Wondering if you should get a Bergmund chair for your dining room? Take a look at what we’ve got to say about this IKEA dining chair.
Firstly, it’s easy to assemble, just like the IKEA Harry and Henriksdal that we have also reviewed before. With an Allen key and a set of screws, putting together the Bergmund is simple, like most of IKEA’s dining chairs that we’ve written about.
The Bergmund looks similar to the Harry and Henriksdal, but it’s also a special one because of the angle of its backrest which provides good lumbar support. As IKEA mentioned on its website, the 104° angled backrest is made to fit 99% of the world’s population as the sit bones of all humans are similar. So, the Bergmund is comfortable enough to be sat on post-dinner for a nice chit-chat session.
The comfort is enhanced with a cushion that’s bouncy, with a centre that’s thicker than its four edges. The 41cm seat depth and 52cm seat width make a big seating space, hence it’s quite comfortable for long hours of sitting.
The Bergmund chair covers come in 7 designs (fitted) and each of the slipcovered Bergmund chair costs USD99. However, the Bergmund does come in 3 to 4 medium-long covers as well (depending on the country). The length doesn’t stop there as they come in long, floor-length covers too, with a price of USD105. You can also opt for white, oak effect or black frames to go with your chair.
On the USA website, the Bergmund chair covered in black bycast leather is also available. Although the black leather is almost double the price of its cotton-polyester counterpart, it surely gives a more premium look to any dining space. Unlike the ones with cotton-polyester slipcover, there’s only one colour for the leather-covered Bergmund dining chair. While the cotton-polyester Bergmund chair covers can be washed, you only need to wipe down the leather one with a damp cloth.
Rating: 7/10
With the many slipcover options at IKEA, you still can’t find something you like? See what Comfort Works has in store for you with more than 70 fabric styles to choose from. Order up to 8 free fabric samples and see how they can fit into your home interior.
If there is one IKEA sofa that we would say is the most popular around the world, many would agree with us when we say that it is definitely the IKEA Ektorp. This classic, loveable design is now an integral part of lots of homes, more specifically, the living rooms.
But, what is it that makes the IKEA Ektorp so special (not to mention, ultra-famous), so much so, everyone wants an Ektorp sat in their living room, right in front of that big-screen television?
Well, that’s what we’re here for today. To spill the tea on why the IKEA Ektorp is regarded the best classic IKEA sofa ever. So, let’s get to it.
#1 Comfort
The cushions on this sofa are unbelievably comfortable yet provide the ample support needed for your lower back. This is all thanks to the high-resilience foam in the cushions, that springs back into its original shape, the moment you get off the couch.
And to add to that, polyester fibre layers can be found enclosing the foam, giving it additional support. These polyester fibres act like a trampoline (sort of, at least), stretching and snapping back into position, keeping the cushions in great shape.
The combination of the highly resilient foam and the fibre layers work together to ensure that you don’t get that weird, sinking feeling when you sit in the couch. It’s more of a fibre and foam cloud that keeps you comfy and supported while you watch the telly or chill out with family.
Rating : 9/10
#2 Design & Aesthetics
One look at the IKEA Ektorp and what you will see is a classic, round arm sofa, just like the ones your nan might have had. But, there is a subtle difference. The Ektorp is actually IKEA’s modern take on the vintage round arm sofa.
While the vintage versions were huge and bulky, the Ektorp is comparatively smaller and conserves space. This makes it the perfect choice for those who would love a quintessential sofa, but have very limited real estate to play around with.
The seats are also not too deep. They’re about 88cm deep (that’s about 35″), just the right size for you to sit and relax in. The armrests are quite prominent, round shapes but they’re not as gigantic as the olden-day, round arm sofas. The Ektorp is a more sleek, streamlined design, a far-cry from the massive round arm sofas, back in the day.
The best part about the IKEA Ektorp however, is its outstanding choices of slipcovers. There is something for just about everybody. Here are some of the colors that IKEA has for the Ektorp range :
Personally, my favorite is the Nordvalla Dark Grey. It’s a color that’s easy to care for, works with most decors and if you have kids (of furkids), you wouldn’t need to spend half your time at home, cleaning. Even the Vittaryd White is not really a bad idea. According to care instructions by IKEA, it can be machine washed on warm so the stains would come right off (yay!).
My only other comment would be that the Lingbo Multicolor slipcovers, have way too much going on and after a while, you sort of get bored of the print.
Rating : 8/10
#3 Hackability
In terms of hackability, the IKEA Ektorp can be considered pretty hackable. The Ektorp range comes with a myriad of sections that you can use to build the perfect couch for.
