According to IKEA, the chair was designed by designers Noboru Nakamura and Lars Engman and was introduced in 1977. Originally named POEM, it was renamed to “POÄNG” in the 90s – presumably because “Poäng” sounds like “boing”? We can only wonder.
Since it was launched, more than 30 million units have been sold worldwide. You probably know someone who has the chair in their home, or have one yourself.
While the IKEA Poäng chair has become iconic in its own right, we can’t help but think that it has cast a shadow over its predecessor, Alvar Aalto’s Lounge Chair 406, which features the very same curving wooden frame. The Lounge Chair 406 doesn’t have a cushioned seat, but a sturdy linen webbing instead. Oh, let’s not forget the mind-boggling price tag of US$2494, which is about 8 times the price of a Poäng, (US$99-179).
The Poäng armchair starts with the frame. The basic model is simply the curved wood veneer frame, currently available in the chair or rocking chair style.
The Poäng cushion dimensions are pretty much all the same and are interchangeable on the frames for the chair and rocker.
It’s exactly the same as the armchair, only smaller! There is only one cushion type for the children’s armchair, which is similar to what we’re referring to as the attached neck cushion, but a few cheerful options for fabric covers.
Covers for the children’s armchair are currently available in:
Medskog dinosaur pattern
Knisa light beige
Side note: IKEA also offers a very similar chair called the PELLO. Unless you’re scrutinising both chairs side by side, it’s very difficult to differentiate the Pello, but the main difference is that the Pello’s arms are almost perpendicular to the backrest, whereas the Poäng’s curve upwards to meet the backrest.
Slipcoverability
Status: Covers are still available from IKEA.
Slipcover: Custom Poäng slipcovers for certain cushion types are available at Comfort Works.
Furniture measurements:
Chair: 68 x 82 x 100 cm
Footstool: 68 x 54 x 39cm
Children’s armchair: 47 x 56 x 68cm
Our Review
Aesthetics: 7/10. When polling other people, there seem to be mixed opinions. The bare frame, composed of layer-glued wood veneer seems to give the chair a harsh, bare-bones overall look, compared to many traditional armchairs.
Comfort: 5/10. The cushion itself is passable, definitely not something you’d want to sink into considering there is only about 6cm of padding between you and the wooden frame.
Durability: 9/10. There is a reason every IKEA store has one of those plexiglas boxes, proudly displaying a 10-year warranty on the chair undergoing a pneumatic “stress test”. The test is supposed to simulate a lifetime use of an “average” adult repeatedly sitting and getting up. While we’ve never heard of anyone breaking the IKEA Poäng chair, before, I’d say that it has a great lifespan structurally. Stylistically, you’re likely to get bored of looking at it after a few years.
Price: Prices start from US$99 for the chair with a basic cushion and go up to US$289 in the quilted leather cushions. The starting price is still pretty tempting though!
Average score: 7.5/10
If you want to dress your old Poäng armchair with new slipcovers in a wide variety of fabrics, we make slipcovers that fit the versions with the attached neck cushion, stand alone neck cushion, as well as the footstool. If you aren’t sure which version you have, feel free to contact us!
It’s essentially an updated Friheten, with extra throw pillows, wedged armrests, and a higher price tag. Just like the Friheten sofa bed, the Holmsund comes in two different configurations – a 3-seater sleeper sofa and a sectional sofa bed that comes with a chaise.
The 3-seater starts from US$949, while the sectional sleeper starts from US$999.
As for cover choice, you’re quite limited if you prefer the original IKEA covers as you only have a choice of 4 colours:
Orrsta light white-grey
Orrsta light blue
Nordvalla medium grey (reminds me of our Textured Weave Charcoal)
Nordvalla beige (Everyday Linen Cream!)
Each configuration comes with hidden storage space as well. For the 3-seater, that’s under the seats. For the sectional sleeper, that’s under the chaise.
The fun thing about the chaise is that you can put it on either the left or right of the sofa, and switch it up at any time. The covers allow for this as well :)
Its sofa legs are quite short, almost making it feel like you’re sitting on the floor. This is unlike the Friheten sofa bed, which proudly shows its legs off.
How does it sit?
The Holmsund is really deep. With throw pillows for a back rest, you could make a nest out of the sofa, and my 6’2″ frame sat comfortably all the way back. The armrests are well-placed and comfortable, although you aren’t going to be able to sit on them like a Kivik’s armrest.
