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If you’re a growing family looking to maximize seating space without spending a small fortune, you’ll want to hear about our experience with the IKEA FINNALA sectional. We made the switch from our well-loved Pottery Barn Grand Roll-Arm Sofa when it became clear our family of six had outgrown it. Between movie nights, impromptu naps, and snack time (even when the kids aren’t supposed to be snacking), we needed something more functional and forgiving.
The FINNALA ended up being a solid option, and I wanted to share everything we’ve learned along the way—what we loved, what surprised us, and a few tips if you’re thinking of bringing one home.
Why We Chose the FINNALA Over Other Modular Sofas
If you’ve done even a little sofa research, you’ve probably come across brands like Lovesac, Homebody, and Poly & Bark. They’re beautiful and totally customizable, but also come with a price tag that can easily hit $6,000–$8,000. Honestly, we didn’t need built-in speakers or techy features—just something comfy, modular, and washable.
That’s where the FINNALA won us over. It gave us the flexibility to customize a layout for our space, came with removable covers (a total must-have for families with kids), and was under $2,000 for a full U-shaped sectional. We knew it wouldn’t be our “forever” couch, but for the stage of life we’re in, it made total sense.
How Ordering and Assembly Went
Ordering was super easy. We measured our space, picked our configuration, and placed the order online. We were able to pick everything up from our local IKEA the next day.
We loaded up our SUV with what felt like a hundred flat-packed boxes—honestly, it looked like we were moving houses. By the time we got home, our entire garage was packed wall-to-wall with cardboard, making it feel more like a warehouse than a place to park.
Now, fair warning—assembly took a solid half day. It wasn’t hard, just time-consuming. The instructions were pretty easy to follow, but it did help having an extra set of hands.
One confusing part was realizing that the armrest doesn’t come with every piece—I had planned to add one to the ottoman but couldn’t on one side. Just a heads-up: arms are only included with specific sections, so plan your layout carefully! For example, in the image below, I wanted an arm right where the ottoman was, but it wasn’t configurable in that way.
If you’re planning a family project weekend, definitely set aside a few hours and lots of snacks.
Let’s Talk Comfort
I’ll be honest—the cushions felt a little stiff right out of the box. They’re foam-filled and structured, so don’t expect a super plush, sink-in kind of feel (at least not at first). That said, four months in, they’ve started to relax and break in. I’m hopeful they’ll keep softening up over time and develop that lived-in feel we’re after.
What’s been a total lifesaver is the removable, washable covers. The kids have spilled popcorn, juice, Doritos—you name it—and all I have to do is unzip, toss in the wash, and zip back on. It’s not always perfect, but it’s a lot better than trying to spot-clean a traditional couch.
Storage That Actually Works
The storage chaise is something I didn’t think we’d use much, but turns out, it’s incredibly handy. We stash our extra throw blankets, pillow covers, and seasonal decor in there. If you’re tight on storage space or just want a clean living room look, it’s a huge bonus.
Design + Color Options
We chose the Gunnared beige-gray fabric, and I was nervous it would clash with the warmer tones in our home. Thankfully, it blends beautifully with our white-beige, slightly French cottage style. I’d say it leans neutral but has just enough texture to hide everyday wear and tear.
There are a few other color options too, all in IKEA’s signature neutral palette, so it’s easy to find something that works with your decor.
One design note—if your sectional isn’t going against a wall, just know that the back of the FINNALA is pretty plain. We added a simple console table behind it to make the space look more finished.
Breaking Down the Cost
Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay for each FINNALA component (prices can vary slightly depending on your store):
- Armless seat: Around $250
- Corner seat: Around $300
- Chaise: About $350
- Ottoman with storage: Around $150
We built a U-shaped configuration with these pieces and came in just under $2,500. Compared to other modular setups, it felt like a win.
What to Watch Out For
One thing we noticed during setup is that the cushions only fit one way. The covers are shaped to fit the foam inserts precisely, so if something looks “off,” try rotating it before you think it’s a defect.
Also, if you’re particular about symmetry or seams lining up, take your time during assembly. It’s easy to rush through and miss the small details, especially with multiple pieces.
My kids do what most kids do—jump, bounce, and turn the sofa into their personal fort headquarters. While it doesn’t bother me much, the sections do tend to shift out of alignment (as you’ll see in the photos below), so if you’re a total Type A or need things perfectly lined up at all times, this might drive you a little nuts.
Do We Recommend It?
Yes, absolutely—especially if you’re in the same season of life we’re in. Our kids love it. It fits everyone during movie night, gives them room to stretch out, and it looks way more pulled together than our old setup. It’s not high-end furniture, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s practical, comfy, and flexible.
And just for reference, we moved our old Pottery Barn sofa to a secondary living room upstairs. We still love that one and would recommend it if you don’t need a sectional.
A Few Extras That Make a Big Difference
If you’re styling your FINNALA or just want to make it extra cozy, here are a few things we added which include our favorite throw pillows, the BEST fluffy pillow inserts (expensive but totally worth it – do not recommend Ikea’s inserts at all), and neutral blankets.
One of my favorite hacks for putting together and stuffing the FINNALA cushion covers is using a large trash bag and a vacuum to shrink the insert just enough to slide it in with ease. It saves so much time and frustration—and honestly feels a little magical watching it work!
Final Thoughts
Overall, the IKEA FINNALA has worked out really well for our family. It’s affordable, versatile, and looks great in our space. It’s not perfect, but it does what we need it to do—and with four kids, that’s saying something!
If you’re thinking about making the leap to a sectional and want something customizable that won’t blow your budget, definitely give this one a look. And if you’ve already got one, I’d love to hear how you styled yours or what layout you chose.
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
- Adirondack Chairs (American Made)
- Reupholstered Wingback Chairs: Before and After
- IKEA Finnala Honest Review