Some of the pieces (or sections) in the IKEA Ektorp family include the 3-seaters, 2-seater, armchair, footstool and everyone’s favorites, the chaise sectional and the 4-seater corner sectional. You can mix and match any of these components and create a couch that’s made for you, by you!
But, my personal favorite is the combination of the Ektorp three-seater and the footstool. Not only can you create your own chaise at whim by using them in combination, the footstool also doubles as a side table or an extra seating whenever you need it. Plus, the footstool comes with a secret storage compartment to hide away the clutter.
Rating : 7/10
#4 Price
When it comes to pricing, the IKEA Ektorp wins hands down. Any other round arm 3-seater sofa can easily cost you US$1000 and above. For instance, the PB Basic Sofa over at our friends, Pottery Barn costs US$ 1,124 while the IKEA Ektorp 3-seater is only US$499. That’s nearly half the price!
Rating : 9/10
The Ultimatum
Comfort-wise, the IKEA Ektorp is essentially incomparable to other IKEA models. The plush cushions are an absolute joy to sit in. Countless people who have bought the Ektorp have vouched for the cushions retaining its shape over the years. In terms of comfort, the only comparable sofa to the IKEA Ektorp would be the IKEA Gronlid, in my opinion. Check out what we had to say about the Gronlid in our IKEA Gronlid review.
Design-wise, the Ektorp is perfect for classic sofa lovers with limited design space to work with. Its streamlined, sleek and toned-down look makes it the ultimate sofa for any living room. Not only that, the IKEA Ektorp costs only half of what other similar sofas are priced at in the market. If this isn’t a wise home-improvement choice, I don’t know what is.
Verdict: 8.5/10
And if you’re not a fan of the Lingbo Multicolor, like me, you’ll love our IKEA Ektorp slipcover range, with more than 70+ different fabrics that you can choose from. Get a fabric sample and say hello to a fresh new set of Ektorp slipcovers for 2022!
If you’ve found this review helpful and want to find out more about other IKEA sofa models, click the button below for the best IKEA sofa reviews!
“If you need to buy something new, try to focus on companies that have a circular approach to their products,” she says.
“That can include refurbishing and recycling programs. That helps keep extra furniture out of landfills.”
While furniture brands continuously come up with beautiful sofa creations to lounge on, buying a used sofa can still give your space character.
Buying a used sofa actively saves it from ending up in the landfill.
Burning or burying it releases carbon and other pollutants into the air and soil, which can contaminate water.
So, before you pay for that new, shiny piece of furniture, think of the old ones you could save and how that could possibly help the environment.
Why get a used sofas?
It reduces our carbon footprint
Carbon footprint means the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by a person, a product, a device, activities, manufacturing process, etc.
These are expressed as carbon dioxide or CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2e).
According to a study by Small World Consulting, you’re able to avoid 563 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission when you purchase a second-hand sofa.
Disposing of furniture, especially those made from wood or steel, is bad for the environment.
If you purchase a second-hand wardrobe, it could save 782 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission. Shocking, isn’t it?
Image: Pexels
You can find high-quality goods
Antique furniture can survive for decades because of its great craftsmanship and excellent quality.
They use hardwearing materials, developing furniture that is made to last.
Many manufacturers don’t make new sofas with the finest materials.
In fact, they often use particle boards in cheaper sofas today.
Although lightweight, particle board is not the most durable as it is susceptible to moisture and humidity.
For sofas that have withstood the years tend to have signs of wear-and-tear on them.
However, the structure is often still solid.
You might need to do some reupholstering or refinishing on the outside, but as long as the foundation is still strong, second-hand can still be used for years to come.
Image: Pexels
Benefit from a low price
The price of an old sofa is definitely way lower than its original price years ago.
In fact, it could cost about the same or less than a new sofa.
Quality-wise? The old couch is most likely unbeatable.
They say “old is gold”, and that can’t be more true with antiques.
Of course, even though the price is cheaper, there are some other costs to consider such as repainting, reupholstering, and refinishing.
Another good thing about picking up a second-hand sofa is that it’s one of a kind.
It’s possible to find a similar one, but what are the chances of you meeting someone with a sofa that’s exactly the same?
Furthermore, each sofa has a past.
If you’re lucky, you’d be able to find out from its previous owner how far it travelled across the world to reach where you are and maybe some good memories that come along with it.
If you do need to refinish it or redecorate it, your designs could add more character to the piece.
Having something unique in your space is a creative way to reflect your taste and personality.
Image: Pexels
Things to look out for when purchasing a used sofa
So, you’ve decided that you want to get an old sofa? Let our sofa expertise guide you.