Comfort-wise though, the Holmsund is an acquired taste. The padding is firm, without being hard. If you like sitting IN your sofa, this is probably not for you. I personally liked it though, but then again I value strong support (over being swallowed whole).
My friend says that loads of extra pillows can make the Holmsund really comfy, but I find that more than 5 are an issue for clumsy me.
What about sleep?
You should expect the same firm rest on the bed as well. However, on the 3-seater sofa bed, the seat portion moves forward, while the backrest folds down to join the seat and form a bed. I didn’t quite like this gap and found it rather irritating on occasion.
With the sectional sleeper (with chaise), the bed part pulls up from underneath the seat. Same as with IKEA’s Friheten and Manstad sofa beds. I preferred this as it was a lot easier to pull out, though some may fear that the mechanism might not last the test of time.
The bed is a double or full size, not quite a queen size bed. Source your sheets with care if you use them.
Comfort Works tip: I bought a cheap memory foam topper and this improved sleep immensely. If you still get complaints from your friend, pass them a couple more beers before they head to sleep.
Conclusion
Pricier, classy looking, a really deep seat, and a firm supportive padding. Also has slipcovers or sofa covers, but I didn’t quite like the polyester from IKEA – they were a little rough and uncomfortable.
I’d still get it as I entertain on occasion, but if you’re a bachelor on the high end of the height scale, go for the Friheten instead.
We love our couches, but as times goes, seeing the sagging couch cushions just makes us feel some type of way. Like, could we make it look like how it used to be – all fluffed up and happy?
Yes, we can!
What’s better? We’re providing tips on how to fix saggy couch cushions that you can totally DIY at home easily!
This sounds simple, yet it’s not something we remember to do all the time. When you don’t flip the sofa cushions regularly, the pressure will cause only one side of the cushion to dent permanently.
If you want to prolong the life of your sofa cushions, flip them every one to two weeks to make sure both sides of the cushion are used evenly. If the slipcovers aren’t reversible, then take the cushions out and turn them around before slipping them inside again.
Slipcovered throw cushions
2. Tuft them
Another way to fix sagging sofa cushions is to tuft them. What better way to do that than with Comfort Works’ Tufting Kit, in which all the necessary tools come together in a set consisting of upholstery needle, chalk, measuring tape, upholstery twine, scissors and fabric-covered buttons.
Watch the video below to see how easy it is to do DIY tufting:
3. Replace cushion stuffing or foam inserts
This may be the least convenient way out of the three, but it’s the best method to fix your saggy couch cushions as they tend to last longer. Pick up some stuffing or foam inserts (exactly the same size as the old one) from the store, add in a little cutting and sewing, and that should do the trick.
Comfort Works’ slipcovered throw cushions
Other than fluffing up old cushions, check out what other things you can do to give your sofa new life!
You ordered your new slipcovers and waited patiently for them to arrive. When they arrived at your doorstep, you breathlessly signed for the parcel and kept your cool until the courier left, then you excitedly ripped open the parcel and pulled out the bag containing your slipcovers. It’s like a Mary Poppins bag, a small sack containing the cushion covers and frame covers and if you ordered sofa accessories, they’re in there too.
The slipcovers have traveled around the world to get to you so they’ve been crammed into a box for some time, so they may be a little wrinkled. Here is an ironing guide to help you achieve smooth slipcovers and a crisp look!
1. Identify the fabric composition of your new slipcovers.
Did you get cotton, linen, or slipcovers made of synthetic blends? The fabric composition of the cover will govern the heat setting of the iron:
– Brushed Cotton and Cotton Canvas (100% cotton) – medium heat setting
– Everyday Linen (linen blends) – medium heat setting
– Textured Weave (100% polyester) – do not iron
– Claw-proof Velvet and Classic Velvet – do not iron
– Savannah Saddle (vegan leather) and Urbanskin Kramfors (bycast leather) – do not iron. Ever!
2. Match your slipcovers to their respective sofa part or cushion and get the iron ready.
For a perfectly pressed look for a long skirt slipcover, you might want to try ironing just the skirt portion first. Otherwise, just put the slipcovers on your sofa and get an extension cord for your iron if needed. Lightly mist with water (if you want to), then gently iron the covers directly on the sofa, moving constantly to ensure even distribution of heat while smoothing the covers to follow the shape of your sofa.
Work in sections until the fabric has smoothed out, then you’re all done! Step back and admire your handiwork.
