I have to place a pillow behind them or they lean back too far and can't get up. We are also don't like our feet not touching the floor when we sit back. We are 5'6 and 5'8 so we are not tall. Teenagers and 3 small dogs. I think we could all fit on the sectional version just fine lol.
We love to snuggle and read. We went to Ikea last night and sat a while on the Loveseat version and I think I could wrap up in a blanket in front of the fireplace with a kindle and be comfortable. Another reason we are looking at the Ektorp is because our current house has a longer skinnier family room and deeper furniture is just too bulky. I also looked into adding filling in the cushions if it ever gets flat. Plus we are on a budget. Maybe one day when we don't have the expense of children and pets, empty nesters! We could afford a pottery barn sofa. But right now we are one income and homeschooling. Thanks for the review. Its the first one I found comparing.
Seng N
Thanks Niki for the comment! Enjoy the Ektorp! I did think about getting it for my second living room, but we LOVE the deep seating of the Pottery Barn Grand Sofa - I know older visitors may not like it! However, our kids love laying side by side and reading together or snuggling. So it aligns more with our daily usage. We have visitors probably once every other month.
I'm sure you can get great use out of the Ektorp! Thanks for visiting!
Kathy
I bought my Pottery Barn Comfort Grand Sofa almost 10 years ago. I now have three covers for it. It has held up perfectly with virtually no signs of wear and tear. All the cushions are still perfect with no sagging. Well worth the investment. I will get tired of it before it wears out. On second though, with so many options for slipcovers, I suspect we will have this sofa for quite a while longer.
Seng N
Hi Kathy!
Thanks so much for the comment. I'm so excited that you bought it 10 years ago!! I know it was a big investment for us - so your comment definitely helps put my mind at ease!
Betty
YEP! My PB sofa and loveseat AND oversized chair with ottoman (Arhaus) I purchased OVER 15 years ago!! They are still going strong and I have purchased another cover AND I MADE a custom cover for the chair and the loveseat using the first slipcover that was getting thin (still usable) as a pattern. The furniture survived 3 kids and 2 dogs and I've NEVER regretted the purchase. I'm actually having a hard time getting rid of slipcovered furniture and purchasing the leather my husband wants!!
Seng
I have friends that have leather and they hate it when they get tears and can't replace 🙂
Autumn
Hi! Want to let you know that one of your points about ikea might be incorrect. One of the ways ikea cuts costs is having factories close to their stores. In Europe these factories are usually in Poland, here they're actually usually in the USA! So buying IKEA in the USA usually means you're buying something made here.
Seng N
Hi Autumn! Thanks for that point - I did research it and you are indeed correct. I removed the bullet from the list. It appears that they do all their design in Sweden, and they do make their items in the USA. Good to know. Thank you for that!
Mia
Thanks for your review. I'm going with the white IKEA Ektorp sectional. My living room is small so I think it will work out better for me. The Pottery Barn Sofa certainly is beautiful and looks so comfy!
Kara
Doug, you have some nerve assuming such things about this lovely young woman and her family. How dare you? You should be ashamed of yourself for being so judgemental of someone you don't even know.
Doug
Of course you would pick the Pottery Barn option. When you have an easy life and rolling in easy money, you can make choices like that. For the rest of us who live normal lives, we can't throw down that kind of money. Ikea is just fine.
Seng
Hi Doug - A Pottery Barn sofa is definitely an investment. I have been very happy with my purchase. We scrimped and saved for over four years with the goal of buying good quality furniture. We didn't buy ANY furniture for our current home until four years AFTER moving in. I wouldn't say it was easy to make a choice like that nor do we roll in easy money. To afford my vice to afford investment pieces like this, outside of my 9-to-5, I hustle on the side as a blogger and photographer so that I can afford to splurge on pieces like this. In the post, I also mentioned when I would choose the Ikea version over the Pottery Barn version if cost was a factor. I wanted to share with everyone what I ended up choosing.
DiB
Why are you an angry man. Just talking sofas!
Elizabeth
You're a douche. Too rude to this super nice woman and then calling her out for actually answering you. Take your trolling elsewhere -- yeesh.
Eleanor De Los Reyes
Great article! I'm waiting for my Pottery Barn couch to arrive and now I even feel better about the purchase. I was debating on Ikea or Pottery Barn sofa too. Thank you.
Seng
Yey Eleanor! You are going TO LOVE it!!!! I don't regret it one bit.
Let me know what you think when you get it 🙂