Here we are providing tips on how to choose the right used sofa so that you don’t get your hands on something nasty.
1.Inspect the material
What is the sofa frame made out of?
It’s good to know whether it’s made out of specific materials like plywood, MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or solid wood.
Unsure about the material? Inspect the structure.
If you’re able to lift it up easily, then it’s probably not solid wood.
Veneer manufacturers make wood lighter by using real wood only for the uppermost layer, while the base consists of cheaper materials like fibreboard or particle board.
With solid wood, you can usually spot dovetail joints, securely held together with glue.
On the other hand, nails and staples at the joints usually indicate lower-quality veneered wood or laminate.
You could also examine the patterns of the wood.
If there are repeating grain patterns, it’s most likely veneer.
You can identify real wood by its natural, inconsistent pattern, helping you determine if the piece is genuine.
Image: Pexels
2. Test the used sofa
It’s always better to pick out your new second-hand sofa in person, whether it’s at a used furniture store or a yard sale.
This is so you’re able to actually test it out at the location before deciding whether you really want it and if it’s worth the purchase.
The sofa structure is more important than how it looks outside (ugly patterns, signs of dirt and stains etc).
Sit on it with a thump as many times as you want, ask some friends to go and sit on it together, bounce up and down a little – just to see how well the chair holds.
This is to ensure that when you actually put it to use, it’s able to withstand your active family members (children, pets etc) for many years to come.
If there are minor creaks, try looking for the source of it.
Sometimes it may just be the screws that are loose and, a simple tightening would be able to help reduce or stop the creak.
Sometimes the glue has weakened which can also cause your sofa to make tiny squeaks.
However, if you notice the wood starting to splinter and the frame seems crooked or off, it’s better to leave it and look for another used sofa.
Image: Pexels
3. Use your nose
As weird as this might sound, a great big sniff will tell you if a used sofa is still good for use.
It’s only normal for an old sofa to smell like its previous owners’ space.
If it just smells like dust or old furniture, that’s okay.
Airing it out will help to clear off the smell.
Products with scented oil can also help to give it a fresh scent.
However, you need to watch out for smells like mould, smoke, cooking oil or pet urine.
If you do happen to sniff out these bad odours, please do not make a purchase!
The sofa cushions trap these smells, making them very difficult to remove.
A foul odour can also be an indication that the couch was not regularly cleaned which makes it a breeding ground for bedbugs.
After investigating, you would be able to know which sofa can be purchased and which ones should be avoided at all costs.
Even though this method is unusual, that’s how you make sure used furniture is bug-free.
Image: Pexels
4. Examine the fabric
Often it only takes one look at a sofa to decide that it’s just…too ugly.
An outdated, ancient pattern or stubborn black and brown stains might stand out.
Great news if your cushion has a slipcover!
Comfort Works’ sofa covers can transform your couch to look brand new. And there are 70 chic and stylish fabrics to choose from.
Order up to 8 free fabric samples to touch and feel the fabric before you decide on the one that would beautify your used sofa.
Chairish offers many curated, vintage pieces from high-end designers and brands.
Their prices are higher than other second-hand furniture sellers, but they’re worth it due to their unique designs. Furthermore, their quality is guaranteed.
Another advantage of using Chairish is that you are able to return the furniture within 48 hours if you’re not satisfied with it. How great is that?
If you are in the Northeast or San Francisco Bay Area, AptDeco is probably your best choice when it comes to purchasing used sofas with convenience.
Buyers make a purchase online from verified sellers, and AptDeco would arrange the delivery to your home.
It’s pretty much like any other online shopping, but this time it’s with second-hand furniture from top brands such as West Elm, Sven and Crate & Barrel.
Oftentimes, they have really great discounts that cost only half of the original retail price!
Its rising popularity means that you are able to find more old couches that you like in the near future.
Connect directly with buyers on Facebook Marketplace on your own from start to finish of the buying process.
This gives you more freedom when it comes to inspecting the real product as you are able to arrange with the sellers a viewing for the sofas that you’re interested in.
This is a great opportunity for you to check out the sofas to ensure it is still fine to be used by you for the next few years.
Many users have been able to find great furniture from Facebook Marketplace.
Remember to use the tips mentioned above as a guideline to choosing the right second-hand sofa.
Hopefully, with all the information that you have, you’re able to find the second-hand sofa that you like and are able to create lasting memories with.
If you do have an old couch that needs to be revived, take a look at our fabric options and see how Comfort Works can help you beautify your living room.