IKEA Farlov Armchair in Textured Weave Frost
3. How do you get the creases out of fabrics that can’t be ironed, such as Claw-proof Velvet and Classic Velvet?
The great thing about these fabrics is that they may appear to be very wrinkly initially but after a few days of regular use on your sofa, the wrinkles will gently fall out and you’ll get that super smooth look in no time.
You could also use a steamer to get at those particularly stubborn creases!
IKEA Farlov 3-Seater Sofa in Classic Velvet Cobalt
Got a question? Feel free to ask us :)
When it’s time to give your covers a wash, be sure to check out our fabric care guide too!
After a long day, your sofa is exactly the place to be to curl up and unwind. Sometimes food and wine are involved. Sometimes your furry friends join in the fun. Other times, children. With crayons.
Let’s face it, when life happens, your sofa is the first to bear the brunt of it all. But that’s why you bought a fully removable slipcovered sofa in the first place – so that you can chuck the covers straight into the wash when you need to.
Of course, you don’t need to wait until there’s a major accident to wash your sofa covers. If you have pets, vacuuming their fur off the sofa should be a regular part of your sofa-cleaning routine. Fun fact: Excess germs and bacteria build-up on sofas is primarily caused by dead human cells! To keep this build-up to a minimum, avoid eating on your sofa (duh) and swap out your slipcovers between washes (at least twice a year).
Most slipcovers require two laundry loads: one load for cushions and the other for the body of the sofa. While nearly all slipcover types are machine-washable, different fabrics require a specific type of care. Here’s a general fabric care guide which you can follow when it comes to caring for your specific sofa slipcover fabric.
Cotton is one of the most common fabrics used to make slipcovers. It’s comfortable, durable and easily dyed in a variety of colours.
How to wash your cotton slipcovers
If your cotton slipcovers are machine-washable, put them on a cold, gentle cycle in your machine. The gentler the fabric is treated, the longer your slipcovers will last. If possible, try to wash the entire set in one go to maintain a consistent shade and finish.
Most cotton slipcovers will get softer after each wash, and darker fabrics may fade slightly, but that’s all part of a slipcover’s charm. Your slipcover should last several years, since most are washed just a few times a year.
How to dry and iron your cotton slipcovers
If you’ve heard of the practice of fitting covers on while slightly damp, it’s true! Leave them to drip dry in the shade for a few hours, and gently fit the covers on. They should slip on easier as they’re looser, and will allow for a nice, snug fit as the covers dry. Once the covers are fitted, keep the air flow around the sofa moving as much as possible – turn the fan on and keep the windows open.
If your covers need ironing, now is a great time to sharpen up the corners of the pleats and skirts. But wait until the covers are fully dry to iron the rest – wet ironing may stretch out your slipcovers.
How to spot clean cotton slipcovers
Moisten a clean cloth or sponge with water and press the cloth gently against the fabric. Work your way from the edges of the affected area into the centre, blotting the stain as you go.
Cotton slipcover care guide
Machine wash not exceeding 30°C.
Iron on medium heat.
Do not bleach.
Drip dry in shade only.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not wring.
Do not expose to direct/indirect sunlight.
Fit covers back on sofa when slightly damp.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly.
When possible rotate cushions regularly.
At Comfort Works, we offer two kinds of pure cotton slipcovers: Brushed Cotton, our silky, stonewashed cotton in five soft shades, and Cotton Canvas, a durable but comfortable cotton.
Comfort Works Performance Weave slipcovers in Cream
Polyester is made up of strong and durable synthetic fibres. There is a wide range of polyester fabrics, and they are known to be soft, durable and hard-wearing. Often polyester is blended with natural fibres for the best of both worlds.
How to wash your polyester slipcovers
Most of the time, polyester covers are safe to be thrown into the washing machine, on a cold wash on the gentlest cycle of your machine. For extra protection, turn your slipcovers inside out before washing them.
How to dry and iron your polyester slipcovers
Before you throw the covers into the dryer, know that polyester is prone to melt under high temperatures. Polyester covers can hold up for a short time in the dryer, on a low temperature setting, but be careful not to leave them in there for too long. Zippers and velcro straps can also be worn down in a tumble dryer.
Generally, we recommend drip drying your covers in the shade, which shouldn’t take too long, as polyester covers don’t absorb much water and dry pretty quickly.
Polyester covers don’t wrinkle easily, so that should save you the job of ironing. If you’re after that crisp look, ironing the corners of skirts and the pleats inside out under low or medium heat should do the trick.
