We’ve been in our house for almost a year now and finally made some changes to our living room! We had pieced together furniture from our last homes and made it work but I reeallly wanted to the room to be more comfortable, have more seating, and look pretty and clean.
It’s still a work in progress but we are loving the changes to far! The question I’ve been getting the most is WHY the white couches.
We have three little kids, a dog and this is our main living area. Right off the kitchen nonetheless.
I pulled the trigger on the IKEA Ektorp couches in white for a few reasons….
The first being that these are SLIPCOVERED sofas. Which means they can be CLEANED!
Before the slipcovers even touched the cushions for the first time, chocolate someone got on them. Luckily the chocolate stains came off relatively easy with a little water and Tide stick magic.
This was surprisingly a good start since I’m sure we will have plenty more spills and messes in our future. The first freak out was over!
The next morning, I sat on the couch comfortably with a cup of coffee. Since then, I’ve had a glass of red wine, ice cream and guests over for pizza and so far so good. We are still careful and have a few extra throw blankets on them (especially in the dogs “spot” since she’ll run on the sofa right from going outside).
BLEACHABLE.
Knowing that I can take the slipcovers off and put them in the wash is great. The instructions say not to bleach them but I’ve read a ton of reviews from bloggers and Mom’s that all do it anyway without issues.
Drying them in the sun is supposed to help too. I’m anticipating washing them every 3-4 months which isn’t ideal but manageable.
The second reason – PRICE!
My original plan for this room included much more expensive sofas and I had the hardest time pulling the trigger on fabric that I knew we would worry about. We were able to buy 2 eight foot sofas at a fraction of the price of the other ones.
Also, since they are slipcovers and the price is so great, I was able to get a set of backup covers just in case anything does ruin them. Much more economical than buying an entire new sofa!
Another reason….
DURABILITY.
Okay, these are from IKEA after all and probably, like you, I’m a little skeptical. However, the sales guy sold me by telling me his parents have had this sofa for 11 years, his dad is on the heavier side, they have a big dog that lays on top of the cushions.. and it still has held it shape. After 11 years!
IKEA also gives a 10 year warranty just in case. I promise to give you a future update on how they are holding up.
Last but not least, the COLOR. Or lack of color 🙂 I tend to change things around often so having a neutral, bright color for the main pieces of furniture is a plus. With all the kiddos, our living room is rarely this clean and usually loaded with all kinds of toys. Having bright white at least gives a sense that the room isn’t a total disaster haha.
I still need to make quite a few changes here (like add some more color and break up all the white!). Curtains, artwork and pillows are on the wish list.
I also have my eye on this coffee table but thinking we will stick to our $12 thrifted find that I painted for now 🙂
So what do you think? It’s been a couple months since we bought them and they are so far holding up VERY well.
The room looked great in person! I am still a bit afraid of anything white with kiddos but I commend your bravery 😃.
Thanks Josie! Fingers crossed they don’t get destroyed!
I have been eyeing these sofas too! Inalmost got them last year and wish I would have! The room looks beautiful 😍😍
Thanks Katie! We LOVE them!
I’ve been wanting a white couch so badly but I’ve always been afraid. This *might* have convinced me! So pretty!
I hope it did Ashley! You’ll have to keep me posted 🙂
I have always wanted a white sofa but can’t never pull the trigger! This *might* have convinced me! So pretty!
I do think you can have white sofas even with children. It might be a bit more work for the parent(s) but it can work.
I love white things for kids! Like you said, bleach! My favorite color of shirts to get my kids is white. This room looks so inviting and fresh without feeling stiff.
Thanks Tasha! Glad you agree with the white :)!
My Dad has two of them as well and loves them! Ikea is getting much better with quality! Great Post!
So good to know Teresa! Thank you!
Your living room is gorgeous. You are way braver than I with white couches!!
Can you give any updates on how they’ve held up and how comfortable they are? I’m debating between these Ikea sofas and the Pottery Barn, just not sure if I should spend the higher price tag or if these are really as good as everyone says they are!
We’ve had them for almost 3 years now and still love them! They look like the PB ones for a fraction of the price 🙂 I highly recommend (also easy to clean)
Do you have the regular Ektorp or the 3.5 Ektorp?
The larger ones 🙂
Love, love your white living room. The carpet is also very beautiful. The muted tones are so lovely. Could I ask where you bought it and do you happen to know the manufacturer?
Thank you.