In need of a replacement for your IKEA dining chair slipcovers? We’ve got it here at Comfort Works and you get to customise it the way you want it, too!
The newer Henriksdal (post 2011) will also have a wider seat measurements of 54cm and the older discontinued Henriksdal cover (pre-2011) is 51cm wide on the seating.
Even though IKEA has discontinued the Nils dining chair, we are using this post to reminisce on the goodness of this dining chair.
Pros
The Nils is cosy. Once you sit down on the IKEA Nils chair, the armrests on both sides make you feel like you’re nestled inside a nice, warm dining chair. Upon sitting on it, I had the feeling that I could perch on this chair for many hours past dinner.
And you know what makes it better? Our Classic Velvet slipcovers for the IKEA Nils chair – especially during the cold, winter months. Imagine all snuggled up in your Nils while sipping a cup of tea and doing some paperwork at the dining table.
IKEA Nils slipcovered in Brushed Cotton Rose, Performance Weave Amber and Cotton Canvas Sand for an eclectic interior design
Back support. Even though the back support feels quite low, it keeps hold of your back when sitting in an upright position. A chair that offers good back support can’t be that bad of a chair, right?
Bouncy seat cushions. One sit is all it takes – it’s not so easy to leave the IKEA Nils chair once you start to get snug in it. If you don’t have to, we say, sit down.
Cons
Low armrests. If you’re a person with long arms, then the armrests might feel a little too low and it could be tiring unless you’re not sitting up straight. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be a problem for people with shorter arms (unlike my lanky ones).
Our Nils has been here for years, so I can’t blame it for having some small creaks when I move around in the chair. It’s still pretty sturdy, so there are no worries on the chair breaking.
Rating: 6.5/10
Do you have a set of Nils dining chairs at home that are still working fine? If you’re planning to keep them for a few more years, why not give them a new look by putting on new dining chair slipcovers? With more than 70 fabric styles and customisation options (long skirt, mid-skirt, ribbon tie back, pleats etc), you will surely find a design that suits your taste and your dining room interior.
Mother’s Day is a tough one. Society wants us to encapsulate everything we appreciate about our mothers into a single gift that she will love, cherish and use forever. That’s a lot of pressure.
The angle I take with my own mother is 1) things that she wouldn’t buy herself that would 2) materially improve her life. Tbh, sometimes that is flowers. Sometimes it’s a food processor to replace the one she bought 30 years ago that died three years ago. You know your mum best. But here are some prompts if you’re feeling lost.
Instead of flowers…
How about a plantable candle? I know what you’re going to say – candles are just as boring as flowers. BUT: candles last longer, are more practical decor items, and in this case, can be repurposed into a very chic potted plant when your mum has finished burning the candle.
Image credit: Esker
Esker’s Plantable Candle (US$83) is scented with a soothing, woodsy combination of palo santo, rock rose and cedar. The candle comes in a very stylish terazzo pot, along with seed paper and a soil pod that you just pop into the pot when the candle is finished. The seeds are all edible herbs, so it really is a gift that, with enough time, will keep on giving.
How about just letting her have a lie-in? Guaranteed your mum would rather have an excellent night’s sleep than a cold piece of toast in bed.
Image credit: Bearaby
This weighted knitted cotton blanket from Bearaby (USD249) has all the benefits of a traditional weighted blanket (helping to manage stress, anxiety and sleep disorders). The key difference is the weight is created by the knit itself, rather than by the addition of beads or other objects. Bearaby blankets are hand-knitted in organic cotton, making them super-soft, breathable and very chic.
How about the equipment to make brunch at home amazing every time?
Image credit: Yield Design
There are no words for how beautiful this Yield glass French press (USD85) is. It comes in four different colours – above is the amber shade, and there’s also a crisp green colourway that is *chef’s kiss*. (It can also be used for teas or fruit crushes.) If your mum’s coffee style runs more to Chemex, espresso-style or Mokapot, simply find the most beautiful version you can.
How about luxe spa tools to use every day? Bonus points if you allow her the time and headspace to use them regularly.
Image credit: Yina
The Yina Bian Stone Gua Sha (USD50) is a beautiful thing to keep on the bathroom counter, even if it’s just to look at. The Bian Stone can be used all over the body, using its different points to increase circulation, and relieve tight, sore muscles.
Or how about a soothing CBD balm? Or a porcelain massage tool for your face? Or a no-nonsense deep tissue massage gun?
Of course, it has to be said – in our eyes, one of the best gifts is a fresh sofa. Maybe that means cleaning your mum’s sofa, maybe that means going on a new slipcover journey with her. Whatever it takes to make your mum happy.