How to spot clean polyester slipcovers
Spot treatment for polyester fabrics is similar to that of cotton. Moisten a cloth/sponge with water and press the cloth gently against the fabric. Work your way from the edges of the affected area into the centre, blotting the stain as you go. Then, press clean towels against the damp fabric after the furniture has been cleaned. This will absorb excess moisture and speed the drying process.
Polyester slipcover care guide
Machine wash not exceeding 30°C.
Iron reverse side in low heat.
Do not bleach.
Drip dry in shade only.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not wring.
Do not expose to direct/indirect sunlight.
Fit covers back on sofa when slightly damp.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly.
When possible rotate cushions regularly.
At Comfort Works, we carry a range of different polyester and polyester blend fabrics, including our stain-resistant Performance Weave that’s perfect for families with kids and pets, our durable, commercial-grade Textured Weave, and our bestselling, super-versatile Everyday Weave.
Linen is a strong, lightweight fabric that feels luxurious and smooth on the skin. It’s a great fabric for sofas because of its natural breathability and temperature-regulating properties, but can tend to the more expensive side. Linen fibres are also commonly blended with other fabrics, especially cotton, to create a more affordable, everyday fabric. Get to know why linen is the right fabric for you.
How to wash your linen slipcovers
Linens and linen blends require a little more care than cotton fabrics to keep them looking fresh and crisp. (Having said that, a characteristic of linen is that it will soften over time, and after each wash.) Linen covers are best machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle.
How to dry and iron your linen slipcovers
Washable covers should be drip dried in the shade and fitted on the sofa when they’re almost dry but slightly damp. A slightly crumpled finish is part of linen’s signature look, so don’t worry about ironing unless you really want to. If you’re set on ironing your linen covers, it would be a good idea to iron while the fabric is still damp. Otherwise, iron with steam on the medium setting. While white linen is best ironed on both sides, it is best to iron dark linen on the inside only.
How to spot clean your linen slipcovers
Our recommendation is the tried-and-tested 50/50 white vineger and water mix. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (white vinegar is a non-negotiable; do not try this with other types of vinegar!), pour the mixture into a spray bottle and then test the mixture on an inconspicuous part of the sofa first. If your linen covers don’t react adversely to the mixture, go ahead and spray the affected area, then dab it gently with a clean cloth.
Linen slipcover care guide
Machine wash not exceeding 30°C.
Iron on reverse side ONLY, on low heat.
Do not bleach.
Drip dry in shade only.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not wring.
Do not expose to direct/indirect sunlight.
Fit covers back on sofa when slightly damp.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly.
When possible rotate cushions regularly.
At Comfort Works, we carry a luxurious Pure Linen and also our Everyday Linen, a practical blend of 55% linen and 45% cotton.
The most traditionally luxurious sofa fabric, velvet is easy to love – but is it easy to take care of? Along with the textile industry, velvets have evolved over the years and these days they’re not that much more high-maintenance than any other fabric. Of course, there are a few things you need to look out for.
How to wash your velvet slipcovers
Comfort Works Classic Velvet and Claw-proof Velvet slipcovers are machine-washable, but we always recommend that you use a cold handwash setting. If you’re not confident in your washing machine, dry-cleaning is also a great option.
How to dry and iron your velvet slipcovers
Under no circumstances should you put your velvet covers into the dryer. Don’t do it! Drip dry them in the shade, and use a clothes brush to brush out the nap as it dries. This ensures that the fibres dry smoothly and will stay velvety after washing.
If your velvet slipcovers have lost their shimmer, you can use a steamer to restore its signature shine. Keep the nozzle moving across the velvet at a moderate pace in the direction of the nap. After it dries, use a soft-bristled hair brush and gently brush it in the direction of the nap.
How to spot clean velvet slipcovers
If there’s a stain on your velvet covers, you should always treat them prior to washing because if not, the stain might set and ruin the nap of the velvet, then you’ll be stuck with a patch of inconsistent nap on your couch.
Use a cloth dampened in lukewarm water and dab the stain gently, moving up and down. Dab with a dry cloth to clear up excess water. After trying to remove the stain, if it still appears to be there, then it’s best left to the dry cleaners.
If you have allergies, leather is a great sofa material as it accumulates far less dust and mites than fabric does. And let’s get it out of the way: leather, in any form, is not washable.
Bycast leather is commonly used on sofas, and may be either completely synthetic, or a combination of real hide with a synthetic backing/coating. This coating also makes the leather stain-resistant and easier to keep clean.
How to clean your leather slipcovers
Using a dry cloth, wipe your sofa every few months to remove dust and grime that might cause wear and tear. For stubborn stains, mix three cups of water with a squirt of liquid dish detergent. Dip a cleaning cloth in this solution, wring out as much water as possible, then continue wiping until it’s all gone.
How to maintain leather slipcovers
After wiping, keep your bycast leather covers looking shiny and luxurious by buffing the polyurethane finish with a soft cloth. You can also find specialised conditioners and protectors designed for bycast leather furniture.
Leather slipcover care guide
Do not wash.
Do not iron.
Do not bleach.
Do not dry clean.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not wring.
Do not expose to direct/indirect sunlight.
Wipe with a dry cloth.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly.
When possible rotate cushions regularly.
At Comfort Works we have two leather options: our bycast leather Urbanskin Kramfors, and vegan leather Savannah Saddle.
It’s always good practice to vacuum the couch cushions with a soft brush, vacuum-cleaner attachment hose to suck up loose dust and dirt. Then set the washing machine to a gentle, delicate or hand-wash cycle. Fill the machine with cold water and add the proper amount of a mild laundry detergent as specified by the detergent bottle.
How to dry and iron your microfibre slipcovers
It’s crucial that microfibre fabric is not exposed to heat, so drip-drying your covers in the shade (near a fan) is always the best option. If you need to use the dryer, use the air-dry option which does not use any heat. While the covers are drying, use a clothes brush to brush them gently and restore the nap.
How to spot clean your microfibre slipcovers
The magic combination is rubbing alcohol, white scrub sponges, and a soft bristle brush. The results are amazing! All you need to do is spray rubbing alcohol on the stains, then use the white sponge to gently scrub the grime off. Once that’s done, use a soft bristle brush to fluff the fabric.
Microfibre fabric care guide
Cold machine wash/cold hand wash.
Do not iron.
Do not bleach.
Dry clean recommended.
Drip dry in shade only.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not wring.
Do not expose to direct/indirect sunlight.
Fit covers back on sofa when slightly damp.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly.
When possible rotate cushions regularly.
Want to know more about our fabrics? Check out our comprehensive care guides & warranty!
If you’re on this page, you’re probably the owner of a leather sofa with a few (or a lot of) scratches on it. Whether it’s your cat, your kids or your own doing, it’s okay. With a leather couch, there are bound to be scratches one way or another. That’s why we’re here to help fix scratches on your leather couch.
If your leather sofa only has a few tiny, light scratches on it, then the solution is simple: just use your hands to rub and massage in a circular motion on the part that has been scratched. The heat, pressure and friction from your hands will allow oil in the leather to bind together, thus removing the scratches.
Use your hands to remove shallow scratches on your couch
2. Hair dryer
The second way to do this is by using a hair dryer because sometimes the heat of your hands may not be enough. The hair dryer generates a higher heat that activates the waxes and oils in the leather so that they come together, thus making the scratch disappear. You can also use your hands to massage for better results. Be mindful that the hair dryer can be really hot, so do remember to hold it at a distance from the leather couch.
Easily fix sofa scratches with a hair dryer
3. Leather fibre binder
A leather fibre binder is a watery, glue-like solution that works very well for heavily scratched or fluffed up leather. It binds the fibres of the leather so that they become stronger and last longer. Apply a bit of binder on a sponge, let it soak into the sponge a little before you rub it onto the scratched leather. Once the binder dries, painting the leather or coating it with products will be easier because the fluff wouldn’t get in the way and it prevents the scuffed leather from getting more damage.
Leather dyes work great on cat scratches on your leather sofa. The dye fills out the scratches so that your sofa looks as good as new. The application is similar to the leather binder: pour the dye onto a sponge, then rub it in circular motions into the scratches on the sofa. You can either air-dry or blow-dry it, then apply another layer or as needed. Once that’s done, your leather would turn out nicely and evenly coloured. In case it still feels rough to the touch, you could gently polish the sofa with 500-grit sandpaper.
As time goes, leather sofas tend to dry out and become brittle, thus it’s easy for the surface of the leather to become damaged. When you apply leather conditioner, your leather sofa absorbs the product to prevent it from drying out. It also protects the leather from grime and dirt. This will keep the leather stronger and durable for a longer period of time.
That’s some of the easiest tips on how to fix scratches on your leather couch.
What are other effective methods that you use to repair and protect your leather sofa from scratches? Feel free to share it and help other leather sofa owners keep their sofa healthy and shiny for years!
